Video analysis: Iole's dream boxing matches could make for a great 2011

Don't let the lack of a Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather showdown sour your view on boxing in 2010. After a slow summer, the sport closed the year with a bang.

Promoters finally got back to their matchmaking roots. It should set a good example for 2011.

Yahoo! Sports' lead boxing writer Kevin Iole gave us the big fights, some already booked, that he'd like to see next year. 

Yuriorkis Gamboa vs. Juan Manuel Lopez
Amir Khan vs. Andre Berto
Miguel Cotto vs. Sergio martinez
Nonito Donaire vs. Fernando Montiel
Andre Ward vs. Lucian Bute
Tim Bradley vs. Devon Alexander

Jennifer Sky Samantha Mathis Samantha Morton Grace Park Jill Wagner

The best and worst dressed players at the 2011 Australian Open

The first two rounds are in the book at the Australian Open, which means it's time for your favorite quarterly review of Grand Slam fashions, Busted Racquet's best and worst dressed tennis players list.

Note that Venus Williams didn't make the worst dressed list. This is because she would be so dominant on said list that it'd be unfair to the other competitors. Venus is already in the bad outfit Hall of Fame. You can't compare her to a mere mortal, like Caroline Wozniacki. They don't let Mariah Carey enter "American Idol," you know?

[Photos: See Venus' craziest outfits on the court]

Click on the pictures to see the slideshows, which are accompanied by captions on the right side.

Click image to see Tennis' worst dressed

Caroline Wozniacki/Getty Images

As for the best dressed, you'll notice a lot of Nike, Lacoste and adidas kits on the list and there's a simple reason for it: those companies make the best looking tennis clothes. Sometimes simple and clean is better, Yonex.

Click image to see Tennis' best dressed

Victoria Azarenka/Getty Images

[Fashion disaster: Movie star slammed for red carpet style]

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Tony Proudfoot's struggle with ALS, and his inspiring farewell

Former Montreal Alouettes player and broadcaster Tony Proudfoot has been struggling with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis since 2007, and he's taken an amazing approach. Instead of complaining about his lot, Proudfoot has been facing it head-on and raising awareness and funds for ALS research. He's managed to pull in over half a million dollars for the Tony Proudfoot Fund, and he's seen significant progress made towards finding ways to fight the disease. Unfortunately, as Proudfoot wrote in a farewell piece in Wednesday's Montreal Gazette, the research advancements don't seem likely to be in time to help him.

People across the country saw part of just how tough things are for Proudfoot last month when the CFL made the laudable move to honour him with this year's Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership award. The award is usually presented during Grey Cup Week, but it was given to Proudfoot (pictured above with his family receiving his award from CFL commissioner Mark Cohon Nov. 21) before the East Final in Montreal because his condition made it impossible for him to travel to Edmonton. Canadians from coast to coast saw an ailing man largely confined to a wheelchair, but one as inspiring as any of the current gridiron stars, and one definitely deserving of all the recognition the CFL offered him. Even the images of him slumped in a wheelchair didn't fully encapsulate how difficult Proudfoot's struggle is, though; as he wrote Wednesday, every moment is a battle:

"Focusing on my next breath requires all of my energy. I am starved of air and oxygen and need to rely on a ventilator just to feel stable, just to live. I am now on my ventilator up to 22 hours per day, often going off one, to walk slowly to another room to attach myself to another."

It isn't easy to synthesize the images of a dominant football player fighting for yards and an older man fighting for life, but the connection isn't as rare as you might think. William Nack's 2001 piece for Sports Illustrated, "The Wrecking Yard", discussed how the majority of former football players wind up with significant health issues. The focus of that piece and many of the others along those lines was on the NFL, but quotes like this are just as applicable to veterans of the three-down game:

"If you go to a retired players' convention, there are older retirees who walk around like Maryland crabs," says Miki Yaras-Davis, director of benefits for the NFL Players Association. "It's an orthopedic surgeon's dream. I'm surprised the doctors aren't standing outside the door handing out their cards. Hardly one [former player] you see doesn't need a hip replacement. Everybody comes out of pro football with some injury. It's only the degree that separates them."

A lot of those injuries are awful, and they've led to massive battles over player safety issues and compensation for retirees in both the NFL and the CFL. Few can approach what Proudfoot's facing, but that doesn't necessarily disconnect his story from the larger picture of football injuries. Eight former CFL players have ALS or have died from it, which is remarkable when you consider that there have been only about 5,000 CFL players since 1950 and that the typical incidence of ALS in the general population is one to two cases per 100,000 people. There may not be a definite link between ALS and football yet, but evidence is starting to pile up that similar brain diseases may be strongly tied to a history of concussions, which are frightening enough on their own. Proudfoot (pictured at right at his home this August) may not be the last football player to battle this kind of disease, and that reinforces the importance of the research efforts he and other trailblazers like Jay Roberts have supported.

The larger context and implications are noteworthy, but they shouldn't overshadow an incredible story of an incredible man. Proudfoot has valiantly battled a horrible disease for years, and by sharing his struggles with the public, he's illustrated just how important supporting ALS research is. He's raised so much awareness for the disease, and the Alouettes' organization and the CFL as a whole deserve tremendous credit for the ways they've supported him. Many football teams and leagues have largely ignored their grievously wounded alumni, perhaps to keep the frequently horrible consequences of football out of the public eye. The Alouettes and the CFL haven't done that; they've stood with Proudfoot time and time again over the past few years, and they've helped to bring more attention to his cause. Former Alouette and current B.C. Lion Davis Sanchez has been one of Proudfoot's biggest supporters, donating his game cheque to Proudfoot's ALS research fund earlier this year, and both Montreal head coach Marc Trestman and slotback Ben Cahoon stopped by independently to visit Proudfoot after their Grey Cup victory this year, which they said was for him.

Proudfoot's other accomplishments shouldn't be forgotten either. After a strong CIS career at the University of New Brunswick, he was drafted 36th overall by the Alouettes in 1971. He played 109 games at defensive back for the Alouettes over the next decade, was twice named an All-Star and famously came up with the staple plan that helped Montreal thump Edmonton 41-6 in the 1977 Grey Cup, also known as "The Ice Bowl". It's perhaps appropriate that Proudfoot was given an award named after Hugh Campbell this year, as he was instrumental in that defeat of Campbell's Eskimos. He also spent 41 games with the B.C. Lions, taught physical education at Montreal's Dawson College (where he helped give first aid to shooting victims during the 2006 tragedy) and served as the Alouettes' radio colour commentator for a decade.

Despite Proudfoot's tremendous CFL career as both a player and broadcaster and his accomplishments as a man, what he's done these last few years to raise funds for ALS research and draw attention to the disease stands on its own. That alone would be more than enough for most mortals; when you combine it with his other legendary deeds, you get a sense of how special Proudfoot really is. The man is an inspiration to Canadians from coast to coast, and he'll live on forever in our memories. The overarching message of Proudfoot's story is how important it is to not take life and health for granted, and as he writes, that's something we should all keep in mind:

I write and speak about this disease and my adventure in positive, forward- looking phrases and people see it as courageous and even heroic. But living the reality has been awful and downright frightening for me and my family. I have chosen to write about it as a method of informing and educating as many people as I can. Greater awareness and financial contributions for ALS research may someday be enough that the thousands who become afflicted with this malicious, sinister fate might have some hope. I would also like my attitude and approach to be an aid and beacon to everyone that you should live your life as fully as you can, every day.

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Yankees' President: Rangers on 'Welfare,' Owner 'Delusional'

Filed under: Rangers, Yankees

Cliff Lee hasn't even thrown a single pitch for the Phillies since signing his contract in December, yet the discussion surrounding him has been rampant -- at least if you're the Rangers and the Yankees, two teams he decided against playing for this offseason.

Rangers owner Chuck Greenberg believes that his team deserves some credit for Lee landing in Philadelphia.

Yankees president Randy Levine thinks otherwise and became the latest Yankees front office member -- first came Brian Cashman, then Hal Steinbrenner -- to grab some headlines in a very quiet offseason for a team normally the subject of many.

"I think Chuck is delusional," Levine told ESPNewYork.com. "He has been running the Rangers for a few minutes and seems to believe he's mastered what everyone else is thinking. I think he should let Cliff Lee speak for himself."

"I'll be impressed when he demonstrates he can keep the Rangers off welfare," Levine said. "What I mean is make them not be a revenue-sharing recipient for three years in a row, without taking financing from baseball or advance money from television networks. Then I'll be impressed."

All that matters at this point is that the Phillies saw an opportunity to nab the All-Star lefty -- and they seized it. All to the chagrin of two seemingly bitter franchises.

The Rangers finished with a payroll at just over $55 million last season, while the Yankees topped in at just over $206 million. Regardless of Levine's comments, Greenberg probably thinks his Rangers had the last laugh over the Yankees in the ALCS. However, neither was able to one-up the other this offseason by reeling in the prize of free agent market.

 

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Froch's girlfriend likes her men tall, wants the 'Midget King' KO'd

Let's pull for the little guy is taking on new meaning after Carl Froch's gal pal dumped all over Arthur Abraham. Rachael Cordingley, a British model and Froch's girlfriend, said she wants a knockout when then the two fighters meet in Helsinki on Saturday.

"Carl's always confident and he knows he can bring the WBA championship belt back to its rightful place," Cordingley said. "Abraham is only a midget — Carl's going to dethrone the Midget King!"

Froch is 6-foot-1. Apparently, the 5-10 Abraham is sort of stumpy. His girlfriend isn't the one stepping in with the guy who's scored 25 knockouts in 32 fights, so Froch is showing shorty a little more respect.

"Abraham and I are fighting for a world title and we both believe we're going to win," Froch said. "Nothing will be left outside the ring and everything will be thrown inside it. I've got to stick and move — keep out of his way and out-box him. But you know what I'm like, there will come a stage when I decide to have a good old scrap on the cobbles instead!"

Froch and Abraham have already secured their spots in the Super Six semifinals. The WBA 168-pound strap is the motivator along with a chance to avoid tourney favorite Andre Ward until the finals.

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Hope Powell says sexist Gray and Keys have helped women's game

Hope Powell holds up her medal for being more awesome than Andy Gray. 

As a result of Richard Keys and Andy Gray's sexist comments about match official Sian Massey and West Ham executive Karren Brady, English Football Hall of Fame member and women's national team coach Hope Powell says this whole thing has been great for the women's game. Once again, we see that no publicity is bad publicity. Unless you're Andy Gray or Richard Keys, who are now out of jobs they loved, or Sian Massey, who has been withdrawn from two consecutive matches (through not fault of her own) as the PGMO waits for the attention to die down. 

From the BBC:

"Obviously it's a shame, you don't want to hear those sort of comments," Powell told BBC Sport.

"But to flip it on its head, we've had really good publicity this week."[...]

Powell added: "Sian earned the right to be there and run that line. More importantly she made some really fantastic calls, which can only be good for women in the game."

Powell comments were echoed by England defender Casey Stoney who said the widespread condemnation of Keys and Gray's behaviour showed attitudes are changing.

"Obviously it's disappointing, but it's the view of the minority. It shows people aren't accepting it. On the flip side, women's sport is benefiting," she said.

So exposing male pundits as being sexist and wrong is good for women in sport? I can see that. Is it too late to give Keys and Gray their jobs back and broadcast all their off-air banter and pranks live? They could give women in sport a whole lot more good publicity.

Seriously, though, Powell and Stoney are right in a sense. The BBC got these quotes at the London launch for this summer's Women's World Cup, which got a mention in its article and now, in this post, piggybacking on the interest in the Keys and Gray scandal. Is it the ideal way to build interest or gain support for the women's game? Of course not. Nor is it guaranteed to be lasting or meaningful. Still, whoever is in charge of such things should consider having Keys and Gray work the tournament this summer. As ball boys. 

Photo: Getty Images

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Tampa Bay Rays: Rocco Baldelli Retires at Age 29

The then Tampa Bay Devil Rays were building something special in the outfield.

In consecutive seasons, the Devil Rays had drafted their entire future outfield. Starting in 1999, they selected outfielder Josh Hamilton No. 1 overall. Hamilton was considered a once-in-a-lifetime player, often being mentioned under the same breath as Mickey Mantle. He was a five-tool baseball player and was the first high school player to go No. 1 overall since Alex Rodriguez five years earlier.

Their second-round pick in 1999 was outfielder Carl Crawford. Crawford was going to play left field and lead off in the future for the Devil Rays.

By 2000, the Devil Rays had completed their future stud outfield with the selection of Rocco Baldelli. The sixth overall, first-round pick was to play center field alongside Crawford and Hamilton and help anchor a Tampa Bay team that looked a few years away from contending with the New York Yankees.

They had the farm system, the talent and the time to devolve their young team lead by their outfield.

By 2002, Hamilton had made it as far as Double-A ball before his drug use and injuries derailed his Devil Rays career. By 2006, Hamilton was no longer with the Rays. Picked up by the Cubs in the Rule-5 draft, Hamilton was immediately traded to the Cincinnati Reds. Eight years after being drafted first overall, Hamilton made his pro debut with the Reds.

Crawford spent three seasons in the minor leagues before making his pro debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2002 where for the next nine seasons, anchored the Rays as their lead-off hitter. Five times in those eight full seasons, Crawford stole more than 50 bases. This offseason, Crawford left Tampa to sign with another AL East division rival, the Boston Red Sox.

And then there is Rocco Baldelli, the missing piece to the Devil Rays future outfield. He was supposed to anchor center field and be mentioned as one of the greatest to ever play. One scout back in 2003 even went as far as to call Baldelli "Joe's twin," in reference to Joe DiMaggio.

Baldelli made his pro debut in 2003, where he batted .289 with 11 home runs and 78 RBIs in 156 games and finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. The following season, Baldelli again put up similar numbers, despite playing in 20 less games.

Baldelli missed the entire 2005 season after tearing his ACL in a pickup basketball game. The injury was followed by a second injury, this time to his elbow, which required Tommy John surgery. Baldelli returned to play during the 2006 season, but couldn't escape the injury bug.

Hamstring issues forced Baldelli in and out of the lineup in 2007 and over the next two seasons, Baldelli managed to play in just 63 total games. Badelli was, however, left on the Rays playoff roster where he homered and drove in four runs in the ALCS playoffs against the Boston Red Sox. In the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Badelli homered in Game 5, his only hit of the series.

During the offseason, Baldelli was found to have been suffering from a mitochondrial disorder, which may have resulted in muscle fatigue.

By 2009, Baldelli's career with Tampa was over after signing a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox. Injuries once again forced Baldelli in and out of the lineup, and after the season, Baldelli was let go.

Baldelli re-signed with the Rays in 2010, appearing in 10 total games before being sidelined with injuries. In his first at bat with the Rays since he left, Badelli blasted a two-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles. It was his last home run in the major leagues.

On Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011, Rocco Baldelli called it a career, retiring at the ripe old age of 29 years old, his career cut short by injuries. Baldelli won't play another game, but he isn't leaving baseball for good either, accepting a job with the Rays as a special assistant to baseball operations.

Rocco Baldelli had a promising career and so did the Tampa Bay Rays outfield, which earlier this week signed aging stars Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez.  The thought of signing a 37- and 38-year-old to compete in the Rays outfield was never considered back in 2000.

The trio of Baldelli, Crawford and Hamilton never played a single major league game together and sadly, never will. The sixth overall pick in the 2000 draft was set to anchor center field for Tampa for many years, but instead, had his career cut short due to injuries.

Here's to you, Rocco. So long, we hardly knew ya.

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