FanIQ Blog http://FanIQ.com/blog.php FanIQ Blog en-us Fri, 3 Jul 2009 23:24:07 EDT Hedo Turkoglu is signing with the Toronto Raptors after rejecting the Portland Trail Blzaers http://FanIQ.com/article/Hedo-Turkoglu-is-signing-with-the-Toronto-Raptors-after-rejecting-the-Portland-Trail-Blzaers-1734094 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:51:39 EDT
Turkoglu had agreed on a five-year, $50 million deal with the Blazers, but changed his mind and could be headed for a five-year, $56 million deal with the Raptors. Toronto would have to renounce three free agents - Shawn Marion, Carlos Delfino and Anthony Parker - so maybe this happens, and maybe it doesn't.

But right now, Turkoglu appears to be headed to Toronto.
Source: sports.yahoo.com]]> Hedo Turkoglu will not sign with the Portland Trail Blazers, despite reports that he would http://FanIQ.com/article/Hedo-Turkoglu-will-not-sign-with-the-Portland-Trail-Blazers-despite-reports-that-he-would-1733978 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:24:57 EDT
My guess is that they didn't offer him the $10 million per year he wanted.
Source: blog.oregonlive.com]]> Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One chief, says Hitler got things done. Ok then. http://FanIQ.com/article/Bernie-Ecclestone-Formula-One-chief-says-Hitler-got-things-done-Ok-then-1733976 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:13:21 EDT
This of course comes on the heels of Ecclestone's friend Max Mosley - who is the president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) - getting caught last year in a sadomasochistic sex scandal where he had hookers dress up as Nazi SS officers. Oh, and Mosley is the son of Oswald Mosley, the former leader of the British Union of Fascists.

So, uh, anyone else a bit frightened by all of this? I sure as hell am.
Source: www.timesonline.co.uk]]> Top 10 quarterback controversies in 2009 http://FanIQ.com/article/Top-10-quarterback-controversies-in-2009--1733968 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:53:05 EDT
1. Detroit. Matthew Stafford vs. Daunte Culpepper.
Solution: Start Culpepper and wait until 2010 for Stafford.
(I agree with this one. Maybe start Stafford when the team is 0-10)

2. Minnesota. Sage Rosenfels vs. Tarvaris Jackson.
Solution: Sign Brett Favre and hope you win a playoff game.
(Regrettably, I completely agree with this)

3. New York Jets. Kellen Clemens vs. Mark Sanchez.
Solution: Start Sanchez and hope the defense wins at least three games.
(Sure, whatever)

4. Oakland. JaMarcus Russell vs. Jeff Garcia.
The solution: Start Garcia. That's why you signed him.
(Disagree. You paid a king's ransom for Russell. At least let him start half the season.)

5. Tampa Bay. Byron Leftwich vs. Josh Freeman vs. Luke McCown vs. Somebody else.
The solution: Leftwich is the man, but if he struggles, give Freeman some starts late in the year.
(This team is screwed)

6. San Francisco. Shaun Hill vs. Alex Smith.
The solution: Smith is more talented than Hill. It will show come training camp. Expect Smith to start.
(Why are there idiots out there who still say Smith has talent? I'm a Niners fan. He has no talent. None. He sucks. If Hill doesn't start, we'll burn 'Frisco to the ground)

7. Denver. Kyle Orton vs. Chris Simms.
The solution: McDaniels will start Orton, but Simms will finish the year as No. 1 on the depth chart.
(Neither Orton or Simms is the starter at the end of the year. The neck beard is.)

8. Cleveland. Brady Quinn vs. Derek Anderson.
The solution: Quinn is more athletic and has a stronger arm but his inexperience will hurt if they need him to win games.
(Your solution is not a solution at all. I also hate Brady Quinn. My solution: Trade Quinn to the UFL.)

9. Arizona. Kurt Warner vs. Matt Leinart.
The solution: Warner is the guy, even if he struggles. But if the Cardinals fail to reach the playoffs, we wonder if Leinart becomes the man in 2010.
(Agreed, except for the fact that Leinart will never be the man. He sucks.)

10. Miami. Chad Pennington vs. Chad Henne.
The solution: If it turns south in South Beach, move Henne in. But for now, it's Chad's job.
(Agreed)

Source: nfl.fanhouse.com]]> Michael Owen signs with Manchester United http://FanIQ.com/article/Michael-Owen-signs-with-Manchester-United-1733966 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:28:51 EDT
Owen had been without a club following the expiration of his contract with Newcastle United (which got relegated this last season) and it appeared only Stoke City and Hull City were interested in offering him a contract.

But now he's with the world's most recognized club, with an incentive-laden deal. It'll be interesting to see how much he plays, and what exactly he can do.
Source: soccernet.espn.go.com]]> Golden State Warriors expected to be up for sale in the near future http://FanIQ.com/article/Golden-State-Warriors-expected-to-be-up-for-sale-in-the-near-future-1733962 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:16:42 EDT Warriors owner Chris Cohan is believed to be seriously considering selling his 80% stake in the franchise in the next year or two, according to the sources. (He took control of the franchise in January 1995.)

In fact, one knowledgeable source said it’s “highly likely” that Cohan will sell most or all of his controlling interest in the team, possibly pulling back only if the current recession unexpectedly continues through 2011 and Cohan can’t get the price he wants.

Warriors fans are not exactly fond of Cohan, who's only gotten the team to one playoff appearance in 14 years. So needless to say, this would be a bigger move than possibly trading for Amar'e Stoudemire.


Source: blogs.mercurynews.com]]> Joe Mauer loves rap music, records his own rap songs http://FanIQ.com/article/Joe-Mauer-loves-rap-music-records-his-own-rap-songs-1733530 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:29:01 EDT
Apparently Twins star Joe Mauer loves rap music. I mean REALLY loves rap music. So much that he apparently has his own studio where he drops mad beats.

“I’ve heard he buries himself in the studio. But never heard the finished product with my own ears. Looking at him right now, I’m guessing it’s a cross between Vanilla Ice and Cypress Hill.”

I'm thinking more like Snow crossed with Vanilla Ice.
Source: sports.yahoo.com]]> Andy Roddick Versus Roger Federer Headlines the Weekend [Weekend TV Schedule] http://FanIQ.com/blog/Andy-Roddick-Versus-Roger-Federer-Headlines-the-Weekend-Weekend-TV-Schedule-Blog-26414 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:12:00 EDT It's really not a great weekend of sports. Just some baseball and NASCAR to go along with Wimbledon. The women's final isn't really all that interesting to me, since it's Venus vs. Serena, which I've only seen happen about 7 or 8 times before. And as for the men's final, don't even get me started. The only way Roddick will beat Federer is if Federer gets run over by a bus on his way to the stadium. And even then, Roger would probably still win. I mean, Federer absolutely OWNS Roddick. Roddick's like 2-153 all-time versus Federer. The one bonus is that at least the camera will probably spend a lot of time focusing on Roddick's smoking hot wife, SI swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker.

SATURDAY, JULY 4

Beach volleyball: AVP Crocs Tour, Lumber Liquidators Coney Island Open, in New York, NBC, 4:30

Cycling: Tour de France, Stage 1, in Monaco, Versus, 9:30 a.m. (live), 2:30 (same-day tape), 8 (same-day tape)

Golf: PGA European Tour, Open de FranceALSTOM, third round, Golf Channel, 8 a.m. PGA Tour, AT&T National, third round, Golf Channel, 1; CBS, 3. LPGA, Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic, third round, ESPN2, 3

Major League Baseball: Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs, WGN, 1. New York Mets at Philadelphia, Detroit at Minnesota or Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego, Fox, 4

Major League Soccer: D.C. United at Columbus, ESPN2, 7

Motor sports: Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, Brumos Porsche 250, in Daytona Beach, Fla., Speed, 2. Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championship, in Buchanan, Mich., NBC, 3:30. NASCAR Sprint Cup, Coke Zero 400, TNT, 8

Rugby: Canada vs. USA, World Cup qualifier, in Charleston, S.C., ESPN, 4

Tennis: Wimbledon, women's final, NBC, 9 a.m. (live and same-day tape)

***

SUNDAY, JULY 5

Beach volleyball: AVP Crocs Tour, Lumber Liquidators Coney Island Open, NBC, 4:30

Cycling: Tour de France, Stage 2, Monaco to Brignoles, France, Versus, 8:30 a.m. (live), noon (same-day tape), 8 (same-day tape)

Golf: PGA European Tour, Open de France ALSTOM, final round, Golf Channel, 8 a.m. PGA Tour, AT&T National, final round, Golf Channel, 1; CBS, 3. LPGA, Jamie Farr Classic, final round, ESPN2, 4

Major League Baseball: All-Star Game selection show, in Atlanta, TBS, 1. Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs, TBS, 2. Chicago White Sox at Kansas City, WGN, 2. Tampa Bay at Texas, ESPN, 8

Motor sports: IRL IndyCar Series, Camping World Grand Prix, in Watkins Glen, N.Y., ABC, 1. MotoGP World Championship, Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, in Salinas, Calif., Fox, 5 (same-day tape). AMA Pro Racing, Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, in Salinas, Speed, midnight (same-day tape)

Tennis: Wimbledon, men's final, NBC, 9 a.m. (live and same-day tape)

]]> Speed TV holds Special Event to Annouce First Hall Of Fame Nominees http://FanIQ.com/blog/Speed-TV-holds-Special-Event-to-Annouce-First-Hall-Of-Fame-Nominees-Blog-26376 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:52:00 EDT

Last night, the Nascar Hall Of Fame announced on the Speed channel it's first set of 25 nominees. Featured among the list are drivers, owners and Nascar Executives. To be eligible, former drivers must have competed 10 years in NASCAR and be retired from racing for a minimum of three years. Non-drivers must have worked at least 10 years in the industry. (Potential candidates with shorter careers may be considered if there are special circumstances.) The HOF’s first inductees will be determined by the Voting Panel, which has 50 members – the entire Nominating Committee, 14 media members, four manufacturer representatives, nine retired competitors (drivers, owners, crew chiefs – three each) and two recognized industry leaders. the 51st ballot will be a fan vote. The Hall Of Fame Web-page can be visited here www.nascarhall.com/

Also if you missed last night's special on Speed TV showcasing the nominees video clips can be seen here www.speedtv.com/video/popup/

Benny Parsons


William C France Jr
 

William HG France


Bobby Allison
 

Buck Baker


Bud Moore
 

Cale Yarborough
  

Curtis Turner


Dale Earnhardt Sr
 

Darrell Waltripp



David Pearson


 Glenn "Fireball" Roberts


Glen Wood



Herb Thomas

 
Junior Johnson


Lee Petty
 


Ned Jarrett


Raymond Parks
 

Red Byron


Rex White
 

Richard Childress


Richard Petty
 

Richie Evans


Rick Hendrick
 

Joe Weatherly

]]> 2006 Tour de France Preview http://FanIQ.com/article/2006-Tour-de-France-Preview-1733504 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:03:24 EDT The Tour de Lance (er France) kicks off tomorrow in Monaco, and courtesy of our friends at Gunaxin, we bring you a preview of the world's greatest cycling event. We know Lance Armstrong is making his return this year after four years off, and one of the big stories will be whether he remains content to serve as a support rider for Alberto Contador.

There will be plenty of Lance stories to go around, so we thought it appropriate to highlight some of the other riders, including Lance's team mate, Contador. If you can't get enough Lance, you can always see what's up on his Twitter account, along with 1,253,408 other people. 

What's your take on the Tour this year? Who do you like to win? What's your over/under on drug scandals during the event?


Source: www.gunaxin.com]]> Allen Iverson tells Memphis Grizzlies he would like to play for them http://FanIQ.com/article/Allen-Iverson-tells-Memphis-Grizzlies-he-would-like-to-play-for-them-1733482 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:00:12 EDT
It is unknown what amount of money Iverson is seeking or what the Grizzlies would be willing to pay.

This would just be weird beyond belief to Iverson in Memphis, but the truth is, his unwillingness to come off the bench in Detroit, combined with the fact that he really isn't anywhere near as good as he used to be, likely means he's pretty desperate to sign anywhere. We'll see what the Grizzlies do.
Source: www.commercialappeal.com]]> Phil Jackson will return to coach the Los Angeles Lakers http://FanIQ.com/article/Phil-Jackson-will-return-to-coach-the-Los-Angeles-Lakers-1733454 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:35:09 EDT
Naturally, getting Artest into the mix I'm sure helped Phil decide to come back, but I think we all knew he was coming back no matter what.
Source: sports.yahoo.com]]> Brett Favre is overrated http://FanIQ.com/article/Brett-Favre-is-overrated-1733396 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:02:05 EDT Source: www.cbssports.com]]> Hedo Turkoglu agrees to contract in principle with the Portland Trail Blazers http://FanIQ.com/article/Hedo-Turkoglu-agrees-to-contract-in-principle-with-the-Portland-Trail-Blazers-1733398 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:54:23 EDT
Turkoglu has reached an agreement in principle to become a Portland Trail Blazer, according to sources.

Although a verbal commitment may be announced sooner, the terms of the contract cannot be finalized until Wednesday, after the NBA informs teams what next year's salary cap will be.

Gotta say, the Blazers were a lot of fun to watch this last season, and the addition of Turkoglu makes this team even better. I wouldn't be surprised to see them get past the first round of the playoffs this next year.


Source: sports.espn.go.com]]> Rasheed Wallace offered contract by the Boston Celtics http://FanIQ.com/article/Rasheed-Wallace-offered-contract-by-the-Boston-Celtics-1733394 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:48:49 EDT
Could we see an upgraded Lakers/Celtics rematch in in 2010? Sure looks good to me.
Source: sports.yahoo.com]]> Jeremy Mayfield situation brings questions to NASCAR's zero tolerance drug policy http://FanIQ.com/article/Jeremy-Mayfield-situation-brings-questions-to-NASCARs-zero-tolerance-drug-policy-1733392 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:41:29 EDT
I think Jenna is one of the most knowledgeable and unbiased NASCAR reporters out there, by far.  She is able to look at a story from all perspectives and analyze the situation completely.

I have to admit, she has presented the situation from a different point of view, and it's a little scary. And unfortunately, it has caused confusion among the ranks.  Mark Martin says,  “Either Jeremy or NASCAR is wrong, and I don’t know which one, but whichever one is wrong is really hurting the other.”

Jeremy could be back on the track this week, but for the timing of the Judge's decision.   He couldn't get sponsorship or an alternate ride together in time. 

NASCAR has no plans to appeal, as of the writing of the article, but that could change. 

Has David taken down Goliath?  Only time will tell.
Source: sports.yahoo.com]]> Andy Roddick beat Andy Murray, will face Roger Federer in Wimbledon Final http://FanIQ.com/article/Andy-Roddick-beat-Andy-Murray-will-face-Roger-Federer-in-Wimbledon-Final-1733276 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:56:49 EDT lose to play Roger Federer in the Wimbledon Final for the 3rd time in 6 years, after beating Andy Murray 6-4, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6 in their semifinal match.
Source: sport.stv.tv]]> MLB expanding All Star rosters to include 33 players for each league http://FanIQ.com/article/MLB-expanding-All-Star-rosters-to-include-33-players-for-each-league-1733274 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:35:47 EDT Source: mlb.mlb.com]]> Scott Boras is threatening to send Stephen Strasburg to Japan if the Nationals don't sign him http://FanIQ.com/article/Scott-Boras-is-threatening-to-send-Stephen-Strasburg-to-Japan-if-the-Nationals-dont-sign-him-1733242 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:54:19 EDT
Keep in mind that other #1 draft picks have never gotten contracts over $10.5M. This is beyond ridiculous, especially with a team like the Nationals, who aren't known for their big spending.
Source: www.washingtonpost.com]]> Roger Federer beats Tommy Haas 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 6-3 to advance to Wimbledon final http://FanIQ.com/article/Roger-Federer-beats-Tommy-Haas-76-73-75-63-to-advance-to-Wimbledon-final-1733240 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:14:25 EDT 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 6-3 in his semifinal match.

Federer is thought by many to be the greatest player of all time. Although the absence of Rafael Nadal takes a little of the luster away from this one, a win in the final could still cement his case.

Federer will play the winner of the other semifinal match between Andy Roddick and Andy Murray.
Source: www.sportsnetwork.com]]>