Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

It’s Thursday, and of course that means Slammin’ Sam’s Links.

We start with a goodbye, followed by a hello.

Goodbye LT. LaDainian Tomlinson ranks eighth all-time in rushing yards and second in career rushing touchdowns. Not to mention he’s one of my favorites. Here’s hoping for a rebirth for No. 21.

Hello to Marlon Byrd. Most view him as Milton Bradley’s replacement with the Cubs, but don’t let Byrd hear disparaging words about his former Rangers teammate.

Staying in the Windy City, at least one Blackhawks player appears bound to receive a hero’s welcome after the Olympics.

As for the man who shot the Hawks’ Patrick Kane and his teammates past Switzerland on Wednesday, props to Zach Parise.

Last, boos for Jay McGwire. Predictably, he wants to capitalize on his brother’s re-entry into the spotlight.

Thanks for spending part of your Thursday here at Free Keon.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

Good afternoon, fellow winter perseverers, (Note, if you are in a warm climate, please refrain from gloating. Thank you)

A lot of people are tired of this wintry stuff and wish it would go away. No doubt Tar Heels coach Roy Williams wishes his postgame comments would vanish too. The Heels have had a miserable season, but upon further review, there might just be bigger problems out there. I linked to the Huffington Post blog post here in case the clip is removed. Play it and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Golfer Sergio Garcia, on the other hand, is hopeful that his troubles are behind him. Remember, Phil Mickelson isn’t the only golfer out there with loads of talent, sans Tiger.

Here’s an interesting look at the ongoing issue of football concussions.

One day before the Opening Ceremonies, Bill Plaschke examines the hot button, scratch that, lightening rod that is Lindsey Vonn. If the name doesn’t ring a bell immediately, the story will.

Last, Brian Gomez, shares the story of the Team USA flag bearer.

Thanks for making Free Keon and the Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media Links Edition part of your Thursday!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

Things are getting dicey here at Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media today!

First, forget being weary. Teams ranked No. 1 in college basketball are not looking so hot atop the hoops’ landscape. Villanova, watch out. Opportunity is at the door, thanks to your fine play. If the Wildcats sit in the prime position next, they better be wary.

Meanwhile, Lexington’s paper on the scene examines the regrouping process for the other Cats and the nation’s prior No. 1 team.

Now that the golf scene starring Tiger Woods is on hold, Phil Mickelson is the sport’s brightest star. What will Lefty do under the beams?

Speaking of golf, blogging hub Technorati bestowed a Top 100 golf badge on Free Keon. Many thanks to FK’s Steve in particular for his faithful posts on this beat. By the way, if you want to see more golf coverage or anything else on the site, let us know.

I digress. Carrying on with golf, LA Times columnist Bill Dwyre wrote a links piece on whom else, but John Wooden? Reading about the “Wizard of Westwood” never gets old.

Finally, our Olympics link update puts IOC President Jacques Rogge on the spot. Wouldn’t want to be in his spot, either.

Thanks for spending part of your Thursday at Free Keon!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Back to School with Bill Russell and K.C. Jones

It’s amazing what you can find at the library. You know, that place that most college students would only darken the night before an exam? Well, I did some exploring and came up with a real humdinger – “The Dandy Dons” by James W. Johnson.

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

Hey Everybody, it’s that time again. Tonight is the latest chapter in the Kobe-LeBron rivalry, and The Plain Dealer has an early look for comparison sake.

Batting second in today’s order, a more localized update on Gordon Beckham’s adjustment to playing second base for the White Sox.

Continuing with a couple of ongoing subjects, here is an Olympic story on skater Sasha Cohen.

Rounding out the lineup card is a pair of sports stories on those affected by Haiti.

Thanks for making the Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media Links Edition part of your day!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Slammin' Sam Links Edition

“Should I stay or should I go now?” Lane Kiffin made his decision. The Internet blogosphere is not so sure it wants to let go of this topic.

On the day Kiffin was officially introduced (not that an introduction was necessary), the LA Times’ T.J. Simers buckled up and is ready for wherever the Kiffin mobile takes him.

Those left in the lurch in Tennessee are looking ahead, not blaming their former coach.

One obvious bright spot not too far from Rocky Top is Titans honoree Chris Johnson. Though take this as a warning: Johnson’s Offensive Player of the Year honors may be the iceberg, not the tip of the frozen body. Gary Estwick from The Tennessean has that story.

Fourth, Olympic stories are starting to come in, less than a month before Vancouver takes center stage. Here’s one on figure skaters who are both roommates and rivals.

Last, a sporting angle on the Haitian tragedy.

Sam Miller/Free Keon