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<title>championship</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/tags/championship</link>
<description>New posts about championship</description>
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<title>College Football: Who Will Win the BCS National Championship?</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Football/College-Football-Who-Will-Win-the-BCS-National-Championship.350153</link>
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<![CDATA[<p>Alabama.&amp;nbsp; Texas Tech.&amp;nbsp; Florida.&amp;nbsp; Texas.&amp;nbsp; Oklahoma.&amp;nbsp; As the 2008 college football season nears its end, there are many teams currently positioning themselves for a chance at the BCS National Championship game in early January.&amp;nbsp; Three of them remain undefeated, with Alabama at 11-0 and currently ranked number 1, Texas Tech at 10-0 ranked number 2 and Utah at 11-0 ranked number 11.&amp;nbsp; But there is still a lot of football to be played.  Let's take a look at the top teams and what they face heading into the few remaining weeks.</p>
<p>Alabama - At 11-0, they are ranked number one and have clinched a spot in the SEC Title game.  They still must face Auburn in an in-state rivalry that could cause some problems.  With an Alabama loss, a win in the SEC Title game may not get them back to a spot in the National Title game.  Or could it?  Beating Florida, even with one loss on their record, could impress the BCS enough to grant them that chance after all.</p>
<p>Texas Tech - Impressive wins against former number one Texas and Oklahoma State has catapulted the Red Raiders to the number two spot in the BCS standings.  But those two wins were at home and their next test is on the road at number five Oklahoma.  A loss to Oklahoma may crush Texas Tech's chances at a Big 12 Title game and assuredly out of the National Championship picture.  Win at Oklahoma, and beat an overmatched Baylor team, they set up a match-up against Missouri.  Even at 12-0, a loss to Missouri may knock them out if Texas, Florida or USC win decisively in their remaining games.</p>
<p>Florida - They have an SEC Title game against Alabama wrapped up.  But with one loss already, they must beat Florida State to remain in the hunt for a National Championship.  Two losses and a win in the SEC Title game may not be enough to leap back ahead of some other one loss teams such as Texas or USC.  Winning all remaining games, Florida should stake a claim in early January for a shot at the National Championship.</p>
<p>Texas - Texas saw their National Championship dream crushed by rival Texas Tech earlier this year.  But impressive wins within the tough Big 12 has Texas as the number four team in the BCS standings.  With two games remaining against Arkansas and Texas A&amp;amp;M, teams that Texas should beat easily, Texas will need some help from a few teams such as Florida and Oklahoma.  If Oklahoma were to beat Texas Tech and Oklahoma State, Texas would need Oklahoma to then lose to Missouri in the Big 12 Title game for them to be considered for the National Championship game.</p>
<p>Oklahoma - Two tough remaining games for Oklahoma has them at home against Texas Tech and at Oklahoma State.  Lose either one and Oklahoma is out of the National Championship picture.  Win both of them and Oklahoma may get a chance at the Big 12 Title game against Missouri.  But like Florida, with one loss already on their record, a loss in the Big 12 Title game may leave them out of the National Championship game.  Win it, and they may set up a matchup with either Florida or Alabama.</p>
<p>USC - USC may not win the Pac 10 because of a loss earlier in the season to Oregon State, but that doesn't matter to them if they can somehow watch the teams above them fail to solidify a spot for number one or number two in the BCS standings.  A lot needs to happen for them, including winning their two remaining games against Notre Dame and UCLA.  Could just enough things happen for USC to get there?  A long shot.</p>
<p>Utah - Ok, no one is talking about the 11-0 Utah team.  Undefeated and unrecognized, Utah may end up the only undefeated team in the polls once the season and Conference Title games are over.  Their schedule doesn't boast wins against any top ranked teams.  Perhaps their most impressive wins are against Oregon State and number twelve TCU.  The BCS most likely would want them to lose their remaining game to a tough Brigham Young team.  Otherwise, controversies would abound if all other teams in the race suffered a loss.</p>
<p>One thing remains clear in this 2008 College Football season.  There is a lot of football remaining to be played.  The next few weeks will be an exciting time for College Football fans as teams jockey for position.  There have been many debates about whether the BCS system has answered the challenge of determining a National Champion.  Well, it certainly hasn't diminished the suspense and excitement.</p>
<p>My picks for the National Championship Game - Florida vs. Texas Tech</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FFootball%2FCollege-Football-Who-Will-Win-the-BCS-National-Championship.350153"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FFootball%2FCollege-Football-Who-Will-Win-the-BCS-National-Championship.350153" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:22:41 PST</pubDate></item>
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<title>Philadelphia Celebrates World Series Victory</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Baseball/Philadelphia-Celebrates-World-Series-Victory.329101</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>I was there in 1980 when the Philadelphia Phillies won their first World Series Championship.  I was only twelve years old, but I remember my father allowing me to miss school to attend the celebration parade.  And why not?  These things do not happen very often in Philadelphia.  Turn the page 28 years later to 2008.  The Philadelphia Phillies, the professional sports team noted for having the most loses in recorded history, have won the World Series for the second time since the franchise began back in 1883.  There was an estimated three million fans for the 2008 Phillies lined up Market Street and Broad Street to witness the Champions parade through the city.  There were three million people wearing championship shirts and championship hats waving championship flags and shouting championship chants.  It was the first time in twenty-five years that the city could host such a parade.  There were all the young kids with their fathers (and mothers, because mothers are Phillies fans also) having been allowed to miss school that day just so they could be at the parade.  Some were old enough to understand what it meant and some were young enough to simply wave to the heroes as they rode by.  They all came on this joyous and momentous occasion.  They all can say, &amp;ldquo;I was there&amp;rdquo; just like I said about 1980.  This parade was not just about cheering for the Phillies.  This parade was about the city of Philadelphia joining together to celebrate a champion.  This parade was about passing of traditions from generation to generation.  This parade was about remembering a moment both past and present that will forever remain in our hearts and in our minds.  We were all fans, no matter how old or how young, no matter how rich or how poor, no matter how ethnic or political differences separated us.  Three million people stood together and cheered together representing the city of Philadelphia and all of us who live within the Phillies broadcast region.  I was there.  And I hope to be there again when the next Philadelphia Champion team gets to take that memorable trek down Broad Street.  I just hope it doesn't take another twenty-five years.  Congratulations to the Philadelphia Phillies for winning the 2008 World Series.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FBaseball%2FPhiladelphia-Celebrates-World-Series-Victory.329101"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FBaseball%2FPhiladelphia-Celebrates-World-Series-Victory.329101" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 04:29:27 PST</pubDate></item>
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<title>Baseball Gods Lift Curses for This New Century?</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Baseball/Baseball-Gods-Lift-Curses-for-This-New-Century.324471</link>
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<![CDATA[<h3>The Boston Red Sox</h3>
<p>The Boston Red Sox have a storied history with a fan following that only a handful of cities can match.  The Red Sox were founded in 1901 and were the winners of the very first World Series played in 1903.  They became baseball's first World Series dynasty with four more World Series titles from 1912 through 1918.  Then, in December of 1919, owner Harry Frazee sold their prized pitcher and current home run champ George &amp;ldquo;Babe&amp;rdquo; Ruth to the New York Yankees for what many believe was to finance a Broadway musical.  Since that time, the Baseball gods have frowned upon the Boston franchise for such a move, placing the Curse of the Bambino on the famed Red Sox.  The Red Sox would see the New York Yankees win the World Series a Major League record 23 times, many times beating out the Boston Red Sox for the American League pennant.  There were a few times during the 20th century that the Red Sox thought the curse would be lifted.  In 1946, slugger Ted Williams, one of the greatest hitters in the game, brought the Red Sox to the World Series, but fell short of winning it all.  Then in 1967, a slugger named Carl Yastremski, fresh off a Triple Crown season, gave the Red Sox another World Series appearance, only to lose to St. Louis again.  In 1975, American League Rookie of the Year and MVP Fred Lynn and his Boston Red Sox would lose to the Cincinnati Reds.  And in 1986, Cy Young winner and American League MVP Roger Clemens would bring the Red Sox to the brink of a championship against the New York Mets, only to have a routine ground ball roll through the legs of Bill Buckner.  With the 20th century now a simple but painful memory, the Boston Red Sox gained new life and began this century as they did the last, winning two World Series titles in the first 7 years.  A 2004 and 2007 title put an end to the most famous curse in sports history.</p>
<h3>The Chicago White Sox</h3>
<p>The Chicago White Sox were founded in 1901 and have shared the city with National League representative Cubs for over a century.  Both teams had their share of success in the early part of the 20th century.  The White Sox would build a team of rising stars around League super star &amp;ldquo;Shoeless&amp;rdquo; Joe Jackson and win the World Series against the New York Giants in 1917.  In 1919, the White Sox would run through the American League dominating play and winning the pennant for the second time in three years.  They would be heavily favored to win their second World Series title, facing the Cincinnati Reds.  They went on to lose that World Series in a surprising fashion.  Later, an investigation into why so much gambling money was placed on the Reds to win the series resulted in two White Sox players, Eddie Ciotti and Joe Jackson, confessing to a fix.  When the final investigation revealed foul play by many of the White Sox players, it was late into the 1920 season.  The White Sox appeared to be on their way to a second straight pennant and third World Series appearance in four years.  But the suspension of seven players for the 1919 World Series fix, known now as the &amp;ldquo;Black Sox Scandal&amp;rdquo;, left the team unable to string necessary wins together.  The St. Louis Browns won the pennant in 1920, ending the dominance of the Chicago White Sox.  Many years would pass before the White Sox would become competitive again.  They would win the pennant in 1959, but lose the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.  The White Sox would remain a competitive baseball team throughout the 60's but the New York Yankees dominated the era by winning pennant after pennant.  A few good seasons in the 80's and 90's still did not produce a pennant for the White Sox.  Many believe that the curse of the &amp;ldquo;Black Sox Scandal&amp;rdquo; was the reason.  Turn now to the 21st century.  The White Sox become competitive once again and finally won a pennant in 2005.  They went on to win the World Series against the Houston Astros, ending one of the longest championship droughts in baseball history.</p>
<h3>The Philadelphia Phillies</h3>
<p>The Philadelphia Phillies have the distinction of being the sports franchise with the greatest number of loses of all time.  Founded in 1883, the team appeared in only five World Series and went a stretch from 1915 to 1980 without winning a playoff round.  The team finally won a World Series in 1980, but fell short in 1983 and 1993.  No one knows why the Baseball gods have frowned upon the Phillies, owners of the greatest pennant collapse in 20th century baseball in 1964.  A local curse on the city of Philadelphia for erecting buildings higher than the William Penn statue high above City Hall has also contributed to the city's lack of a sports champion.  Entering the new century, the Phillies began rebuilding the franchise.  Battling the baseball gods, and even the local curse of William Penn, the Phillies finally broke through by winning the 2008 World Series.  The curse, whichever one you wish to believe in, has been lifted.</p>
<h3>The Chicago Cubs?</h3>
<p>If the theory that the Baseball gods have lifted all curses for the start of the new century, then there can still be hope for the one remaining team: The Chicago Cubs.  Winners of a World Series title in 1907 and 1908, the Cubs have been the lovable losers of Major League baseball for a century now.  There have been several stories surrounding the lack of a World Series title, dating back to the 1940's.  But there is renewed hope with a competitive team and a few playoff appearances, and yes, a new century.  And perhaps all this can lift the Cubs to a World Series title once again.  That is, if the Baseball gods will allow it.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FBaseball%2FBaseball-Gods-Lift-Curses-for-This-New-Century.324471"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FBaseball%2FBaseball-Gods-Lift-Curses-for-This-New-Century.324471" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 01 Nov 2008 09:48:34 PST</pubDate></item>
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<title>Philadelphia Sports Fans Hope 2008 Phillies Will End Championship Drought</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Sports/Philadelphia-Sports-Fans-Hope-2008-Phillies-Will-End-Championship-Drought.305179</link>
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<![CDATA[<p>25 years ago, the 1983 Philadelphia 76ers won the NBA Championship.  Little did Philadelphia sports fans know at the time that it would be the beginning of a long championship drought for the city.  With four major sports franchises, The Phillies, The Eagles, The 76ers and The Flyers, who all have had their share of success, one would think that a championship parade would not be such an elusive celebration.  Yet, 25 years after Maurice Cheeks raised his index finger in triumph as he dribbled the ball down the court in the final seconds to beat The Lakers, the city of Philadelphia still waits for another team to rise to be the best in their sport.</p>
<p>The 2008 Philadelphia Phillies are the latest team in that span to attempt to stand on that mantle.  Reaching the World Series for the first time in 15 years, the Phillies give Philadelphia fans hope that this is the team to finally break a curse (whether you believe in that or not) that has haunted them all these years.</p>
<p>It is not the first time that the hope of a champion in Philadelphia rose to this level.  There have been seven times that a Philadelphia sports team reached the championship round or game in their respective sport since that 1983 76ers team.</p>
<h3>1983 Philadelphia Phillies</h3>
<p>Only months after the 76ers won the NBA title, the Phillies rallied with a tremendous September to win their division.  With a team of aging core players such as Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton and Pete Rose, the Phillies tried desperately to regain their championship form that had won them a World Series in 1980.  Their first playoff test was to beat an LA Dodgers team that had beaten them 11 out of 12 meetings during the regular season.  A 3 games to 1 win to give the Phillies the NL pennant was more than enough to give Phillies fans hope for another World Series victory.  But it was not to be.  After winning the first game against the AL representative Baltimore Orioles, the Phillies lost the next three games by one run and the final game 5-0 to lose the series 4 games to 1.  Most notably was that Mike Schmidt, the 1980 World Series MVP, was a disappointing 1 for 20 in the series.</p>
<h3>1985 Philadelphia Flyers</h3>
<p>It was to be a rebuilding year for the Flyers with first time coach Mike Keenan, a young goaltender Pele Lindbergh and a team fresh off the retirement of Flyers legends Bobby Clarke and Bill Barber.  But the emergence of players such as Tim Kerr, Brian Propp and the leadership of young captain Dave Poulin, the Flyers surprised everyone by winning a team record 53 games and a number one seed in the conference.  After dismantling the Rangers 3 games to 0 in the first round, the Islanders 4 games to 1 in the second round, and the Quebec Nordiques 4 games to 2 in the Conference Finals, the young and aggressive Flyers team was prepared to enter the Stanley Cup Finals against the mighty Edmonton Oilers.  But Wayne Gretzky and the defending Stanley Cup champions proved too much for the Flyers as they lost in 5 games.</p>
<h3>1987 Philadelphia Flyers</h3>
<p>The 1987 Flyers rolled through the season with a core group of players that made it to the finals only two years ago and a rookie goaltender, Ron Hextall who proved he can replace the late Pele Lindbergh as an elite NHL net minder.  After a disappointing first round exit the previous year, this team brought a no quit, never die attitude.  They beat the aging Islanders in a tough 7 game series and then faced the defending Stanley Cup champion Montreal Canadians in the Conference Finals.  A Game 6 series clinching win over the Canadians that featured a pre-game brawl set the stage for a rematch with the Edmonton Oilers.  With the absence of star player Tim Kerr for the series, players like Rick Tocchet and JJ Daigneault stepped up to give the Flyers two come-from-behind wins to even the series 3 games a piece.  But once again, the Edmonton Oilers, quite possibly the NHL's greatest team ever, brought home the cup despite an MVP effort by goaltender Ron Hextall.</p>
<h3>1993 Philadelphia Phillies</h3>
<p>Before entering the 1993 season, the Phillies were a group of players struggling for an identity in the league.  That all changed.  After starting the season with a record of 17-5, the Phillies proved to everyone that a bunch of gritty characters like John Kruk, Lenny Dykstra and Darren Daulton could actually strike lightning for one magical season.  Leading the division for the entire season, the Phillies entered the playoffs against a very good Atlanta Braves team that were on the brink of dynasty.  After surprising the Braves, the Phillies entered the World Series to face the defending MLB champion Toronto Blue Jays.  Down 2 games to 1, the Phillies took a 14-9 lead in Game 4 into the 8th inning poised to tie the series.  An erratic Mitch Williams allowed the lead to slip away as Toronto scored 6 runs to take Game 3 15-14.  It seemed nothing could stop the powerful Blue Jays offense.  Except Game 5 Phillies pitcher Curt Shilling who shut them out for 9 innings to stay alive and force a Game 6.  Game 6 looked promising for the Phillies as well, taking a 6-5 lead in the 7th inning.  Enter Mitch Williams to close the game in the 9th.  Joe Carter is only the second player in MLB history to end a World Series with a walk-off homerun.  The dream was ended for Philadelphia.</p>
<h3>1997 Philadelphia Flyers</h3>
<p>Beaten in the Stanley Cup Finals ten years ago by &amp;ldquo;The Great One&amp;rdquo; Wayne Gretzky, the 1997 Flyers were coming of age with their own super star in Eric Lindros.  Lindros emerged as a force in the league that led the Flyers back to contenders, finally bringing them to the Stanley Cup Finals with a convincing win in the Conference Championship round against the Rangers.  The Detroit Red Wings won only 38 games during the season and were still licking their wounds from a sweep from the Devils in the Stanley Cup Finals two years ago.  Perhaps they were seeking vengeance.  A competitive game 1 slipped through the Flyers when Ron Hextall let in a sixty foot shot from Steve Yzerman.  The Flyers lost game 1 4-2.  The series lost all competitiveness after that with the Flyers only scoring 4 goals in the next 3 games and losing to the Red Wings 4 games to 0.  Lindros' only goal came with 30 seconds left in game 4 to at least make the series ending game interesting.</p>
<h3>2001 Philadelphia 76ers</h3>
<p>The team that gave Philadelphia its last championship would once again give the fans hope of lining Broad Street with streamers.  A team with super star Allen Iverson and a group of role players such as Aaron McKie, Tyrone Hill and George Lynch played with excitement and a quick defense to secure the number one seed in the conference.  Adding Dikembe Mutombo late in the season helped to solidify a successful playoff run.  They rolled passed The Indiana Pacers 3 games to 1 and then battled their way to two Game 7 victories against The Toronto Raptors and The Milwaukee Bucks.  Their next challenge was the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers.  The 76ers surprisingly won Game 1 and lifted the hopes and spirit of the entire city.  However, the forces of Shaquille O'Neil and Kobe Bryant took charge.  With some key baskets by Robert Horry in Game 2 and 3, the Lakers took the underdog 76ers apart as expected and won the series 4 games to 1.</p>
<h3>2004 Philadelphia Eagles</h3>
<p>It was the year of TO.  After losing in three straight Conference Championship games, the Eagles called upon Terrell Owens to get them to the next level.  He delivered, giving the Eagles an explosive passing game that was lacking in their previous runs at the Super Bowl.  Clinching the number one seed with a record of 13-1, the Eagles prepared to enter the 2004 playoffs with a Super Bowl well within their grasp.  An injury that left TO on the sidelines for the first two playoff games did nothing to stop the Eagles from sending The Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons home, securing a Super Bowl appearance for only the second time in franchise history.  The Eagles, with TO back, would be facing the New England Patriots, winners of 2 out of the last 3 Super Bowls.  The Eagles struck first with The Patriots answering back with a touchdown with 1:21 left in the half.  The Patriots would score on their next 3 possessions in the second half to take a 24-14 lead with 5:40 left to go in the game.  Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb took his offense down the field on the next possession with no urgency, much to the dismay of Philadelphia fans.  Although it resulted in a touchdown and pulled them to 24-21, it also left the Eagles on their next possession facing a 96 yard field with 46 seconds left.  A desperation throw by McNabb was intercepted and ended all hope of their first Super Bowl win.</p>
<h3>2008 Philadelphia Phillies</h3>
<p>And here we are with the most recent Philadelphia team ready to make their claim to be Champions.  In the next few weeks, a World Series will have been played with the 2008 Phillies as competitors.  Will this team join the others on this list as heroic efforts that just fell short or will the 2008 Phillies end the Philadelphia fans' long agony over the championship drought?  My hope rests with the latter.</p>
<p>Go Phillies!</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FSports%2FPhiladelphia-Sports-Fans-Hope-2008-Phillies-Will-End-Championship-Drought.305179"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FSports%2FPhiladelphia-Sports-Fans-Hope-2008-Phillies-Will-End-Championship-Drought.305179" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2008 07:57:08 PST</pubDate></item>
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<title>The Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Success From Dropping Devil From the Name?</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Baseball/The-Tampa-Bay-Devil-Rays-Success-From-Dropping-Devil-From-the-Name.286751</link>
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<![CDATA[<p>The Tampa Bay Rays are the 2008 Major League Baseball story of the year.  Prior to the 2008 season, the team was known as the Devil Rays.  From their inaugural season in 1998 through to the 2007 season, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays finished in last place each season with the exception of a fourth place finish (out of five teams) in 2004.  During these first ten seasons of the team's existence, not once did they finish with a winning record.</p>
<p>In 2008, the team decided to drop the word Devil from their name and officially become the Tampa Bay Rays.  The result: Their first winning season in their history and a division championship, beating out the reigning World Series Champion Boston Red Sox.</p>
<p>Many believe that it was the divine intervention of removing the satanic reference from their name.  A simple explanation?  Perhaps.  However, there is no historic evidence to substantiate such a revelation.</p>
<p>There have been several teams of national prominence with the devil reference in their team name that have achieved success.</p>
<p>New Jersey Devils - The NHL welcomed several teams into the league in 1974 adding to their league expansion.  One team was the Kansas City Scout.  Financially struggling, the team left after only two poor seasons to Denver and were renamed the Colorado Rockies.  Not seeing much success in Denver, the team moved again in 1982 to the state of New Jersey and renamed The Devils, after a famed legendary creature of the Jersey Pine Barrens.  After nearly a decade of subpar seasons, the Devils eventually rose to elite status in the NHL with three Stanley Cup Championships (1995, 2000, 2003).  The team continues to be competitive challengers to the Cup moving into the upcoming season.</p>
<p>Duke Blue Devils - Duke University is best known for their Men's basketball team led by coach Mike Krzyzewski.  The Men's basketball program under Coach K has won three NCAA Championships (1991, 1992, 2001) and numerous other final four appearances.  Not to be outdone, however, is the Duke Women's Golf team with five NCAA Championships (1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007).  Add a 1986 Men's Soccer NCAA Championship and together it makes 9 National Titles all together for the Blue Devils.  With the Women's Golf team continuing their dominance and Coach K keeping the basketball team primed for a run at a title each year, the Duke Blue Devil remains a major force in collegiate sports.</p>
<p>Arizona State Sun Devils - Arizona State University adopted the name Sun Devils in 1948, changing it from the previous name Bulldogs.  Since then, ASU collegiate sports holds 21 NCAA Championships including 5 College World Series Championships, the third most by any university.  ASU football holds claim to a Rose Bowl victory in 1987 and remains a competitive force in one of the toughest conferences in the country.  One of the most impressive ASU achievements is their national dominance in both Men's and Women's Archery winning a combined 36 National Championships.</p>
<p>DePaul Blue Demons - Not quite Devils, but close.  DePaul University is best know for their Men's basketball program.  The program's success includes a 1945 NIT Championship and a 1992 Great Midwestern Conference Championship.  Not as storied as the other teams, but then again, their name is only the Blue Demons.  Perhaps a name change is in order, unless Duke objects to them having the same name.</p>
<p>In conclusion, I find no evidence that the success of the Tampa Bay Rays is due to the name change that eliminated the Devil.  While many religious beliefs may claim otherwise, I stand on the history of these fine sports organizations that have found success despite their team name.</p>
<p>Perhaps the Tampa Bay Rays organization learned that player development, proper drafting and careful free agent signings leads to success.  In either case, congratulations to the Tampa Bay Rays on their division Championship.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FBaseball%2FThe-Tampa-Bay-Devil-Rays-Success-From-Dropping-Devil-From-the-Name.286751"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FBaseball%2FThe-Tampa-Bay-Devil-Rays-Success-From-Dropping-Devil-From-the-Name.286751" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:08:01 PST</pubDate></item>
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<title>Philadelphia Sports Teams Rising to the Top?</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Sports/Philadelphia-Sports-Teams-Rising-to-the-Top.277153</link>
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<![CDATA[<p>It has been a long time in Philadelphia since the professional sports environment was this exciting.  With the Philadelphia Phillies recent National League East Division title, their second in as many years, baseball fans are cheering a winner once again from a sport that was nearly dead only a half decade ago.  The Philadelphia Flyers created much excitement with last year's &amp;ldquo;Vengeance&amp;rdquo; tour where they resurrected themselves from the worst team ending 2007 to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2008.  They are following up this year as the year of &amp;ldquo;Hungry for More&amp;rdquo;.  The Philadelphia 76ers surprised the basketball fans with a late surge in 2008 with exciting play from their youngsters.  With the signing of superstar Elton Brand, this year promises to be even better.  Lastly, the Philadelphia Eagles look to ride a finally healthy Donovan McNabb back to elite status in the NFL.</p>
<p>As a youngster following Philadelphia sports in the late 70's and early 80's, many would say I was spoiled with victory by our local heroes.  It was a time when each of the four professional teams were not only competitive, but poised to take championship runs.  Each of the teams made finals appearances in 1980 with the Phillies winning a World Series that year.</p>
<p>As I look at the current state of each team, it is not inconceivable that a moment like 1980 could be a close horizon for the beleaguered Philadelphia fan.</p>
<p>Philadelphia Phillies - Winning the National League East Division last year gave the Phillies their first taste of October baseball in 13 years.  A disappointing three game sweep in the first round, however, left a somber feeling for the Phillies fans.  The Phillies returned to 2008 with anticipation of regaining the faithful fans and responded with a second division title.  With MVP caliber players like Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins, the offense has the firepower to catapult them into a World Series.  But perhaps the biggest difference this year has been the play of their bull pen.  With a league leading ERA combined with Brad Lidge, the best closer in baseball, the Phillies are going to be hard to beat.</p>
<p>Philadelphia Eagles - 2007 was a year of bewilderment for the Eagles.  Donovan McNabb began the season still nursing an injury.  Special teams blunders, mostly caused by personnel mishaps by Andy Reid, sank the Eagles into an early hole from which they never recovered.  With off-season moves and a rehabilitated quarterback, the Eagles once again look like an NFL powerhouse.  In their first three games of the season, the offense proved they can put the ball in the end zone, even from inside the red zone.  The redesigned defense has allowed a touchdown in only one of those three games.  Although the NFC East division looks to be the toughest in the NFL, the Eagles should still be able to wrap up a playoff spot and make a run to play through January.</p>
<p>Philadelphia Flyers - &amp;ldquo;Hungry for More&amp;rdquo; is not just the slogan for this year's Flyers team, but the feeling of the Flyers fans.  No Philadelphia fan has been more loyal or more rewarded with success than Flyers fans.  Although only two Stanley Cup championships sit in their trophy case, The Flyers have been an elite team in the NHL for many of their 41 years in the league.  Every so often, though, a season like the 2006-2007 season plagues them.  With off-season moves by new GM Paul Holmgren, the Flyers rebirth was quick and painful (for the other teams around the league, that is.)  With rising young stars like new captain Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, this team seems to have finally learned that toughness must be matched by team speed to be successful in today's NHL.  A healthy Simone Gagne also returns for the Flyers, who should give them a goal scoring punch that should make the Flyers one of the best scoring teams in the league.  Another trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, and hopefully beyond, is certainly within their reach.</p>
<p>Philadelphia 76ers - It was a difficult decision to trade one of the most exciting players in Sixers history; speaking of Allen Iverson.  Although a tremendous athlete with great skill and offensive ability, the trade of Iverson brought team unity and a chance to showcase some new talent.  It resulted in a second half season that gave the fans something to cheer about.  As they rose in the standings, they also gained considerable respect for a team that can defend as well as run the floor in transition offense.  The off-season acquisition of superstar Elton Brand should give the Sixers the necessary veteran power forward who can make a difference on the court that will translate into wins in the standings.  With a weak Eastern Conference, the Sixers have positioned themselves to be an elite team with potential to go deep into the playoffs.</p>
<p>As we play out these seasons, our Philadelphia sports heroes can once again make the Philadelphia fans feel proud to be in the best sports city in the US.  And perhaps - just maybe - the fans will get to show their appreciation by lining Broad Street for one of the biggest parades in Professional sports history, regardless of which team gives them that long awaited championship.  Do you remember &amp;ldquo;The City of Champions&amp;rdquo; Philadelphia?</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FSports%2FPhiladelphia-Sports-Teams-Rising-to-the-Top.277153"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FSports%2FPhiladelphia-Sports-Teams-Rising-to-the-Top.277153" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:37:51 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>WWE Judgment Day 2008 Results</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Wrestling/WWE-Judgment-Day-2008-Results.268807</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<h3>John Cena vs JBL</h3>
<p>The audience didn't really seem to care about this match, that brought the ratings down. The match wasn't bad, bust it wasn't that great either. Another things was that John Cena got the expected win!</p>
<h3>Ratings: 6/10&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Winner:John Cena</h3>
<p>(WWE Tag team championship match) John Morrison &amp;amp; the Miz vs CM Punk &amp;amp; Kane</p>
<p>No one was really excited for this match either, again that also hurt the overall rating of the match. But the match was very solid. John Morrison, and Cm Punk got to work in the ring for the majority of the match, and Cm Punk also got to show alot of things he can do in the ring! As expected John Morrison and The Miz pick the win to retain the titles.</p>
<h3>Ratings: 7/10&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Winner: John Morrison &amp;amp; the Miz</h3>
<p>Chris Jericho vs Shawn Michaels</p>
<p>The match was simply excellent, the audience was into it, great ring psychology and storytelling. Well that's what you get when you let two of the best ring generals in the entire business, go at it. At the end Chris Jericho extend his hand for a handshake! This match would definitely have to be a candidate, for match of the year!</p>
<h3>Ratings: 10/10&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Winner: Shawn Michaels&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;</h3>
<p>(WWE Women's Championship) Beth Phoenix vs Mickie James vs Melina Perez</p>
<p>The match was actually prety good. That's not that big of a surprise, since the divas placed into this match actually know how to wrestle!</p>
<h3>Ratings: 7/10&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Winner: Mickie James</h3>
<p>(World Heavyweight Championship Match) The Undertaker vs Edge</p>
<p>Pretty good match, the ratings would've been way higher if the hadn't been facing off each other in duplicate rematches, for the third month in a row. Also, at the end when Vickie announced that the world title is still vacant, was quite disappointing cause that means the feud still continues. I think the fans, and me personally have had a enough of this! On top of that they don't even change it up a bit. I mean they've been facing each other in the exact same matches since Wrestlemania!</p>
<p>Ratings: 5/10&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Winner: No one</p>
<p>Jeff Hardy vs MVP</p>
<p>They spent about 5 minutes building this match up. The match was actually really good. It's kind odd that they accomplished more in these few minutes, than MVP, and Matt Hardy could in 3 weeks! As expected Jeff Hardy picks up the clean win!</p>
<p>Ratings: 8/10&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Winner: Jeff Hardy</p>
<p>(WWE Heavyweight Championship Match) Triple H vs Randy Orton</p>
<p>They match was decent! This match would've been awesome for the main event of Raw, but not to headline a payperview! The match needed to be alot better, and creative. I mean your inside of a steel cage, how hard can it be? Triple H gets the predicted win. I also think that Shawn Michaels, and Chris Jericho should've been in the main event!</p>
<p>Ratings: 6/10&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Winner: Triple H</p>
<p>Final thoughts</p>
<p>Overall the show was alright. It just that the matches need to be alot better. As I said before,&amp;nbsp; all the matches were good. But almost none of them were payperview quality matches! Also, a couple of more segments would've helped!</p>
<p>Final rating: 7/10&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FWrestling%2FWWE-Judgment-Day-2008-Results.268807"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FWrestling%2FWWE-Judgment-Day-2008-Results.268807" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:46:08 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Formula One Championship Surprises Still to Come</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Racing/Formula-One-Championship-Surprises-Still-to-Come.230921</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>After a hard Grand Prix in the Big sun of Valence in Europe race men are getting ready for the Monza Tests. They are preparing hard for more tough Grand Prix to come. Mainly the Italian and Belgian ones.</p>
<p>We have noted that no huge points separates the Drivers in the Championship Rankings and this is increasing pressions from Team Managers and Directors. Everyone wants their Pilots at the top and mostly Bmw, Mclaren Mercedes and Ferrari. A big fight is going on and this for sure will keep a great show for Spectators and Fans.</p>
<p>Nevertheless we have to keep an eye on Teams like Renault, Honda and Toro Rosso, their pilots delivered unexpected results in many Grand Prix and will again show off their talents for the six oncoming Grand Prix. Pilots like Nelson Piquet, Sebastian Vettel, and Heikki Kovalainen do have a lots of talents and beyond all mountains of motivation, which will undoubtedly boost their performance. And a result of this will be a great challenge for leading drivers of the championship. They will have to fight to keep their ranks and their teams too are doing so for.</p>
<p>This week in Italy will preview all the preparations there are doing to stay in the competion, Bmw, Mclaren Mercedes and Ferrari are due to start on Wednesday this week. Veteran Drivers will be testing and Engineers too will be working hard on fine tunings to be at the top of their performance.</p>
<p>One thing for sure is that this year we cannot say who will be the winner as a strong fight is going on and the competition is fierce, both in the paddock and on the track. Let&amp;rsquo;s keep our eye open as the Unexpected is still to come.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FRacing%2FFormula-One-Championship-Surprises-Still-to-Come.230921"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FRacing%2FFormula-One-Championship-Surprises-Still-to-Come.230921" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:09:43 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>The Five Coolest WWE Titles and What You Didn't Know About Them</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Wrestling/The-Five-Coolest-WWE-Titles-and-What-You-Didnt-Know-About-Them.198461</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/sportales/2008/08/06/253467_1.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/graphics/WWFIC.jpg" target="_blank">image source</a><br /><br />The Intercontinental Championship has been held many times and Chris Jericho has held it a record of 8 separate occasions. This title has been around in Wwf. The title's creation came as a result of Patterson defeating Ted DiBiase to win the WWF North American Heavyweight Championship and defending the title in a tournament to be unified with a South American Heavyweight Championship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The title later became known as the WWF Intercontinental Championship.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/sportales/2008/08/06/253467_2.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.ecw-zone.de/mediac/400_0/media/ECW-WORLD.jpeg" target="_blank">image source</a></p>
<p>The ECW World Heavyweight Championship was in the original ECW. Sabu won this title in a barbed wire match where he ripped his bicep open. This title has some violent history. This was the original ECW title and it was active until April 11, 2001 when ECW shut down and Wwe bought its Assets. It was revived in June 2006 when ECW became a third brand for Wwe.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/sportales/2008/08/06/253467_3.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://sekaiedge.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/worldheavyweightchampionship2.jpg" target="_blank">image source</a></p>
<p>The World Heavyweight championship has been held by people such as Batista Triple H and the legendary Ric Flair. The title was introduced in 2002 by Eric Bischoff because Raw had no World Title he handed it to Triple H because he was the last superstar to have the Wwe Undisputed championship which was currently held by Brock Lesnar</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/sportales/2008/08/06/253467_4.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/graphics/wweus1.gif" target="_blank">image source</a></p>
<p>The Us Title has been held by many people such as MVP and Shelton Benjamin and this title has been around since Wwf. The title was originally called the WCW United states title but during SummerSlam 2001 Edge won the intercontinental title while he had the U.S Title causing it to be inactive. It was reactivated as the Wwe United States Championship by Stephanie McMahon on Smackdown.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/sportales/2008/08/06/253467_5.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/vi/vivid-imaginations-wwe-title-belts--championship-spinning-belt.jpg" target="_blank">image source</a></p>
<p>The Wwe championship is the richest prize in this business and this title design was made by John Cena. The title was the first Title in the Wwf and it became the Wwe title after the name change. The title was unified after the Wcw Invasion</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FWrestling%2FThe-Five-Coolest-WWE-Titles-and-What-You-Didnt-Know-About-Them.198461"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FWrestling%2FThe-Five-Coolest-WWE-Titles-and-What-You-Didnt-Know-About-Them.198461" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:36:47 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Why the Rivalry is Dead</title>
<link>http://www.sportales.com/Basketball/Why-the-Rivalry-is-Dead.137712</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>If you've been paying any attention to the NBA finals, you've probably noticed the constant barrage of throwback video clips, montages, and sound bites that have attempted to rekindle the fire between the Celtics and the Lakers. The rivalry that existed between the two franchises in the 60's and 80's is undeniably one of the most storied tales in NBA folklore history. However, the match up that exists today between the 2008 Lakers and Celtics is a much different story.</p>
 
<p>Last season, the Celtics were one of the laughing stocks of the NBA, finishing the season with a 24-58 record. The Lakers, though not nearly as bad as their counterparts, were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round. So it is not surprising that literally no one predicated the two teams to meet up in this season's final. When the smoke cleared and LA and Boston had battled their way through, it was a dream come true for the NBA's publicists. The sad reality is much of the history between the two teams is lost on today's generation of fans. That is not a slight against the fans but simply the fact that the average viewer just isn't old enough to have been exposed to the drama and excitement of the past. And for the ones that are, many have become disenchanted with the game.</p>
<p>The softer style of play and greater emphasis on individual talent instead of team strength has caused many viewers to tune out. The recent allegations by disgraced referee Tim Donaghy, that the NBA has fixed games in the past, are certainly not helping anyone either. As wonderful as it seems to have the Lakers and Celtics facing each other again in the finals, the route that has been taken to promote it is not the right one. The real story is how two mediocre teams were able to pull themselves out of the gutter and have miraculous turn around seasons. By focusing on this aspect of the finals, instead of the stories of the past, would not only be more interesting to the average fan, but also encouraging to those who support the teams that struggled this past season. To know that a lowly franchise, such as the Celtics, can pull a 180 and make it to the finals is inspiring to any fan.</p>
 
<p>Neither team would have made it to this far without their respective star players. The Celtics have the "Big 3" to thank and the Lakers have Kobe and the Memphis Grizzlies to thank. It becomes insulting to these players to have their accomplishments minimalized in an attempt to resurrect the past. Today's viewers are not going to retell stories to their children of how the Lakers and Celtics of 2008 were like the Lakers and Celtics of the 1980's. They are going to talk about the dominance of Kobe Bryant and the togetherness of the Allen, Pierce, and Garnett. These are the stories that should be focused on and these are the reasons the teams are still playing this far into the season. The NBA needs to embrace the new generation and stop trying to compare today's stars with the stars of the past. To let the Celtics and Lakers make their own history is to let a new rivalry be born.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FBasketball%2FWhy-the-Rivalry-is-Dead.137712"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportales.com%2FBasketball%2FWhy-the-Rivalry-is-Dead.137712" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:30:37 PST</pubDate></item>
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