Top Sports Stories of ’09

Guys love sports. We have like a sixth sense for remembering big players, big plays, and big games. TPH wanted to celebrate both the good and bad of the 2009 sports world. Here’s to our top stories in sports for ’09.

Weis and Notre Dame Split

Charlie Weis was fired from the most overrated college football program in the nation. Sure, Notre Dame is a historic football program, that is if you look at the 1990′s and past. Notre Dame has been horrible for the past decade, yet coaches continue to consider it their dream job.

Vick Returns to the NFL

Michael Vick, every dog lover’s favorite player, returned to the NFL after serving a 23 month prison sentence. Vick signed with the Eagles, but has done little since. It will be interesting to see where he ends up in 2010.
Yankees Finally Win the Big One

Sure, with the payroll of the New York Yankees, they should win the World Series every year, but for most New York fans – every nine years will do. The Yankees finally won the big one after a nine year drought - earning their 27th world championship, the most of any professional team in any sport.

Federer the G.O.A.T.

Is Roger Federer the greatest tennis player of all-time? 2009 was a special comeback for Federer, who regained his No. 1 ranking and chased down a record many thought unbreakable. Federer completed a career Grand Slam by winning the French Open in the spring. Then, in an epic five-set victory over Andy Roddick in the Wimbledon final in July, Federer won his 15th major title, surpassing Pete Sampras’ male singles record of 14.

Steelers Win the Super Bowl

Super Bowl XLIII was one for the ages. The Arizona Cardinals nearly put together a Cinderalla story, that is, until Ben Roethlisberger drove the Steelers down the field with just over two minutes left to win the game.

Phelps Bongs His Head

Phelps was an American hero after winning eight swimming gold medals in the 2008 Olympics, but things took a drastic change in 2009. A grainy photo taken from a cell-phone camera appeared on the cover of the British tabloid News of the World in January with Phelps taking a hit of marijuana out of a bong. Phelps was suspended from swimming for three months and lost his Kellogg’s endorsement, which is ironic, considering Kellogg’s makes some terrific munchies.

Johnson Wins Fourth-Straight NASCAR Cup

Jimmie Johnson became a one-man dynasty in NASCAR. He rode for his fourth-straight NASCAR cup, much to the delight of rednecks all over America.

Tiger and A-Rod Reputation’s Tainted

Tiger Woods, the best golfer in the world and Alex Rodriguez, arguably the best baseball player, both took major hits to their reps in ’09. Rodrigues was busted for steroids, easily making baseball the most dirty of all professional sports. Then, Tiger was involved in a car accident which led to a long list of former mistresses. A-Rod recovered with a World Series title, but the jury is still out on Woods.