NBA
– The NBA has suspended Wizards G Gilbert Arenas indefinitely without pay. In a statement, David Stern said:
“Although it is clear that the actions of Mr. Arenas will ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse, his ongoing conduct has led me to conclude that he is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game.”
NHL
– The Capitals have named F Alex Ovechkin as team captain. “If I need to say something, I will say something. But I will show what I can do on the ice. It’s a big honour for me. I’m going to do my best, but I don’t want to concentrate on having a ‘C’ on my heart. I’m just going to play the same.” Ovechkin will replace former captain F Chris Clark, who the Capitals’ traded on December 28. Ovechkin figures to be more of an on-ice leader for the team, while Clark was more involved with helping the team off the ice. According to coach Bruce Boudreau, the Capitals’ players felt that Ovechkin was the only choice to replace Clark. The only issue that had to be addressed was the language border, but that doesn’t appear to be a problem anymore.
– Devils F David Clarkson (leg) is out two-to-three weeks.
NFL
– Patriots QB Tom Brady has been voted the NFL’s 2009 Comeback Player of the Year by the AP. Brady’s 19 votes edged out a host of quality candidates, including Bucs RB Cadillac Williams (14 votes), Titans QB Vince Young (7), Bengals RB Cedric Benson and Vikings QB Brett Favre (4 apiece). His finish as the No. 8 fantasy QB was disappointing, but Brady returned the Pats to the playoffs and improved their passing offense from No. 12 overall under QB Matt Cassel to third in the league. Brady missed all but a few plays in 2008 with a torn ACL and MCL, so he’s been the odds-on favourite all along.
– The AP has voted Vikings WR Percy Harvin the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Harvin was the runaway winner over runner up Ravens T Michael Oher, receiving 41 out of a possible 50 votes. Harvin worked mostly out of the slot, catching 60 passes for 790 yards and six touchdowns. He was most dangerous in the return game, where he ranked third in the leauge in kickoff return average and brought back two for scores. Brett Favre’s arrival was the main reason that the Vikings were the No. 2 offense after ranking 12th in 2008, but having a weapon like Harvin was an unexpected bonus.
– The Washington Post reports that Redskins coach Mike Shanahan plans to keep QB Jason Campbell. Campbell played in a somewhat similar West Coast-style offense under Jim Zorn, so he should remain familiar. Shanahan, though, is expected to use the Skins’ No. 4 overall draft pick on a quarterback. Campbell draw interest on the RFA market.
VoV
– Email – captaincharisma@hotmail.com
– Twitter – @VoiceofValeri
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