Chilean Miner Finishes NYC Marathon

What a triumph for all the rescued Chilean miners.   

Edison Pena hobbled his way over the finish line in Central Park at 3.30pm, five hours and 50 minutes after beginning the race in Staten Island.

The 34 year-old, who was the 12th man to be raised to the surface in the Phoenix rescue capsule from deep below the Atacama Desert last month, had been dubbed "the runner" for his gruelling subterranean exercise regime.

He was invited to participate in the challenge through the streets of Manhattan by organisers who were inspired by his drive and stamina.

Mr Pena said before the race that his goal was to complete the 26.2 mile course within six hours but would have to overcome a knee injury incurred during the 10 weeks trapped underground.

"I could have come just to watch, but I decided to take part, to feel the emotion," he said ahead of Sunday's race.

Better Fighters: Jockeys or NASCAR Drivers

You decide.

Today, Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton fought on the backstretch during Sunday's race at Texas Motor Speedway after they wrecked during a caution. Gordon shoved Burton and then they became entangled before NASCAR officials separated them. Talk about the old Texas two-step.

The problem began during a caution when Gordon tried to show his displeasure with a move Burton had made and then Burton made a move and they ended up wrecking.

Both drivers surprisingly shared a ride in the ambulance to the track's infield care center for a mandatory observation.

Burton accepted the blame and understood why Gordon was angry.

I expected better fighting from NASCAR drivers. Fight duration: about 5 seconds.

And remember the famous jockey fight from Friday at The Breeder's Cup.

Jockeys Calvin Borel and Javier Castellano were fined a combined total of $7,500 after their punching episode. Borel, who rode the Kentucky Derby winner in three of the past four years, was enraged after he was almost knocked out of the saddle when Castellano, riding Prince Will I Am, veered out on the final turn and forced Romp to stumble in front of his mount A.U. Miner.

Total fight duraton: About 15-20 seconds.

Not much of a choice here, I go with the fighting jockeys.

What do you Think of Oregon's New Basketball Floor?

I have to say it's different.

This goes right with some of the wild athletic uniforms the Ducks have showcased over the years.  The court has an outline on all sides of a forest of fir trees, an homage to the school's picturesque Pacific Northwest setting and to Oregon's 1939 national title team nicknamed "The Tall Firs."

 In the center of the floor is the slogan "Deep in the Woods," i don't really know why.  Tinker Hatfield is the designer of the floor, Hatfield, a former Oregon track and field star and vice president of design and special projects for Nike, designed many of the shoes from the famed Air Jordan line.  

With Nike involved, I'm rather surprised the tree outline doesn't form some sort of a swoosh..

What do you think?

Two Jockeys Fight at The Breeder's Cup

Louisianan Calvin Borel, the most well-known jockey in horse racing today, raced today in Louisville in a key race against fellow jockey, Javier Castellano. In a particularly aggressive maneuver, Castellano cut his horse, Prince Will I Am, across the path of the other horses.

Borel, who has won three of the last four Kentucky Derbies, took exception. And then all hell broke loose.

It looks to me like it was Castellano who threw the first punch.  Reports also say that they went at it again in the lockerroom.

Week 9: Fantasy Football Buy, Sell, and Hold

It's November in the NFL and everywhere else. The old saying is the teams that win in November will make the playoffs. This actually holds true in fantasy football as well. Even if you only have 2 or 3 wins at this point it isn't over. If you get on a roll in November, chances are that will carry over to December and you have a shot at post season.

Here's how you might be able to help yourself heading into week 9.

Buy:

Troy Smith, QB 49ers - San Francisco may have found their quarterback in the former Heisman Trophy winner. He went 12-19 for 196 yards and threw for one TD. He also ran for a TD. Hopefully he continues to start for the 49ers.

LeGarrette Blount, RB Buccaneers- If for some reason he is available in your league, pick him up! He rushed for 120 yards and 2 Touchdowns on 22 carries, He is now the #1 back in Tampa.

Keiland Williams, RB Redskins - With Ryan Torain down with an injury, fantasy owners might want to pick up Williams as an insurance policy.

Marcel Reece, WR Raiders - They are throwing the ball in Oakland again. Recce caught three passes for 90 yards and a score. He also added 32 yards on the ground. Not too shabby.

Kansas City Chiefs Defense - The Chief's run D has allowed less than 90 yards on average this season. They will have their work cut out for them as the Raiders come to town. I think the Chief's defense will hold their own.

Sell:

Brandon Tate, WR Patriots - Even though he had catches totaling 101 yards and a score, he isn't the primary option in New England. The Vikings just forgot to cover him.

Donald Driver, WR Packers - You might not want to sell Driver, but you probably should sit him as he continues to be hobbled with an injury to his leg. The Pack plays Dallas this week and then has a bye, so Driver can rest for two weeks.

Vince Young, QB Titans - If you can get something for him, this is the time to trade Young. He hastaking a beating and Tennessee moves the ball mostly on the ground.

Felix Jones, RB Cowboys - Jones' production continues to decline. Against the Jags he had 8 carries for 22 yards. Not sure what value, if any he'll have the rest of the season.

Randy Moss, WR Vikings - Wow, who would've thought Moss would be waived this soon into his tenure with Minnesota. Some team may take a chance on him, but how much does he have left?

Hold

Jon Kitna: I don't know what to think of Kitna so far. He put up some yards and Dallas is going to throw the ball a lot. But with Kitna and the Cowboy's as a whole, you are going get some inconsistent play and turnovers.