Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Thursday Edition

It’s been two weeks since I set out to do a Tiger-free blog. Two weeks since I said enough was enough. It was time to turn our attentions to something else. Yet today, I survey the sporting landscape and see there are a whole new crop of Tiger stories dominating the headlines.



Other than the facts of Tiger being named athlete of the decade (an award he definitely deserves, based on the coverage he’s received alone; though I do agree there should have been at least one woman on the ballot) and his inevitable divorce, I can do without all the speculation. Thus, no Tiger links will appear below.

First, the New York Post’s Mike Vaccaro calls on Mets fans to snap out of their purported dreamlike state when thinking about Jason Bay.

Next, an Associated Press report reveals that Pepsi, a mainstay of Super Bowl advertising for the past many years, will not take part on the big game day this year.

Moving on, speaking of a football staple (like it or not) from years gone by, boom, here’s an update on the one and only John Madden.

Madden may have diminished in volume and presence recently, but Charles Barkley is going in the other direction. Make sure to read this and to catch him on what is sure to be captivating TV.

Here’s a feel-good story on one of my favorite athletes who doesn’t need a commanding platform to make an impact.

Finally, RIP Chris Henry. Cincinnati blogger Chick Ludwig remembers the troubled and talented Bengal.

Sam Miller/Free Keon