Saturday, December 19, 2009

Sports

The Last Word in Trash Talking

Jets linebacker Bart Scott talks incessantly, getting under an opponent's skin. “When people get out of character, they're going to be distracted,” he said.
Sarah Simonis for The New York Times

Jets linebacker Bart Scott talks incessantly, getting under an opponent's skin. “When people get out of character, they're going to be distracted,” he said.

Linebacker Bart Scott, who grew up in Detroit as a dedicated fan of wrestling on TV, talks trash whenever he gets the chance.

N.F.L. Suspends Its Study on Concussions in Retired Players

The league’s study of long-term effects of head injuries on retired players was put on hold amid criticism of matters ranging from poor statistical sampling to conflicts of interest.

At UConn, Wait Is Over for a Warrior From Africa

Ater Majok’s bare-knuckled journey from Khartoum, Sudan, to UConn’s lineup is nearly complete.

Rangers 2, Flyers 1

Rangers Make It Two in a Row With Win Against Flyers

Artem Anisimov’s second-period goal held up for the Rangers on Saturday in a 2-1 victory over the Flyers, a fellow Atlantic Division team having a season every bit as disappointing as they are having.

Bowing to Body Clocks, N.B.A. Teams Are Sleeping In

Several N.B.A. teams, to help their players get enough rest, have decided to do away with the early-morning shoot-around.

Analysis

Soccer Is Flush With Money and Hope

While the rest of the world buckled in the recession, soccer remained in a period of prosperity in 2009. But on the field, it was Spain’s year.

Keeping Score

Most Valuable Disconnect: Regular Season and Super Bowl

The Rams’ Kurt Warner, in the 1999 season, was the last quarterback to win the M.V.P. award and then lead his team to a Super Bowl title.

Multimedia

Slide Show: Photo Replay: Dec. 18

A view of the day in sports, including a snow day in England, kick volleyball in Laos and ski jumping in Switzerland and Austria.

Video: Pogue & Friends 2009 Holiday Guide

David Pogue and the sports columnist Bill Pennington look at a few gadgets designed to help keep you in shape, and improve your game.

Video: A Conversation With Andre Agassi

The tennis great talks candidly about his life on and off the court with Sam Tanenhaus, the editor of the Book Review.

Lens Blog

12,000-Faceted Diamond

When the Yankees won the World Series, Robert Caplin photographed the action 12,000 times. The result, Kristen Joy Watts says, is a captivating time-lapse piece.

POINT/COUNTERPOINT

Video: Filly vs. Mare

Which horse, Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta, deserves racing’s top honor? Watch the debate and vote.

Sports of The Times

For the Saints, It Doesn’t Get Easier as the Wins Mount

As expectations for an unbeaten season rise, maintaining a focus on the next game has become more difficult for the Saints.

Even the Reliable Must Face the Inevitable

Hideki Matsui is gone, and Johnny Damon’s days seemed numbered. It’s unfortunate, but better too soon than too late.

The Fifth Down Blog

Week 15 N.F.L. Matchups

The Cowboys' lack of goal-line creativity against the Chargers suggests that they may be running out of new ideas.

In-Box

Letters to the Editor

Readers sound off on the latest headlines.

Readers' Comments
The Sports World’s Key Players in 2009

New York Times readers evaluate individuals' impact on the sports world over the past 12 months.

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Tom Jolly
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