I guess when you realize you have the city by your little finger, as Mayor Bloomberg seems to think he does with NYC, doing a little bargaining for a better seat doesn't seem so harmful. And for a guy who prides himself on riding the 4 train down to city hall, maybe he thinks his little luxury grab will go unnoticed, or maybe he wasn't aware of the emails his aides were sending to the Yankees executives.

In a story that was originally reported on by the NY Times this weekend, it seems that aides to the Mayor were so intent on getting the administration the best luxury suite accommodations possible and they were willing to use tax exemptions & favors to get what they wanted. And they did indeed get what they wanted, or at least that's what a bunch of just-released emails seem to show. When your options are incompetence or corruption, it's not a great choice.

Crying foul is NY Assemblyman Richard L. Brodsky (D-Westchester) who wonders if taxpayers were appropriately protected in the city’s suite deal. In fact, Brodsky obtained & released the emails before publicly questioning the administrations motives & commitment to protecting the public's best interest & trust. The Times article states, "Mr. Brodsky said what emerges from the e-mail correspondence is a sense of entitlement ingrained in Bloomberg officials."

Funny, you'd think a guy running for an historic 3rd term as mayor, who already is being seen as someone who played fast & loose with the term limits laws, might be a little more circumspect in his high-profile dealings during times of public scrutiny.

Wait, what is that I hear? Could that be a door to the mayor's office creaking open a bit, just enough for someone else to get his or her foot in? I hear Anthony Weiner's pretty good with his feet, and he certainly proved that when he played goal against me & my team at Sky Rink...

You know it's not your normal Monday when I'm writing about OFF the field stuff instead of on following a Sunday chock full of local NFL tidbits. The Jets with a major letdown, and the Giants, without Plaxico Burress, breezed by the Redskins. Instead, we have to hear about Burress and the possible involvement of linebacker Antonio Pierce in an assanine incident Friday night.

While we wait for the next shoe to drop in the Plaxico Burress saga and the Knicks and Stephon Marbury drag out their soap opera, there's a nice story developing across the river. It doesn't have the sex appeal that these other stories have, but they told me to blog about whatever I want so here goes. Devin Harris is fast becoming the go to guy for the Nets.

This whole Plaxico Burress saga has me befuddled and bemused. Why you ask? First, that anyone would be foolish enough to (allegedly) bring an unlicensed gun to a nightclub. That takes stupidity beyond the average human's comprehension. Second,like it or not, the Plaxico Burress story has reached outside the domain of just sports. Our Sports Anchor Sal Marchiano likes to say that sports is the candy store of news. Sadly, that's not nearly as true as it used to be.

In today's instant information world. the Burress saga is hyped as a 'news' story. It is, but it isn't. Yes, the public is interested in the Burress story, but it does not affect the average person's life. Even Mayor Mike Bloomberg asked that Burress be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. There's the pot calling the kettle black. His desire to do away with term limits no matter the cost or desire of the voter makes Burress' incident seem minor.

To help you better understand my point, Monday night we ran a story on a crossdressing bandit in Florida ahead of potential fare hikes on the New Jersey Turnpike. Which story do you think affects the average Tri State viewer more? The fare hike is more meaningful to consumers in the long term. But a crossdressing bandit is 'compelling video', so it runs first. Edward R. Murrow would roll in his grave. Then again, Murrow claimed that we 'always overestimate the intelligence of the American public.' With crossdressing bandits parading around for airtime, Murrow may have had to rethink that quote.

Don't get me wrong: Plax is a story. What saddens me is that this case, steroids in baseball, drug arrests-they take away from what is supposed to be entertainment. Sports is too much like real life instead of the 'candy store' that it should be. It's just sad that the games we watch and play are now bundled up iwth eight minutes of weather and a live shot (that you see every year) on the 9.000 floats and balloons for the Thanksgiving Day parade. Too bad sports just can't be about bats, balls, sticks, goals, pucks and drop shots.

Here's another point: Will news organizations care if for some reason Plax is found innocent? That's not as compelling to news types. Years ago, outfielder Derek Bell, then with the Padres, was charged with solicitation when the Mets and Padres were playing a series at Shea. It got lead play on all major newscasts. But months later, Bell was acquitted when it was learned he was set up. But TV types and newspapers barely did a followup. Not interesting enough. Let's see what happens this time around.

This afternoon Big Blue placed Burress on the 'non football injury list' and fined him for conduct detrimental to the team. Burress' season is rightly over. The Giants did the right thing for his well being and the sake of the team. Will news organizations care about the human interest if 5 years from now, Burress is enjoying his life with no problems? We'll see.

Sean Avery of the Dallas Stars is at it again-this time OFF the ice. The much traveled Avery has logged more time in fines and suspensions than anyone President Bush pardoned last week.

Yesterday after practice, reporters were waiting to ask Avery about negative comments he’d made about Calgary Flames star Jerome Iginla the other day. Avery asked if a camera was on, and then said this:

"I'm really happy to be back in Calgary; I love Canada. I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about, but enjoy the game tonight." He then walked out of the locker room.

It should be pointed out that Avery once dated actress Elisha Cuthbert of “24” fame, and model Rachel Hunter. Cuthbert is now supposedly dating Dion Phaneuf of the Flames. Hunter, the former Mrs. Rod Stewart, is now the main squeeze of Kings center Jarret Stoll. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has suspended Avery indefinitely for “inappropriate public comments not related to the game.”

Sure, Avery is 100% idiot. His antics are wearing thing. Ask both former Rangers teammates and Devils goalie Martin Brodeur about him. BUT: SUSPENDING HIM IS WRONG!! Why is it alright to (rightfully) blast elected officials (someone recently told me Bush was the Antichrist) but not make a totally innocuous comment? Honestly, if the NHL wasn’t so worried about pressure from women’s groups, NO ONE would know about this. Bettman should concern himself with his none descript TV ratings. If Sidney Crosby, one of the game’s few marketable stars, made this comment, it ruffles a few feathers and goes away. Avery's incident is the most publicity the NHL has gotten since Wayne Gretzky retired. But the league now has reason to part with Avery if it wishes, even if it’s just for saying something stupid.

Check out the video board to hear Sean Avery

As a Mets fan, I truly hope that the new Citi Field will create better memories than the one I was left with last September at Shea. The Mets choked away a playoff spot for the second year in a row. That image leaves me wondering why nearly 90% of fans polled want the Home Run Apple at the new ballpark. They don’t have to. There was enough gagging the last week of the season to full a bushel of apples-and still have plenty for some pie on Thanksgiving Day.

Still, after reading about the tour, it’s very obvious the Mets are most concerned with their bottom line rather than a horrible PR move. You all already know that the government has given Citigroup nearly $50 billion to keep Citigroup afloat-at taxpayer’s expense. When reminded that two Staten Island politicians suggested the Mets’ new home be called ‘Citi/Taxpayer Field’, Jeff Wilpon sounded like a father firmly scolding a three year old. “We’re proud to be partners with Citi….they’ve gotten some money to help them through some tough times….but if they do a good job of marketing, they’re going to pay the public back.”

To further put his foot in his mouth, Wilpon said he wasn’t sure how many of Citigroup’s projected 53-thousand layoffs in the next year are “true losses”, as opposed to “attrition.” I’m sure that’s a comforting thought to those who lose their jobs. The Mets’ COO comes off as sounding uninformed and concerned only with the $400 million that the team will receive from Citigroup. You don’t need to be an accountant to figure out that behind the scenes the team is working hard to make sure they get every penny they can should Citigroup go under.

The Mets are so obsessed with making sure that ‘Citi Field’ is shown to the media, that they edited out Wilpon’s comments regarding Citigroup in the Video News Release of the tour they sent to the media. That’s their right. They’re not a media outlet. But begging the press to come to the tour and then trying to control what the media dispenses is unfair and shortsighted when people are losing their jobs at record rates- including about 50,000 who will soon be former employees of the company the Mets are in bed with. It’s very possible that financial mattress may collapse sooner than later. As written here last week, the Mets should rethink this move, not only for their sake, but the potential PR disaster to come.

Check out the video board to see shots of Citi Field

With Plaxico Burress likely done as a New York Giant, Big Blue is forced to move on without one of the top playmakers in the NFL. While that loss would likely sink most teams, this Giant squad is known for its resiliency. We visited practice Wednesday to find out how the Giants plan to replace Plaxico’s considerable production. Take a look.

Hard to believe that about four weeks ago, the Jets were the center of attention as they readied to play the Patriots with first place in the AFC East at stake. The Giants were totally under the radar that week. Now, the shoe is on the other foot-but for the wrong reasons. It’s Big Blue hounded not only by sports reporters, but news types who don’t know a football from a flambé. One ‘reporter’, who obviously knows Antonio Pierce as well as I know Queen Elizabeth, asked Pierce if he had just started wearing a visor TO SHIELD HIS EYES FROM THE NEWS MEDIA. Any astute NFL fan knows that’s standard operating procedure for the Giants’ linebacker to protect his eyes during games and practice. To quote the great philosopher Forrest Gump, "Stupid is as stupid does."

Gang Green claims they have a lot of respect for the Giants and how well Tom Coughlin’s crew is handling the Plaxico Burress situation. This week we’ll find out how much respect the Jets have for themselves. At 8-4, they’re still sitting pretty atop the AFC East. You’d hope they can put a woeful effort against the Denver Broncos behind them. But another loss, and this to the 49ers in ‘Frisco, would not only leave the division open the last few weeks, but possibly a wildcard as well. Baltimore, Indy, Pittsburgh, Miami and the Patriots are all within striking distance depending on how things shake out. The Colts are red hot-5 straight wins to improve to 8-4. So Gang Green BETTER take care of business the last 4 weeks. The Jets were lucky that Pitt crushed New England last Sunday, or we’d be talking about a tie in the AFC East. Gang Green: DON’T mess with the wildcard. Win the division and get at least 1 home game in the playoffs. Otherwise, they’ll be plenty of unwanted attention (at least it’d be sports related) for the Jets too.

Plaxico Burress is the latest cautionary tale from the world of sports; showing us how to go from Prince of New York City to banished degenerate in 10 short months.

If any good comes out of this situation, it’s that other players in the Giants locker room will look to Plax’s example as what NOT to emulate.

So have the Giants learned a lesson here? We went to practice this week and found out first hand what they plan to do differently in the wake of Plax walking the plank.

Somewhere, Marcia Clark, Chris Darden and members of the Los Angeles Police Department are smiling-or wincing, perhaps. I’m sure they are glad the O.J. Simpson is finally going to jail- not in L.A., rather Las Vegas.

You remember Clark and Darden were the incompetent prosecutors too stupid to properly make sure that Simpson went to jail for the 1994 murders of ex-wife Nicole and her friend, Ron Goldman. Like many at that time, I wanted to believe that O.J., the Juice, one of the greatest football players I’d ever seen, was innocent of those heinous crimes. But the evidence was too strong. Too me, Simpson might have gotten away clean if Ron Goldman had not arrived at the scene to return sunglasses to Nicole. Goldman no doubt stumbled upon Nicole’s final moments, then was killed himself. Simpson’s legal ‘Dream Team’ played the race card to the hilt, further dividing a nation. No one else was considered for the crime. All those who rallied to Simpson’s defense when the murders were made a straight issue of black vs. white-nowhere to be found today. In 1997, Simpson was unanimously found liable in the wrongful death of Ron and Nicole, to the sum of $33.5 million.

In the years following, O.J. has been a celebrity whoremonger, seeking attention and cash wherever he could get it. There were continual claims of “I’m going after Nicole’s killer.” The reviled “If I Did It” book, written just to make money (or clear O.J.’s conscience?) was supposed to explain “how” Simpson “would” have killed Nicole. Innocent people don’t THINK that, never mind actually do such things.

Now, O.J. is sentenced in a robbery and kidnapping scheme so pitiful Leslie Nielsen would turn it down for a “Naked Gun” movie script. Simpson will spend anywhere from 9 to 33 years behind bars. That will give the football icon plenty of time to make new friends to complain to about how he’s been wronged and misunderstood. This is such a waste of God given talent and personality. Only the Lord knows where and when everything went wrong. At least Simpson is now where he should have been the last 14 years.

Let me first say that what Sean Avery said was crude, classless, and uncalled for. We know that. He's not the kind of guy I'd like to see my daughter date (if I had a daughter) and not the kind of guy I would want to hang out with. But 6 games is ridiculous. What am I talking about? Avery was suspended 6 games for his comments the other day when he called his ex-girlfriends "sloppy seconds" when they dated other NHL players.

Peter Ackerman/Staff Photographer/Asbury Park Press

There are just some people that leave a kind of imprint on your life...Warren Wolf is one of them. Probably best known for his coaching accomplishments, his true legacy lies in his humble and inspiring approach to life.

After 51 seasons, the 81 year old Wolf said good-bye to the only school he ever coached for, Brick Township High School.

I love a good story. When the story comes from athletes that we usually just see on TV...those folks we pick apart, analyze, criticize and sometimes praise... it goes to show these guys (and girls) are human. They are people like you and me, with challenges and triumphs, with downsides and bright moments.

The Giants came back down to Earth Sunday with a 20-14 loss to division rival Philadelphia.

After a tumultuous week in which Big Blue had to deal with the fall out of Plaxico Burress’ shooting incident, a letdown on the field may have been inevitable.

The mood in the post game locker room was subdued as you’d expect, but the players wouldn’t allow the media to run wild with a “Plaxico Hangover” story angle.

In the following clips, you’ll hear from Antonio Pierce, Brandon Jacobs, Amani Toomer and Shaun O’Hara as they dish the dirt from Sunday’s Philly flop.

So who are the real Jets? Jets fans want to know. Are the real Jets the team that rattled off 5 straight wins including impressive wins in New England and in Tennessee against the previously undefeated Titans? Or are they the team that lost ugly games to the Broncos and the 49ers? Which are they? Jets fans want to know. These poor fans have been through enough. Just one championship and that was way back in 1969, not even in my lifetime! They want to know: Is this a team to get serious about? Or is it the Same Ole Jets? That's a real good question.

The Hall of Fame Veterans' Committee made their selections for 2009. The only player to be selected: Joe Gordon, a nine time All Star with the Yankees and Indians. Gordon was selected by the 'Pre 1942 Committee.' Among the 'Post 1942 Committee' selections, Ron Santo, Joe Torre and Gil Hodges missed out.

I had a chance to speak with Craig Muder from the Hall of Fame this afternoon. My question: Is the totality of a person's career considered? In other words, do Torre and Hodges gain consideration for their managerial success? Does Santo's years as a popular Cubs' broadcaster get thrown into the mix? Craig's response was that while these elections focused only on playing careers, Santo, Torre and Hodges could certainly be considered for non playing contributions. This is particularly true of Torre, who will definitely get in as a manager. Next year non players will be considered. While Torre could have gotten in today, it looks like the Veterans' Committee decided to stick only among what the nominees did on the diamond. But rest assured, Joe Torre WILL have a plaque in Cooperstown one day.

You could easily make a case for Hodges if you include his time as manager of the Mets. The '69 World Series win was historic. If Hodges had not passed away less than three years later, who knows if the 1972 Mets (who started great but faded) and the '73 club that took the Oakland A's to seven games would have been part of Hodges' legacy? He clearly was a better manager and leader than Yogi Berra. Santo should be considered for the Ford C. Frick broadcaster's award given every year.

My problem with the Vets' Committee is this: Unless it's a horrific oversight, WHY have the committee? The players had 15 years to get in. Did the Baseball Writers Association make a mistake? Phil Rizzuto never had more than 20 percent of the vote as a player. When the Scooter was named, Berra's first words were: 'We got you in, Phil."

I didn't see Joe Gordon play, so I can't fully appreciate his career. But it seems to me the Committee becomes a popularity contest rather than an examination of THE GREATEST players. Santo WAS NOT Schmidt, Boggs, Brett or Matthews. Get him in as a broadcaster. In the meantime, it will be at least another year or two before the man Sal Marchiano calls "Saint Joe" Torre gets the nod for Cooperstown

So day one of the winter meetings in Las Vegas has produced no headlines. But there are many headlines to be written, hopefully this week. Where will free agents Manny Ramirez, C.C. Sabathia, and Mark Teixeira wind up? Will the Mets sign a reliever, or two?

It's official Mets' fans: Francisco Rodriguez is heading to Queens, A large upgrade from Billy Wagner, K-Rod brings his record setting 62 saves to Flushing next season. The price tag: 3 years, 37 million dollars. Rodriguez will have a physical tomorrow before the deal is 'officially' done. The Mets are happy from the financial standpoint too. K-Rod wanted 5 years, $75 million. Instead, Rodriguez gets Chad Codero-like money.

Rodriguez will be 27 by opening day, so he should be settling into his prime. My concerns: K-Rod has a violent motion that could wear down his shoulder and arm one day. You could make the case that his strikeouts have gone down the last few years. Technically, you'd be right, BUT: Francisco tossed 68 innings last year and logged 77 K's. Not bad. On the flip side is the fact that the Angels, who won so much because of him, NEVER made a play for him. Is this the Braves letting Tom Glavine go all over again? Hopefully not. You heard rumors of Johan Santana's durability or lack thereof last year. That worked out OK.

Here's the rub: The Mets STILL need a few more pieces for the bullpen. Outside of maybe Duaner Sanchez and Joe Smith-NO ONE from that bullpen is worth bringing back. Try to convince a Fuentes or Wood to be a setup guy. Good luck with that, but try. I want no part of Trevor 'Big Blown Save' Hoffman. Not only is Hoffman over 40, but his all time saves record is a little thin. When the chips have been on the table in a big spot, Hoffman always seems to come up with a lousy hand.

The team could use another good starter behind Santana, Pelfrey and Maine. How 'bout trying to work a deal for John Garland, a consistent double digit winner and innings eater. Derek Lowe is the prederable choice here over A.J. Burnett.

Let's face it-the BIGGEST HOLE: 2nd base. I don't care how much Luis Castillo has changed his attitude or feels like he'll be better next season. Eat the contract NOW. How can the team justify having this waste of space and a uniform in a new ball park? The Mets are planning on lessening payroll. They better make sure Castillo is part of the cost cutting.

Plus, WHO will play left? Old man Fernando Tatis or young Daniel Murphy? Will Ryan Church be back? What of catcher Brian Schneider? There are needs that need to be addressed. Congratulations, GM Omar Minaya. Good FIRST move. Including the 2006 NLCS, this team has flopped three seasons in a row. Get off your butt and stay busy.

Let's say a little prayer for Rodney Rogers. The former college basketball and NBA star was involved in an ATV accident last week. As a result, he was paralyzed from the shoulders down. After his NBA career ended, Rogers returned to his native city of Durham, North Carolina where he was working for the city public works department as a heavy machinery operator. Rogers didn't need the job because he was financially set from playing professional ball but he was an outdoorsman and liked heavy trucks. Rogers also started his own trucking company and was the lead driver.

If C.C. Sabathia didn't want to be a Yankee, he now has somewhere between $69 and $161 million reasons to get used to New York. The Yankees did what they usually do-backed up the truck with a boat load of money-and blew Sabathia and all other teams considering offers out of the water. THAT'S how desperate the Yankees were to get a guy who, good as he is, has never won 20 games in the majors.

The Yanks did what they had to do: Convince Sabathia to come to a place that was not his first choice. That's why they'll be an option for Sabathia to pull up his tent after 2011-after three years and $69 million of this seven year pact. Keep in mind that this doesn't mean Sabathia won't pitch well in the Bronx. It just means that like many of us, Sabathia wanted to pick his workplace. We all should be so lucky.

The biggest test will be in the postseason. Make no mistake, the Yankees better be there, and C.C. damn well better be a part of it. Sabathia's 6-8, over six ERA in postseason stints in Cleveland and Milwaukee WON'T cut it here in NY. He'll learn to understand that in the Big Apple, the season is 162 soap operas followed by up to 19 prime time melodramas in October. Each day brings renewed hope or despairing chagrin. The Yankees aren't about having fun, rather winning at all costs. Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez aren't friends, only teammates. Whether that mutes Sabathia's amiable personality remains to be seen.

ESPN'S Buster Olney is right: Sabathia has much to lug on his 300 plus pound shoulders. He's a terrific pitcher, now the highest paid in baseball. Is he as good as Peavy, Halladay, Santana, Webb or Lincecum? The answer is no. But the Yankees, Baby Boss Hank Steinbrenner and their fans, are expecting him to be. It should make for an interesting summer in the Bronx.

I certainly understand that the nation's economy is not doing well. If you're a regular reader of 'The Huddle' or its forerunner "Bobby Vs. The World" , you know that the high prices of everything sports, from ticket prices and PSL's to the foolhardy deal the Mets have for the naming rights of 'Citi Field', ticks me off.

Well, the NFL has decided to lay off 150 staff at various locations in the NY/NJ area. That's their right, so they can do it. But here's why I, like Gary Myers of the Daily News, look at this with a 50 pound bag of salt.
1. We're not talking about high priced advertising execs losing their jobs. These are people that probably need their jobs.

2. This doesn't mean that PSL's around the NFL will go down-up to $50.000 for the Jets and Giants, $125,000 for the new palace the Cowboys are building. If that's this case, is there no money for these people to continue working?

3. Do people need to hear this NOW, during Christmas and Hannukah? It's not like an $8.5 billion industry with the highest ad ratings on TV is LOSING money. Any cash the league is losing is profit, and pro football is as close to a cash cow in a crappy economy as there is anywhere.

My take: The NFL's idea of 'losing money' is decreased profit, not operating at a loss. But the league no doubt wanted to look like it was taking a hit like other American industries, and this is their way of identifying with the rest of us.

Brandon Jacobs, the Giants’ mammoth running back, is questionable for Sunday’s game at Dallas. His left knee is barking after getting smacked in the 3rd quarter last week against the Eagles.

Jacobs has taken a couple of shots to that knee this season, and it’s understandable that the coaching staff is taking a cautious approach with their all-world rusher.

But should we read anything further into Jacobs’ increasingly brittle frame?

The 26-year old takes a bulldozer-like approach to running the ball, and over time that’ll wear down even the most chiseled ball-carrier.

We stopped by practice today to find out how Jacobs is coping with his injury and how the Giants plan to replace his production if he can’t go against the ‘Boys. Take a look.

The Mets have finally fixed what has long been broken. Mets fans, with the additions of KRod and JJ Putz, you can now remove your hands from your eyes every time the starting pitcher has to be pulled from a game. I ADMIT, I have been there, right along with the 50,000 plus (not to mention those thousands in front of the TV) moaning in unison and creeping my hands to my face. I can't bear to look. It's like when you were a kid and tried to hide yourself from the scary parts of a movie. It never works; you always peek.

Now I implore all of you: LOOK...it's okay. If I seem extremely hopeful, it's because I am. Anything is better than the old setup. That's hard for me to say too because I feel I have gotten to know some of these players and what they could have done for the team. Whatever the stats say about Aaron Heilman, he is a really nice guy and good pitcher. Okay nice guys don't win games...understood! Realize though, he was stuck in a bullpen where he didn't want to be and may have lost some of his formidable pitching years waiting for a spot in the rotation. I wish him much success. Joe Smith takes a lot of pride in his performances, and it cuts him deep when he does not rise to the occasion. I applaude the humbleness of any professional athlete who remembers the game, who shows you a loss affects him, and who gives you more than just lip service. (Not naming names...)

Okay, if you are thinking “Lady you are naïve, this trade doesn't mean the Mets are going to the World Series” True, there is still second base and the rotating door that is the outfield (minus Carlos Beltran). Plus the Mets lost some good guys. Mike Carp is a promising player, an excellent first baseman and bat for any team now and in the future (the latter the key word for the Mets); Endy Chavez...come on, who doesn't love Endy! Ultimately though, Omar Minaya got the better end of this 12 man deal and brings in much needed support AND much needed hope. The excitement is starting to come back. The belief that a trip to the World Series is possible... is starting to come back. I KNOW Omar is not done. Keep em coming...Mets and baseball fans can't wait!

Lolita Lopez for The Huddle

The Giants visit to Dallas Sunday marks the last time Big Blue will play at famed Texas Stadium. The home of the Cowboys since 1971, Dallas is upgrading to a new $1 billion building beginning next season.

I took an informal poll of the Giant locker room Wednesday and generally discovered the iconic stadium (with a hole in the roof so God can watch the Cowboys) won’t be missed.

And for one Giant in particular, the switch can’t come soon enough. Here’s Shaun O’Hara’s reaction to my question.

The Jets-Bills matchup this Sunday ON PAPER looks like an easy win for Gang Green. Oh, wait...THAT's what we thought the last two weeks too,

At the moment, The Jets, Patriots and Dolphins are tied for first in the AFC East at 8-5. The Jets hold the tiebreaker as they are 3-1 within the division, the Fish and Pats are 3-2. Since the Jets and Miami play each other the fimal week of the season, they control their own destinies. They win out, they win the division. New England could win out but would need the Jets and Dolphins to each lose at least one of their last three since the Pats have the worst conference record of the three teams. Got that? They'll be a test on December 28th.

If there were ever two teams for the Jets to get well on, its the Bills at home this week and the Seahawks on the 21st. Both teams are toast defensively, and Buffalo hasn't scored an offensive touchdown the last two weeks while losing to fall to 6-7. The Seahawks are 2-11. Honestly, of the two upcoming games, the 'Hawks bothers me more. It'll be a matchup of the two worst pass defenses in the NFL. It will also be the final home game for outgoing Seattle coach Mike Holmgren. The Hawks have played hard despite injuries, and Holmgren has worked diligently to keep them motivated during a tough year.

Can't you just see it? The Jets and Dolphins meeting the last week of the season, EVERYTHING-division and playoff spot-on the line. Chad Pennington with a chance to stick it to Brett Favre and his old team. VERY intriguing indeed. It's looking more and more like the AFC East winner will be the only playoff representative. But first things first: Let's see if Gang Green can get well against a bad Bills team. If not, it will be a bumpy ride for the Jets and their fans if the team goes from 8-3 to out of the playoffs entirely.

Need a holiday gift for that long suffering Jets fan? Try this website

Sure the Arena Football League has a fan or two, but for the rest of us it's like a security blanket. When March rolls around, times are pretty tough for football fans. The Super Bowl is a distant memory, and the draft is two months away.

But, then comes the AFL.

Arena Football is one of those things that you don't set out to watch, but there's nothing else on TV so you say, "ah, why not". It's like indoor soccer, kind of like the real thing, the rules are just a little different. Despite it's flaws, the AFL gives a football fan what they need, something to keep them going till September.

Sadly, there may not be any arena football this year. After a turbulent week, it's been on again off again for the AFL. The league has delayed the start of free agency, and is yet to release the 2009 schedule. There is no commissioner. David Baker, the long time lead dog, resigned abruptly two days before ArenaBowl XXII.

Times are tough, we all know that. If the NFL, the golden goose in American sports, had to lay off 150 employees can you imagine what it's like for everyone else?

Wednesday league officials came together to find a way to "un-suspend" the season, but players and coaches are skeptical.

"I'm still reluctant to get too happy," said Philadelphia Soul wide receiver Chris Jackson "There's still a lot to plan out. We need to figure out how many teams are going to be in it, the finances of it all, and a working financial model for the future. There's still a lot to be done."

Said the Soul's coach Bret Munsey, "we all know there are some things that need to be corrected, and that's what they're working on. They're working on the economic model, and it needs to be corrected."

Even if the league does fold, which is a totally possible, it will have still lasted longer than the American Football League, World League, USFL, and who could forget, the XFL combined.

Matt Leach for The Huddle

There's no place like home, and that's not a good thing. The New Jersey Nets have won only 4 of the 11 games at the Izod Center but 7 of 10 away from home. Go figure. Friday night's game was especially painful as the Nets got their doors blown off by the Toronto Raptors 101-79. Vince Carter was 0 for 13 from the field, scoring only 3 points and he blew off reporters after the game. Hey Vince, we know you had a bad game but give the reporters 10 minutes. Jeez! We know you'll talk when you score 40.

Barry Sanders
AP Photo / Amy Sancetta

It might only be high school football but when it comes to Barry Sanders Jr., it looks like the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Last Saturday during the Oklahoma Class 2A State Semi-Finals, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, broke through tackles and hurdled another en route to a 64 yard touchdown on a reverse play. Check out the video after the jump.

The Jets kept their division title hopes alive Sunday with a comeback win against the feisty Bills.

Gang Green needed several huge defensive stands late in the fourth quarter to compensate for a stymied offense.

The play of the game, and possibly the year, came with 1:54 seconds to go in the game and the Jets trialing 27-24. Shaun Ellis, the longest tenured Jet, scored his first career touchdown on a fumble recovery, propelling the Jets to the 31-27 win.

We caught up with a few of the main players in Sunday’s win and got their take on Gang Green’s killer comeback.

Turns out the Giants miss Plaxico Burress more than they care to admit. Add an ailing Brandon Jacobs to the mix, and you have a big reason why the Cowboys thumped the Giants 20-8 last night.

Granted, the offensive line was hideous: Allowing eight sacks in a Pop Warner game, never mind the NFL, is unacceptable. McKenzie was banged up and Seibert was dehydrated due to the flu. Wait, down goes Eli again. Anyway, that's basically 2 weeks the Giants have now gone without an offensive touchdown-minus the garbage time score against the Eagles in a loss two weeks ago.

We now know a few things about the Giants:

As if Jets fans couldn’t have been happier with the outcome of Sunday’s “Miracle at the Meadowlands, Part II,” consider the feel-good story of wide receiver David Clowney.

A 2nd year pro out of Virginia Tech, Clowney made his NFL debut Sunday against the Bills and caught the first pass of his career – a one-handed 26 yard circus catch from Brett Favre. Clowney suited up Sunday because of an injury to Brad Smith.

What makes Clowney's story remarkable is that since August, the 23-year old has assumed a father-figure role to his 10-year old brother, Jordan. The boys’ mother is sick in Florida and Clowney took Jordan in to give both his mother a break and Jordan a safer place to live.

The story is an emotional and inspiring one and is told in detail HERE in an article by Newsday’s Anthony Reiber.

We caught up with him after the game to get his take on his memorable (and acrobatic!) first catch.

So Andy Pettitte's agents claim that a mystery team has swooped in with a three year, $36 million dollar deal, while the Yankees best offer was a flat $10 million for 2009. First of all, which team was it? The Durham Bulls? The NY Knights? Perhaps the Bad News Bears chirped in. If Pettitte is telling the truth, then the Yankees should let him go.

Friday Night marks the return of Jason Kidd to the Izod Center when the Dallas Mavericks play the New Jersey Nets. Kidd is averaging about 10 points and 8 assists per game. At age 35, he's clearly on the decline but still has flashes of brilliance from time to time. But the question is: How will J-Kidd be received when Gary Sussman announces him to the crowd as the enemy?

Running back brothers Thomas and Julius Jones face each other Sunday when the Jets travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks.

But is ANOTHER Jones about to enter the family business?

Not just yet. But when asked about reuniting with his brother this weekend, Thomas informed the media that Julius is already prepping his infant son (Thomas’ nephew) for a career on the gridiron.

Take a listen.

Hannukah and Christmas are upon us, and for Mets fans, the first gift alongside the menorah or tree arrived today. Franciso Rodriguez, aka "K-Rod" was introduced as the Mets new closer. No doubt that brings a raise of egg nog or a taste of latkas to all-except perhaps deposed and injured closer Billy Wagner. If K-Rod gets me even 40 saves, Wagner will be missed as much as Christian Slater's My Own Worst Enemy on NBC.

New setup man J.J. Putz will be introduced tomorrow. Omar Minaya was basking in his own glory today. But make no mistake: As bad as the bullpen was last season, these moves won't mean squat if he doesn't add another starting pitcher, 2nd baseman other than Luis Castillo, and a corner outfielder. Otherwise, the Mets' GM will wish he had a dual identity safe from elimination.

Check out the video board for more on K-Rod

While the Yankees were showing off C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, the Mets unveiled their new setup man: J.J. Putz. When healthy, he's one of the top closers in baseball. Last year, after recovering from elbow and rib injuries, his fastball was still clocked at nearly 100 mph.

Welcome to New York J.J. Putz, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. The three pitchers acquired during these past few weeks were introduced at separate press conferences this morning at Citi Field and Yankee Stadium.

Forget the fact that Sabathia and Burnett are legit aces and Putz an All-Star reliever, what are the odds that our two baseball teams would introduce three new players with a combined six letters in their first names?

Ok, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, the guys had a lot to say during their introductions to the Big Apple, and we put together the following piece to introduce them to you.

Take a listen.

Not like its my team...I mean I am very objective. Seriously! I grew up in Houston and was an Astros fan most of my life, maybe its because my almost uncle is Jose Cruz but I digress....

Even with press conferences, the Yankees overshadow the Mets. On the very day the Mets new reliever, JJ Putz was being introduced to NY, the Yanks said hey we'll give you two more letters times two...CC and AJ (Sabathia and Burnett). Not fair! I am with Matt E. It's December 2008;let's review all of this October 2009 to see who made the better deal. With all the new changes, I don't know about anyone else, I can't wait for Spring Training!

Separate note...guess who has some of the best seats behind home plate in Citifield? Bernie Madoff! The seats are supposedly worth more than $500 a piece and the Mets reportedly say Madoff is all paid up. I am thinking plastic... Lolita Lopez for the Huddle

Big doings in the NFC on Sunday night. The Giants and Panthers at Giants Stadium. At stake:, the #1 seed in the NFC in the upcoming playoffs. We all know about the offensive woes Big Blue has had the last few weeks. Well, Carolina's offense has been rolling. Nearly 300 yards rushing two weeks ago against Tampa Bay. Steve Smith just keeps rolling right along. Smith is better than Terrell Owens, and he'd be the first to tell you.

The Giants defense played very well against the Cowboys last week despite losing 20-8. If the offense had offered any help, the Giants win the game, and fans would STOP cowering in fear of a December collapse.

I wrote earlier this week about giving Jason Kidd his due. And I stand by that... Kidd was the reason the Nets transformed into a viable NBA franchise... But, in my opinion, J-Kidd was a little catty on the way out of the door of the Izod Center. Kidd made his first appearance in New Jersey as a former Net on Friday night. He had 17 points and 7 assists in the Mavericks 121-97 loss to the Nets... But after the game he was very pointed in his comments...

Leslie Porterfield was named the 2008 AMA Racing Female Rider of the Year. This past summer she officially became the fastest female motorcyclist in America. At the International Speed Trials by BUB she reached a top speed of 234.197 mph. Talk about a need for speed. Check out some videos after the jump.

We all know what the Yankees got in CC Sabathia; a top-shelf ace who’ll anchor the rotation for as long as he chooses to stay in the Bronx.

But by bringing CC aboard, the Bombers are taking the bat out of the hands of one of the most feared HITTING pitchers in the game.

Last season CC hit two home runs (one each for Cleveland and Milwaukee) and had seven RBIs in 51 at bats.

Word was that Sabathia enjoyed hitting while with the Brewers so much that he strongly considered joining a National League team so he could keep swinging the lumber.

We caught up with the Yankees’ new hired gun at his introductory press conference and got his take on not being able to swing for the fences on a regular basis.

It was cold, not Green Bay in January cold, but cold enough. Fifteen degrees at game time, with gusts reported to be at forty miles per hour...thats like twenty five below right? It didn't matter at game time though because these Giants were ready to play.

The game was billed as a prequel to the NFC championship game, the red hot Carolina Panthers at 11-3, and the slumping Giants with the same record.

Big Blue went into this game with one thing in mind, take the number one seed in the playoffs. Turns out they had a little help from the Falcons earlier in the day, but at kickoff, you could tell none of the Giants had seen that game...they were pumped up.

After paying close attention to the New England Patriots' success this season, especially following QB Tom Brady's season-ending injury, many have begun to question his Superman status.

Entering the 2008 NFL season, Tom Brady was undoubtedly the best quarterback in the game. In fact, most experts predict that Brady will end his career as one of the top five quarterbacks of all time. And who can blame them? The guy has a resume that includes a 92.9 career passer rating, a 63% completion percentage, three Super Bowl rings, and an MVP season highlighted by a record-breaking 50 touchdown passes. But after witnessing the Patriots' success following Brady's season-ending injury, I've begun to question his Superman status.

Thank Goodness I am not a Jets fan... If I were a Jets fan... I would be so frustrated right now. Just a few weeks ago, I wrote a blog saying "Dare We Dream"... thinking about a possible Super Bowl Matchup between the Jets and Giants. After stubbing their toe twice, the Giants have held up their end of the bargain so far. But the Jets... although they haven't crashed yet, they are flying really low.

The Yankees are at it again: $424 million dollars for C.C., A.J., and now Mark Teixeira. Forget about the recession. The Bombers are hoping an open checkbook will get them something they haven't had in 8 seasons: A World Series title.

Brett Favre had plenty to say at his press conference today about Sunday’s “showdown” with Chad Pennington (click after the jump to hear from Brett himself).

Week 17’s as-fate-would-have-it meeting between the current Jet QB and former Jet QB got us thinking; if you could have either Favre or Pennington under center for Sunday’s finale, who would you take, Jet fans??

Before you answer, how ‘bout some statistical analysis:

FAVRE
21 TDs - 19 INTs - 67.0 Comp. % - 3,239 Yds. - 84.0 QB Rating
PENNINGTON
17 TDs - 7 INTs - 67.0 Comp. % - 3,453 Yds. - 96.4 QB Rating

The New York Yankees greatly strengthened their lineup on Tuesday by finally reaching an agreement with first baseman Mark Teixeira. He will most likely sign an eight-year contract worth $180 million. The Yanks have clearly made a statement by signing three players (C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira) to a combined salary of close to half a billion dollars. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised to see them sign Manny Ramirez for another zillion by the end of the week. (Recession? What recession?).

So where do the Yankees draw the line? Will Steinbrenner continue to spend millions on big-name players or finally start to rebuild a farm system which has been on the decline for this entire decade?

DARRON CUMMINGS/AP PHOTO
Lance Armstrong

Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, and his girlfriend, Anna Hansen, 28, are expecting their first baby in June.

My father-in-law will kill me to say this because he is a HUGE Jets fan...but maybe he won't be (I mean, he is a football fan more than anything), but I am rooting for Chad Pennington on Sunday. I supported the Brett Favre trade and while I was sad to see Chad go, I thought it was time for change in the QB department. And it started off so well. Favre was taking control, brought energy (and wins) to the team and made people proud to wear Gang Green again. All the while, Chad was basking in the sun and doing his thing in Miami. My brother down there tells me his presence (Thank you Mr. Parcells. Regards, Antonio) for the Dolphins and the city somewhat paralleled what we were experiencing here. And I was happy for Chad. He was always a good player just not productive here. Now we get to this position...Chad and the Dolphins could ruin the Jets chances at a postseason journey. So now what do I do? Root for the "good guy" (I am such a sucker) or support the local team? I do know this...I WANT the Jets to move forward because of the dozens of players who deserve it....Jones, Washington, Mangold, Rhodes, shall I go on?...but I can't get rid of the fact that I would love Chad to have a good showing. Then it dawns on me. I am rooting for the game, not any particular player. I am done with the poor offensive showing from the Jets lately or the "cross my fingers" feeling every time I watch them play. I want the Jets to be the team from earlier in the season. I want Chad to do well and push the Jets to play their best ball. I want a competitive showing and when the victorious party emerges,whoever it may be, then I will be satisfied. To a happy me...Lolita Lopez

And neither is Jets defensive tackle Kris Jenkins.

There’s been a lot of talk at Jets’ camp this week about Sunday’s game being Brett Favre’s last in the NFL (that is if the Jets complete a Mets-like collapse and miss out on the playoffs).

But when asked about Favre hanging it up after the season, the out-spoken Jenkins expressed his skepticism about Brett no longer being a Jet.

Click below to hear Jenkins’ snappy retort:

(Editors Note: We’re obviously aware that Favre is no longer an Atlanta Falcon and is currently a New York Jet. However, the above picture was clearly TOO AWESOME to pass up and had to be used in this post).

The Jets completed their considerable collapse Sunday afternoon, falling to the Chad Pennington-led Dolphins, 24-17.

The game will potentially mark the end of an era in some way for the Jets; either by the retirment of Brett Favre or the firing of head coach Eric Mangini.

We caught up with both men after the game to get their take on the Jets failed season.

With Eric Mangini finally shown the door, the question now is who will be the next coach of the Jets. We present our Top 5 list of the MOST-LIKELY hires, and open the floor up to discussion.

Did you check out Woody Johnson at the Eric Mangini Firing Presser yesterday? I think the Jets' owner will send Brett Favre candy and flowers on Valentine's Day. Talk about star struck. You don't see this much catering to at Rosie O'Donnell's annual holiday party. For those of you who think its weird that Woody has such love for Brett the Jet, think again.

I’ve always been fascinated by ways in which college athletes deal with adversity. Some hit a low point and are mentally unable to turn things around. Others have the self-confidence to come off the floor and take their game to new levels. Those are the athletes who have what it takes to succeed on the professional level and are sought out by coaches. This year, no one displayed more perseverance and guts than Rutgers’ quarterback, Mike Teel.

The local high school star from Don Bosco Prep in North Jersey entered the 2008 college season as a fifth year senior. Despite the team’s success over the past few seasons – the greatest in Rutgers’ history -- Mike Teel was never perceived as a topnotch quarterback worthy of being noticed by NFL scouts.