This guy was clearly wasted and still pulled off this skillful feat. After talking it up with one of the outfield/bullpen coaches, he seems to convince everybody to let him catch the ball in his beer. After a Willie Mays type-catch, he simply holds up the cup (as though he just robbed a home-run in Game 7 of the World Series) and then chugs the beer. Applause

Cubs Fan Catches Ball In Beer – Watch more Funny Videos

Hey Guys!! This is advice for both Guys and Girls dealing with sports in relationships.

She’s really into it

So Guys, does your girl love sports just as much as you do? If so, thats okay, its great to have this in common. There is nothing wrong with a girl who enjoys chugging a beer and watching the game as much as you do. Would you rather have someone completely dense about football? Do you want to explain pass interference while a huge play is going on? I thought so. So relish the fact that she understands the game, plus think about the time you save on explaining certain rules.

She’s TOO into it

But what if your girl keeps track of  recent trades and signings better than you do? This could be a problem, especially for guys who like to be the ones to inform or deliver the breaking news. So girls, make sure to not cross that fine line; sports could be one of your interests, but to a certain extent.

What’s wrong with him?

I’ll give you another scenario, what if  the girl likes sports more than her boyfriend? Girls, its okay, don’t panic. Just make sure he has other interests, I’m sure you guys could find something to agree on. Don’t force anything onto him, just like if the situation was reversed. Guys don’t force sports or anything else onto their significant other, at least they shouldn’t, that’s why there are friends and girlfriends. Just let him be. He might even make a conscious effort in taking up sports as an interest, if it was that important to you.

Why can’t she like my team?

And what if you don’t see eye to eye on favorite teams? Mets or Yankees, Cubs or White Sox, Angels or Dodgers. This happens more than you probably think, especially in the two team towns. As we embrace interleague play once again, I’m sure you will see plenty of couples rocking different jerseys. This goes to show you that it can work out, and it doesn’t matter how big of a fan you or your significant other is.

If you are in a new relationship its okay to rag on each others teams, but in a playful, innocent way. For guys, you don’t want to talk to your girl like she is one of your buddies. You could make fun of her team, but do it within reason, and adding a smile after doing it makes it better. The same courtesy goes for girls as well, because guys are just as sensitive, especially when talking about their teams. Girls, if your team is victorious, rubbing it in (in a non playful manner) is a major turn off. This goes for everyone caught in a team dissagreement relationship, even if you are a Yankees / Red Sox couple.

Older couples, new rules

It is completely different once you are in a long term relationship. Those rules don’t apply anymore. As the comfortability factor increases, the playful taunts decrease. You both know what to expect from each other at this point, so it should matter less. You know that your dissimilar sports teams won’t have any affect on the distance of your relationship. If anything, it could have a positive affect, minor differences keep relationships from getting dull or stale.

So difference in team choice should have no affect on an outcome of any relationship, because  as Jerry Seinfeld said, we all just root for laundry anyway.
So what you guys, for any Yankee fans out there, would you date a die hard Sox fan?

The phenomenal thing about athletics, much like pornography, is that some of the surging start begin their rise to the top at such a young age.  We compiled a list of MMA fighters that are still young enough to be a college student; however, are too busy fighting to become a World Champion.

JON JONES

Tale of The Tape

• D.O.B. July 19, 1987
• Record. 9-0-0
• Height. 6’4″
• Weight. 205

Notes: This bad-ass is only 21 and has already beaten seasoned UFC veterans such as Andre Gusmao, and Stephan Bonnar. If you dont know who he is, check out his fight with Bonnar and you will see some never before seen crazy sick moves.

DAN LAUZON

Tale of The Tape

• D.O.B. March 30, 1988
• Record. 12-2-0
• Height. 5’10″
• Weight. 155

Notes: Brother of UFC veteran Joe Lauzon, Dan is the youngest fighter to have ever have competed in the UFC, losing to Spencer Fisher. After the demise of Affliction the UFC has signed him once again to compete in its famed octagon.

CHRIS HORODECKI

Tale of The Tape

• D.O.B. September 24, 1987
• Record. 13-1-0
• Height. 5’9″
• Weight. 155

Notes: Former IFL Lightweight Champion. This hard hitting 21 year old striker has been around the big leagues since he was 18 with most of his victories coming by way of K.O. or TKO

ROGER HUERTA

Tale of The Tape

• D.O.B. May 20, 1983
• Record. 20-2-1
• Height. 5’9″
• Weight. 155

Notes: This Sports Illustrated cover boy may be older than the rest, but he has made it public that he intends to finish his remaining credits so he may graduate with a Bachelors degree from Augsburg college. With a life story that is fit for an Oscar worthy movie this guy is as bad ass as it gets. Check out his fight with Leonard Garcia and Clay Guida.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, prepare yourselves. That’s because this summer, the LeBron James show could be coming to a city near you. On July 1^st he adds to his resume, which already includes an MVP, an Olympic gold medal, and the honor of being the youngest player ever to score 15,000 career points. After being picked apart by Boston and having the spotlight stolen by Rajon Rondo, LeBron clearly has some thinking to do. Aside from that, while he was cold as ice in Game 5, there were no heirs to his throne in Cleveland who stepped up to help the team weather the Celtic storm; rather, Cleveland got blown out in their worst playoff loss ever. While it is difficult to forecast the future of LeBron James, the skies are starting to clear up and it is getting more and more difficult to see if LeBron will don the crimson and gold next season.

On July 1^st, LeBron James becomes the most coveted free agent in sports history.

At only 25 years old, LBJ has established himself as the most dominant force in basketball today, just won his second straight MVP this season, an award he appears to have a stranglehold on for many seasons to come, as seems to only be getting better. He is one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet, and behind marketing powerhouse Nike, he has gone from simply being a great sports star, to a brand.

Wherever he ends up lacing his sneakers next year, he is certain to change the fortunes of that franchise forever. He alone can elevate a team from the outhouse to the penthouse, from contender to champion, from champion to dynasty. He’s also certain to bring national attention to whomever he plays for, as well as other free agents looking to ride his coattails to an elusive NBA championship.

So who will be the lucky winner of the LeBron James sweepstakes? Lets take a look at some of the teams in the race

THE FAVORITES:

Cleveland Cavaliers:

Why they’ll win: Simply put, LeBron is Cleveland. Don’t believe me? “If he signs with another team I’m fairly sure our downtown will slide directly into Lake Erie.” Says Ben Kohn, a lifetime Cleveland resident, and Cavs diehard. “He’s rapidly becoming the only reason Cleveland is even culturally relevant, and he immediately becomes the hometown messiah if he leads us to a championship.” Pretty heavy.

LeBron James has lived in the state of Ohio his entire life. He became the most famed high school basketball player ever while playing with St. Vincent/St. Mary’s High School, in Akron. He jumped to the professional ranks immediately from there and was drafted first overall in 2003 by, you guessed it, the Cavs, a franchise that he turned from a laughingstock to a perennial contender. He is synonymous with the city and the state.

That’s without taking into account the success of the team. The Cavs are currently cruising to the best record in the NBA this season and will surely go into the playoffs as the favorites to win it all. It’s hard to imagine him leaving if they were to accomplish that.

Why they won’t: LeBron exudes superstardom; he is as synonymous with that as he is the city of Cleveland. With that said, how does someone that big, stay in the Midwest for his entire professional career? It’s easy to imagine him making a move to the East or West Coast and becoming the “global icon” he so greatly desires to be.

Another major consideration is that the Cavs were in a similar situation last year, among the favorites to win it all, and underachieved, getting waxed in the Eastern Conference Finals by Orlando Magic. Another performance like that could make him further consider moving on.

Finally, though they’ve tried, the Cavs have yet to provide LeBron with a young wingman to grow with. They have a lot of money invested in several aging veterans, with the idea that winning a championship now would allow them to keep their superstar. All of this makes it unlikely that the team can improve itself around James over the next few years if they were to resign him

The verdict: They have to be considered the favorites at this stage in the game. By all accounts LeBron James loves Cleveland, and the feeling is certainly mutual. Other teams will put on a full court press when free agency starts, at the moment, it appears to be the Cavs race to lose.

New York Knicks:

Why they’ll win: The brightest lights. LeBron James may be Cleveland, but his personality, his fame, and his aura are New York. Success in the Big Apple is different, and the chance to do it on the grandest stage may be too much for him to pass up. Also, the Knicks offer him two opportunities that no other team can.

The first is the chance to revive a franchise with a cherished history and a rabid fan base. Since the turn of the millennium, the Knicks have gone from one of the most well run and well-respected franchises in sports to basketball’s running joke. Bad contracts, bad trades, and off court controversy set them back for years, but that all changed when Donnie Walsh replaced Isiah Thomas as president of basketball operations. In the last two years, Walsh has furiously trimmed the fat, moved the bad contracts, and hired a player’s coach in Mike D’Antoni, with the vision of a clean slate for this summer. For LeBron.

That’s the second opportunity, the chance to play on a team that is built from the ground up around him. The Knicks have enough cap room to sign a second superstar (and there are many on the free agent market this off-season) to play Robin to LeBron’s Batman, and will be in the running for every veteran looking to sign cheap and play with a championship caliber team. The X-factor is D’Antoni, who’s run and gun offense was tailor made for his unique skill set.

Why they won’t: Signing with the Knicks is the ultimate gamble. Sure, the chances are very good that a second superstar signs along side LeBron, but what if the dice come up snake eyes? There isn’t a great, or even a very good core on the team currently, and no matter how good he is, he’d be entering a significant downgrade in terms of the talent level he’s used to with the Cavs, and why would a superstar entering his prime want to waste even a second of it in a rebuilding situation?

The verdict: There are so many variables that go along with a LeBron-Knicks marriage, but for all the risk involved, it also presents the highest reward opportunity, in terms of what his success would mean for his legacy and his icon status. They’re just behind the Cavs in the race and have a chance to rise based on what LeBron wants to do with the rest of his career.

A Puncher’s Chance:

Los Angeles Clippers:

Why they’ll win: Of all the teams that can offer him a him a max contract, the Clippers have the most young talent for LeBron to grow with. Blake Griffin, this years first overall pick, is coming off of a season long knee injury, but showed great explosiveness on both ends of the floor in college and has the potential to be a dynamic post presence for years to come. Second year guard Eric Gordon has flashed superstar potential as well as a versatile guard who could provide Lebron with something he’s never had, another wing player with an alpha dog mentality who could take the ball handling and scoring burden off of his shoulders for a stretch if need be. These two, as well as veterans Chris Kaman, and Baron Davis would round out a very imposing and well balanced starting 5, if Lebron were to jump ship.

Why they won’t: No matter what, the Lakers will always be number one in L.A., is Lebron going to want to play second fiddle to anyone? Don’t forget the long history of front office ineptitude and questions as to who will become the new coach and general manager next year.

The Verdict: While the dynamic of Kobe Bryant’s Lakers rivaling LeBron James’ Clippers would make for great headlines, it probably isn’t worthwhile for LeBron.

Chicago Bulls:

Why they’ll win: Derrick Rose. The second year point guard is emerging as one of the best players in the NBA, pairing the two would create matchup nightmares for every team in the league. Stylistically, Rose is the perfect player to pair with him because he is a multi-talented ball distributor, who is athletic enough to run the floor with LeBron, and a big enough scoring threat that he will demand a lot of the attention James typically takes up. Chicago also offers the big city dynamic, while also allowing him to stay within his Midwestern roots.

Why they won’t: Michael Jordan. Lebron is changing his number from 23 to 6 when this season is over, why? Because in the NBA, there is only one 23, and that’s MJ. Chicago is the only place where LeBron’s success will forever be overshadowed by the past history of another individual. The degree of difficulty of replicating or surpassing Jordan’s prolific resume is extremely high, it doesn’t seem worth it to try when there are so many other cities that would appreciate his greatness on its own.

The verdict: While Chicago offers him a great combination of what other cities offer, the Jordan factor would make it entirely to complicated for him, especially when he is so hell bent on creating his own legacy.

Miami Heat:

Why they’ll win: Dwayne Wade. Wade is unquestionably the best player of any that Lebron could potentially play with in the upcoming years. Wade already boasts something LeBron doesn’t, an NBA championship ring. The two seemed to have a good connection when they played together for the United States in the Olympics, and they’d form arguably the most terrifying wing combination in league history. Oh, and spending your mid-twenties in South Beach isn’t a bad reason either

Why they won’t: Dwayne Wade. While it’s a dream to put the two of them together, it’s hard to imagine it working out in real life. While both are immensely talented, they are the same type of player, superstars who need the ball in their hands and the scoring load on their backs. What happens in crunch time? Who gets the ball? Ego’s would clash, no matter how high character both guys seem to be.

The Verdict: Perhaps the most intriguing option of them all, but LeBron deserves his own team around him, and with Wade it would never really happen. Scary (and fun) to think what would be if it did though.

The Wild Card:

Los Angeles Lakers

Why they’ll win: A little known fact about this off-season is the fact that Kobe Bryant has an opt out clause in his contract, and he very well may exercise it. What a way to replace him, then with the player who has arguably taken his title of “best player in basketball?” It was recently reported that sources close to coach, Phil Jackson have said that LeBron wants to be a Laker, and really why not? They offer everything the Knicks do, plus a championship caliber roster and one of the most accomplished coaches of all time, if Kobe were to leave, this one would seemingly be a no brainer.

Why they won’t: Kobe Bryant has had entirely too much success with the Lakers to move on. Bryant and Jackson survived a tumultuous past, and have moved on to another championship and a strong relationship, at least on the surface. Could the rumors of the Lakers and Lebron sniffing around each other prompt a move? Perhaps, but unlikely

The Verdict: A fun pipedream, if Kobe ever left, they would have to be elevated to favorites along with the Cavs and Knicks, but that’s a huge if as of now.

Consider this the trailer for this summer’s biggest blockbuster. While there is still a lot of question as to how the story ends, one thing is for certain. LeBron James will get rave reviews wherever he goes.

You think that buying that girls five drinks and not hooking up with her was a bad investment? Wait til you see what some of these franchises paid for rising stars in the league that never quite lived up to their hype.

10. CARLOS LEE

In 2006 the Houston Astros decided on giving Lee a 100 million dollar contract, over six years. Carlos Lee is a one dimentional player and those types of contracts should only be handed out to either a really good pitcher or a player with different fascets to his game. With pitching and defense being the trend around baseball, the Astros have a liability in left field with Carlos Lee. While he has been a very productive player, driving in at least 100 the past three seasons, his lack of versatility is good enough for him to land on this list.

9. VERNON WELLS

At the end of a great year in 2006, the Toronto Blue Jays awarded their All Star centerfielder with a huge contract. Vernon’s contract is known for being just a terrible signing. The terms were seven years, worth 126 million dollars, making him the franchise player for the only MLB team left in Canada. In 2007 he was riddled with injuries and his production fell, maybe it was the pressure of that huge contract. In 2008 Wells also missed some time on the DL ending his season with 20 homeruns and 78 batted in. Last season his struggles continued at the plate and in the field, while also dealing with injuries. It seems as if ever since Wells signed that contract its been nothing but bad.

8. GILBERT ARENAS

Whether its been voided or not, the Washington Wizards should have never given Arenas a contract that was worth 111 million dollars over a six year period. For some reason I’ve always felt that Arenas was bit overrated. He was never the purest shooter, but his slashing ability is what made him dominant. His injuries, lack of productivity, and dumb mistakes makes him an easy choice at number eight. The Wizards made him the face of the franchise and are now paying the consequences after all that transpired in late 2009.

7. ALBERT HAYNESWORTH

The terms for Haynesworth’s deal was seven years, worth 100 million. There were a bunch of incentives also, and if all are met then it would increase to about 115 million. Haynesworth is a great defensive force, and prior to Washington Haynesworth lead the Tennessee Titans to an outstanding 2008 season. His 2009 campiagn was not as dominant, and many Redskins fans were dissapointed with only four sacks from their 100 million dollar man.

6. MICHAEL VICK

The Falcons decided on giving Vick a ten year deal worth 130 million, 37 of that guaranteed. Even with all that has happened to Mr.Vick aside this contract signing was ridiculous. I think signing any player to a ten year deal, especially in the NFL, is simply crazy. Even before the prison sentence, Vick underperformed under his contract. His winning percentage was .500 after the deal. In 2006 Vick did set a record for most rushing yards as a Q.B. I think the length of this contract is the main reason why it was so bad.

5. DAVID BECKHAM

Soccer is not the most popular sport in the U.S. I know, stating the obvious. So when the L.A Galaxy brought in David Beckham it could have created some interest, but to no avail. Instead of “Bending it” like him the few of us who cared to pay attention watched David as he hit the injured list. I understand that he is the biggest soccer star there is, butthe question is why would the Galaxy pay him 250 million over five years? And if anyone cares, the Galaxy did not improve once the superstar joined the club. In 2009 he didn’t even play in the first half of the season, which angered the fanbase.

4. ALAN HOUSTON

Alan Houston is one of the most beloved Knicks. He was part of the glory days for the New York Knicks and New York fans don’t forget how clutch he was for their team. Houston is also remembered for signing a large contract, and never really played after signing. In 2001 he signed a deal worth 100 million, spanning six years. Houston’s injuries slowed him considerably, making him force to retire in 2005. The contract was mainly the Knicks management’s fault. There were no serious suiters trying to lure Houston out of New York. The Houston signing was the beginning of bad management decisions for the Knicks.

3. ALFONSO SORIANO

Alfonso Soriano and the Cubs agreed to a long term contract, it was an eight year deal worth 136 million dollars. Soriano’s skill set was weakened after the Washington Nationals moved him to the outfield. As a second baseman, for the Yankees and Rangers, he became one of the most powerful and dynamic players. But as an outfielder, his talents were not as rare to find. His streakiness and fielding is why he lands on this list, because he has had productive offensive years with the Cubbies. Last years offensive struggles is why he comes in third. In an injury filled 2009 he batted .241, striking out 118 times. The Cubs and the Wrigley faithful wanted bigger things from Soriano. How can anyone live up to his contract?

2. BARRY ZITO

The San Francisco Giants threw big money at Barry Zito and they got there man. Zito’s agent is of course super agent Sottt Boras, because Zito would not have gotten those dollars without him. In 2002 Barry Zito won the Cy Young Award while pitching for the Oakland A’s. He did have great years under the tutelage of pitching coach Rick Peterson. Zito hired Boras in mid 2006, preparing for his free agent eligibility. In December of 2006 Zito signed with the Giants, and at the time was the highest paid pitcher ever. The contract was a seven year deal worth 126 million. In 2009 Zito rebounded after two sub par years, putting pressure on himself after the lucrative contract. The fact is that Zito is a middle of the rotation guy who is making 18 million a year, which is why the Giants could not add a solid bat over the past few years.

1. MIKE HAMPTON

Mike Hampton is the only reason why Barry Zito does not land at the top spot. Mike Hampton was one of the anchors for the New York Mets in their run to the World Series in 200o. After that season, he was the hot pitching free agent and Hampton chose to go the Colorado Rockies.  The terms were eight years worth about 121 million, which at the time, was one of the largest contracts ever. In his first year in Colorado he went 14-13 with a 5.12 era. Hampton’s second season as the Rockies ace went even worse, posting a 7-15 record with a 6.15 era. The thin air of Colorado and Hampton did not mesh well, and it ended in November when the Rockies traded him to the Marlins. He then was traded to Atlanta and  rebounded to respectable numbers for Bobby Cox in 2003 and 2004. Injuries then overcame Hampton for a number of years, and never lived up to the huge contract.

This year, Drew Brees will don the cover of one of the biggest franchises of all gaming – Madden. Ironically enough, the past ten years have been more of a curse than a gift for the NFL stars who shared this honor with Drew Brees. Here is a look at the victims of the Madden curse.

2010

Troy Polamalu/Larry Fitzgerald Polamalu missed all but 5 games (knee); Fitzgerald was Pro Bowler

2009

Brett Favre Feuded with Packers, traded to Jets, lost 4 of last 5 and played with a torn bicep.

2008

Vince Young Missed one game (quad). Would lose starting spot to Kerry Collins

2007

Shaun Alexander Missed 6 games (fractured foot); fewer yards and TDs in ’06 and ’07 than in ’04 or ’05

2006

Donovan McNabb Sports hernia in first game; missed 7 games

2005

Ray Lewis Broken wrist, missed game; missed 10 games in ’06 (thigh)

2004

Michael Vick Fractured fibula 1 day after game was released, missed 11 games; off-field issues since

2003

Marshall Faulk Ankle injury, missed 2 games; never rushed for 1,000 yards again

2002

Daunte Culpepper 4-7 record before season-ending injury

2001

Eddie George Fumbled in playoffs as top-seeded Titans lost first game

2000

Barry Sanders Retired one week before training camp

10. Brandon Jacobs (4^th Round, 2005)

Jacobs couldn’t even find playing time in his own crowded backfield in college, playing behind future stars Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams at Auburn before transferring to a smaller school. Despite rare size for a running back, most scouts saw Jacobs as more of a situational, goal line type back. Not the Giants however, who scooped him to up be the eventual successor to Tiki Barber, which he has done well, averaging 4.4 yards per carry throughout his career.

9. Brandon Marshall (4^th Round, 2006)

Despite being a huge headache off the field there is no denying his production on it. Marshall is one of only five players in NFL history to catch at least 100 passes in three consecutive seasons.

8. Michael Turner (5^th Round, 2004)

“The Burner” was very productive at small Northern Illinois University, and spent the first few years of his career as the backup to future hall of fame running back Ladanian Tomlinson, but it became evident early on with high production with limited carries that he was a star in the making. Now he has the spotlight to himself in Atlanta, and has taken advantage of it, reaching the 2009 Pro Bowl.

7. Aaron Kampman (5^th Round, 2002)

Once viewed as a limited defensive end with little upside, Kampman has managed to rack up 54 career sacks and two Pro Bowl appearances.

6. Steve Smith (4^th Round, 2001)

In 2001 three receivers went in the first 15 picks. Their names were Koren Robinson, David Terrell, and Rod Gardner, all of whom are long out of the league.

They should have been named Steve Smith.

The undersized dynamo lasted into the 4^th round, proven to be a big time playmaker, and elite pass catcher, leading the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2005 and accumulating 50 touchdowns throughout his career

5. Asante Samuel (4^th Round, 2003)

This 3-time pro bowler and 2-time super bowl champion emerged in 2006, his first year as a starter, intercepting 10 passed, his knack for making big plays showed up in the playoffs that year where he returned two interceptions for touchdowns. He has 35 career picks, not bad for a guy who was passed up 119 times in 2003.

4. T.J. Houshmanzadeh (7^th Round, 2001)

Spent the majority of his career, including college, as the quiet compliment to Chad Johnson, who was drafted in the 2^nd round the same year, but there’s no denying that Houshmanzadeh’s production stands on its own including 40 touchdowns and the league lead in receptions in 2007, far exceeding the expectations of someone taken in the last round of the draft.

3. Marques Colston (7^th Round, 2006)

… Speaking of 7^th round receivers, Colson came into the league in 2006 from unheralded Hofstra University, taken with the 252^nd pick. He has emerged as a go-to guy throughout his brief career, including tallying the most receptions by any player in his first two seasons in the league, accumulating over 30 touchdown catches, and walking away with a super bowl ring in 2010.

2. Jared Allen (4^th Round, 2004)

The Chiefs went to Jared in after he was passed on 125 times. He’s rewarded them (and the Vikings since 2008) with 72 sacks, putting him at 12^th on the active list right now, but he is easily the youngest in the top 15 at 27. Allen is a perennial pro bowler and a constant threat to the quarterback

1. Tom Brady (6^th Round, 2000)

Giovanni Carmazzi, Tee Martin, and Spergon Wynn.

Who are these guys you ask? Just quarterbacks taken ahead of Tom Brady in the 2001 draft,

Brady is the ultimate definition of a draft steal. Taken in the 6^th round out of Michigan, a place where he didn’t even start full time, Brady was thrust into action in 2001 after an injury to incumbent starter Drew Bledsoe. He and the Patriots haven’t looked back since. The accolades are truly endless, a 3-time Super Bowl champion, 2-time Super Bowl MVP, and a league MVP in 2007. Brady is one of the most well known players in the game, and is synonymous with clutch play and winning.

Paging Spergon Wynn?

The NFL draft is one of the most celebrated days in a sports fan’s year. Why is there so much excitement about an event with no actual athletic competition? It marks new beginnings, a level of optimism for even the most dreadful teams from the year before. The draft is a chance for each and every team to reverse it’s fortunes, for better and for worse. It is every team’s greatest asset towards building a championship level team, and ironically, it is also one of sport’s biggest crapshoots. For every Peyton Manning that has lived up to every shred of hype and elevated his team, there has been a Ryan Leaf that cripples another for years to come. For every Akili Smith, a quarterback with seemingly limitless potential, who frustrated a fan base by never putting it all together, there is a Tom Brady, who battled to start for his COLLEGE team, and was passed up 198 times in the 2000 draft before being taken by the Patriots in the 6^th round, you may have heard a bit about how that one turned out.

So with the 2010 draft on the horizon, it’s time to take a look back to show that no matter what the experts, the executives, and the fans think they know going into the big day… they don’t.

10 Biggest Busts of the 00’s

10. David Carr (1^st overall, 2002)

Carr came into the league as the first pick ever for the expansion Houston Texans. Unlike even the most heralded rookie quarterbacks, he entered his first season as the unquestioned starter, without any legitimate competition behind him, with the team citing his leadership on the field, and rare maturity off of it (married with a child during college). Such situations come with inherent growing pains, but few imagined that they would come with such literal force and frequency. After a shocking win 19-10 victory in the franchise’s inaugural game against the Dallas Cowboys, Carr’s Texans would go on to lose their next 5 games and finished with a 4-12 record, which was not unexpected considering the state of the young franchise. What was unexpected though was the record 76 sacks that Carr was on the receiving end of, behind an inexperienced offensive line. The punishment slowly but surely got to him as his numbers and effectiveness declined each season until he was released after the 2006 season. He has been a backup since, and it appears he will never even come close to reaching the potential of a number one overall pick.

9. Adam “Pacman” Jones (6^th overall, 2005)

Jones is by no means a conventional draft bust. His first two seasons, he showed all the promise that prompted such a high draft pick for the Tennessee Titans. He was emerging as a top corner and was already one of, if not the best return man in the game. Unfortunately, it was not his on-field performance that undermined the career of Pacman.

Jones was suspended for the entire ’07-’08 season, and suspended for the entire season for a variety of legal issues, including alleged involvement in a shooting that left a man paralyzed. He was never the same, after being released the following season by the Titans, he caught on with the Cowboys, but was ineffective. He was out of football this past season, and it remains a question as to whether he has a future in the NFL.

8. Vernon Gholston (6^th Overall, 2008)

He could be ranked higher or lower depending on his next few years, but despite only two years in the league, he has been among the most disappointing high picks in recent memory, and the definition of a workout warrior. A physical freak, who was expected to become an elite pass rusher quickly, displaying rare speed and explosiveness during his workouts, Gholston has yet to record a single sack, and has totaled 30 tackles in two completely irrelevant seasons for the New York Jets. His talent simply doesn’t show up in game situations This coming year could be his last chance to prove himself.

7. Jerome McDougle (15^th Overall, 2003)

While many players on this list were drafted higher overall, McDougle has a near unparalleled level of ineffectiveness. The Eagles hoped McDougle would develop into an elite pass rusher. Four seasons, and three sacks that idea was out the window and McDougle was out of the league.

6. Troy Williamson (7^th Overall, 2005)

The speedy receiver was drafted by the Vikings in the top ten and was expected to solve the team’s pass catching woes. He was traded two seasons later for a 6^th round pick, doesn’t really add up right? Neither does a receiver who can’t catch, which is precisely what Williamson was and is. Williamson however, does not hold the distinction of being the biggest receiver bust in his own draft class, that goes to…

5. Mike Williams (10^th Overall, 2005)

Many questioned the decision to take Williamson ahead of the much more productive Williams in 2005. It didn’t really end up mattering either way. Williams, a huge target with terrific hands seemed to have all the potential in the world to become a dominant force. His fall to ten overall tempted the Detroit Lions to jump on him, and they lived to regret it. He repeatedly showed up out of shape and it became evident that he did not have the speed to separate from professional defensive backs and more importantly passion to succeed in the NFL. He was out of the league in 3 years.

4. JaMarcus Russell (1^st Overall, 2007)

… Speaking of undedicated, Russell is a few years away from topping this list. The Oakland Raiders took him at the top of the draft after he showed off unparalleled arm strength. Scouts raved about his workouts, but it has yet to translate on the field. Russell had one of the most inaccurate seasons in NFL history last season and was benched in favor of journeyman Bruce Gradkowski. He has reportedly ballooned as high as 300 pounds and has shown little improvement since his entrance into the league. Like Gholston, this season could be the tipping point for Russell.

3. Jamal Reynolds (10^th Overall, 2001)

It’s hard to be less relevant than Reynolds was for the duration of his career, he managed three sacks over three injury plagued years for the Green Bay Packers. His career was so unremarkable that I couldn’t find a single picture of him actually playing to add.

2. Johnathan Sullivan (6^th Overall, 2003)

Sullivan was expected to be a versitle, potentially dominant defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints. It never happened, as he only mustered 1.5 sacks in three seasons. It is particularly painful considering that two pro bowl defensive linemen, Terrell Suggs and Kevin Williams, were drafted only a few picks behind him.

1. Charles Rogers (2^nd Overall, 2003)

Rogers had it all. Coming out of Michigan State he held the record for consecutive games with touchdown catches in college history and at 6 foot 3, 220 pounds, while also running a forty yard dash in the 4.3’s, it appeared he had the size and skills to become one of the greats, not to mention that he would go on to be drafted by his hometown Detroit Lions, making for a nice story. Injuries and personal problems would undermine that quest before it seemingly got started, and his work ethic never seemed to match his considerable talent.. His rookie season ended after 5 games due to a broken collarbone, the same injury that would derail his second season after just three plays. The following season, Rogers was suspended for four games after his third failure of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, and was released the following season. Upon his release, new head coach Rod Marinelli said that he didn’t think Rogers’ work ethic was a match for his football team. He has tried out for several teams in recent years, but his skills have eroded and those teams have surmised that the risk is simply not worth the reward.

Make sure to check out our feature on the best Draft Steals of the past decade!

APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEIVING

When it comes to a bar fight, don’t always bank on the bigger guy. No matter how big or strong somebody is, they always have that button on their chin that will make their whole body shut down.  Not only that, but in MMA, when fighting somebody with more reach or strength, the strategy is to get them to the ground. When a bigger fighter is on their back, their strength is almost negated. The same can be said for a bar and it’s tight atmosphere. Whether the octagon or a wooden floor soaked with beer and vodka, once a “big” guy is on the ground, they aren’t nearly as strong anymore. Not only that, some skinny guys can also just be scrappy. Just because one guy spends a lot of time in the gym, doesn’t mean he will know how to react after getting punched in the face. One strike to the head causes trauma. Fighters are trained to react to this trauma defensively. In many cases, the average college guy goes into a state of shock for a few seconds.

DO NOT MESS WITH A GUY WITH CAULIFLOWER EAR

What is cauliflower ear? It is when fluid (mainly blood) gets trapped in the inner cartilage of one’s ear. In other words, people who fight a lot and get hit in the side of their head wind up with this deformity. In other words, if somebody has cauliflower ear, they have experience fighting. I would say that 95% of MMA fighters have cauliflower ear. It does not necessarily mean that they get their ass kicked because this could occur while sparring or training. Regardless, this is a clear cut sign that they know how to take a hit and more than likely will know how to deliver one.

THE COCKY GUY IS NOT THE BETTER FIGHTER

Just because one guy is taking and seems confident that he will win the fight does not mean that we will actually win it. In MMA, fighters often talk smack leading up to a fight. Let’s take Michael Bisping for example. He was undefeated and was constantly talking trash to Dan Henderson throughout the Ultimate Fighter, while they were opposing coaches. When it came to their meeting in the octagon, Bisping’s outspoken confidence was knocked right out of him by Dan Henderson. Dan kept more quite and reserved and saved his opportunity to retaliate to be expressed in the octagon.

DO NOT MESS WITH THE FOREIGNERS

I like to think that America is the best place to live. I’ve been to many places in my 22 years on this planet. I’ve been to Mexico, Brazil, Europe. Sometimes, the foreigners I’ve seen remind me of fairies. Still, even if they bump into me or seem to be looking for trouble, I try to avoid it because I do not really know them. Had they been somebody local, I would have delivered a donkey-punch if they crossed the line. Take a good look at the above picture of Anderson Silva. If you saw this guy on the street, I bet that you wouldn’t think he is too intimidating. Yet, this Brazilian has won his last 11 fights in the UFC, which include causing a mental breakdown to the first Ultimate Fighter Champion, Forrest Griffin and completely rearranging the face of former UFC champ Rich Franklin.

DO NOT COUNT OUT THE FAT GUYS

You see this guy in the picture? Not only did he win the Ultimate Fighter Season 10, but he destroyed Kimbo Slice. You know Kimbo? That guy with the grizzly beard who looks like he eats babies for breakfast. This chunky fellow seriously left Kimbo completely defenseless. While he seems chunky and out of shape, he knows how to throw down. Aside from Kimbo, he also knocked out a former NFL starter in the finale of the Ultimate Fighter. Not bad for somebody who loves twinkies.

…Choose your battles, my friends…

These are the guys that don’t spell fear in their opponents eyes, they don’t have any “wow” factor. They have nothing that could intimidate their foe. These guys could be really good at what they do, I am not bashing their ability, lets get that straight. We have some Super Bowl champs, M.V.P’s, All Star’s and well accomplished performers on here. So while  they get the job done, they don’t seem to have that athletic look or physical presence, basically, they look like you and me.

10. Drew Brees

Drew Brees is one of the most accomplished guys on this list. He just won the biggest game of his life and I’m sure is still riding that wave. Brees is considered to be one the best quarterbacks in the game today. Coming back from severe shoulder surgery and turning around a franchise is just a few examples of what he has accomplished as a star quarterback in the league. He is the list, and barely mind you, because of his physic stature. Quarterbacks, for today’s standards, should be tall, big guys, but Brees is quite the opposite. When he was a free agent teams passed on him because of his height. It is a testament to him though, with his pedestrian like size, Brees is still one of the best quarterbacks in the game. So, no, he does not an intimidating presence, but his great skill set gets the job done. Brees doesn’t need to intimidate to beat his opponents.

9. Steve Nash

Steve Nash is a well accomplished NBA player. He is the quisesentional point gaurd.  With his energy and passing skills,  Nash makes his teammates so much better. He probably runs his respected team better than anyone in the league. He lands on this list because he doesn’t have anything that could scare his opponents. He isn’t the biggest guy and he still looks very young, even though he is getting up there in age. Again, you can’t argue with Nash’s skills on the floor, he just cannot intimidate his opponents without the rock in his hands.

8. Roy Oswalt

Roy Oswalt has been the ace and team leader of his squad, the Houston Astros for quite some time now. When you watch him pitch you can’t help but to ask, how does he pitch that fast? His size is very average, to say the least. Pitchers, like quarterbacks seem to be very tall, so it is unusual to see someone of Oswalt’s size dominant on the diamond. He makes up for his size with a competetive and edgy attitude. Even with that, he lands on the eighth spot, for the sole purpose of his size. Sorry Roy, that stuff won’t work on us.

7. Eli Manning

Eli Manning and his “awe shucks” persona falls in at number 7 spot. The younger Manning always seems to look very, well, young. Manning doesn’t have that mean streak attitude that could keep defenses on its heals. He still gets the job done though, I must say, and the ring proves that point. He is a champion, but he still looks as though he could be Peyton’s ball boy for some reason. Manning does not seem to fit the New York style or attitude, but it doesn’t matter, all that New Yorkers really care about is winning.

6. Jim Leonhard

Jim Leonhard is the safety for the New York Jets. He is a Rex Ryan guy. Ryan brought him along once he got the Jets job. Coach Ryan loves his toughness and ball insticts. Leonhard doesn’t look like he could put a hurting on the opposition, but he is very capable. Leonhard is 5’8 and about 185 pounds,those are the the two main reasons why he is on the list. He plays alot bigger though, always using his great quickness. So while he won’t intimidate you with how he looks, wait until he tackles you.

5. Wes Welker

Wes Welker is Tom Brady’s not so secret weapon. He has been the key to Bill Belichick offense for quite some time now, although never won the Super Bowl with the Pats. Welker is a very productive wide receiver and was sorley missed after going down with an injury last season. Welker is 5’9 and weighs 185 pounds, like Leonhard, his size is one the reasons why he is on the list. Many wide receivers don’t intimidate, so Welker gets the knod to represent the group.

4. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry is the guard for the Golden State Warriors. He lead his college, Davidson, to the NCAA tournament and holds the record for most points in Davidson history. Curry lands on this list because of his physical stature. He also looks very young, which also is a major factor for why he comes in at the fourth spot.  He is as thin as a rail and too small to be a shooting guard, although he has adjusted well to being a point guard.

3. Dustin Pedroia

Dustin Pedroia is the scrappy second baseman for the Boston Red Sox. He is considered one of the best second baseman in the game.When he steps into the box he doesn’t look like much, but there is a reason why he won the M.V.P in 2008. His first full year in the bigs he won the Rookie of the Year and was a key component to the 2007 World Series run. He might not scare pitchers with his attitude or size, but he has surprising power, especially in Fenway Park. Pedroia’s presence may not be intimidating, but he plays big, like many of the guys on this list.

2. David Eckstein

David Eckstein was the 2006 World Series M.V.P. He is the ultimate pesky ballplayer. Eckstein does all those little things that helps a ballclub win. Its great to see him use all of his might to throw the baseball to first base. It goes to show you that you don’t have to be the biggest guy to be a productive baseball player.

1. Tim Lincecum

Tim Lincecum is one of the best pitchers in the game, and let’s not forget, he is only 25 years old. He also has two N.L Cy Youngs under his belt already. So why is he number one on this list? Lincecum is very skinny and kind of short, at least by MLB pitchers standards. He is a freak of nature because he throws so hard, but the question is, how? That is why “The Freak” caught on so fast. Lincecum also looks very young, which is also why he claims the top spot. I mean how could look 15 and be intimidating? Right? I am sure once you step in the box against this guy, he is very intimadting, but I’m simply going on the look of him. Considering he is very successful at what he does, like many of the guys on this list, he doesn’t need to intimidate to come out on top.