The top five Champions League finals I've seen

"We were sitting in the dressing room and we could clearly hear thousands of fans singing You'll Never Walk Alone. Can you imagine how that felt? We were 3-0 down in the Champions League final and all we could hear were 45,000 people letting us know they still believed in us. We knew they had endured a long journey and made so many sacrifices to be there. It was at that point we started to believe too." -- Liverpool's Luis Garcia, on what inspired his team's amazing comeback in the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul.

While England won't be participating in this year's Euro 2008 festivities in Austria and Switzerland, at least it gets an all-English Champions League final to cheer for when Chelsea FC and Manchester United FC take to the pitch at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on May 21.

For the stat fan in all of us, this will only be the third time in the Champions League's 50 or so year history (it was previously known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup, which was often abbreviated to European Cup) that clubs from the same country have met in the finale. The other two times? Well, those happened ever so recently ... twice in the last eight years, in fact. In 2003, AC Milan beat Juventus FC in an all-Italian finale, and three years before that Real Madrid CF bested Valencia CF in an all-Spanish finale.

In honor (honour?), of this momentous occasion, here are the top five Champions League finals I've seen (going all the way back to 2002ish) ...

5. AC Milan 2-1 over Liverpool, 2007 -- AC Milan got a measure of revenge for that epic collapse in the 2005 Champions League final.

4. Real Madrid 2-1 over Bayer Leverkusen Fußball-bund, 2002 -- I remember this game only because it was played about a month before the first World Cup I can remember actually being excited to watch. It also marked the last time a German Bundesliga team played in the UEFA Champions League finale.

3. Barcelona 2-1 over Arsenal, 2006 -- Barca won, despite getting no goals from Ronaldinho, a precursor of things to come for the Brazilian in that year's World Cup.

2. AC Milan 0-0 (3-2 pen.) over Juventus, 2003 -- Watched this game from the Cock N Bull Pub in beautiful Santa Monica, Calif. Just happened to have off of work that day. It was cool drinking Guinness at 11 a.m.

1. Liverpool 3-3 (3-2 pen.) over AC Milan, 2005 -- Greatest Champions League final ever ... and to argue with a guy who's only seen a few of the 50 or so Champions League finals would be foolhardy.

Your first place (Devil) Rays

"The only thing that keeps this organization from being recognized as one of the finest in baseball is wins and losses at the major-league level." -- former Devil Rays GM Chuck LaMar in 2005.


Tonight, the Baltimore Orioles host the Tampa Bay (formely the Devil) Rays in a base-ball game at venerable Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

It should be noted that this is the latest in the season in recent memory that either team has played in a game that mattered.

Many have joked that the Rays' current six-game winning ride has to be the longest in team history. This statement is usually appropriately followed with some LOLs.

However, let's set the record straight ... the longest winning streak in Tampa Bay Devil Rays/Rays franchise history is 12 games, and that magical march took place in June 2004. It should be noted, that monumental winning streak helped the Devil Rays reach a season-high two games over .500 on July 3 (40-38). This was a historic benchmark in the team's history.

So, this year's incarnation of the Rays is still only half way home to tying the franchise mark. Still, congratulations Rays, enjoy this brief moment of bliss of looking down at the Red Sox and Yankees in the AL East standings.

Today's daily baseball notes: Roger Clemens appears to be in some hot water. ... Coco Crisp remains a strong candidate to get moved in a trade. ... Cubs fans will have a new curse to blame for their team's losses on the ballfield. New Wrigley sensation Kosuke Fukudome is on the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated. SI goes as far as to suggest now might be the time for Cubs fans to start snatching up those World Series tickets. Fukudome won't be the first Japanese baseball import to appear on the cover of SI. Ichiro's made at least one appearance we can think of at the moment. ... Speaking of SI covers, here's Rollie Fingers wearing the classic Milwaukee Brewers threads in 1981. ... The Onion is reporting that the Yankees have buried Bernie Williams under their new stadium for good luck. ... So, Jason Taylor was on Dancing with the Stars doing a little ditty to the theme to Monday Night Football while sporting outfits in the colors of the Miami Dolphins. Which leads us to one question: What if Taylor had been traded during the draft to, say, the Cleveland Browns? ... University of Wisconsin-Whitewater running back Justin Beaver has been invited to try out for the Green Bay Packers at this weekend's minicamp. ... I just found a way to fit David Beckham under the salary cap for my Major League Soccer fantasy team.

Photos of cheerleaders, just because. Part I

My friend Eric said he liked this blog because there were photos of cheerleaders. Here are some more!

Why I like the Bundesliga ...

All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 16

Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.

The ultimate all-time mock draft marches on with pick No. 16 ...

Jerry Rice, WR, San Francisco 49ers (1985, Mississippi Valley State)


This is the ultimate no-brainer pick in the all-time ultimate mock draft. Rice owns virtually every significant pass receiving record and has a ridiculous list of career accomplishments, including 13 Pro Bowls, a Super Bowl MVP award, two offensive player of the year awards, being named to the NFL's 76th anniversary all-time team and being a member of both the 1980s and 1990s all-decade teams. When Rice set the record for touchdown receptions in one season with 22 in the strike-shortened 1987 season (since broken by Randy Moss, who had 23 scores in 2007), the next closest player -- Mike Quick -- had 11 touchdowns.

The one title that Rice does not possess is the Dancing with the Stars title that Emmitt Smith eventually won. In Season 2 of the series, Rice placed second in the dance competition with partner Anna Trebunskaya.

Other notable players selected at No. 16 include ...

Dan McGwire, QB, Seattle Seahawks (1991), who was selected seven spots ahead of Todd Marinovich and 17 spots ahead of future Hall of Famer Brett Favre.

Jim Richter, OG, Buffalo Bills (1980), who played on all four of the Buffalo Bills' Super Bowl teams.

Elmo Wright, WR, Kansas City Chiefs (1971), who is credited with being the father of the end zone dance.

Gene Washington, WR, San Francisco 49ers (1969), who was a four-time Pro Bowler and is now the director of football operations for the NFL.

Current NFL players selected at No. 16: Justin Harrell, DT, Green Bay Packers (2007, Tennessee); Jason Allen, CB, Miami Dolphins (2006, Tennessee); Travis Johnson, DT, Houston Texans (2005, Florida State); Shawn Andrews, OT, Philadelphia Eagles (2004, Arkansas); Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers (2003, USC); Santana Moss, WR, New York Jets (2001, Miami, Fla.); Julian Peterson, LB, San Francisco 49ers (2000, Michigan State); Jevon Kearse, DE, Tennessee Titans (1999, Florida).

All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 17

Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.

The ultimate all-time mock draft continues with pick No. 17 ...

Emmitt Smith, RB, Dallas Cowboys (1990, Florida)


One of the most complete players to ever play the position of running back, Smith was the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,400 or more yards in five consecutive seasons. His durability and knack for finding a running lane resulted in Smith becoming the NFL's all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards, breaking a record previously held by Walter Payton.

Smith's running lifted the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories, including an MVP effort in Super Bowl XXVIII.

Smith is also the only player in the ultimate all-time mock draft to have won Dancing with the Stars, teaming with professional dancer Cheryl Burke to take first in the competition in the fall of 2006. Smith was heralded for "making dancing look manly."


Other notable players selected at No. 17 include ...

Doug Williams, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1978), who made history when the Redskins won Super Bowl XXII.

Gene Upshaw, G, Oakland Raiders (1967, Texas A&M), who was the first player who played exclusively at guard to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Mel Renfro, DB, Dallas Cowboys (1964, Oregon), who played 14 seasons for the Cowboys, helping lead Dallas to four Super Bowl appearances, including two wins.

Current NFL players selected at No. 17: Jarvis Moss, DE, Denver Broncos (2007, Florida); Chad Greenway, LB, Minnesota Vikings (2006, Iowa); D.J. Williams, LB, Denver Broncos (2004, Miami, Fla.); Bryant Johnson, WR, Arizona Cardinals (2003, Penn State); Phillip Buchanon, CB, Oakland Raiders (2002, Miami, Fla.); Steve Hutchinson, OG, Seattle Seahawks (2001, Michigan); Sebastian Janikowski, K, Oakland Raiders (2000, Florida State); Damien Woody, C, New England Patriots (1999, Boston College); Brian Simmons, LB, Cincinnati Bengals (1998, North Carolina).

All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 18

Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.

The ultimate all-time mock draft continues with pick No. 18 ...

Paul Krause, S, Washington Redskins (1964, Iowa)


Talk about making an impact in your rookie season, Krause picked off 12 passes in his first season with the Redskins in 1964. When was the last time the NFL had a player intercept 12 or more passes? You have to go all the way back to 1980, when the Oakland Raiders' Lester Hayes picked off 13 passes.

That 1964 season propelled Krause to become the NFL's all-time leader with 81 interceptions, which were collected over the course of a 16-year NFL career. Krause was eventually traded to the Vikings, with whom he was the starting free safety on all four of the Vikings' Super Bowl teams. Krause was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

Other notable players selected at No. 18 include ...

Art Monk, WR, Washington Redskins (1980, Syracuse), who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.

Jim Hill, DB, San Diego Chargers (1968, Texas A&M-Kingsville), who is famous in the Los Angeles area for his sports reporting on CBS channel 2's Sports Central.

John Henry Johnson, FB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1953, Arizona State), who was a part of the 49ers' famed "Million Dollar Backfield" that also included Hall of Famers Hugh McElhenny, Y.A. Tittle and Joe Perry.

Frank "Bruiser" Kinard, T, Brooklyn Dodgers (1938, Mississippi), who weighed just 195 pounds, but packed enough of a punch to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.

Tuffy Leemans, B, New York Giants (1936, George Washington), who was a member of the NFL's very first draft class (in 1936), helped the Giants contend for the league title on an annual basis, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978.

Current NFL players selected at No. 18: Leon Hall, CB, Cincinnati Bengals (2007, Michigan); Bobby Carpenter, LB, Dallas Cowboys (2006, Ohio State); Erasmus James, DE, Minnesota Vikings (2005, Wisconsin); Will Smith, DE, New Orleans Saints (2004, Ohio State); Calvin Pace, DE, Arizona Cardinals (2003, Wake Forest); T.J. Duckett, RB, Atlanta Falcons (2002, Michigan State); Jeff Backus, OT, Detroit Lions (2001, Michigan); Chad Pennington, QB, New York Jets (2000, Marshall); Eddie Kennison, WR, St. Louis Rams (1996, LSU).

The long national nightmare that is the NBA playoffs is under way

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards tipped off the fun with Game 1 on Saturday. Game 2 is scheduled for next Thursday.

I have solid word from sources that the finals matchup will be: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers

All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 19

Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.

The pick is in, the envelope has been opened and the commissioner has the pick ...

Marvin Harrison, WR, Indianapolis Colts (1996, Syracuse)


Two current Hall of Famers were selected in the No. 20 spot in the draft (tight end John Mackey and defensive back Roger Wehrli), but "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" is going with a sure-fire future Hall of Famer, Marvin Harrison.

Harrison is quietly one of the greatest receivers of all time. Without ever spiking the ball, making a scene with the media or showing anybody up on national television, Harrison's low-key on-field demeanor is a rarity among elite wide receivers currently in the NFL.

En route to becoming the only receiver with four consecutive seasons with 100 or more receptions, Harrison set a single-season record for receptions with 143 in 2002, breaking the previous record (set by Herman Moore in 1995) by 20 catches. Harrison is an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, an eight-time All-Pro and finally earned that elusive Super Bowl ring after the 2006 season.

Other notable players selected at No. 19 include ...

Randall McDaniel, G, Minnesota Vikings (1988), who was a semifinalist for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.

Darryl Stingley, WR, New England Patriots (1973), whose career was cut short by a vicious hit in a preseason game by ...

Jack Tatum, DB, Oakland Raiders (1971), who once said, "I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault."

Roger Wehrli, DB, St. Louis Cardinals (1969, Missouri), who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007 and is also a member of the NFL's 1970s all-decade team.

John Mackey, TE, Baltimore Colts (1963, Syracuse), the Hall-of-Fame tight end's most famous reception came in Super Bowl V, when he caught a deflected pass from Johnny Unitas for a 75-yard touchdown, a Super Bowl record at the time.

Current NFL players selected at No. 19: Michael Griffin, S, Tennessee Titans (2007, Texas); Antonio Cromartie, CB, San Diego Chargers (2006, Florida State); Alex Barron, OT, St. Louis Rams (2005, Florida State); Vernon Carey, OT, Miami Dolphins (2004, Miami, Fla.); Kyle Boller, QB, Baltimore Ravens (2003, California); Ashley Lelie, WR, Denver Broncos (2002, Hawaii); Casey Hampton, NT, Pittsburgh Steelers (2001, Texas); Shaun Alexander, RB, Seattle Seahawks (2000, Alabama); Luke Petitgout, G, New York Giants (1999, Notre Dame); Vonnie Holliday, DE, Green Bay Packers (1998, North Carolina); Marvin Harrison, WR, Indianapolis Colts (1996, Syracuse); Todd Steussie, OT, Minnesota Vikings (1994, California).

All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 20

Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.

Hindsight is always 20/20, which is why it's going to be fun to present the greatest player ever selected in the No. 20 spot ...

Forrest Gregg, OT, Green Bay Packers (1956, SMU)

Now that we're creeping up the first round, the picks get tougher to make. This one at No. 20 featured two very talented Hall of Fame players in Forrest Gregg and Jack Youngblood.

Ultimately, given Gregg's resumé, he became the choice here. Gregg was a nine-time Pro Bowler, a nine-time All-Pro, and once played in a then-league record 188 consecutive games from 1956 until 1971. The greatest coach of all time, Vince Lombardi, claimed "Forrest Gregg is the finest player I ever coached!" in his book Run to Daylight. In addition, Gregg helped pave the way for the Packers to win five NFL championships, including two Super Bowls.

Youngblood, who we regrettably passed over on this selection, is famous for helping lead the Los Angeles Rams through the 1979 playoffs while playing on a broken leg.

Other notable players selected at No. 20 include ...

Steve Atwater, S, Denver Broncos (1989), who earned a reputation as one of the NFL's hardest-hitting safeties. His hit on the "Nigerian Nightmare," Christian Okoye, is the stuff of legend.

Will Wolford, OT, Buffalo Bills (1986), who was a three-time Pro Bowler and a member of three of the Bills' four consecutive AFC championship teams.

Jack Youngblood, DE, Los Angeles Rams (1971), whose career started as a backup to Deacon Jones. Youngblood's play eventually forced the Rams to trade Jones. Youngblood was a 2001 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Current NFL players selected at No. 20: Aaron Ross, CB, New York Giants (2007, Texas); Tamba Hali, DE, Kansas City Chiefs (2006, Penn State); Marcus Spears, DE, Dallas Cowboys (2005, LSU); Kenechi Udeze, DE, Minnesota Vikings (2004, USC); George Foster, OT, Denver Broncos (2003, Georgia); Javon Walker, WR, Green Bay Packers (2002, Florida State); Adam Archuleta, S, St. Louis Rams (2001, Arizona State).

All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 21

Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.

This one was a tough call, but we're going to go with ...

Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings (1998, Marshall)



Pro Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann was also a No. 21 overall pick, but our choice is Moss. While often spectacular when making a catch, Swann never had a 1,00-yard receiving season; Moss has had eight in 10 seasons. Moss' presence in his 1998 rookie season single-handedly lifted the Vikings' offense to a record for points in a season, and his record 23 touchdown receptions in 2007 helped the Patriots finish the regular season undefeated.

The Washington Redskins hold the No. 21 pick in this year's draft, which means that spark the Redskins' offense desperately needs can finally be added.

Other notable players selected at No. 21 include ...

Gabe Rivera, NT, Pittsburgh Steelers (1983), who was the Steelers' pick when the hometown team passed on local quarterback Dan Marino.

Lynn Swann, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (1974), who was part of a draft class that helped establish the Steelers as the dynasty of the 1970s.

Current NFL players selected at No. 21: Reggie Nelson, S, Jacksonville Jaguars (2007, Florida); Laurence Maroney, RB, New England Patriots (2006, Minnesota); Matt Jones, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (2005, Arkansas); Vince Wilfork, DT, New England Patriots (2004, Miami, Fla.); Jeff Faine, C, Cleveland Browns (2003, Notre Dame); Daniel Graham, TE, New England Patriots (2002, Colorado); Nate Clements, CB, Buffalo Bills (2001, Ohio State); L.J. Shelton, OT, Arizona Cardinals (1999, Eastern Michigan); Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings (1998, Marshall); Renaldo Wynn, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars (1997, Notre Dame); Pete Kendall, G, Seattle Seahawks (1996, Boston College).

All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 22

Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.

I can't believe we've gone 10 picks without having a player named "Ernie" selected. Today, we're in luck ...

Ernie Stautner, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers (1950, Boston College)


Considered by teammates and opponents as one of the toughest competitors the great game of football has ever produced, Stautner was a 1969 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Toiling with a consistently mediocre Steelers teams long before the franchise became a dynasty in the 1970s, Stautner was a fixture along Pittsburgh's defensive line for 14 seasons, earning first- or second-team All-NFL honors in nine of those seasons.

Born in Prinzing-by-Cham, Bavaria, Stautner went on to become head coach of the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe, who he would lead to two consecutive World Bowls in 1995 and 1996, winning in 1995.

The Dallas Cowboys hold the No. 22 pick in this year's draft, which is sort of a coincidence in that Stautner coached the defense for the Cowboys -- starting in 1966 -- when "Doomsday" started to take shape as one of the NFL's dominant defenses.

Other notable players selected at No. 22 include ...

Andre "Bad Moon" Rison, WR, Indianapolis Colts (1989), who was one of the NFL's most dangerous receivers while playing in the Atlanta Falcons' run-and-shoot offense in the early 90s. Rison went on to anger Browns fans, and then help the Packers win Super Bowl XXXI.

William Perry, DT, Chicago Bears (1985), who was a central character in the Chicago Bears' run to victory in Super Bowl XX. Then, "The Fridge" went on to become immortalized with a G.I. Joe action figure, star in numerous commercials, appear in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest as a "celebrity contestant," attempt to comeback in pro football with the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football and lose in a celebrity boxing match to Manute Bol.

Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds, LB, Los Angeles Rams (1970), who played in three Super Bowls, one with the Rams (Super Bowl XIV), and then win two with the 49ers (Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XIX).

Current NFL players selected at No. 22: Brady Quinn, QB, Cleveland Browns (2007, Notre Dame); Manny Lawson, LB, San Francisco 49ers (2006, N.C. State); Mark Clayton, WR, Baltimore Ravens (2005, Oklahoma); J.P. Losman, QB, Buffalo Bills (2004, Tulane); Rex Grossman, QB, Chicago Bears (2003, Florida); Bryan Thomas, DE, New York Jets (2002, Alabama-Birmingham); Will Allen, CB, New York Giants (2001, Syracuse).

All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 23

Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.

We're having a good time here, so let's keep the fun rolling ...

Ozzie Newsome, TE, Cleveland Browns (1978, Alabama)


A college and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Newsome was a seven-time All-Pro selection and was named to the NFL's 1980s all-decade team. Newsome was also the ultimate iron man tight end, playing in 198 consecutive games for the Browns, including a streak of 150 consecutive games with a reception. Newsome's 662 receptions and 7,980 receiving yards are both Browns franchise records.

Let's check out other notable players selected at No. 23 ...

Bruce Armstrong, OT, New England Patriots (1987), who was a six-time Pro Bowl selection during his 14-year career in New England.

Ray Guy, P, Oakland Raiders (1973), who remains the only punter ever selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Current NFL players selected at No. 23: Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs (2007, Louisiana State); Davin Joseph, G, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2006, Oklahoma); Fabian Washington, CB, Oakland Raiders (2005, Nebraska); Marcus Tubbs, DT, Seattle Seahawks (2004, Texas); Willis McGahee, RB, Buffalo Bills (2003, Miami, Fla.); Napoleon Harris, LB, Oakland Raiders (2002, Northwestern); Deuce McAllister, RB, New Orleans Saints (2001, Mississippi); Antoine Winfield, CB, Buffalo Bills (1999, Ohio State); Ty Law, CB, New England Patriots (1995, Michigan).

All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 24

Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.

Let's make this pick a winner ...

Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams (2004, Oregon State)


We made note of it when we unveiled pick No. 25, but the case is the same in the No. 24 spot ... no future Hall of Famers were ever selected with this pick.

Steven Jackson isn't an easy pick to make in the all-time ultimate mock draft, but this player is selected simply based on what Rams fans should be able to expect from the running back over the next few years. As the Rams' workhorse back, Jackson should be able to produce numerous 1,000-yard seasons (he already has three in four seasons), which would make him decidedly more valuable to his team than any other player ever selected in the No. 24 spot.

Let's check out other notable players selected at No. 24 for further evaluation ...

Robert Jones, LB, Dallas Cowboys (1992), who was a member of the Cowboys' three Super Bowl-winning teams in the 1990s.

Todd Marinovich, QB, Los Angeles Raiders (1991), who was first dubbed "Robo QB," but then earned a more undesirable "Todd Marijuanavich" nickname.

Craig Heyward, RB, New Orleans Saints (1988), after rushing for 4,301 yards in the NFL, "Ironhead" went on be showcased in humorous commercials for Zest body wash.

Roy Foster, OG, Miami Dolphins (1982, Southern California), of, "mom ... you put too much salt in the pound cake last week" fame.

James Brooks, RB, San Diego Chargers (1981, Auburn), who was a four-time Pro Bowler and was the Bengals' all-time leading rusher when he left the team after the 1991 season.

Archie Griffin, RB, Cincinnati Bengals (1976, Ohio State), the only two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy never really recaptured his collegiate magic, but did play in Super Bowl XVI against the 49ers.

Raymond Chester, TE, Oakland Raiders (1970, Morgan State), who was one of the more productive tight ends in the NFL in the 1970s. Chester was also the starting tight end on the Raiders' Super Bowl XV-winning team.

Calvin Hill, RB, Dallas Cowboys (1969, Yale), who was a four-time Pro Bowler and a member of the Cowboys' Super Bowl VI-winning team.

Current NFL players selected at No. 24: Brandon Meriweather, DB, New England Patriots (2007, Miami, Fla.); Jonathan Joseph, CB, Cincinnati Bengals (2006, South Carolina); Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers (2005, California); Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams (2004, Oregon State); Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis Colts (2003, Iowa); Ed Reed, S, Baltimore Ravens (2002, Miami, Fla.); Eric Moulds, WR, Buffalo Bills (1996, Mississippi State).

All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 25

Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.

Historically speaking, this is the worst spot to be picking from. Still, we think we found a winner ...

Stanley Morgan, WR, New England Patriots (1977, Tennessee)


Pity the Seattle Seahawks, who are the unfortunate holders of pick No. 25 in this year's draft. Over the course of the draft's history, this spot -- along with pick No. 24 (which we'll get to another time) -- has yet to produce a Hall of Famer.

Still, we were able to get the Seahawks the underrated Stanley Morgan, who will go on to have a long, productive career, but not productive enough to be considered for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Morgan went to four Pro Bowls, had 1,000 receiving yards or more three times and gained a reputation as one of the NFL's most explosive wide receivers, averaging an astonishing 19.2 yards per catch in his 14-year NFL career (13 of which with the Patriots, who he helped lead to the Super Bowl in 1985).

Picking No. 25 can be a serious pitfall. Some solid players have been selected in that spot recently. However, the Packers got burned twice in the No. 25 spot while trying to improve their cornerback position. In 1999, the team selected Antuan Edwards, and then in 2004 Green Bay picked Ahmad Carroll. Part of a draft class that included three defensive backs (in an attempt to better cover the über-talented Randy Moss), Edwards started just 18 games over five seasons with the green and gold, while Carroll was a complete bust, lasting just three lackluster seasons with the Packers.

Other notable players selected at No. 25 include ...

Tommy Maddox, QB, Denver Broncos (1992), who played his way back into the NFL via the New Jersey Red Dogs of the Arena Football League and the L.A. Xtreme of the XFL (where he was the league MVP) after an unsuccessful first stint as a backup with the Broncos, Giants and Falcons. Maddox became a starter for the Steelers, who he led to the playoffs in 2002 and then a memorable come-from-behind victory over the rival Cleveland Browns in a wild-card playoff game.

Johnny Rodgers, WR, San Diego Chargers (1973), who is one of many Heisman Trophy winners who failed to produce in the NFL (catching just 17 passes for 234 yards in two seasons with the Chargers).

Current NFL players selected at No. 25: Jon Beason, LB, Carolina Panthers (2007, Miami, Fla.); Santonio Holmes, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (2006, Ohio State); Jason Campbell, QB, Washington Redskins (2005, Auburn); William Joseph, DT, New York Giants (2003, Miami, Fla.); Charles Grant, DE, New Orleans Saints (2002, Georgia); Chris Hovan, DT, Minnesota Vikings (2000, Boston College); Donovin Darius, S, Jacksonville Jaguars (1998, Syracuse).

Beckham scores!

"I think tonight was a good team performance. After our first game, which was difficult to take, we worked hard tonight and played well and that makes us happy." -- David Beckham, on the L.A. Galaxy's 2-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes, the team's first of the season.


A little more than 400 days after the shocking news broke that David Beckham was going to sign a lucrative deal to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy, the former England football captain finally netted his first Major League Soccer goal.

Here in L.A., the moment was met with ovation, jubilation, adulation and laudation (thank you Thesaurus.com!).

What has happened in the world, and world of sports, since Beckham's announcement on Jan. 11, 2007?

Here's a comprehensive breakdown ...

The Colts defeated the Bears in Super Bowl XLI.

A 2,100-year-old melon is discovered by archaeologists in western Japan.

Bob Barker airs his last episode of The Price is Right.

Apple's new iPhone is released.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closes above 14,000 for the first time in history (then, tumbles to is current status in the 12,500 range).

Barry Bonds breaks Hank Aaron's career home run record.

The Giants ruined the Patriots' quest for a perfect season by winning Super Bowl XLII.

Still, let's celebrate the moment.

Are you a fool this April Fool's Day?

"You couldn't fool your mother on the foolingest day of your life if you had an electrified fooling machine." -- Homer Simpson.

It's April Fool's Day, which means there may be some publications out there doing some creative writing rather than actual reporting.

It's good fun, unless, of course, you happen to be totally suckered by one of these fiction-can-be-fun pieces.

Here is a pop quiz for you to enjoy this wonderful day. Some of these sports headlines are real, others not so much. Pick which ones are true and which ones are false, then grade yourself.

Let's begin ...

1. David Beckham and LA Galaxy hammered

2. Favre is back for one more

3. Soccer robots compete for the title

4. Nazi orgy scandal causes F1 uproar

5. Toronto FC fans get drunk, puke, at Crew game

6. Build-A-Bear expands to Washington Nationals stadium

7. Bill Gates to revive XFL, expand it to 12 teams False, this one should have been easy

8. Man U fans angry after being allocated anti-hooligan seats

9. Giants, Pats cheerleaders to play own powder puff Super Bowl

10. Travel to Miami, check out fat cheerleaders


Here are the answers ...

1. David Beckham and LA Galaxy hammered ... True, and it has nothing to do with the overconsumption of alcoholic beverages, which likely would have been more fun for the Galaxy.

2. Favre is back for one more ... False, though one student newspaper got some locals all fired up.

3. Soccer robots compete for the title ... True ... who would win if Autobots FC took on Decepticons United?

4. Nazi orgy scandal causes F1 uproar ... True, as F1 boss makes Elliott Spitzer look like a choir boy

5. Toronto FC fans drunk and rowdy at Crew game ... True ... maybe Major League Soccer should reconsider having a team north of the border.

6. Build-A-Bear expands to Washington Nationals stadium ... True ... and who doesn't want to have a cuddly teddy bear dressed in the gear of their favorite baseball team?

7. Bill Gates to revive XFL, expand it to 12 teams ... False, this one should have been easy to answer. Though, you'd be lying if you said you weren't longing for the return to the L.A. Xtreme, Memphis Maniax, Orlando Rage and New York/New Jersey Hitmen.

8. Man U fans angry after being allocated anti-hooligan seats ... True, and Red Devil fans won't be throwing seats onto the field. So sad.

9. Giants, Pats cheerleaders to play own powder puff Super Bowl ... False, joke's on you, totally made that one up ... LOL! Giants don't even have cheerleaders.

10. Travel to Miami, check out fat cheerleaders ... Sad, but true, as the Marlins debuted an all-male, plus-sized cheerleading squad. What is happening to our great national pastime?


How many did you get right? Grade yourself ...

7-10: Mensa here you come!

4-6: It's OK, not great, or even good. Borderline lousy, actually

1-3: "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" is dumber for having known you took the first-annual "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" April Fool's Day pop quiz