TO! Lance! Brains! Olbermann!
Um... Olbermann?
Anyway, here are a few quick noon-time stories we're following.
Terrell Owens (remember him? He spent a little more than a season with the Eagles a few years ago. Caught a few passes, c'mon, you remember...) has signed on to shill for something called Venom energy drink. Owned by Dr. Pepper, Owens has been named the company's "Chief Mayhem Officer," which, according to Andy Reid, is almost too perfect: "New Endorsement deal for TO" (The Associated Press)
Twelve athletes, including ex-NFL players, will donate their brains to science for a concussion study... no, not right now: "12 Athletes Leaving Brains to Concussion Study" (Schwarz - The New York Times)
MSNBC's ubiquitous talker, Keith Olbermann is writing for Sports Illustrated now. Who would have guessed that his first story would be about a boner? "The Goof That Changed the Game" (Olbermann - Sports Illustrated)
Lance Armstrong will make his official return to cycling in Australia on Jan. 20 in the Tour Down Under. The seven-time Tour de France champion will ride for the Astana team as announced in press conferences today in New York and Las Vegas. The interesting part about this is the 2007 Tour champ, Alberto Contador rides for Astana. Can you say, Quarterback controversy? "Armstrong to return to racing in 2009" (Macur - The New York Times)
Meanwhile, the great Bonnie D. Ford talked to Armstrong's directeur sportif, Johan Bruyneel about the prospects for the '09 season. Guess what? They might be pretty good: "Whatever is on Lance's list, the execution remains the big challenge" (Ford - ESPN.com)
On another note, I haven't been able to pin down any rumors regarding Armstrong's potential purchase of Team Astana or the Amaury Sports Organization's stake in the Tour de France... yeah, imagine the fallout if Armstrong buys the Tour de France.
All the hand wringing would be a cross between awesome and totally awesome.
Finally, check out the CNN interview with Lance.
Check back for more when I get to the ballpark.