Olympics FanHouse

Disaster for the U.S. Bobsled Team

Wina Sturgeon — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: USA

The first bobsled World Cup of the season ended in disaster for the U.S. team, just three months away from the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.

Todd Hays, the former freestyle fighter, kickboxing champion and college football star, injured his hamstring badly as he jumped into his sled in the four-man bobsled race at the Park City, Utah, 2002 Olympic track. Hays and his crew were leading the race at the time. The track is the same one where Hays won the Olympic silver medal in four-man bobsled, the first bobsled win for the U.S. in nearly half a century.

A day earlier, Shauna Rohbock, one of the top U.S. women bobsled pilots, lost push athlete Valerie Fleming when Fleming tore her hamstring during a pre-race warm-up. Rohbock and Fleming are the reigning Olympic silver medalists -- they medaled in the 2006 Torino Olympics.

"It's devastating for the team. In the four-man, probably for the first time ever, the Americans were sitting in first, third and fifth place after the first heat," said bobsled federation official David Kurtz. Hays ended up in sixth place; Rohbock in ninth.

The two injuries have already started a domino effect that will seriously hurt America's chances at the Vancouver Games. First, neither Hays nor Fleming will be able to race in next weekend's World Cup at Lake Placid, N. Y. That leaves the U.S. without two major contenders, at a time when every country is fighting for points. Only those countries with the highest number of points will qualify for the maximum of Olympic slots -- three sleds for each discipline.

Worse, a hamstring injury takes a long time to heal, and can't be worked hard while it's healing. That means no training. In a power sport like bobsled, where athlete workouts are designed like a scientific equation, even missing a day of training means a loss of both strength and speed.

The U.S. is not in a totally desperate position. Steve Holcomb is the driver of sled USA 1, because he's the current world champion in four-man bobsled, and a gold medal favorite. In fact, one reason Hays came out of retirement for the 2010 Games was to duke it out with Holcomb, who was once one of his push athletes. Hays drives USA 2. Holcomb, who flew to Lake Placid the day after the World Cup in order to get some early practice on the track, told FanHouse, "I don't know how bad Todd's injury is. He's not talking about it." Holcomb's race results were unspectacular after he made a mistake at the start, hitting his foot on the sled as he leaped into it and causing the sled to hit the ice wall of the track. He came in 7th.

In women's bobsled, where only two-man sleds are raced, two relatively new drivers scored big in the Park City World Cup, with Erin Pac taking the bronze medal and Bree Schaaf coming in fourth.

Sunday's four-man race was won by Canada's Lyndon Rush, 28. He was in a joyful daze at the awards ceremony, telling FanHouse, "I thought Holcomb would be coming hard, but then they messed up corner one. I feel bad for those guys, but I'll take it for me, it's my first ever medal at all! With the Olympics coming to Canada, we got a lot more support financially. We're doing the same thing we've been doing, we've just got better equipment now, that's the only difference."

But Holcomb thinks Rush's results were only a matter of time, saying "He's been getting faster for the past three years."

The Jamaicans, who were the stars of the 1988 Calgary Olympics because they ended most of their runs upside down in a flipped sled, and later had a movie made about their exploits, didn't race the Park City World Cup. They were in Vancouver, at the Whistler Olympic track, practicing. Though they have not yet qualified for the 2010 Olympics, don't count them out. As anyone familiar with the sport knows, when it's bobsled -- anything can happen and nothing is predictable.

Disaster for the U.S. Bobsled Team originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeremy Bloom Retired to Grant Wishes

Wina Sturgeon — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: USA, FanHouse Exclusive

Mogul champion Jeremy Bloom has been training non-stop to get ready for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. So why did he suddenly announce his retirement from the U. S. team on Nov. 11, less than three months before the Olympic Games?

"It was a combination of a lot of things," Bloom told FanHouse. "Over time, the meaning and all the work of training six to eight hours a day didn't have as much purpose as it once did. Skiing still holds a very special place in my life, but my passions have shifted to other areas."

And indirectly, those passions still include the NFL. Bloom, who played wide receiver for both the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers, made history when he took on the NCAA as a college player at the University of Colorado. The organization of grumpy old white guys banned him because (get this) Bloom had to wear a U.S. freestyle team uniform in sanctioned moguls competition, and the ski team uniform had sponsor logos on it.

So Bloom left college football and went back to skiing, setting records for winning the most consecutive freestyle World Cups in a single season. At the same time, he looked toward the NFL. Two days after the closing ceremony of the 2006 Torino Olympics, Bloom was back in America, working out in the NFL Scouting Combine. He was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round.

At the same time, another passion was beginning to burn for Bloom. He was becoming moved and motivated by the plight of many low-income senior citizens; ordinary people who had held dreams in their hearts their whole lives. "I was born into an opportunity-rich environment, but there were seniors who dreamed just as big as I did, and never had the opportunity to make their dreams come true," he said.

Bloom started a nonprofit organization, Wish of a Lifetime, to grant wishes to low-income senior citizens. It was inspired by his grandmother, who still works at the age of 82 and also volunteers 20 hours a week for foster children. She had always wanted a greenhouse. It was the first wish granted by Bloom's foundation. But the organization has a larger purpose than just granting wishes for seniors.

"When you get older and retire, you're just waiting to die [in our culture]. That's so not true. Our foundation is meant to inspire younger generations to change the way we look at our older generation, and to celebrate them," Bloom said.

Wish of a Lifetime, inspired partly by the Make a Wish Foundation, is currently only active in Bloom's home state of Colorado, but hopes to expand nationally as they grow.

Bloom also is still active in his other passion, football. In 2008, he started a free football clinic for kids 14 and under in Loveland, Co., where he grew up. "I had so much support there, and it's where I developed my dreams of going to Olympics and the NFL, so the clinic is a way for me to give back to the community and share my knowledge of football," he says.

This year's clinic coached 350 kids. Bloom was one of the coaches, and he got former teammates such as Gary Barnett and Reed Doughty to help out. If that's not enough to keep the 27-year-old busy, he's also a new college football color analyst for ESPN. His first game was in September.

In a day when pro athletes are more notorious for the bad than the good, an athlete like Jeremy Bloom shines like an inspiring light.

Jeremy Bloom Retired to Grant Wishes originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Obama Effect On the 2016 Olympics

Sportz Assassin — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:11:00 EST

Filed under: Americas, USA

Forget the economy, the war in Iraq, health care and all that other stuff. President-Elect Obama needs to focus on bringing the Olympics back to the United States.

Okay, that isn't the most important item on Barack Obama's honey-do list. However, Obama's victory over John McCain on Tuesday should have a positive effect on the games returning to America in 2016.

Chicago, the city Obama calls his hometown, is one of the frontrunners to win the bid to host the 2016 games. The Windy City is up against Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro and Madrid. Obama has already pitched Chicago to the International Olympic Committee and may do so again.

Obama's victory was met with a positive response from nearly every corner of the globe. Like I said, the Olympics aren't the most pressing need right now but being able to win the bid and showcase the U.S. in this manner is huge. We have an image problem as both a player on the world stage and in the eyes of the IOC.
The Atlanta Games of 1996 wasn't perceived as an outstanding Olympics and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City had tons of controversy surrounding them. We all know that our current President has all but alienated the rest of the world. Still, the IOC knows that holding the Olympics in the U.S. is a cash cow for everyone involved and can't stay away.

The Los Angeles Games on 1984 was an exhibition of how to turn the Olympics into a profitable venture. Several of the Games held before '84 left cities broke. And if anything is learned from this current economic crisis, it is that most of the world needs a strong America to stand behind.

One competing city is already worried that Obama puts Chicago over the top:

"Mr. Obama is popular and good at speeches, so things could get tough for Japan," said the senior Japanese Olympic Committee board member Tomiaki Fukuda, according to The Associated Press. "I have a sense of crisis."

The decision is less than a year away and, really, any of the cities could win. Yet all have flaws: Rio has to shake off security concerns and the fact that no Olympics have been held in South America; Tokyo would be one cycle removed from Beijing, another east Asian city; Madrid would be European overkill for the Olympics.

IOC member Richard Pound (yes, that is the greatest name in the history of the world) may have said it best:

"On the international scene, the U.S. really needs to put the last eight years behind it and build new bridges, and having a new president who can do exactly that will do wonders for a U.S. bid."

The Obama Effect On the 2016 Olympics originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:11:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chinese Officials Listed Nine US Athletes As Potential Troublemakers In Beijing

Sportz Assassin — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: China, USA

USA Today is reporting that the Chinese government listed nine United States athletes and one assistant coach as potential troublemakers during the recent Beijing Olympics. Chinese officials felt this group of people posed a threat to ignite demonstrations against the country during the Games.

The names included softball players Jennie Finch and Jessica Mendoza and soccer player Abby Wambach, who broke her leg and missed the Olympic Games. It also included two Paralympians, one athlete who wasn't a member of the 2008 softball team and a top female collegiate golfer. Golf is not an Olympic sport.

"We viewed these concerns as being entirely unjustified and unwarranted," USOC spokesman Darryl Seibel said in an e-mail Wednesday. "As such, we rejected the request to address this with our athletes or transmit the letter to them. We saw absolutely no need to burden the athletes with this."

Did You See That?

The field clears a fence during the New Season Handicap Steeplechase during the at Ludlow Racecourse on September 16, 2008 in Ludlow, England.

Emanuele Canonica of Italy helps his caddie in the rescue of a pigeon from the water around the 18th green during the first round of the Portugal Masters at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course on October 16, 2008 in Vilamoura, Portugal.

A multiexposure image showing Britain's Andy Murray returning to Croatian Marin Cilic during a last sixteen tennis match at the Madrid Masters in Madrid on October 16, 2008. Andy Murray won 7-5, 7-6.

English football fans dressed in armours and tunics play in a friendly match against Belarus fans in Minsk on October 15, 2008 before the start of the Belarus vs. England 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier of European group 6 match.

Travis Brigley (R) of Hamburg fights with Matt Keith (L) of Ingolstadt during the DEL match between Hamburg Freezers and ERC Ingolstadt at the Color Line Arena on October 14, 2008 in Hamburg, Germany.

Russian Nikolay Davydenko returns a ball to US Robby Ginepri during a second round tennis match at the Masters in Madrid on October 15, 2008.

A golf ball which has been enveloped by the tree over many years is pictured during the pro-am for the Portugal Masters at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course on October 15, 2008 in Vilamoura, Portugal.

Andy Murray of Great Britain plays football during his training session prior to his thrid round match tomorrow at the Madrid Masters tennis tournament at the Madrid Arena on October 15, 2008 in Madrid, Spain.

Samuel Peter from Nigeria gets a punch from Vitali Klitschko of Ukraine during their WBC heavyweight boxing world championship fight in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008. Klitschko won the fight after round nine due to technical knock out.

Herbert Knosowski, AP

Japan's Kyoko Hamaguchi (lower) fights with China's Hong Yan (red) during the semi-final of the 72kg class of the Women's Wrestling World Championships in Tokyo on October 13, 2008. Hong defeated Hamaguchi and will face Bulgaria's Stanka Zlateva in the final.

Yoshikazu Tsuno, AFP/Getty Images

Here is the entire list: Softball players Finch, Mendoza, Natasha Watley, Amanda Freed, assistant softball coach Karen Johns, women's soccer player Abby Wambach, cyclist Jonathan Page, paralympic basketball player Jen Howitt, paralympic wheelchair racer Cheri Blauwet and golfer Laura Goodwin.China was concerned that any or all of those athletes would say, wear or do something that would be a form of protest against the nation. The list was given to USOC officials in July and cited these athletes since most of them participate in "Team Darfur".

There were rumblings that Team Darfur, a group of athletes who are raising awareness about Sudan's wiping out of African tribes in the Darfur region, would stage some sort of mass demonstration during the Olympics. China has been heavily criticized for supporting the Sudanese government.

Needless to say, the athletes named felt a bit honored that they were deemed such a threat.

"This may be the biggest compliment of my life," Wambach, a member of Team Darfur, said in a phone interview when informed of the list. "If they're worried about us, maybe we do have more strength as athletes and as people to speak out. This just gives me more empowerment."

"It doesn't surprise me but it makes me laugh," said Mendoza, who also is president-elect of the Women's Sports Foundation. "We're not burning our shirts and ranting and raving. We're just trying to help thousands of people from dying."

Latest Olympic Photos

BEIJING, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 17: (CHINA OUT) Fireworks explode during the closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games at the National Stadium on September 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

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BEIJING - SEPTEMBER 17: Chinese entertainers perform during the closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games at the National Stadium on September 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Guang Niu/Getty Images)

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BEIJING - SEPTEMBER 17 People perform during the 2008 Paralympics Closing Ceremony at National Stadium during day eleven of the 2008 Paralympic Games on September 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. (photo by Chien-min Chung/Getty Images)

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Chinese Officials Listed Nine US Athletes As Potential Troublemakers In Beijing originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Olympic Gold Medalist Challenges Chad Johnson to a Race

Sportz Assassin — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:53:00 EST

Filed under: USA

Above is a short video of Olympic gold medalist Mary Wineberg challenging Chad Johnson Ochocinco to a race.

Wineberg ran track at the University of Cincinnati. She ran the first leg of the women's 4 x 400 relay team that won the gold for the United States.

Chad Johnson/Ochocinco drew glares when he challenged Michael Phelps to a swimming race last month. He also ran a race against a horse at Florence, KY's Turfway Park last year.

Maybe someone should challenge Chad Johnson to being a better receiver. Through three games this season, he has caught just eight passes for 88 yards and no touchdowns.

Olympic Gold Medalist Challenges Chad Johnson to a Race originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carl Lewis Suggests Usain Bolt Uses Steroids: 'If You Don't Question That, You're a Fool'

Michael David Smith — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:50:00 EST

Filed under: Americas, USA

Carl Lewis won nine gold medals in four Olympic Games and is considered by many to be the greatest track and field athlete of all time.And while Lewis is impressed with Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter who won three gold medals and set three world records in Beijing, he's also skeptical that Bolt is doing it without the benefit of performance-enhancing drugs.

Steroid Nation passes along this quote from the London Times, which apparently began with a Sports Illustrated interview Lewis conducted:

"When people ask me about Bolt I say he could be the greatest athlete of all time. But for someone to run 10.03 one year and 9.69 the next, if you don't question that in a sport that has the reputation it has right now, you're a fool. Period."

It's a shame that athletes like Ben Johnson, Marion Jones and the entire East German athletic program of the 1970s and 1980s make us feel this way, but Lewis is right: There's no proof that Bolt used steroids, but you're a fool if you don't at least acknowledge that it's possible.

Carl Lewis Suggests Usain Bolt Uses Steroids: 'If You Don't Question That, You're a Fool' originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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USC's High-Profile Fans Are More Than Ready For Ohio State

Elie Seckbach — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:13:00 EST

Filed under: Beijing, USA

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.

No. 1 ranked USC takes on Ohio State (ranked 5th) this Saturday. This is the first meeting between these two juggernauts in 18 years. In this video we visit a USC pep rally and hear from high-profile Trojans, such as former NFL stars Marcus Allen, Curtis Conway and Daylen McCutcheon. Find out what gold medal-winning Olympic swimmers Larsen Jensen and Erik Vendt have to say to the Buckeyes, and former track star Quincy Watts says he expects a blowout. Oh ... and do you know how to do the "Sanchez Dance"? Find out here.

Youtube link.

USC's High-Profile Fans Are More Than Ready For Ohio State originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shawn Johnson Tells Ellen: Creepy Old Men Give Her Phone Numbers, Marriage Proposals

Michael David Smith — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:52:00 EST

Filed under: USA

Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson visited The Ellen Degeneres Show, and it was mostly the kind of lighthearted banter that you'd expect:

But we did learn that there are some down sides to being an Olympic gold medalist.

At one point, they had this exchange:

Ellen: "Now you're getting marriage proposals? That's what I heard."

Johnson: "Yeah, at my homecoming there were people in the stands with 'Marry me' signs. It's kinda weird. I mean, I'm only 16. I saw one, and I kinda looked at him, and he was like, 'Call me. Call me.'"

Ellen: "How old was he? Did he look young?"

Johnson: "No."

Ellen: "That's creepy."

Johnson: "Yeah."

Shawn Johnson Tells Ellen: Creepy Old Men Give Her Phone Numbers, Marriage Proposals originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Golden Child: Michael Phelps Is LA-LA-Loving Life

Elie Seckbach — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:50:00 EST

Filed under: USA

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.

In this exclusive video, we find out what life is like for Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. During the Olympics, millions around the world were in awe when Phelps won a record eight gold medals, but these days -- thanks to hanging out with everyone from Lindsay Lohan to Demi Moore -- Michael is the one that is starstruck. We caught up to Phelps while he was in Los Angeles, and asked him a bunch of questions, including who he thinks is the greatest athlete of all time.

Youtube link.

Golden Child: Michael Phelps Is LA-LA-Loving Life originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Braylon Edwards and Michael Phelps Make a Bet on Medal Count Versus Touchdowns

Will Brinson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: USA

Attempting to compare Olympic gold medals and NFL touchdowns is an apple-orange type debate. One is a four year culmination of hard work (unless you're a backstroker, then you just need to learn how to swim on your belly like everyone else) condensed into several hundred seconds celebrated on a world stage. The other is a week's worth of hard work condensed into several seconds celebrated on a ... Oh.

Well, maybe they are kind of similar, value and frequency aside. Which would explain why pool-pals Michael Phelps and Braylon Edwards are making a bet on quantity, which was confirmed by an NBC halftime report during the Notre Dame - San Diego State game.

The foot injury wasn't a complete loss. Edwards used the time on his couch to catch up with swimmer Michael Phelps' chase for history at the Olympics.

Edwards and Phelps have University of Michigan ties and struck up a friendship. Edwards bragged before Beijing that he would more than double Phelps' gold-medal total with touchdown catches. After Phelps' record eight golds, Edwards needs to set another franchise record.

So, as you can see, they actually made this bet before the Olympics. Whoops, Braylon.

Now the Browns wideout, who has been dealing with a Stallworth on his foot all preseason, has beat his 2007 total of 16 touchdowns, since Phelps recorded eight Golds at Beijing. (At least I think that's the number; I can't recall it being reported anywhere.)

So Braylon, you better get your focus on. And that means no watching Rich Rodriguez turn Michigan back into a power house, and certainly no celebrating in strip clubs with a bunch of half naked Playmates.

Of course, at this point we don't even know what the actual bet is -- only that 1/2 Olympic Gold = 1 NFL Touchdown. And that Braylon probably wants the replay tapes of that 100-meter butterfly released.

Braylon Edwards and Michael Phelps Make a Bet on Medal Count Versus Touchdowns originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Phelps Is Human, Appears to Enjoy Touching the Skin of Playboy Playmates

Will Brinson — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: USA

If you have eight Olympic Golds, millions of dollars and you could just spend the rest of your life swimming metaphorical laps, what are you interested in? (Yes, you are Michael Phelps.) How about Playboy Playmates? Because that's something that might pique my interest for the remaining 60 years of my life.

And, according to Radar Online, Phelps may also have some interest in women who are paid to take their clothes off doing just that.

Radar Staff Writer Neel Shah spent the evening in Las Vegas (more on that later), and was kind enough to send along these fine photos of Olympic hero Michael Phelps "massively skeeving on girls at the Playboy Club" in that city's Palms Casino. Neel notes that the Olympian was accompanied by an entourage of striped-shirted schmucks, one of whose sole duties appeared to be pointing a flashlight at anyone attempting to photograph the swimmer during his efforts to obtain a gold medal in ass-grabbing. ("It was unreal," says Neel. "Within moments of entering the club he summoned two girls over... I've never seen such an aggressive grip.")

Sure, it's a little creepy that he's so over the top grope-y and whatnot, but come on; dude is rich and famous beyond his imagination.

Have you ever heard him talk about his social life and its non-existence based solely on the fact that he swims five miles a day and needs about four hours just to pound 12,000 calories?

The guy is dedicated enough to kill off 90 percent of the things he enjoys just to train so our freaking country can continue its worldwide athletic domination; if he wants to take a year and spend all 365 days in a strip club fondling Playmates before getting back on the exercise wagon, well, I'm all for that.

Athletes and Playboy Models

Olympic legend Michael Phelps has certainly lived the good life after his record-breaking performance in Beijing. Among his numerous party appearances, Phelps was also seen getting cozy with some Playboy Playmates. But Phelps isn't the only current or past athlete to be connected to Playboy models.

Timothy Clary, AFP / Getty Images

St. Louis Blues player Dan Hinote recently married Playboy playmate Amy McCarthy, sister of 1994 Playmate of the Year Jenny McCarthy, at the Keystone Ranch in Colorado.

Getty Images (2)

NFL safety Adam Archuleta is currently engaged to Jennifer Walcott, who was the Playmate of the Month for August 2001. They had their first child together, Jett James Archuleta, on April 10.

Getty Images (2)

MLB outfielder and former All-Star Scott Podsednik, now with the Colorado Rockies, has been married to July 1998 Playmate of the Month Lisa Dergan since February 2006.

WireImage.com (2)

Michael Andretti, former Formula One driver and son of racing legend Mario Andretti, married former beauty queen and 2000 Playboy Playmate of the Year Jodi Ann Paterson on October 7, 2006 in Napa, California.

Ethan Miller, Getty Images

NFL washout and former No. 1 overall pick Tim Couch is married to the 1999 Playboy Playmate of the Year, Heather Kozar. Tim and Heather have a son together, Chase Scott Couch, who was born on August 5, 2005.

Sam Riche, Getty Images

On January 29, 2005, retired MLB star Mike Piazza married Alicia Rickter, who was selected Miss October 1995 and the 500th Playmate in history. Rickter gave birth to the couple's first child, Nicoletta Veronica Piazza, on February 5, 2007.

Diane Bondareff, Hard Rock Cafe / Getty Images

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia married Carmella DeCesare, the 2004 Playboy Playmate of the Year, on April 21, 2007 in California. They have a daughter together, Presley, who was born on April 28.

Stephen Shugerman, Getty Images

Former NFL linebacker Glenn Cadrez recently married Brande Roderick, who was a 'Baywatch' star and the 2001 Playmate of the Year.

Getty Images (2)

Not too long after NFL legend John Elway divorced his wife Janet Buchan in 2003, he reportedly had a short romance with Carrie Stevens, who was selected Playboy's Playmate of the Month in June 1997.

Evan Agostini, Getty Images

Michael Phelps Is Human, Appears to Enjoy Touching the Skin of Playboy Playmates originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Phelps Kicks It With Vinny Chase, Makes Cameo on HBO's Entourage

Will Brinson — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: USA

Michael Phelps, fresh off winning a medal or two at the Olympics, is doing what every American celebrity sports superstar does when they return home: make money and appear on television. He's already locked down to host Saturday Night Live for the show's season premiere, and now it appears as if he will be making a guest appearance on HBO's Entourage. Also, he may be popular.

When Michael Phelps shot an impromptu cameo for the new season of Entourage this week, the HBO comedy's fab four got a taste of what hanging out with the original Fab Four might have been like.

"It was like being in New York City with one of the Beatles," Kevin Connolly told E! News Friday about shooting a scene with the 14-time Olympic gold medalist, who's been the toast of seemingly every town since returning to the U.S. from Beijing.

"People were stopping in the streets and climbing up things to see him. They were going nuts. He's like a superstar."

The Beatles, Jesus parables, whatever works for you, Connolly. The Entourage spot appears to be a pretty big deal these days, what with Phil Mickelson dropping in for some Pro-Am golf lessons at some point in the season, although there's probably a reasonable point to be made that the show just, well, isn't that great.

Don't get me wrong, I watch the hell out of it (I am, after all, easily entertained). And I'm pumped for Phelps' cameo. But I'm also willing to bet that Drama and Turtle chase some women around while smoking pot, Vince and E have drama with a movie that involves Walsh and Ari swears a lot.

h.t Game On

Michael Phelps Kicks It With Vinny Chase, Makes Cameo on HBO's Entourage originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gold Medalists Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh Lose, 112-Match Winning Streak Snapped

Michael David Smith — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:10:00 EST

Filed under: USA

The beach volleyball gold medal duo of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh were portrayed by NBC as an all but unbeatable team during the Olympic Games. But in their first match after the Olympics, they were beaten.

May-Treanor and Walsh lost a match for the first time in more than a year on Sunday, as Elaine Youngs and Nicole Branagh beat them in a tournament in Mason, Ohio.

The loss snapped May-Treanor and Walsh's winning streak at 112 matches. Their last lost was on August 19, 2007, against Branagh and Youngs. May-Treanor and Walsh are 10-2 in finals matches against Branagh and Youngs.

The fans got their money's worth in the match, which at 1 hours, 45 minutes, was the second longest women's match in the history of women's pro beach volleyball.

Gold Medalists Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh Lose, 112-Match Winning Streak Snapped originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shawn Johnson Says the Pledge of Allegiance at the Democratic National Convention

Michael David Smith — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:54:00 EST

Filed under: USA

Shawn Johnson has been everywhere this week. Her latest stop was at the Democratic National Convention, where she said the Pledge of Allegiance:

(Video via Cousins of Ron Mexico at The Big Lead.)

A couple of questions occur to me about the above video, which includes the added bonus of a great rendition of the national anthem.

1. Is there a risk that Johnson is getting overexposed here? From Beijing to Letterman to Des Moines to Denver, does she have a chance to just be a regular teenager?

2. What's the deal with Olympic gymnasts and saying the Pledge at the conventions? Mary Lou Retton has said the Pledge at the Republican National Convention. Is it just that conventions usually happen shortly after the Summer Olympics and so gold medal gymnasts are usually in the news, or have focus groups determined that swing voters enjoy seeing patriotic gestures from gymnasts?

Shawn Johnson Says the Pledge of Allegiance at the Democratic National Convention originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kerri Walsh, Misty May-Treanor Defend Their Bikinis: 'Why Don't Divers Get Questions?'

Michael David Smith — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: USA

When American beach volleyball gold medalists Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor visited with David Letterman, the subject of the bikinis they wear in the sand came up:

"As I watch beach volleyball, I find it more interesting than regular indoor volleyball," Letterman told his guests, clearly referring to their apparel. "Was it the International Olympic Committee that said, 'Here, wear these outfits.'"

Walsh said the bikinis just make sense in the sand. May-Treanor added, "How come divers never get questions like why don't you wear a full sweat suit?"

Good question. I'm still not totally sure why men wear shirts, though.

Kerri Walsh, Misty May-Treanor Defend Their Bikinis: 'Why Don't Divers Get Questions?' originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shawn Johnson Returns to Iowa, Wants to 'See My Pets and Sleep'

Michael David Smith — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:42:00 EST

Filed under: USA

Gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson has returned to Iowa and has some very simple plans for what she wants to do now:

Asked in an interview at the Des Moines airport what the one thing she wants to do as soon as she gets home is, Johnson said, "See my pets and sleep."

Johnson seems like a fairly normal teenager who's a little taken aback by her celebrity status; after the jump she explains that she was shocked to learn that Vince Vaughn knows who she is.

Shawn Johnson Returns to Iowa, Wants to 'See My Pets and Sleep' originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bob Hayes Changed the Game, but He's Not a Pro Football Hall of Famer

Michael David Smith — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:44:00 EST

Filed under: USA

Bob Hayes was one of the greatest athletes in history, an Olympic gold medalist, the fastest man in the world in the 1960s and a good wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys.

But now that he's a seniors committee nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, it must be said: He doesn't merit induction in Canton.

Hayes took the NFL by storm as a rookie in 1965, catching 46 passes for 1,003 yards and leading the league in touchdown catches with 12. In 1966 he was even better, with 64 catches for 1,232 yards and a league-leading 13 touchdowns.

But then something happened: Opposing coaches realized that they'd never be able to match up a defensive back one-on-one with Hayes, so they started to employ zone defenses. And that pretty much worked. Hayes' receiving yards steadily decreased, and after being a Pro Bowler in each of his first three NFL seasons, he never was again.

Hayes was an important player in football history; he changed the game by forcing teams to use zone defenses. But he was also a one-dimensional player who basically had one skill -- "go long" -- and didn't become a complete receiver.

Hayes provided lots of exciting highlights on the field, and he's a fun guy to see on NFL Films. But while he deserves his spot in the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, he was just a good football player, not a great one.

Bob Hayes Changed the Game, but He's Not a Pro Football Hall of Famer originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Norm Macdonald Tells Nastia Liukin: Olympic Judging Is 'Commie Gobbledygook'

Michael David Smith — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:07:00 EST

Filed under: USA

When Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin appeared on Jay Leno, it was the other guest, Norm Macdonald, who stole the show:

Leno said to Liukin, "I want to ask you about the uneven bars, because a lot of us thought you got robbed."

Liukin launched into a long explanation of the tiebreaking procedures that led her getting a silver medal even though she had the same score as the Chinese gold medalist. Liukin's explanation was long and confusing, and finally Macdonald interrupted to say, "No offense, but that sounds like a bunch of commie gobbledygook."

Amen, Norm.

Asked about the age of the Chinese gymnasts, Liukin noted that she likely would have made the 2004 Olympic team were it not for the minimum age rule, and said, "I just know that I play by the rules. In our country we do."

Norm Macdonald Tells Nastia Liukin: Olympic Judging Is 'Commie Gobbledygook' originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Phelps To Host Season Premiere of 'Saturday Night Live'

Sportz Assassin — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:08:00 EST

Filed under: USA

When you win eight gold medals at one Olympics, you get to do a lot of neat stuff when you get home. SI covers, Corn Flakes boxes, Speedo deals and media demands.

Michael Phelps will do just that, as he will host the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live". The show kicks off its 34th season on September 13th with Lil' Wayne as the musical guest.

Of course, it is always dicey when an athlete hosts SNL. Some do really well (Peyton Manning) while others have come off bland (LeBron James). Some just stunk up the joint (Lance Armstrong).

Others have had iconic appearances. There was Michael Jordan hanging with Stuart Smalley ... Tom Brady in "Sexual Harassment and You" skit ... and Joe Montana as a chronic masturbator. Let's see what the writers can come up with for the great Olympian.

Michael Phelps is a bit of an unknown. Aside from the fact that he's a ridiculous swimmer, we don't too much about his personality. I guess we'll find out in a few weeks.

Michael Phelps To Host Season Premiere of 'Saturday Night Live' originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coach K To Stay Involved With USA Basketball ... Just Not As a Coach

Sportz Assassin — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:47:00 EST

Filed under: Duke, ACC, Coaches, USA

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski had an amazing time as the head coach of the USA Men's Basketball team over the past three seasons. The commitment that he and the players made to the team paid off with a gold medal in the Olympics last week.

While it isn't expected that Coach K will stay on as the head coach of the team, he does want to stay involved with the team:

"It's a critical time to use the momentum we've gained over the past three years to make us even stronger in basketball," Krzyzewski said. He said that once the "gold dust" settles there will be movement on this topic.

When asked if he would coach the national team again, Krzyzewski said that it's too early for any decisions. He simply said: "I'll help in some capacity in consulting, in whatever they need to do.

"We won a gold medal, represented our country well, and the question is now where do we go from here and how do we get better?" Krzyzewski said. "How do we make this a much better program and make it fashionable [to play for the USA]. We want people to have an intense desire to play for their country out of high school, college and the NBA. I know the guys who did were ecstatic and a number want to do it again."

That last part is the key. Great, we finally showed the world that if we took the best talent and the time to get them on the same page, we are the best in the world. But was this a one-time deal or will the commitment continue to be there.

Despite the fun he had in Beijing, it'd be hard to expect a guy like Kobe Bryant doing it again (he'd be an old 34 for the London Games). Would guys like LeBron James or Dwyane Wade go for a third Olympics? Where will the talent come from?

Will the Greg Odens, Michael Beasleys, Brandon Roys, O.J. Mayos and the like decide to participate?

The fact that this plan worked should be the catalyst for the rest of USA Basketball to join the program. There have been cries that the Under-18 team should approach their tournament in the same way. Doing so could help create teams that have some sort of unity through the years.

In two years, the World Championships are in Turkey ... and preparations for London need to begin soon.

Coach K To Stay Involved With USA Basketball ... Just Not As a Coach originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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