Saturday 31 March 2012

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods Biography
Professor golf player Tiger Woods was born in Cyprus, California on December 30, 1975. Woods won the U.S. Masters at Augusta in 1997 with a record score at the age of 21. He was the youngest man and first African American to earn the title. In 2009, Woods took a hiatus from golf, returning in 2010, but as his personal life took a turn for the worse, the golfer was not at the top of his game.
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"The greatest thing about tomorrow is, I will be better than I am today...There is no such thing as a setback. The lessons I learn today I will apply tomorrow, and I will be better."
– Tiger Woods
Golf Prodigy
Athlete. Born Eldrick Tont Woods on December 30, 1975, in Cypress, California, as the only child of an African-American Army officer father and a Thai mother. His father began calling Woods by the nickname "Tiger" in honor of a fellow soldier and friend who had the same moniker.
Woods learned to play golf as a child. His father, Earl, served as his teacher and mentor. Around the age of eight, Woods had become extremely proficient at the game, showing off his skills on such television shows as Good Morning America.
He studied at Stanford University, and won a number of amateur U.S. golf titles before turning professional in 1996. Woods shot to fame after winning the U.S. Masters at Augusta in 1997—with a record score of 270—at the age of 21. Woods was the youngest man to earn the title, and the first African-American to accomplish this feat.
In his first appearance at the British Open later that year, Woods tied the course record of 64. The next few years brought even more successes, including four US PGA titles, three U.S. Open wins, three Open Championship wins, and three U.S. Masters wins.
In 2003, among Woods' five wins were the Buick Invitational and the Western Open. The next year, Woods won only one official PGA Tour championship. While he may have had some challenges on the course, his personal life was running smoothly. Woods married his longtime girlfriend Elin Nordegren, a Swedish model, in October of 2004.
Returning to dominate the sport, he won six championships in 2005 and was voted the PGA Tour Player of Year for the seventh time in nine years.
Personal Life
Woods experienced a great personal loss in 2006. His father died in May after battling prostate cancer. Woods remarked on his website at the time, "My dad was my best friend and greatest role model, and I will miss him deeply." Despite his grief, Woods returned to golf and won several events, including the PGA championship and the British Open.
The next season was marked by many wins personally and professionally. His wife gave birth to the couple's first child, Sam Alexis Woods, on June 18, 2007. After taking some time off to welcome his daughter, he won the World Golf Championship and US PGA Championship in August 2007.
The next month, Woods' winning ways continued, garnering the top spot at the BMW Championship and The Tour Championship. He was named Player of the Year by the other participants in the PGA Tour and won his eighth Arnold Palmer Award for being the lead money earner on the tour.
Woods won the U.S. Open on June 16, 2008, in a 19-hole playoff, overcoming sporadic pain in his left knee from arthroscopic surgery performed on April 15. Woods shot a par four on the first and only hole of sudden death while American Rocco Mediate, 45, settled for a bogey.
The sudden death duel at Torrey Pines in San Diego followed an 18-hole playoff, which saw the two finish
at par. In that playoff, Woods led Mediate by three shots after the first ten holes. Mediate then birdied three of the next five holes and took the lead. But on the final hole, Woods birdied while Mediate shot par, forcing the sudden death playoff."I think this is probably the best ever," Woods said. "All things considered, I don't know how I ended up in this position,
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to be honest with you." The victory gave Woods his third U.S. Open championship and 14th major title. He's now just four behind the all-time record held by Jack Nicklaus.
Inury and Comeback
Two days later, Woods announced he would miss the rest of the season because his left knee requires more reconstructive surgery. He also revealed he suffered a double stress fracture in his left tibia two weeks before the U.S. Open tournament, ignoring doctors' advice to take six weeks off to let it heal.
Woods and his wife announced September 2, 2008, that they were expecting their second child in late winter. "Elin is feeling great and we are both thrilled," Woods said on his Web site. "While my injury has been disappointing and frustrating, it has allowed me to spend a lot of time watching Sam grow. I can't begin to tell you how rewarding it is being a dad and spending time with her and Elin." The couple welcomed baby boy Charlie Axel Woods on February 8, 2009.
Several weeks later, on February 25, 2009, Woods returned to the green in the Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson, Arizona. Woods played against South African golfer Tim Clark, losing 4 to 2 in his first tournament since his injury. In June of 2009, Woods competed again in the U.S. Open. After putting a four-over-par in the first round, Woods quickly fell out of contention for the win.
Although Woods' comeback had not been as auspicious as he'd hoped, he remained No. 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings, and continued to be the leader in top 10 finishes overall. But after losing the PGA title to Yang Yong-eun, Woods finished the year without a single major win—the first time he had done so since 2004.
Marriage Under the Spotlight
While his life on the green seemed lackluster, his personal life was in an even more serious tailspin. In late November, reports surfaced about a tryst between Woods and nightclub manager Rachel Uchitel. Both parties denied a relationship, despite photographic evidence that seemed to indicate otherwise.
On November 27, as the story gained traction, media outlets announced that Woods had collided into a fire hydrant outside his home at 2:30 in the morning. Reports said that Woods' wife had broken the back window of the golfer's SUV with a golf club in order to get him out of the locked car. The golfer's injuries were not serious, and he was quickly released.
The accident aroused suspicions with fans and the media, who instantly pushed for a statement from Woods. But the golfer remained silent on the matter, and mysteriously dropped out of his charity golf tournament, the Chevron World Challenge. He then announced that he would not be attending any other tournaments in 2009.
As the silence grew, so did reports of other Woods mistresses. On December 2, 2009, Woods offered an apology to his fans and family, expressing regret for unnamed "transgressions." But as the mistress count rose to more than a dozen women, with phone evidence to back many claims, Woods was unable to suppress media inquiries into his life. Woods was said to have offered his wife a renegotiation of their prenuptial agreement in order to compel her
to stick by him, but reports soon surfaced that Nordgren had purchased a home in Sweden with her sister. Photographers then spotted the former model without her wedding ring.
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On December 11, 2009, Woods apologized again to fans—this time, admitting to infidelity. He then announced that he would be taking a hiatus from golf in order to tend to his family. Several days later, he lost his endorsement deal with management company, Accenture, and was suspended from his Gilette endorsement. Other companies, including Nike, Tag Heuer and EA Sports, continue to stand by Woods.
Woods made a return to golf in April of 2010, but the golfer was not quite at the top of his game. His first competition at the 2010 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, ended in a fourth place spot for Woods. On May 9, after not making the cut for the Quail Hollow Championship, Woods withdrew from The Players Championship during the fourth round due to a neck injury. Woods made his return to golf four weeks later at The Memorial Tournament, making his worst finish in the tournament since 2002. At the 2010 U.S. Open, Woods finished the tournament in a tie for fourth place.
Woods' personal life also seemed to be taking a turn for the worse, as news of a possible divorce settlement hit media outlets. The rumored $750 million settlement allegedly included properties in Sweden, and the family home in California for Nordegren, in exchange for his wife's permanent silence on Woods' philandering. Reports also said Nordegren retained full physical custody of their 3-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son, and Woods agreed not to introduce his children to a new woman unless he married her. If the divorce settlement is finalized, it will be one of the largest settlements in history.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
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 Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods: Biography of the Greatest Golfer In The World
Tiger Woods: Biography of the Greatest Golfer In The World

Corey Thurman

Corey Thurman Biography
Status: Active
Aguilas del Zulia
Offseason Leagues Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional
Stats
ERA:
0.00
W-L:
0-0
SV:
0
SO:
0   
Full Name: Corey Lamar Thurman
Born: 11/05/1978
Birthplace: Augusta, GA
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 235
Bats: R
Throws: R
2005-Present:
Year    Team    League    W    L    ERA    G    GS    CG    SHO    SV    IP    H    R    ER    HR    BB    SO    GO/AO    AVG
2006    HVL    SOU    5    9    2.96    24    24    0    0    0    140.0    129    56    46    8    42    124    0.84    .249
2006    NAS    PCL    1    1    13.50    2    2    0    0    0    8.0    15    12    12    2    3    7    1.50    .429
2006    Minors         6    10    3.53    26    26    0    0    0    148.0    144    68    58    10    45    131    0.87    .260
2007    HVL    SOU    5    8    4.36    30    12    0    0    0    95.0    81    54    46    18    29    89    0.79    .231
2007    Minors         5    8    4.36    30    12    0    0    0    95.0    81    54    46    18    29    89    0.79    .231
Biography:
Selected by the Kansas City Royals in fourth round of 1996 draft; signed June 7, 1996; Selected by the Toronto Blue Jays from Royals in Rule 5 Major League draft, Dec. 13, 2001; Granted free agency, Oct. 15, 2003;Signed by the Cincinnati Reds, Nov. 26, 2003; Signed by Reds, April 5, 2004; Released by Reds, July 9, 2004; Signed by Montreal Expos, July 22, 2004; Released by Expos, Aug. 11, 2004; Signed as a Minor League free agent on January 11, 2006.
Awards/Honors:
07/10/2006    SOU Mid-Season All-Star
09/01/2001    TEX Post-Season All-Star
Corey Thurman
Corey Thurman
Corey Thurman
Corey Thurman
Corey Thurman
Corey Thurman
Corey Thurman
Corey Thurman
Corey Thurman and Angela.m4v
Corey Thurman - Movie.m4v

Lan James

Lan James Biography
Full name: Ian James Thorpe
Nickname(s): Thorpedo
Gender: Male
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
Weight: 229 lbs (104 kg)
Born: October 13, 1982 (Age 29) in Milperra, New South Wales, Australia
Affiliations: SLC Aquadot, Sydney
Country: AUS Australia
Sport: Swimming
Medals: 5 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze (9 Total)
lan Thorpe first came to International prominence at the 1997 Pan-Pacific meet when he finished second in the 400 freestyle. He was then 14 years old. At the 1998 World Championships he won both the 200 and 400 freestyle, and was the media darling of Australia going into the Sydney 2000 Olympics. He won three gold medals at the 2000 Olympic Games, but his only individual title was in the 400 free, as he finished second in the 200 freestyle. With three relay medals, he won five Olympic medals at the Sydney Games. At the 2001 World Championships, he won the 200, 400 and 800 metre freestyle events, all in world record times, and also swam on three winning relay teams, becoming the first person to win six gold medals at a single World Championship. At the 2002 Pan-Pacific meet, Thorpe won five titles – three individual in the 100, 200, and 400 freestyles, and two relay championships. He has set 13 individual world records (through 2006). Although slightly overshadowed by Michael Phelps, Thorpe won four more Olympic medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics, with golds in the 200 and 400 metre freestyles.
Results
Glossary  · SHARE  · Embed  · CSV  · PRE  · LINK  · ?
Games     Age     City     Sport     Event     Team     NOC     Rank     Medal    
2000 Summer     17     Sydney     Swimming     Men's 200 metres Freestyle     Australia     AUS     2     Silver    
2000 Summer     17     Sydney     Swimming     Men's 400 metres Freestyle     Australia     AUS     1     Gold     WR
2000 Summer     17     Sydney     Swimming     Men's 4 × 100 metres Freestyle Relay     Australia     AUS     1     Gold    
2000 Summer     17     Sydney     Swimming     Men's 4 × 200 metres Freestyle Relay     Australia     AUS     1     Gold    
2000 Summer     17     Sydney     Swimming     Men's 4 × 100 metres Medley Relay     Australia     AUS     2     Silver    
2004 Summer     21     Athina     Swimming     Men's 100 metres Freestyle     Australia     AUS     3     Bronze    
2004 Summer     21     Athina     Swimming     Men's 200 metres Freestyle     Australia     AUS     1     Gold     OR
2004 Summer     21     Athina     Swimming     Men's 400 metres Freestyle     Australia     AUS     1     Gold    
2004 Summer     21     Athina     Swimming     Men's 4 × 100 metres Freestyle Relay     Australia     AUS     6        
2004 Summer     21     Athina     Swimming     Men's 4 × 200 metres Freestyle Relay     Australia     AUS     2     Silver    
Men's 100 metres Freestyle
Event History  · Glossary  · SHARE  · Embed  · CSV  · PRE  · LINK  · ?
Games     Age     City     Sport     Country     Phase     Unit     Rank         T
2004 Summer     21     Athina     Swimming     Australia     Final         3         48.56
2004 Summer     21     Athina     Swimming     Australia     Semi-Finals     Heat One     3     QU     49.21
2004 Summer     21     Athina     Swimming     Australia     Round One     Heat Eight     1     QU     49.17
Men's 200 metres Freestyle
Event History  · Glossary  · SHARE  · Embed  · CSV  · PRE  · LINK  · ?
Games     Age     City     Sport     Country     Phase     Unit     Rank         T
2000 Summer     17     Sydney     Swimming     Australia     Final         2         1:45.83
2000 Summer     17     Sydney     Swimming     Australia     Semi-Finals     Heat Two     1     QU     1:45.37
2000 Summer     17     Sydney     Swimming     Australia     Round One     Heat Seven     1     QU/OR     1:46.56
2004 Summer     21     Athina     Swimming     Australia     Final         1     OR     1:44.71
2004 Summer     21     Athina     Swimming     Australia     Semi-Finals     Heat Two     1     QU     1:46.65
2004 Summer     21     Athina     Swimming     Australia     Round One     Heat Eight     1     QU     1:47.22
Men's 400 metres Freestyle
Event History  · Glossary  · SHARE  · Embed  · CSV  · PRE  · LINK  · ?
Games     Age     City     Sport     Country     Phase     Unit     Rank         T
2000 Summer     17     Sydney     Swimming     Australia     Final         1     WR     3:40.59
2000 Summer     17     Sydney     Swimming     Australia     Round One     Heat Six     1     QU/OR     3:44.65
2004 Summer     21     Athina     Swimming     Australia     Final         1         3:43.10
2004 Summer     21     Athina     Swimming     Australia     Round One     Heat Six     1     QU     3:46.55
Men's 4 × 100 metres Freestyle Relay
Event History  · Glossary  · SHARE  · Embed  · CSV  · PRE  · LINK  · ?
Games     Age     City     Sport     Team     NOC     Phase     Unit     Rank         T     IST     CTAS
2000 Summer     17     Sydney     Swimming     Australia     AUS     Final         1     WR     3:13.67     48.30     3:13.67
2004 Summer     21     Athina     Swimming     Australia     AUS     Final         6         3:15.77     48.14     3:15.77
Men's 4 × 200 metres Freestyle Relay
Event History  · Glossary  · SHARE  · Embed  · CSV  · PRE  · LINK  · ?
Games     Age     City     Sport     Team     NOC     Phase     Unit     Rank         T     IST     CTAS
2000 Summer     17     Sydney     Swimming     Australia     AUS     Final         1     WR     7:07.05     1:46.03     1:46.03
2004 Summer     21     Athina     Swimming     Australia     AUS     Final         2         7:07.46     1:44.18     7:07.46
Men's 4 × 100 metres Medley Relay
Event History  · Glossary  · SHARE  · Embed  · CSV  · PRE  · LINK  · ?
Games     Age     City     Sport     Team     NOC     Phase     Unit     Rank         T     IST     CTAS
2000 Summer     17     Sydney     Swimming     Australia     AUS     Round One     Heat Two     1     QU     3:39.38     48.83     3:39.38
Lan James
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2006 | Ian Thorpe | Interview | Maggie at Home with Ian Thorpe | Part 3 of 3
Michael Phelps vs Ian Thorpe - 200m Freestyle

Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry Biography
Thierry Henry may not yet be a household name in North America, but everywhere else on the planet he's known as the most dynamic offensive player in the world's most popular game. The New York Red Bulls star began life in a Paris ghetto, earned national fame as a precocious teen, rocketed to prominence on the sport's ultimate international stage, and then led his pro team to the first undefeated season in more than a century. Thierry is that most deadly of scorers, combining unmatched speed with tremendous vision and creativity. This is his story…
GROWING UP
Thierry Henry was born on August 17, 1977, in the small suburban Paris town of Les Ulis. (Click here for a complete listing of today's sports birthdays.) His parents, Antoine and Marylese, left the French Antilles one year earlier in search of a better life.
The state issued the family a subsidized two-bedroom apartment, which was buried amidst the tall, concrete, sixties-style buildings that served as Les Ulis' trademark. The high percentage of immigrants, combined with the narrow roadways and lack of public parks, made the town a ghetto in the eyes of many Parisians.
Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, Antoine stressed the importance of athletics to Thierry, specifically soccer. Marylese worried that her son spent too much time on the pitch and not enough time studying. Thierry listened to both his parents and became a great student and an even better soccer player.
Antoine continually took Thierry to local soccer camps and matches, and it soon became evident that the youngster was an above-average player for his age. As Thierry reached his early teenage years, he started opening the eyes of local scouts. Thierry starred for both the junior team of Les Ulis and the neighboring town of Palaiseau.
It was Thierry Pret, a scout for the semi-pro team of Viry-Chatillon, who first spotted the young phenom. At the time, Viry-Chatillon had the reputation as the best club for developing the skills of young Parisians. Pret approached Antoine about 13-year-old Thierry.
Antoine was easily persuaded, and Thierry began playing for Viry-Chatillon's Under-15 team. Shortly after the youngster joined the club, his parents split up. Marylese moved to nearby Orsay in an effort to get her son into Alexander Fleming College. Thierry attended the school for a while, but his focus remained on the soccer field. In just 26 games for Viry-Chatillon, he had 77 goals.
Just before his 14th birthday, Thierry was one of the 25 boys selected for the French Football Federation's Clairefontaine Academy, located about 30 miles west of Paris. Like every teen who receives this prestigious honor, he lived at the school and concentrated almost exclusively on soccer. William Gallas, Louis Saha and Nicolas Anelka were among Thierry’s classmates at Clairefontaine.
Two years into his stint at Clairefontaine, Thierry was viewed by his coaches as a project player—still too raw to be considered a future star. They liked his speed and his intelligence but worried that his ball-handling, passing and scoring ability would not improve to an elite level.
Arsene Wenger, however, saw far greater potential in Thierry. The manager of Monaco at the time, Wenger didn't hesitate to sign the 16-year-old to an apprentice contract. Thierry made his first professional appearance on August 31, 1994, in a 2-0 loss to Nice. He played in eight games during his first season and scored three goals.
Thierry had a mediocre second season with Monaco, appearing in 18 games and tallying only three goals. Wenger struggled to find the right place on the field for the teenager. Conventional wisdom said that a player with Thierry’s speed and skill would be a natural fit on the wing. But Wenger suspected Thierry could one day become a great striker, even if he didn't have the deadly scoring touch of past stars like Pele, Maradona and Klinnsman.
Thierry Henry, 2002 HIT
Under Wenger's tutelage, Henry became France’s Young Player of the Year in 1996, leading the country’s Under-18 team to the European Championship. With many of Europe's biggest clubs interested in Thierry (his apprentice deal with Monaco was about to expire), Thierry hired a side-agent who was not registered with FIFA. When Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid negotiated a lucrative new contract with Thierry, Monaco cried foul, claiming they already had an agreement with a registered agent to retain their up-and-coming star. Thierry found himself on two different teams at the same time.
FIFA officials settled the debate by fining Thierry and Real Madrid. He continued to play with Monaco, agreeing on a multi-year extension in January of 1997.
ON THE RISE
Keeping Thierry was a stroke of genius by Monaco. He exploded in his third year, leading the club to the French First Division Championship. The anchor of the team’s offense, he scored nine goals in 36 games.
Next up for Thierry was the 1997 World Youth Championships in Malaysia for France’s Under-20 squad. He saw the tournament as an opportunity to showcase his skills to the soccer world, not to mention organizers of the French National Team. The World Cup was a year away, and with France hosting the event, Thierry was eager to represent his country. He performed well enough, but the Blue and White lost in the quarter-finals to Uruguay in a shoot-out. Later in the year, Thierry got his first international cap in a 2-1 friendly victory over South Africa.
Heading into the 1997-1998 season, Monaco had its sights set on a second-straight division championship and the UEFA Champions League title. The team looked to Thierry to achieve both goals, but the pressure to make France's World Cup squad affected his play. In 30 French First Division games, Thierry had only four goals. He stepped up his play in the Champions League, scoring seven goals—a French record —and guiding Monaco to the semi-finals, where they lost to Juventus on aggregate scoring.
It was obvious that Thierry was worried about the World Cup. Some French fans began to give up on him, focusing instead on teammate David Trezeguet, who many called the next Gabriel Batistuta. Thierry's struggles could also be attributed to the departure of Wenger prior to the season, who left to manage in the Japanese First Division (and shortly thereafter went on to Arsenal). Thierry was comfortable under Wenger and struggled to find that same level under new manager Jean Tigana.
Rumors were also swirling about Monaco's plans to transfer Thierry to another club. Barcelona, offering up to 12 million pounds for his services, was the frontrunner. Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid were all in on the bidding, too. Thierry was actually bolstered by the speculation—at least the upper echelon teams were still interested in him.
As it turned out, Aime Jacquet, skipper of the French National team, was also interested. Figuring that Thierry was just scratching the surface of his talents, he couldn't leave him off the squad. Jacquet would not regret his decision.
The favorites heading into World Cup 1998 were Brazil and England, but the French were by no means not longshots. Still, their best chance wa to use the energy of their hometown fans to play near perfect matches every time out.
Jacquet's main concern was his squad's lack of a proven goal scorer. Trezeguet, Thierry's teammate at Monaco, seemed to be the future, but at 20-years-old, he was inexperienced. Stephane Guivarc'h was playing well for Auxerre, but he had just one international goal to his credit. Jacquet even tried youngsters Nicolas Anelka and Christophe Dugarry. For both, however, the international game was too much for them. In the one warm-up match the two played in, the French failed to score.
For sure, France would have to rely heavily on its proven star in the midfield, Zinedine Zidane, who was having an excellent season for Juventus. Jacquet would also need strong performances from Emmanuel Petit, Christian Karembeu, Dider Deschamps and Laurent Blanc. The French were in good shape at goalkeeper. Veteran Bernard Lama battled a young star, Fabien Barthez, for the starting position.
As for Thierry, many of the European publications never even mentioned his name in their World Cup previews.
Standing in France's way in group play were Denmark, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Winning their first two matches—against South Africa and Saudi Arabia—was crucial. Denmark had a very strong team, and playing them without the threat of elimination was a priority.
The French dominated the slower, less-skilled South Africans in their opener. Dugarry headed in a Zidane cross just before halftime, and France later benefitted from an own-goal by its opponent. The third tally was perhaps the most surprising of all. Searching for an offensive spark, Jacquet inserted Thierry to start the contest, and he made the best of his opportunity. Sparking attack after attack, Thierry finally finished one late in the second half. He took a ball, dribbled his way through the entire enemy defense and sent a perfect chip over the head of the South African goalkeeper.
David Trezeguet, Juego Del 5
In their second match, the French caught a couple of unlucky breaks. Dugarry tore his hamstring, thus taking him out of the remainder of the tournament. Then Zidane stomped on a Saudi Arabian player and was banned for the next two games. France needed a lift, and Thierry was right there to provide it.
He opened the scoring in the 36th minute by one-timing a cross from Bixente Lizarazu into the net. Trezeguet followed with a goal in the 68th minute. Thierry then struck again. He jumped on a bad pass by a Saudi Arabian defender and easily slipped the ball in on a breakaway. Lizarazu would add a goal of his own to make the final score 4-0.
With a bid into the next round secured, Jacquet elected to sit Thierry against Denmark. Fully rested, he began France's first elimination match against Paraguay at the wing, rather than striker. The move by Jacquet backfired, however, as Thierry couldn't find any rhythm. He was actually subbed out in the 64th minute.
Barely able to muster any offensive thrust, France stayed in the game with solid defense. In the 113th minute, Les Blues broke the deadlock on a golden goal by Blanc. With French fans delirious with celebration, the squad prepared for to meet Italy in the quarter-finals.
Even with Zidane back in the lineup, the French again struggled to produce any offense. But their defense was up to the task of stopping Italina striker Roberto Baggio, who did nothing of note during the match. Tied after regulation, the contest went into penalty kicks.
Zidane converted first for France, and Baggio followed suit for Italy. Both keepers saved the next two shots. Then Trezeguet made it 2-1 for France, and Italy countered to make it 2-2. Thierry was the next shooter for the French, and he calmly converted his opportunity. Italy tied it again at 3-3. Blanc then made it 4-3 in Franc's favor. When Luigi Di Biagio hit the crossbar, France earned a trip to the semi-finals.
Waiting for the French was Croatia, the other feel-good story of the tournament. The underdog Croatians proved they could play with France, and a rocket by Davor Suker actually put them ahead in the 46th minute. The lead didn't last long. France got two goals from the most unlikely of sources, defender Lilian Thuram, who had 35 caps and no goals entering the match. The French won 2-1 and entered the World Cup final for the first time ever. Thierry saw meaningful minutes against Croatia, but again in the midfield, where his offensive skills remained hidden.
France awaited Brazil in the final. The defending champions,the Brazilians werer heavy favorites. Their leader was Ronaldo, who was going for his first World Cup title. But Les Blues had emotion on their side. The French didn't just beat the Brazilians; they dominated them in every facet of the game. Zidane scored twice, becoming the first to do so in a final since Pele 40 years earlier. France prevailed 3-0.
Thierry watched all the action during the final from the sidelines, as Jacquet opted for his most experienced lineup. But once the match ended, Thierry celebrated like he had scored the game-winner.
After coming down from the emotional high of the World Cup, Thierry had to decide where he would play his club soccer. His first choice was Arsenal, where he would be reunited with Wenger. But Italy's Juventus had the deepest pockets.
Unfortuantely, Thierry's new team was in a state of turmoil. Used on the wing for Juventus, he felt overwhelming pressure from his hometown supporters. The atmosphere on the club was strikingly different from the more laid back Monaco, too. Thierry quickly learned that soccer could be life and death for Juventus fans, and if he didn't perform, he was going to hear about it. Out of position and lacking confidence, Thierry needed a change, and Wenger provided it.
The two had agreed there was a spot on Arsenal for Thierry if things didn't go well with Juventus. After his miserable season in Italy—he had three goals in 16 games—Arsenal paid 10 million pounds to secure Thierry's rights. The move caused great controversy, but Wenger was convinced Thierry would be rejuvenated with a switch back to striker.
Initially, it appeared he was dead wrong. Thierry went scoreless in his first eight matches with Arsenal. But he began to turn things around with the lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Southampton. Thierry had a great March, scoring five times in eight matches for the Gunners. He finished the season with 17 Premiership goals in 31 appearances. Arsenl ended the year 18 points behind Manchester United and lost in the finals of the UEFA Champions League against Galatasaray.
Thierry immediately readied himself for Euro 2000, where France would be favored to win ots second major championship in a row. He had a lot to prove. Because of his poor play in Italy, Thierry had not appeared once for the Blue and White in the past year and a half.
Thierry's greatest challenge would by adjusting again to another position. New French manager Roger Lemerre still saw him as a winger, opting to use Trezeguet, along with Thierry's boyhood friend Nicolas Anelka, as his strikers to open up the field for everyone on the team. This strategy worked well in France's opening match against Denmark. Thierry contributed with a brilliant goal in a rousing victory.
In France's second match, against the Czech Republic, Thierry played even better, netting his second goal of the tournament with some nifty ball-handling. He also assisted on the game-winner by Youri Djorkaeff. The French won 2-1 and moved onto the quarter-finals.
Against Spain, Les Blues looked sluggish, which prompted Lemerre to move Thierry to striker. France then snapped out of its doldrums and eeked out a 2-1 win on goals by Zidane and Djorkaeff.
In the semis, the French took on the Portuguese. Portugal seized the lead early, but Thierry tied the game on a rocket shot in the 50th minute. It stayed that way until the 117th minute, when Portuguese defender Abel Xavier played the ball with his hand inside the penalty area. With Portugal furious over the call, Zidane slid the penalty kick into the net for the golden goal.
The final matched France against Italy. The contest's first few minutes were slow and plodding. Midway through the first half, however, the Italian defense gave Thierry room to maneuver. He ripped a shot, but it hit the post and the game went into halftime in a scoreless tie.
The Italians broke the game open in the 55th minute, and it appeared that they would go on to win the match. But French substitute Sylvain Wiltord scored the equalizer in the 90th minute to stun Italy. In the 103rd minute, Trezeguet spotted a hole in the Italian defense and delivered the goal that gave the French the Euro Cup Championship.
Thierry's strong showing in Euro 2000 earned him a new level of respect. With another title under his belt, he solidified himself as the co-leader of the French squad, along with Zidane. Real Madrid and Barcelona, meanwhile, were both gunning for his services, and the ensuing bidding war drove his price high, almost high enough to lure him out of England. But Thierry trusted Wenger, and he adored the Arsenal fans. In the past, some players of African descent had encountered problems in the Premiership. That wasn't the case with Arsenal.
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry handball against Ireland - France vs Ireland 1:1 - World Cup Qualifier 2010
Thierry Henry Sick Goals

Takeo Spikes

Takeo Spikes Biography
San Diego ChargersTakeo SpikesLB#51
Takeo Spikes    
Age: 35
Born: 12/17/1976, in Sandersville, GA
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 242
College: Auburn
Rookie Year: 1998
NFL Experience: 14 years
TK
64    
SCK
1    
INT
1    
FR
0
Ranks    
Chargers     3     8     5     6
AFC West     7     26     17     26
AFC Overall     25     116     63     63
NFL     60     232     132     257
Career Stats     Defense Splits     Game Log
Career Defensive Stats
Year     Team     Tk     Ast     Sck     Stf     FF     FR     PD     Int     Yds     TD
1998     Cincinnati Bengals     95     17     2     1.5     0     0     0     0     0     0
1999     Cincinnati Bengals     82     23     3     6     3     4     6     2     7     0
2000     Cincinnati Bengals     109     19     2     5.5     0     3     4     2     12     0
2001     Cincinnati Bengals     80     29     6     7.5     1     0     5     1     66     0
2002     Cincinnati Bengals     81     32     1.5     3.5     1     5     1     0     0     0
2003     Buffalo Bills     70     56     2     3     1     2     8     2     1     0
2004     Buffalo Bills     64     35     3     6.5     3     1     17     5     122     0
2005     Buffalo Bills     11     6     1     0     1     0     0     0     0     0
2006     Buffalo Bills     43     27     1     0     1     0     3     0     0     0
2007     Philadelphia Eagles     63     22     1     3.5     0     0     4     0     0     0
2008     San Francisco 49ers     61     35     1     2.5     2     1     6     3     14     0
2009     San Francisco 49ers     57     18     4     2     0     1     1     0     0     0
2010     San Francisco 49ers     82     27     0     3     0     1     9     3     9     0
2011     San Diego Chargers     64     42     1     3     0     0     3     1     45     0
Totals:     962     388     28.5     47.5     13     18     67     19     276    
Takeo Spikes
Takeo Spikes
Takeo Spikes
Takeo Spikes
Takeo Spikes
Takeo Spikes
Takeo Spikes
Takeo Spikes
       
Sound FX: Takeo Spikes Mic'd up (San Diego Chargers)
Takeo Spikes hitting on CBS Reporter Kim Coyle during game

Tai-ler Jones

Tai-ler Jones Biography
TJ Jones, or Tai-ler Jones as he went by during his recruitment, is the son of former Notre Dame DE Andre Jones. He enrolled early at Notre Dame in January 2010 and earned a starting role at wide receiver as a true freshman. Rocket Ismail is Jones’ godfather and Phillip Daniels, the father of 2011 recruit Davaris Daniels is his uncle. 
 Tai-ler Jones
Tai-ler Jones
Tai-ler Jones
Tai-ler Jones
Tai-ler Jones
Tai-ler Jones
Tai-ler Jones
Tai-ler Jones
'10 GA WR Tai-Ler Jones
Tai-ler Jones football highlights

Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal Biography
Shaquille O'Neal More at IMDbPro »
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Date of Birth
6 March 1972, Newark, New Jersey, USA
Birth Name
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal
Nickname
Superman
Shaq
Diesel
The Big Aristotle
Height
7' 1" (2.16 m)
Mini Biography
Shaquille O'Neal is regarded as one of the most dominant athletes and arguably the most gregarious personality in sports history. He wrote an autobiography (Shaq Talks Back), preserves an online presence for his fan base and produced a number of albums (Biological Didn't Bother, Shaq-Fu: Da Return, etc.), and starred in select movies (Steel (1997), Kazaam (1996), Blue Chips (1994)). He has played for 4 NBA teams: the Orlando Magic, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat, the Phoenix Suns, and currently the Cleveland Cavaliers.
O'Neal graduated from Louisiana State University and is the only current NBA player with an MBA (Master of Business Administration). Shaq is also one of the few NBA players in history to reach the NBA Finals with three different teams. His charisma on and off the court helped create a worldwide reputation as "Godfather of the NBA."
As a result of his father's influence and military background, Shaq has made public service a priority in his life, ranging from donations to charities and organizations across the country to working as a reserve police officer in Los Angeles, Miami, and Phoenix. He intends to pursue a career in politics and/or sports ownership upon retiring from the NBA.
IMDb Mini Biography By: Yaniv Malariv
Spouse
Shaunie O'Neal     (26 December 2002 - March 2010) (divorced) 4 children
Trade Mark
The catchphrase, "Shaq Attaq"
Making comical remarks in press conferences
Pretends to not know any big-name players
Trivia
Graduated from Louisiana State University on 15 December 2000, with a BA in general studies and a political science minor. O'Neal left LSU after his junior year in 1992, and finished his degree by attending summer school during the basketball offseason, and through an independent studies program.
Led the L.A. Lakers to NBA Titles in 2000 and 2001, and led the Orlando Magic to an NBA Finals apperance in 95 when they lost to Houston
NBA Finals MVP in 2001
NBA, All-Star, and NBA Finals MVP in 2000
Olympic Gold Medal 1996
Played for the Orlando Magic 1993-1996, Los Angeles Lakers 1997-2004, Miami Heat 2004-present.
A member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.S. in general studies and a minor in political science. (15 December 2000)
O'Neal and teammate Kobe Bryant engaged in a feud over shot attempts that lasted for several weeks. Following a 115-78 loss to the Phoenix Suns in December 2000, in which Bryant outscored him, 38-18, O'Neal asked to be traded; Los Angeles Lakers' GM Mitch Kupchak ignored the request.
Scored 10,000th career point. (10 February 1998)
Signed the then-richest contract in sports history, a seven-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $120 million. (18 July 1996)
When he was five years old, his mother had to carry his birth certificate with her to prove to bus drivers that he was not eight or nine years old because he was so tall
Children: Daughter Taahirah (b. 18 July 1996) by ex-girlfriend Arnetta Yardbourgh. With wife Shaunie Nelson has son Shareef Rashaun (11 Jan 00), daughter Amirah Sanaa, son Shaquir Rashaun (born at 1:52am, 19 April 03), and daughter Me'arah Sanaa (born 8lbs 1 oz,21 inches long at 4:57am, 1 May06) in Miami. Nelson has son Myles from a previous relationship.
The West Coast Choppers "El Diablo" motorcycle built for him by "Monster Garage" (2002) host and West Coast Choppers owner Jesse James, was considered, at the time, one of the largest custom motorcycles ever built. The machine was painstakingly tailored for Shaq's huge frame, and features black-and-gold variations on the "Superman" theme, which Shaq has adopted as his quasi-trademark. According to James, Shaq commented, upon delivery of the bike, that it was the first vehicle that ever made him feel "normal-sized."
Son Shaquir Rashaun O'Neal born at 1:52 AM in Los Angeles. It is the 3rd child for O'Neal and his bride, Shaunie Nelson (19 April 2003)
Cousin of comedian Bill Bellamy and Kristen Bellamy.
Played on the Lakers with Karl Malone, Luke Walton, and Kobe Bryant.
After Germany he moved to San Antonio, Texas
Lived in West Germany for a while
Father, Phillip Harrison, is retired from the U. S. Air Force, where he served as a basic-training drill sergeant.
When he got his business degree from LSU in 2000, he fulfilled a promise made to his mother, Lucille Harrison. He later received his masters degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix (6/25/05) and is planning to earn a doctorate in psychology.
Wants to serve as a police officer when his playing days are over. Has worked with the Los Angeles Police (while with the Lakers) and currently does the same with the Miami Police.
Was sworn in as an officer of the Bedford County, Virginia Sherriff's Office in August, 2005. He was involved in the "Blue Ridge Thunder" program, an operation aimed at deterring and catching on-line predators to minors.
Favorite Film is The Godfather (1972)
Daughter, Me'arah Sanaa O'Neal, born at 4:57 a.m. on 1 May 2006 in Miami. She weighed 8lbs., 1 oz., and was 21 inches long.
Had his sixth child with his wife, Shaunie O'Neal, on the same day as his rival, Kobe Bryant, had his second child with wife Vanessa Laine Bryant.
Lives with his family on Star Island in Miami.
Was appointed as a Honorary Special Deputy U.S. Marshal during the announcement that he would serve as the national spokesperson for the Safe Surfin' Foundation. [March 2005]
In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated his earnings for the year at $32 million.
In 2004, he had a fortune estimated at $222 million.
Is a fan of professional wrestling.
Plays for the Phoenix Suns.
He was elected into the 2008 New Jersey Hall of Fame for his services and contributions to Sports.
He is a fan of the DC Comics character, "Superman", and starred in the film adaptation of Steel (1997), AKA: "John Henry Irons", an ally of Superman.
Visited the Shaolin Temple in China in 2009 and gave the Abbott a pair of his shoes, as a gift.
Personal Quotes
[When asked whether he had visited the Parthenon during his trip to Greece:] "I can't really remember the names of the clubs that we went to."
Where Are They Now
(January 2002) Starting center for LA Lakers
In addition to playing for the Lakers, also serves as a Reserve Police Officer, Los Angeles Port Police.
(2004) (July 14) Traded by the Los Angeles Lakers to the Miami Heat for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a first-round draft pick.
(September 2004) Spent the summer recording a new rap CD, titled "Hot in Here Part Five." Though his rap and film careers have been failures to date, O'Neal plans to ressurect both now that he is back playing for a Florida- based NBA team.
(June 2006) Starting center for the NBA champion, Miami Heat. He and teammate, Dwyane Wade led the team to a 4-2 series win over the Dallas Mavericks.
(2008) (February 6) Traded to the Phoenix Suns for Shawn Marion.
(February 2008) Traded from Miami to the Phoenix Suns for forward Shawn Marion and guard 'Marcus Banks'.
(June 2009) Served as the grand marshal for the IndyCar Bombardier Learjet 550 at Texas Motor Speedway.
(2009) Co-host, with Ben Stein, of an infomercial for Comcast's Digital Internet.
(June 2009) Traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
(August 2010) Signed a two-year, $2.8 million deal with the Boston Celtics.
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal Bio: Life and Career
Shaquille O'Neal Bio: Life and Career
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