They call the very last person picked in the NFL Draft Mr. Irrelevant. They should have a similar name for the Pro Bowl. None of the 4 major sports has an All Star Game that is worth a damn... but football's is really the bottom of the barrel. For years, they held the Pro Bowl the week after the Super Bowl. This year, they tried something different... They held it the week before the Super Bowl with similar results... WHO CARES!?!

I guess they were trying to get more interest in the game. Because after all... after the Super Bowl nobody really cares about any type of football. I like the thought process... We have this useless 2 week period between Championship Sunday and Super Bowl Sunday, why not try to get the Pro Bowl in there? But sadly, it's just not gonna work.

We've hit February, boys and girls. It's quiet for a little while before spring training begins in about 2 weeks. But of course I have to put my two cents in on:

Rex Ryan: NOT the best move for The Wonder Coach, giving Dolphins fans the finger at an MMA event in Miami. Ryan is now Rex the Idiot. He may be Everyman, Mr. Average guy to Jets fans,but he has to show some class when representing the organization. After all, Ryan is a VERY large public figure. Lost in the event Sunday: Herschel Walker won his Strikeforce debut.

A Real Pain: The Mets are being blasted again, this time by former set up guy J.J. Putz. Seerms the Mets told Putz not to tell the press about his elbow injury, which ended his season in May. The Mets claim they KNEW Putz was hurting but were told he could pitch through the pain. This reeks of Ryan Church, Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran. Is it any wonder so many players turned the Mets down this offseason. I wouldn't want to catch a cold anywhere near Citi Field this season.

Playing For A Cause: Good guy former Yankee Bernie Williams, headling an evening of guitar jams at Feinstein's at Loews Regency in Manhattan. Proceeds for the event goes to Ed Randall's Bat For The Cure Charity. The WFAN "Talking Baseball" host has raised a lot of money to fight and increase awareness of the threat of prostate cancer. Check out Bernie on the video board, then go to erbatforthecure.org.

Rex Ryan may be a great football coach, but he could use a lesson in dignity from the former centerfielder in the Bronx.

In the immortal words of Jim Mora... "Playoffs... don't talk to me about Playoffs... u kidding me?" I feel like the Knicks should have that attitude... until they start playing better, that is. They've lost 9 of their last 12... a couple of them against much weaker teams... They practiced Tuesday as they get ready for 3 games in the next 4 days including Saturday against Lebron James and the Cavaliers. We spoke to a few of the Knicks and got their takes on where this Knickerbocker team is going. LISTEN IN!!

Is anyone else tired of the around the clock coverage of the nothing that is the week leading up to the Super Bowl? Even media day was a bore...oohhh DE Dwight Freeney might not play. He is waiting to see how his ankle feels. HELLO?!? It will be, like it always is, a game time decision or maybe day before...let's stop speculating and asking him the same questions over and over again. I get that the ESPN's have to be there but why bore me with guests who are running in circles with the exact same comments day in, day out?

If something happens then report on it, if not, hey...try getting interesting with stories. What are the families of the players doing? Investigate the team rules on how much "fun" the players can really have this week? Do something outside the box or funny! If the Jets would have gone to the Super Bowl, that's what we were going to do. Put together a bunch of side stories that are more interesting (hopefully!) than the same old, same old. I think our sister station WXIN-TV in Indy has been doing a good job with differentiating their coverage. ( I was just there so I have been checking their stuff) Anyway, I can't wait until Sunday....OF COURSE, for the game!!!...but also to stop the "Super Bore" (that was Matt's line) that is the week before.

Nascar driver Danica Patrick and Former NY Giant Michael Strahan are lending their names to a cause dear to them. DRIVE4COPD is a public health initiative to alert millions of Americans who may be at risk for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Danica speaks of her grandmother's battle with emphysema... Strahan about his uncle after the break and in our Video Player.

Emmy-nominated actor Jim Belushi, Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner, Grammy Award-winning country music star Patty Loveless, Strahan and Patrick will drive 6,000 miles across the country in four days. The team will call on people to complete a five-question screener to see if they're at risk for this common disease. The screener can be found at http://DRIVE4COPD.com.

The "race" starts on Feb. 13 after Loveless debuts the song she composed for the campaign at Daytona International Speedway, prior to the DRIVE4COPD 300.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
COPD is a general term for several lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic asthma. COPD adds to the work of the heart, since the amount of oxygen that goes to the blood may be reduced. One of the primary causes of COPD is cigarette smoking. Air pollution and occupational dusts may also contribute to COPD, especially if the person exposed to these substances is a smoker.

There’s a great story brewing at the 83rd Annual Daily News Golden Gloves this year….the story of Sebastien Smarth, who’s participation in the event is raising awareness for Haitian relief.

Smarth was profiled in today’s Daily News, and we caught up with him tonight after his win at Club Amazura in Jamaica.

Sebastien spoke candidly with us about his personal struggles to rise above negative influences in his neighborhood and also what he’s going through in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti.

Though a native New Yorker, Smarth still has family in Haiti and he starts off the interview with an incredibly sad story about the fate of one of his family members.

Two dollars from every ticket sold tonight went to a Haitian relief fund.

After listening to the interview, you’ll no doubt want to keep an eye on Sebastien as he makes his way through the tournament.

Check it out after the jump:

Many Knicks fans' prayers were answered this morning when Mike D’Antoni sidled up to Nate Robinson at the free throw line in the team’s practice facility and told him to be ready to start at point guard tomorrow night against the Bucks.

We were at practice and got reaction from both D’Antoni and Robinson about the lineup switch (listen after the jump).

Ironically, Nate’s start comes against Milwaukee and Brandon Jennings…the guy the Knicks should have taken in the draft, which would have rendered this conversation moot; but that’s a whole different story.

Robinson’s rise to the starting rotation came in part because of last night’s third quarter surge against the Wizards, where Nate led the way to a 107-85 win.

And thank goodness, because I don’t know how much longer I could watch Chris Duhon run this team into the ground.

He’s a good guy and all, but it’s about time D’Antoni turned the keys to this season over to Nate.

At the moment the Knicks are 4.5 games out of the 8th spot in the East, and seeing how Milwaukee is a team they have to jump to get into the postseason, tonight’s a good night to start the Rob-olution (that’s Robinson + Revolution, in case you were confused).

At this point in the season the Knicks have nothing to lose and everything to gain by trying to become more athletic.

In the short term it should mean more steals and diving for loose balls and, who knows, by April Nate could will this team into a playoff spot.

If all else fails, watching Robinson with the ball in his hands every possession will be reason enough to watch Knicks games the rest of the season.

You never know when he’ll pop for 40 or dunk on a 7-footer.

Here’s Coach and Nate at practice today:

The other day I blasted Rex Ryan for stupidly giving the finger to a fan at an MMA event in Miami over the weeked No matter what, Rex has to watch himself out in public. Like it or not, his boisterous personality and presence represent the Jets and the National Football League everywhere he goes. But today brought some insightthat might make the Jets rethink the 50K fine they leveled on their coach.

So when I received my weekly Sports Illustrated, I was immediately taken aback. I was psyched Lindsey Vonn was on the cover but the picture...come on...

Maybe my mind is in the gutter but I initially laughed, said whoa (still giggling), then I thought, this is inappropiate. I mean...YES, she's technically in a skiing position but did they have to show it in this way? Couldn't they have angled the picture or taken it with her facing the reader, almost as if she was coming at you? That would have been cool.

So in case, it was just me, I walked around the newsroom with the magazine to get other people's opinions. I walked up to my coworkers and basically said, "hey, take a look at this" (straight face, did not want to sway anyone). Most had the eyebrows raised reaction or the "oh wow, that's an interesting pose" comment. Not one person had the desire to read more about Lindsey: the awesome, world class skier. There were some crude jokes and crass unmentionables but hey...it's a newsroom. Most people were as questioning as I am about the cover. What do you think? Take a better look after the break (I feel a little guilty too-like I am perpetuating the picture faux pas), but I want your opinions! Also check out some cool facts about Mrs. Vonn:

So if you haven't heard: Orlando Hudson is now a Twin. Minnesota ponied up $5 million and a 1 year contract to have Hudson play 2nd base. Hudson made his second all-star team, and ultimately won his fourth Gold Glove Award this season while with the Dodgers. BUT...for a second straight offseason, teams held off on him until the end. I don't get it! What I really don't get though, is why the Mets didn't snatch up a guy who is a bonefide veteran infielder.

The Mets weren't even in the hunt for the 32 year old second baseman who batted .283 with 35 doubles, six triples and nine home runs in 149 games with the Dodgers last season. A switch-hitter, he has a .282 career batting average. UGH! I am so angry ...not even a decent attempt. Couldn't the folks at Citi Field find $5 million? I know there is the issue with the money/time left with Luis Castillo but eat the dough and get someone who can do something! Not every trade is the best one but you don't stop making your team better just because you made one bad deal in the past. So now Hudson goes to Minnesota and the Mets will have to settle...let's hope Castillo stays healthy at least...

For a team with a proud history the Knicks have one tradition that not many people might now about; yours truly included.

It turns out that when a Knick who’s had his number retired passes away, the team switches his retired player banner in the MSG rafters from white in color to blue.

The last time the Knicks put this neat tradition into practice was during the 2003 season when Dave Debusschere passed away.

According to the custom the banner remains blue for the remainder of the season that is underway when the player passed.

Of course this all comes to light again with the recent passing of Hall of Famer Dick McGuire.

Before tonight’s game against the Bucks, McGuire’s white banner was lowered and replaced by the blue one seen below.

It’ll of course remain that way for the rest of 2010, so if you happen to check out a Knicks game at the Garden, you’ll know why it’s that way.

Matt Estreich for The Huddle

Kudos to you if you had the Saints winning by two touchdowns. Not sure anyone saw that one coming (full disclosure, I had Colts 32, Saints 23).

It also seems like the NFL is finally out of it’s rut of crappy Super Bowls. How’s this for three in a row; Giants-Patriots, Steelers-Cardinals and now Saints-Colts.

Granted the score tonight was a bit lopsided, but the game was definitely not indicative of the final score.

Some early thoughts:

I’m always happy to see a team win the big one for the first time…and how can you not be thrilled for New Orleans.

Surely those folks can still use all the attention and good will they can get, and this should be a boon for the city at least in the short term.

Peyton Manning finally got bested by an opposing defense this season.

Didn’t we all get the feeling in the AFC title game that Manning would light up the Jets after making halftime adjustments??

I already don't like the snow. I am originally from Puerto Rico and grew up in Houston, TX. My idea of winter is 70 degrees and a light sweater...this despite four years near Boston and the last nine years in New York. I do love to play in the snow. I am like a 5 year old when it comes to that but as a 33 year old mother of a 5 year old, I hate the shoveling, starting the car to warm it up before school, and wiping the paws off the pups before they come inside. I say all of this so that you know I am a little bias when I say: SNOW GO AWAY! Honestly though, I am speaking for those at the Vancouver Olympics. The games begin in just 4 days but athletes are struggling because of one of the warmest winters around. Vancouver needs the snow not DC, Jersey or NY!

The current snowfall totals to 20 to 30 inches across Virginia to Southern New Jersey. Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to remain about 3 degrees Celcius or just over 37 F at Cypress Mountain, just north of Vancouver, which will host the freestyle and snowboard events. Officials have been trucking in loads of snow since the beginning of the month, from as far as two hours away just to keep the mountain fresh. Only athletes and their coaches are allowed on the slopes and practices have been limited. The first medal event is the women's moguls on Saturday and there is still a 60 percent chance of rain which does not make for good conditions. So hey Mother Nature, do me a favor and send some snow North of us! Let's make this an Olympics where the competition won't be determined (so much) on the weather conditions but on pure heart, talent and who wants it more.

So did you hear all the latest Mets news? Mr. Met loaded up the first equipment truck heading to spring training in Port St. Lucie. I was so excited I loaded the video TWICE on our video board. Oops.

Meantime, Daniel Murphy has been working out with none other than 11 time Gold Glove first baseman Keith Hernandez. Hernandez made a point in his interview with SNY. "If you're first baseman is not a good fielder, he better hit 30 homers and knock in over 100 runs. No wonder Mex is working with the kid.

Last but not least, the team is lowering it's 16 foot high fence in center field to 8 feet. I guess GM Omar Minaya thinks this will settle the club's dearth of home runs at Citi Field in 2009. But again, the Mets try to diffuse the facts with a smokescreen.

If you keep losing on one surface... maybe try another... That's the Washington Generals approach at least... Perennial losers to the Harlem Globetrotters, the Generals decided to try playing basketball on ice rather than the Hardwood... Not the best idea... As usual the Globetrotters won... But it was a fun way for the Globetrotters to promote their New York City area appearances... They played in front of some local kids in Central Park today... Check out the fun time had by all!!

Oh no...NOT Lindsey! The US poster child for the Winter Olympics might not even get to participate and we haven't even had opening ceremonies. Vonn admitted today she has a right shin bruise, an injury sustained last week while training in Austria. This isn't the first time Lindsey has been plagued by injuries during an Olympic year...find out when and other Lindsey tidbits after the break but first read this clip from Tribune-owned newspaper: Los Angeles Times

"...She said she suffered muscle damage around the shin but refused an X-ray to determined if there was a hairline fracture.

She was unable to walk for two days after the injury, she said, and has not been able to ski. She said the injury is in the worst possible spot, at the pressure point where the top of her ski boot meets the leg.

Vonn said she has been trying all kinds of therapy, including a peculiar one. "I wrap my leg in cheese and it takes the swelling down," Vonn said.

Vonn must start at least one of the three training runs to be eligible for Sunday's super combined..." OUCH!!!

I was nervous when Mark Sanchez graced the SI cover just before the AFC Championship game in Indianapolis and we know what happened there. The Mets graced the cover as SI's World Series 2009 pick. Now come on, do we really need to show you the cover to remind you of the 72-90 season? Didn't think so...Anyway, read more about Lindsey. She really is due a medal!!!

…would be tonight, because regardless of the ticket you bought, you were sitting at or damn near courtside.

Because of our nasty winter storm only 1,016 people showed up at Izod Center for the Nets’ game against the Bucks.

Of course everyone who came was invited to move down as close as possible; and did they ever!

As you can see from the above screen grab from tonight’s game on YES, the worst you would have done tonight was probably four or five rows back.

For a high school game those are considered good seats, let alone an (alleged) NBA game.

If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to sit close at an NBA game, you know it’s probably the best sport to see from the front row.

You hear and see all kinds of things even the on-court microphones don’t pick up during the game broadcasts. No doubt that was a treat tonight for people who thought they were going to be sitting in the 300s.

And while the Nets are dreadful, kudos to their brass who recognize that fannys in the seats are going to be hard to come by the rest of this season. During the broadcast they mentioned that anyone who a ticket tonight – whether they came to the game or not – could redeem it for a free ticket to another (selected) game.

So a couple of pretty nice gestures by the Nets tonight for their bravest and most loyal fans.

It’s the least they can do during this awful season.

Matt Estreich for The Huddle

By now you know the Giants released linebacker Antonio Pierce earlier today, and he’s being remembered by most as a vocal team leader.

There’s no denying Pierce was the mouthpiece for the Giants; when times were good or when it was convenient for him.

It was my experience covering Pierce that occasionally when controversies brewed, losing streaks lengthened or injuries needed an explanation, Pierce was a ghost in the locker room.

That’s not to say all the time. Pierce was available most every day the media had access to the Giants locker room…probably 95% of the time.

But it was on those occasions when we in the press NEEDED to hear from Antonio, he frustratingly avoided writers and cameras – sometimes refusing to be interviewed while other times not showing up at all.

It was always surprising (and at times comical) to members of the media when Pierce would emerge from the restricted area of the locker room, see a group of reporters waiting by his locker, and then inform us that he wasn’t talking to us today.

Some team spokesman, we all laughed at each other.

In hockey terms, this injury is like Babe Ruth hitting Lou Gehrig with a line drive in BP or Derek Jeter spiking Mariano Rivera during a fielding drill. If I'm Rangers GM Glen Sather, I push Gaborik RIGHT NOW not to play in the Olympics. His loyalty (not to mention his paycheck) SHOULD be to the Blueshirts. But because the NHL puts a premium on the exposure that comes with the Games, Gaborik, like Lundqvist, will play for their native lands at Vancouver.

Heaven help the Rangers if Gaborik doesn't heal in the strnuous 2 weeks in Canada, or the injury gets worse. THe Blueshirts are already fading in their race to make the playoffs. They'll need Gaborik healthy to have any chance this time around. If they don't reach the postseason, the Rangers should boot Sather out the door. But that's another blog for another day

Things have probably been a little awkward around the Rangers the last few days. Tuesday, Marian Gaborik, the team's lone sharpshooter was accidentally cut on the right leg by goalie Henrik Lundqvist in a collision during practice. King Henrik caused about 20 stitches to Gaborik with his skate. This could be a disaster the Rangers DON'T need.

A couple of the greats from the St John's Mens Basketball team of 1984-85 spoke about the magical ride to the Final Four.

The Big East was a huge deal back then. The Red Storm, Villanova, and Georgetown made the Final Four that year; the Hoyas beat St. John's in the national semifinals then lost to Villanova in the championship game. Hear from Chris Mullin and Bill Wennington after the break.

It is always humbling and incredibly gratifying to meet someone like Nurse Doris. Doris Glier is 84 years strong and has been tending to jockeys at the NYRA race tracks of Aqueduct and Belmont Park for more than five decades. She has performed thousands of physicals, called dozens of wives to explain injuries, and has dealt with at least one death. She has done it with grace and poise and a genuine love for her craft. Let's be inspired by what Nurse Doris can teach us about adapting in life without truly giving up what's in your heart. It sounds cheesy as hell but Doris proves this is possible. Check out our story after the break!

The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics opened today, with the world coming together as only the Olympics can do it. But the death of a 21 yeard old luger from the Republic of Georgia scars a Games that offered so much promise for the nation of Canada and the world.

Now just so you know know... This is coming from a huge NBA fan... But All Star Weekend is becoming boring to me. In the picture above, Nate Robinson smiles widely with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (who wouldn't?) after winning his 3rd straight Slam Dunk Contest. Seeing those ladies might have been the hilight for me... Probably was for Nate even WITH the contest win... But the whole weekend, the Dunk Contest especially, has become tedious for me. Why?? You cannot re-invent the wheel. Why was it succesful in years past? One... the novelty of it all. You were seeing dunks and moves that you hadn't seen before. Secondly... there were BIG TIME stars competing. Who can forget (if you were alive to see it) Julius "Dr. J" Erving taking off from the foul line. Or that great battle between Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins in Chicago... And in more recent memory Vince Carter. Fast Forward to today... If Nate Robinson weren't a Knick, would we care? Besides Nate I'm watching Gerald Wallace and DeMar DeRozan do dunks that I've seen on a Tuesday in a Bobcats-Raptors game. Its all been done. It's tough to come up with new stuff. I don't even know how to change it. Maybe do away with it.

Here we are on the eve of spring training, and the Yankees are on the backpage. No surprise there-the Bombers are used to dominating the tabloids. But this was for a very good reason; demonstrating once again why the Yankees will be the team to beat this season.

With the trade deadline just a couple of days away... a rumor has been making its way across the internet... Yahoo Sports is saying that Tracy McGrady is close to becoming a Knick. The Knicks would reportedly send Jared Jeffries, Jordan Hill and either Al Harrington or Larry Hughes to the Rockets in exchange for McGrady, Joey Dorsey and Brian Cook. Draft picks are also reportedly involved... I say... WHY NOT?? McGrady has an expiring contract and we know the Knicks are intent on clearing out more cap space so they can really go for broke in the free agent market this summer. And in the meantime... its a pretty good move. We know that McGrady can't stay healthy, so you're not expecting much from him. If he plays... and plays well... its a bonus.

My buddies over at the Red Bulls are having a job fair TOMORROW. If you are in search of a job or know someone who needs employment, this is a great start. Enjoy a soccer game while making money...the following explains where to go and when to show up:

The New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Arena will be hosting a Job Fair on Tuesday, February 16, 2010, from 3-8 PM in the Bulls’ Corner of Red Bull Arena, located at 600 Cape May Street in Harrison, New Jersey.

Over 500 part-time positions need to be filled in advance of the Grand Opening on March 20, 2010. The Red Bulls along with stadium partners - Delaware North, Securitas and ISS - will be recruiting for positions in the following areas: Kitchen Staff, Box Office Representative, Security Personnel, Concessions Personnel, Retail Staff, Stewards, Heavy Duty/Light Duty Cleaner, and many others.

Staff members from each organization will be on hand meet with potential employees and interviews will be done throughout the evening. If you are planning to attend, please bring a copy of your resume and other key personal information

Red Bull Arena is located at 600 Cape May Street in Harrison, New Jersey. The stadium is easily accessed via the PATH trains (Harrison Station) or NJ Transit (to Newark Penn Station and PATH to Harrison Station).
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It's been a whirlwind since winning the Daytona 500 for Jamie McMurray. Countless TV appearances already made, more to come. And to think, the first place he went after his huge win was New York City. Why do I mention that? The big story of the 2010 Daytona 500 was that stubborn pothole that took hours to fix. Nothing new to me. There are a bunch of potholes on the L.I.E. that need attention. I wouldn't mind sitting in traffic if I knew they'd be fixed. Ok, I'm lying... maybe fix them while I'm not around. But it was weird watching the drivers just waiting and waiting while the repairs were being made. Anyway, McMurray stopped to talk to us for a couple of minutes. Listen in...

Lolita Lopez alerted us yesterday... and many of you came out. The Red Bulls held a job fair Tuesday to help staff their new home, Red Bull Arena. The weather wasn't very nice but there were a lot of hearty souls out there trying to find employment. We were out there to check out the happenings...

By Glenn Petraitis

I am a huge golfer and huge golf fan. Not a huge fan of Tiger, but I can become one if he does the right thing Friday morning.

It was reported today, Tiger will speak Friday, for the very first time since his accident on Thanksgiving Night. The same accident which stemmed from his wife Elin, chasing him out of the house wielding a golf club after she found out he was cheating on her. Little did she know, Tiger cheated like a cheetah has dots, lots!

I judge a man, or woman for that matter, by how they apologize, if they apologize when they should. Anyone can apologize because some agent told them that's what they need to do to get back in the public's good graces, but if tiger is a real man, he will apologize for the right reasons. Because he was unfaithful to his wife, his kids, his adoring fans. Be a man Tiger and do the right thing. Speak from the heart, not a pre-rehearsed statement, something "your people" crafted to it the bill.

It seems like a sure thing that Nate Robinson will be traded to the Celtics in a move the Knicks are making with a mind toward 2010.

Nate was probably a goner anyway after the season, given his expiring contract, but now that’s it’s actually here, I’m sad to see Nate go.

Since he was drafted, Nate was one of the only reasons to watch the Knicks during their recent awful run. Who’s going to fill that role now....Eddie House? Tracy McGrady? Yuck.

It’s a shame the Knicks couldn’t figure out a way to weave Robinson into their long term plans. I imagine some of this move could be attributed to Nate’s head-butting with Mike D’Antoni.

Knick fans are the ones who are losing out because these two head-strong individuals couldn’t work out their differences.

It’s the mark of a good coach to bring out a players strengths (of which Nate had many) while making him mesh within the system.

Remember the game when Nate came out of D’Antoni’s doghouse against Atlanta and torched the Hawks for 41? It was the most entertaining Knicks game of the past couple of years.

In case there was any confusion as to what this franchise’s priorities were these past two seasons, today’s deal let fans know that the last two years were a throw-away in anticipation of this summer.

It’s clear today that when Donnie Walsh took over the Knicks his #1 goal was to get this team as far under the salary cap as possible in anticipation of the free agent class of 2010.

That’s not really a surprise.

Oh, and here’s a footnote: he did it by trading for the superstar formerly known as Tracy McGrady.

Of course today’s move means the team has given up on 2010, not that they were really going anywhere with 19 wins in late February.

(Can you tell how much I care about having McGrady as a “rental” for three months).

Here’s the meat and potatoes:

Playing off Glenn's blog...Tiger Woods must come clean, but we all know he is not going to do any such thing. Look, I don't want details about what he did or with whom. To be honest with you, the whole thing is sick but ultimately it's private. Let Elin deal with Tiger! I am still angry at the fact one of his "girls" is now a correspondent on TV. Glad, hard work and intelligence really go far in this world...UGH, but I digress! Point is, Tiger should apologize with honesty and sincerity. Be the Man in the Mirror...

Isn't that the main objective for all of us? Shouldn't we come home every day and like the person we see in the mirror, be proud of the people we are and the actions we take as we act as role models to our children or as peers to our coworkers or as friends to our buddies? We should live our lives with dignity and self respect.

Tiger has hand picked the friends and few journalists he wants in his "apology room". He is not taking questions and he is having the presser on the Friday during a big golf tournament, the Accenture Match Play Championship. REALLY TIGER?!? You couldn't pick a day that didn't affect other golfers? It is always about Tiger highlighting Tiger! He is always making these precise moves...even the recent pictures taken of him were reportedly POSED...just to make Tiger look good.

The only time the robot thing works is on the golf course. Truthfully, I could watch Tiger play all day, despite his indiscretions. However, if you are going to do the apology thing, try to be a real person, a real man and do it from the heart. Nope, instead Tiger plans to wimp out. Look, the weak apology may not do anything for his millions or affect his return to the course (fans will be flocking) but what does it do to the person? One day the glitz ends and then what? Sad really...I will NOT be watching. I will report on it of course but that's about it...

Thank goodness it's over. While I am not happy with the way he did it or believe he is not thinking of anyone else but Tiger, I am at least glad Tiger Woods has made his apology and is trying to move on. Please America, let's do the same. I could tell you what I liked or disliked about the staged event, how I respect the fact he asked the paparazzi not to follow his 2 1/2 year old daughter to school out of respect for his family. I was annoyed with his taking the blame but then blaming the media for hounding his kids and essentially putting them in harms way. Tiger alone put his family in this mess BUT I have to believe he is trying to right the ship. Good luck to him and good luck to his wife and family!

Back to my original point...what does this mean to all of us? Move on! Photo hounds, don't follow Tiger or his family, looking for that hug or affectionate touch; don't hide in the bushes in Mississippi hoping for a glimpse of Tiger coming out of rehab; don't camp out around his home. For his part, Tiger, don't schedule an interview with one of the big three network anchors or CNN after saying you are going to keep everything private. Never talk about anything but golf for a long time! The rest of us, don't look at the pictures, don't pick up the gossip rags, don't encourage the crap that keeps this non-story alive. Don't we have better things to worry about, more important things to do with our lives? Today I was in the car listening to talk radio (I'm kind of a talk radio junkie) and the press conference came on. I listened for a while, my daughter in the car. We were going on a little ladies morning adventure before I headed into work. Once I got to my destination, I turned off the radio and my car and went on with my day. My daughter and I had the best morning and it was important to have that moment! I was able to spend some quality time with her before coming to work. Of course, I listened to the whole press conference, read all the papers and blogs and ultimately reported on Tiger. I am thorough when it comes to my work. Listen, we are human and curious by nature but I hope that we can all try to put in perspective what really makes a difference in our lives. Tiger, I believe, is trying to do so...and so should we...

The Knicks were very aggressive at the Thursday trade deadline, making moves with an eye on July... Plan A is to lure LeBron James to the Garden. The Knicks got themeselves even further under the cap... Now they can sign 2 big free agents. Tracy McGrady is the newest Knick, not so much for his abilities, but for his expiring contract. But McGrady isn't looking at it that way. He wants to prove he can still be a high level NBA player and he also sees New York as a attractive settling place beyond the rest of this season. Enough from me... Listen to T-Mac as he addressed the New York media.

Tracy McGrady goes baseline for 2 of his 26 vs. OKC

It's not like me to have a knee jerk reaction. I like to think long term about many things. But thinking long term about this Tracy McGrady to the Knicks deal, I like it. I think it kills two birds with one stone.

Everyone knows that Donnie Walsh has now almost undone all the "fine work" that Isiah Thomas did while he was running the Knicks. By acquiring McGrady and getting rid of the Jared Jeffries contract, the Knicks are now able to sign two max free agents. That was objective number one. Also, by dealing Nate Robinson to Boston for Eddie House, he got some value for the 3-time Slam Dunk Champion instead of just letting him walk at the end of the season.

Nobody knows if the Knicks will be able to lure King James from his throne in Cleveland, but at least the Knicks can say to LeBron "We can bring someone else in here to help you." If you look at LeBron's team in Cleveland.. it ain't that great. They have an aging superstar in Shaquille O'Neal... who knows how much longer he'll be around? They traded for Antawn Jamison who might help the team... Otherwise there isn't much. Look at today's boxscore against Orlando. Three fifths of the starting lineup had 4 points while James had 33 and Shaq had 20. That won't get it done.

And I’m a hockey fan!

There’s just something about Olympic hockey that is so much more compelling/exciting compared to the regular NHL game.

I guess the obvious reason is that every game has that playoff atmosphere. And when you add national pride to the mix, the competition ramps up to (if not exceeds) Stanley Cup level.

It also helps when team USA shows up at the Olympics.

That’s definitely the case this year after USA whooped home team favorites Canada, 5-3 tonight. Locals Jamie Langenbrunner and Chris Drury had goals.

A programming note... Check out our own Lolita Lopez. Every night she'll be filing her Mets reports Live from Port St. Lucie on the PIX11 News at Ten. Now back to our story... Mets position players report to camp on Tuesday. Carlos Beltran was there on Monday. He's still rehabbing from that controversial January knee surgery. Controversial??? Well Yeah... if your team doesn't know you're doing it. Beltran's doctor suggested he have the surgery. The Mets wanted him to go for a second or third opinion. Beltran went and had the surgery without the Mets' knowledge or blessing. There was some bad blood but supposedly all is smoothed over. Beltran said "You know, it took me a while because I'm a human being, of course, and I'm a person who has feelings. ... It took me like a week for me to forget everything and focus on what is important for me." Hopefully that saga is over and Beltran continues to heal and get stronger... He addressed his knee in Port St. Lucie... Listen in....

Today in Port St. Lucie was reporting day for Mets position players. Among the players, one new face... sorta... and one old friend. Jason Bay hit Mets camp for the first time as a major leaguer... he was in the Mets minor league system before... and Mike Jacobs made his major league debut as a Met in 2005. He bounced around and has landed back with the Mets. Lolita Lopez caught up with both of them. Listen in...

Lolita Lopez is still working the beat down in Port St. Lucie and spoke with Mets ace Johan Santana today.

Check out Lolita's one-on-one with the Cy Young winner below.

Topic include the lefty's health, the Mets (lack of) offseason moves and his thoughts on the rest of the rotation.

Take a listen:

It’s not often the words “Darrelle Revis” and “dropped” are used in the same sentence, but today the Jets all-world cornerback dropped (that’s what the kids say) a rap song with Kurtiz the Kid….whoever that is.

What that means, if you’re not versed in hip-hop lingo like I so obviously am, is that Revis came out with a song in which he raps.

Now as much as I DON’T fancy myself an expert on hip hop, I’m even less of a music critic. My idea of blasting cool music is rolling down my window and cranking up the Kenny G.

The 13 inch rims on my Ford Escort add to the ambiance.

Anyway, I think you get the point. I’m no critic. I’m not expert. So I’ll leave you to your own devices to decide whether or not Revis is any good at this.

The song is called “Do You Think About Me Remix.”

Hint, he’s the 2nd guy to rap….aka, Mr. Manhattan (you’ll know it’s him because he’s freakin’ awful).

Check it out…and let the “stick to football” jokes begin!:

The Mets are taking a fresh approach to the Spring. Last year, guys' tongues were wagging after the 80 swings in 6 minute drills and the constant running and conditioning. There is still a workout but it's now effective without being completely exhausting. It seems much more beneficial. I also like that no one is expecting much from this team. Secretly, the Mets are developing a plan to surprise people this season. Will they be great? No ...but the Mets could be a sleeper team and I don't mean a team to play spoiler either. Cliche but true...if they stay healthy, this group could contend. They have some grit this time around that I haven't seen in a while. They are relaxed but not removed; they are confident but realistic all at the same time. I am looking forward to the season.

As for the Revis rap...when I found the link to it on my Twitter page I just had to listen, then put it up and give you all a taste. It's just another example of why professional athletes should stick to what they do best. Ruben Sierra tried his hand at salsa music.

Is the album cover not hysterical enough? Jose Reyes got into a studio to record a reggaeton number...need I say more? Come on guys, have your fun but keep it to yourself. It's like a home movies, only your mom will like those silly faces you made back then. Love you Revis...I really do...but no more Mr.Manhattan unless you are taking the world by storm on the gridiron.

There are a lot of things I don’t understand about the Olympics, and the rules of curling definitely fall under that category.

But one thing that seems to make perfect sense to me - but apparently not the folks who play the “sport” - is why men and women don’t compete on the same field of play. Why isn’t curling co-ed?!

Feminists…get all over this one!

Unlike many, many other sports, there appears to be no physical advantage for men over women in curling.

And many chauvinist men – not me, of course – would argue that women are the superior sex when it comes to sweeping!!

Wouldn’t co-ed rosters add a cool dynamic to a pretty boring sport? Imagine a chick throwing the stone and then doing that yelling routine at her male teammates, telling them to sweep the ice.

By Glenn Petraitis

Just about as important as it is for the Mets to stay healthy this year, it is more important the Mets get a big year out of Mike Pelfrey.
Big Pelf is a big kid. He was drafted 9th overall in 2005, and may be the missing link to the Mets turning the corner.
As it breaks down, you always know what you're getting with Johan Santana as the ace of the staff, but the same can't be said for Pelfrey as the #2, at least not yet. He seems to have the right makeup, when he's not chomping on his mouthpiece or balking guys around the base paths, but if he can get it together he could get the Mets headed in the right direction.
Pelfrey seems more dedicated this year, losing 20 pounds in the offseason to help get more out of his arm and put less stress on the rest of his body.
I say, if he does well, the Mets do better. If he flounders again, another 10-12 year like last season, the mets are sunk. Even a 13-11 year like 2 seasons ago won't cut it. I need 15 wins out of him. That's reasonable, don't you think? 15 wins and no more than 8 losses would be a big year..and something to build on for the future.
So Mike, Be Big Pelf and help a Mets fan out, please! Won't ya'?

We caught up with Big Pelf in Port St. Lucie... Listen in!

By Glenn Petraitis

If there was one guy on Team Canada you didn't want to score the game winner once the gold medal game with the US went to overtime, it was Sidney Crosby.

Not because he's not a great guy, or because he's the present and future of hockey, or because he's already won a Stanley Cup by the age of 22. Anybody, but Sid the Kid because it would have been a better story if some fairly unknown Canadian player became a national hero right before our eyes.

Sid's already THAT guy for Canada. Sid's already the best. There were so many others on Team Canada who could have been the unsung hero. How about Brent Seabrook, Drew Doughty, Shea Weber? Why not Corey Perry or Patrick Marleau? Anybody but Sid!

In today’s edition of ‘Where in Sunny Florida is Lolita Lopez?’, our intrepid anchor turns up with the World Champs and their pitching staff.

Check out Lolita’s interviews with CC, Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman ranging from the rotation’s aces to the contested fifth starting spot.

Listen after the jump:

That would be tomorrow night, Monday, when the BNP Paribas Showdown – better known as the Billie Jean King Cup – is contested at MSG.

Four of the world’s top women’s players will compete in a one-set semi-final followed by a best-of-three set final for a $1.2 million prize.

Vying for the big bucks will be Venus Williams, Ana Ivanovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Kim Clijsters.

Clijsters and Kuznetsova were at the Garden today promoting the tournament and playing a little tennis on Nintendo Wii.

Check out how the story looked on tonight’s sports segment inluding Clijsters’ – the reigning US Open champion – thoughts on playing again in NYC: