Gamecocks can't Get it Up on the NCAA College Football Field

Steve Spurrier doesn't think the South Carolina Gamecocks are ready to win its first SEC football championship.

But he can't wait until the day that happens. This is the Gamecocks' 15th season in the conference. It's just Spurrier's second as South Carolina's coach, after 12 years of high-flying success at Florida and two more of struggle with the NFL's Washington Redskins.

''For some reason, we haven't done all that much historically,'' Spurrier said Thursday at the SEC's Media Days in suburban Birmingham, Ala. ''But we've got hope that something good's on the way. In life, we've got to have hope that something better is coming.''

The only meaningful hardware for Spurrier in South Carolina's football display case are dusty Outback Bowl trophies from 2001 and '02 and another for winning the ACC championship in 1969.

He's working on a foundation that will some day add to that.

Spurrier's first season was a success, at least by Gamecocks standards. South Carolina went 7-5, won a school-record five straight SEC games, won at Tennessee for the first time and beat Florida for the first time since 1939. Freshman split end Sidney Rice, a recruit of Spurrier's predecessor Lou Holtz, quickly developed into one of the league's top players.

Much of that momentum was squashed at the end of the season. The Gamecocks lost to Clemson 13-9, then blew a three-touchdown lead in a 38-31 loss against Missouri in the Independence Bowl.

''We're still a little irritated about that,'' said Spurrier. ''I am, anyway.''

Can the South Carolina Gamecocks win the NCAA College Football championship? Bodog has the odds, bet and visit Bodog today. Here are more odds from Bodog on some NCAA College Football teams and their odds to win it all this year:

South Carolina 100/1

North Carolina 300/1

Oklahoma 6/1

Texas 8/1

USC 11/1

Renault Ace Driver, Fernando Alonso, is still Confident

Renault ace driver, Fernando Alonso claims this season's F1 World Championship battle is nothing compared to how hard he had to fight last year.

This time last season, Alonso was clinging on to his championship lead under intense pressure from McLaren driver Kimi Raikkonen as the pair scrapped for a maiden title.

Renault ace Alonso remained out of reach thanks to McLaren's poor reliability, which cost Raikkonen several likely wins and ultimately dashed his title hopes.

This year the 24-year-old faces a similar situation with Ferrari's Michael Schumacher edging back into the championship scrap - but he is sleeping easier at night.

''Last year was more tough than this year but the final result of this year maybe will be tighter than last year,'' Fernando Alonso said at Hockenheim, venue for this weekend's 2006 German Grand Prix.

''McLaren was half a second quicker than us, it was impossible to beat them, only if they had mechanical problems was it possible to win. This year with Ferrari, some races we win, some they win. It is more equal,'' he adds.

Alonso is far from underestimating his opposition though and claims the former F1 World Champion, Michael Schumacher, is a better driver than ever at the age of 37.

Schumacher has rewritten Formula One's record books during a glittering career but Alonso refuses to countenance any thought that the German great has lost his edge.

''I think in this sport as you get old it is not that important,'' he said. ''Maybe you lose reflexes but only a small amount.''

Can Michael Schumacher win the German Grand Prix or will Fernando Alonso spoil Michael Schumacher's homecoming at Hockenheim? Bodog has the odds on the 2006 German Grand Prix:

Michael Schumacher 5/7

Fernando Alonso 7/5

Kimi Raikkonen 10/1

Indiana Pacers Clean Up Point Guard Situation in the NBA

Indiana Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh wasn't kidding two weeks ago when he said the team had to figure out its point guard situation.

The Indiana Pacers took a step in resolving it Monday when they finalized a trade to send point guard Anthony Johnson to the Dallas Mavericks for point guard Darrell Armstrong, swingman Rawle Marshall and forward Josh Powell.

''We had to do something with our point guard position,'' Walsh said. ''There just wasn't enough minutes to go around for everybody.''

Armstrong, 38, will be expected to help provide leadership in a locker room that had chemistry problems last season. He signed a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum of about $1.2 million before the trade. Marshall, who attended Ball State his freshman year, and Powell, don't have guaranteed contracts.

''I got a message from (former NBA coach) Chuck Daly, and he said, 'Darrell Armstrong is a great pickup, a terrific player with a huge heart and the best locker room guy I ever had,''' Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.

''Those are strong words from a guy that knows the game. That's good enough for me.''

Many in the organization think Jamaal Tinsley gives the Pacers the best chance of winning, but Johnson showed the past two seasons he can be effective as a starter. Johnson, who began last season as the third point guard, started 53 games, averaging 11.1 points and 5.0 assists in that role. He averaged 20.0 points and 5.2 assists against New Jersey in the playoffs.

There was concern Johnson wouldn't accept coming off the bench behind Tinsley next season. Johnson, who said the team's ''culture has to change'' at the end of last season, did not return a phone message Monday.

''There was a lot of interest in Anthony because he played well last year,'' Walsh said. ''We were looking for a financial deal and one that wouldn't put us in the position of there being a battle for the starting job.''

The trade of Johnson means the Pacers are again hoping that Tinsley can stay healthy. Tinsley, a crafty ball handler, has missed 112 of 246 games the past three seasons because of various injuries.

Can Jamaal Tinsley help the Indiana Pacers become one of the top teams in the NBA Eastern Conference? Visit and bet on Bodog today.

Nicky Hayden goes for 2006 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix win at Home This Sunday

It's time for Moto GP action in the U.S. as the Laguna Seca circuit sets up the 2006 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix.

It's that time again, time to park up the Chevy, sit back with a keg of Bud Ice and feast your eyes on the patriotic propaganda parade that is the MotoGP world series of Laguna Seca.

The Laguna Seca circuit has improved its safety raising it from category 'alarming dangerous' to category 'a great place not to crash'. But safety aside the circuit is something special. That special circuit has one, very impressive highlight, the overstated 'Corkscrew' corner. It's a left-right chicane that drops down faster than a drunken Xaus on a unicycle.

Even the mighty Foggy heaped praise on the section describing it as 'a corner that goes downhill'. Amazing words from the GP shy rider who managed five words without using 'I' anywhere.So, the race then. Championship wise there's little to gain and so much to lose for leaders Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi. Al the more to Hayden, who will be coming home at the top of the Moto GP world.

The American just can not afford to be beaten by Rossi here as it will rub sodium into his crop yield. Since the beginning of the season it's long been presumed that his tractor would be first past the barn-line.

Last season he scored his debut win after a million attempts and never looked like being beaten all weekend. This season few could deny he's riding even better.

But last year there was no pressure. No one expected him to win. This year the pressure is mounting and it'll be a real test for Nicky Hayden to hold his nerve. If not, and Rossi beats him, the flood gates will open, Rossi will win the championship and the record books will not claim that 2006 was 'a blip' year.

Can Nicky Hayden win his home grand prix at the Laguna Seca circuit? Who will win the 2006 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix? Bodog has more betting odds for you to bet on. Visit and bet on Bodog today.

Robert Yates Racing Enter Pocono Raceway this NASCAR Sunday on a Sad Note

NASCAR's Robert Yates Racing will let Elliott Sadler go.

Apparently, the team is letting Elliott Sadler out of his contract at the end of the NASCAR season, the team said on its Web site.

It's another blow for the Yates team, which also will lose longtime driver Dale Jarrett and sponsor UPS to Michael Waltrip's team at the end of the season.

''We would like to thank Elliott for his commitment to our organization over the past four seasons and for all the success we've enjoyed together,'' team owner Robert Yates said in a statement.

''We are excited about the opportunity to find a new driver who will continue the successful run of the No. 38 Ford as we maintain our focus on the future of our organization,'' he adds.

The team said Sadler asked to be released.

Sadler, 31, won two races with the Yates team in the 2004 NASCAR Season. But he has only four top-10 finishes this season and enters Sunday's race at Pocono Raceway 20th in the NASCAR Nextel Cup standings.

The team said it already has begun searching for a new driver for Sadler's car for 2007.

''Our objective this year is to finish the season on a strong note,'' said Doug Yates, Robert's son and an executive with the team. ''It is our goal to continue to build this team so we will be better positioned next season to contend for the championship.''

Can Elliott Sadler win Pocono Raceway for Robert Yates Racing? Here are more odds from Bodog on this Sunday's big NASCAR event:

Elliott Sadler 45/1

Dale Earnhardt Jr. 15/1

Jeff Gordon 12/1

Tony Stewart 7/1

Almost Indicted Barry Bonds is Good for the San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants will now be hoping that Barry Bonds should be not indicted every day.

On Thursday night, just hours after a federal grand jury concluded its term without being asked to indict Bonds on potential perjury and tax-evasion charges, he hit his 722nd home run in the eighth inning of the Giants' 9-3 disassembling of the San Diego Padres.

Bonds' two-run homer, after Mike Piazza dropped his pop foul for an error to keep the at-bat alive, was the first of three consecutive blasts against reliever Brian Sweeney that punctuated a dominating opener of a four-game showdown for first place in the National League West. Ray Durham and Pedro Feliz hit the next two.

The second-place Giants moved within 1 1/2 games of the division lead.

Noah Lowry pitched like he did last August, when he was the league's Pitcher of the Month, and fell two outs short of completing his first shutout since Aug. 3, 2004, when he whitewashed Cincinnati for his first major-league win. In a Twilight Zone coincidence, that also was the last game in which the Giants hit three consecutive homers (J.T. Snow, Bonds and Feliz).

With one out in the ninth, Josh Barfield singled home the Padres' first run against Lowry in 19 innings going back three starts, signaling Lowry's exit from the game. He was charged with two more runs, which scored on a Dave Roberts single.

Rookie first baseman Chad Santos hit his first big-league home run, to the delight of a large rooting section that crossed the pond from Hawaii to watch him work, Randy Winn hit two doubles and the Giants pulled off a suicide squeeze.

The Giants are 3-0 and have played some taut and inspired baseball since their players-only meeting Tuesday.

Can Barry Bonds lead the San Francisco Giants to the World Series? Here are some odds from Bodog on some MLB baseball teams and their odds to win it all this year.

Atlanta Braves 60/1

Boston Red Sox 5/1

Chicago White Sox 9/2

Houston Astros 16/1

New York Yankees 19/2

Time for Detroit to Let The Tigers Out of the Cage

Is it time for Detroit to look at its Detroit Tigers in MLB Baseball?

As any chased rabbit can tell you, running from in front is not much fun. You can hurt yourself looking over your shoulder. And no doubt there are a few sore necks after the Chicago White Sox pounded the Detroit Tigers to gain a game in their chase.

But keep reminding yourself, folks, this is MLB Baseball, not NHL Hockey, not NBA Basketball, not, as Tigers manager Jim Leyland reminded reporters with a set jaw, ''NCAA College Football.'' The national pastime cranked up for real in Detroit with this game, foot to the pedal, hands locked on the wheel.

Sure, the Tigers have been gunning it hard since Opening Day. But it took awhile for the rest of us to hear their engines. First there were NHL Hockey Playoffs, and then there were NBA Basketball Playoffs, and then Steve Yzerman left, and then Ben Wallace left, and anyhow, all along, there was the little devil on your shoulder whispering.

''Don't believe it. They can't keep it up. They're the Tigers, remember?''

But now hockey and basketball are long over, and famous players have stopped leaving, and now there is baseball, just baseball, a groomed grass highway, for the rest of the summer.

And look who was in town, just a week after the MLB All-Star Game: The Chicago White Sox, the second-place team with the first-place image. The Sox had stumped the first-place Tigers so far this season, winning five of six games. So the challenge to the Tigers was clear.

The stage is all yours now. Prove yourself.

The skeptics are sure the Tigers' big rock candy mountain will melt into syrup under the late summer heat. How do you prove them wrong?

Easy. You win.

Can the Detroit Tigers go all the way to MLB Baseball's World Series and put the city of Detroit back on top of American Sports? Bodog has the odds, bet on Bodog today.

Mike Krzyzewski Opens New Day in US Basketball

Legendary NCAA College Basketball head coach, Mike Krzyzewski of Duke University, opened a new day in U.S. Basketball.

When Mike Krzyzewski walked onto the Cox Pavilion floor in Las Vegas to greet his new team, it might be one small step for him but it's one giant leap for U.S. basketball.

''I've gotten chills the last four or five days just thinking about being with the team,'' Krzyzewski said at the opening of training camp for the USA Basketball national team. ''I'm amazingly excited. You feel like everyone knows how special it is to be in this position.''

USA Basketball tore up its playbook and turned to a college coach after an NBA basketball coach led U.S. teams in every major international competition since the 1992 Olympics.

Slapped into reality by a sixth-place finish in the 2002 World Championships, followed by a third-place finish at the 2004 Olympics, USA Basketball selected Duke's Krzyzewski to lead the quest to regain international dominance. He has 24 of the best basketball players at his disposal, each making a three-year commitment to win an Olympic gold medal.

Although winning the Olympic gold medal is the ultimate goal, the upcoming 2006 FIBA World Championships are much more than just a tune-up. There are only two byes into the Olympics. One goes to the host team, that means China for the 2008 Beijing Games, and the other to the reigning world champion.

If the USA loses in Japan, it must qualify next summer in Venezuela in the Tournament of the Americas.

Since NBA players began competing in the World Championships and Olympics, an All-Star team has been picked without regard to almost anything else. Players were not asked to try out, simply handed spots on the team.

Those days are over. The 24 players on the national team roster, from which 12 will be chosen for the teams that compete in the World Championships and the Olympics, are a varied collection of young and old stars and role players.

Can Mike Krzyzewski lead the United States to a 2006 FIBA World Championship? Bodog has the odds on some participating countries and their odds to win it all in this latest international basketball tournament.

Odds to win 2006 FIBA World Championship

USA1/3

Lithuania 7/1

Italy 35/1

France 15/1

Edgerrin James Returned to the Indianapolis Colts

Edgerrin James returned to the Indianapolis Colts fans for one day.

Edgerrin James will be playing for the Arizona Cardinals once the brand new 2006-2007 NFL Football Season starts.

The visit was for the Indiana Black Expo and his fans, not the Colts. The team's all-time leading rusher, who signed as a free agent with Arizona on March 12, has moved on in mind, body and free spirit.

The carefree Floridian is looking so far into the future, he's already contemplating a probable induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

''When I get to the NFL Football Hall of Fame, I'm going to have to pick between a jersey for Arizona or the Colts,'' James said in a telephone interview.

''Edge'' was in Indy to help longtime friend Amp Harris with the ninth annual ''Saving Our Youth'' celebrity basketball game at the RCA Dome. Several Colts, including Dwight Freeney, Reggie Wayne and Bob Sanders, were there. So, too, was Indiana Pacers star Jermaine O'Neal.

''Me and my boy Amp want to do it,'' James said. ''We enjoy the Black Expo and I'm always going to come back for it.''

His many friends will bemoan the fact he is no longer a Colt. James ran for 9,226 yards in seven seasons as a vital cog in the team's vaunted ''Triplets'' attack with quarterback Peyton Manning and receiver Marvin Harrison.

He was selected fourth overall by the Colts in 1999, James led the NFL in rushing each of his first two years, and last season was his fourth Pro Bowl selection.

But it wasn't enough to earn a multi-year contract with the Colts, who in recent years gave such rewards to Manning, Harrison, Wayne and tackle Ryan Diem. So James signed with Arizona for four years and $30 million with $11.5 million in first-season bonuses.

Can Edgerrin James lead the Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl XLI in Miami, Florida? Visit and bet on Bodog today.

Here are more odds from Bodog on some NFL football teams and their odds to win the Super Bowl in Miami, Florida:

Denver Broncos 10/1

Dallas Cowboys 12/1

New England Patriots 8/1

Indianapolis Colts 6/1

Seattle Seahawks 10/1

Pittsburgh Steelers 10/1

New York Yankees Closer, Mariano Rivera, Ready for the Seattle Mariners in MLB

New York Yankees closer, Mariano Rivera, is ready to close the Seattle Mariners out in MLB baseball.

With Mariano Rivera earning the 400th save of his career in a pressurized 6-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox, it is difficult to overstate the importance of a major personal milestone for a premier closer who may be on his way to the Hall of Fame.

The rest of the Seattle Mariners, who will be visiting these Yankees at Yankee Stadium, should be concerned.

This was no cheap save, no statistical happenstance. It concluded what may have been the team's best weekend of the season and it came against the defending World Series champions before 54,781 fans in the Yankee Stadium sunshine.

But Rivera was not the only notable performer as the Yankees won their third consecutive game against the White Sox and the seventh in their past eight over all. He was merely the final and lasting image after entering the game in the eighth inning with a two-run lead, two men on base and nobody out.

After pitching out of that jam, Rivera did the same in the ninth after allowing the first two batters to reach base. In both innings, his fielders turned double plays. Rivera ended the game by striking out Jermaine Dye swinging.

''It's amazing, I never, ever thought about it,'' Rivera said of his career saves total, which trails only Lee Smith (478), Trevor Hoffman (460) and John Franco (424). ''It's good. It's special. It's great, it's great,'' Rivera said.

Rivera smiled as he spoke but seemed to be groping for words, gracious but somewhat uncomfortable in a group interview. He praised God, as he often does, before he carefully folded the dugout scorecard as a souvenir and excused himself.

''Guys, I've got to go to church,'' he said.

Can Mariano Rivera close out the Seattle Mariners and give the New York Yankees yet another win? Bodog has the odds. Visit and bet on Bodog now.

Michael Schumacher wins F1 French Grand Prix, setting His Sights to Germany Next

Michael Schumacher won't give up just yet as he inches closer to Fernando Alonso's lead of the F1 drivers' championship.

Schumi set his sights on eroding Fernando Alonso's world championship lead after an ''unexpected'' win in the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours. The Ferrari driver then revealed that he almost failed to make the start of qualifying on Saturday after an engine fire in practice.

But once that scare passed, he took pole position and followed that with a dominant win at Magny Cours, taking the checkered flag from title rival Alonso's Renault.

That trimmed the world champion's lead to 17 points, down eight in the last two races, but Schumacher wants more.

''It was a fantastic result, even if in all honesty it was unexpected. We did not know how the race would pan out. Now we have to keep this momentum going. The championship is far from over and these two points we have made up on our main rivals are very important. I hope we can soon make up more ground,'' Michael Schumacher said.

Schumacher's boss Jean Todt certainly has no doubt Ferrari can regain their world titles, despite an imposing advantage for both Renault and Alonso.

''Both championships are still up for grabs,'' said Jean Todt. ''There are seven races remaining this season and, as we have always said, we will do all we can to meet our targets.''

However, Todt's Renault counterpart Flavio Briatore refused to lose his cool despite his team's defeat on home turf in sweltering conditions at Magny-Cours.He admitted Ferrari's pace, aided by tire supplier Bridgestone's resurgence, had come as a shock but vowed a renewed push from Renault to see off their title challenge.

''This turned out to be a difficult weekend for us and Fernando got the best possible result from it,'' he said.

Can Fernando Alonso lead a Renault comeback at the German Grand Prix? Can Michael Schumacher win his home grand prix in Germany and inch closer to Alonso? Bodog has the odds. Visit and bet on Bodog now.

Moto GP's Italian Sensation, Valentino Rossi, wins 2006 German Grand Prix

Moto GP saw defending world champion, Valentino Rossi, win a fantastic 2006 German Grand Prix war at the final turn.

The Italian held off the challenges of fellow countryman Marco Melandri, American Nicky Hayden and Spaniard Dani Pedrosa to take the win in front of 93,748 spectators at the Sachsenring.

Rossi had started the race in 10th on the Camel Yamaha but cut his way through the field to take the lead on the 13th of 30 laps and was able to keep Melandri's Fortuna Honda and the Repsol Honda bikes of Hayden and Pedrosa behind him.

Melandri grabbed the lead with three laps to go but Rossi was back in front later in the same lap and held his advantage to the checkered flag for his fourth race win of the season.

Rossi admitted he was surprised to win after struggling with the set-up on his Yamaha M1 during practice and qualifying.

''This result is quite unbelievable for me and for my team. During the practice I was always behind and struggling with the bike. A very big thank you to my team, we changed a lot of things (on the bike) this morning and this afternoon. We did a great job with Michelin, they helped us a lot,'' Valentino Rossi said.

''Escape (from his pursuers) was impossible and I had another great battle with Marco on the last lap,'' he adds.

Nicky Hayden still leads the championship standings with 169 points, ahead of Valentino Rossi on 143, Dani Pedrosa on 140 and Marco Melandri on 134.

Next for Moto GP is the 2006 U.S. Grand Prix. Can Valentino Rossi win the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix? Visit Bodog for more betting odds today.

MLB Baseball and the Rest of the World is out to get San Francisco Giants' Barry Bonds

Barry Bonds was the focus of MLB baseball a few weeks ago. Now, he still is. But it has nothing to do with home runs.

Now the focus is on the government's pursuit of Bonds.

The growing feeling is that the government, specifically the United States attorney in San Francisco, will get him. The grand jury is investigating the possibility that Bonds lied to another grand jury two and a half years ago.

Bonds plods on, experiencing his worst season since 1989 and moving toward Hank Aaron's career home run record more slowly than a tortoise. He could be indicted before he hits another home run for the San Francisco Giants.

He could wind up in jail before he reaches the MLB Baseball Hall of Fame.

The immediate question, though, isn't Bonds' guilt or innocence. It's whether MLB Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig will take disciplinary action against Bonds if he is indicted on charges of perjury, tax evasion, money laundering, evading banking laws or anything else.

It seems everything is against Barry Bonds in his quest for MLB baseball immortality eh?

Selig has repeatedly refused to discuss Bonds, most recently in Pittsburgh the day before the MLB Baseball All-Star Game at a meeting with baseball writers.

But an official in the commissioner's office, granted anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the situation, said the commissioner was torn in his considerations of the matter. One minute, Selig is prepared to suspend Bonds; the next, he changes his mind.

Selig could use an alternative plan. He could induce the Giants to pressure Bonds to step aside while continuing to be paid, so he could concentrate on the preparation of his defense. That's often an approach used in the corporate world.

Can Barry Bonds lead the San Francisco Giants to the World Series? Here are some odds from Bodog on some MLB baseball teams and their odds to win it all this year.

Atlanta Braves 60/1

Boston Red Sox 5/1

Chicago White Sox 9/2

Houston Astros 16/1

New York Yankees 19/2

Paul Pierce to Sign with the Boston Celtics

All that stands between Paul Pierce and his contract extension is the NBA.

As reported, the Boston Celtics and Pierce's agent, Jeff Schwartz, have reached an agreement that will put the team's captain under contract through the end of the 2010-11 NBA basketball season.

The paperwork was sent to the league office, where the docket has been filled with finalized trades and free agent signings. In that Pierce is already under contract for the coming season, his new deal is not quite as pressing.

It won't officially be a done deal until the league looks over the details, but neither side expects that to be a problem.

After Pierce completes the final two years of his present contract (giving up an opt-out next summer to do so), the three additional years will be for a total of $59,387,127.

The new deal will also have an option to sever for Pierce, giving him the chance to give up the final year and become a free agent in 2010.

It is also expected that the contract alters the basic payment schedule, giving Pierce more of his money sooner in a given season, thus increasing the actual cash value.

Can Paul Pierce lead the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals? Visit Bodog for more odds today.

Michael Schumacher is Ready for the French Grand Prix of Formula One at Magny Cours

Ferrari and Michael Schumacher is not giving up on the Formula One world championship just yet.

Although Michael Schumacher has warned his fans not to expect Ferrari to repeat their 2006 United States Grand Prix 1-2 at Indianapolis on this weekend's 2006 French GP, the German is hoping to take a few points off Fernando Alonso come Sunday afternoon.

Schumacher currently trails Championship leader Alonso by 19 points in the F1 drivers' championship standings and with only eight races remaining, winning is becoming ever-more important for both Schumacher and Ferrari, a fact that he acknowledges.

''From now on, we will fight in the real sense of the word and each race will be an opportunity for us to come back,'' he said.

''Nineteen points can be bridged and I am convinced of this. We want to win and will battle to the end. There is no reason to give up.''

However, having said that, Schumacher also warned his fans not to expect a repeat of Ferrari's United States Grand Prix domination when the Formula One circus stops in France this weekend for the 2006 French Grand Prix.

''Indianapolis was an extremely exciting race but the result should not be overplayed,'' the former F1 World Champion cautioned.

''The gap was too big and the standings did not accurately reflect the true balance of power.''

He adds, ''I think that the race in France could be another classic. We have often seen how details can affect the outcome of a race and this could be true of Magny Cours. We will not know much until everyone takes to the track.''

Can Michael Schumacher lead Ferrari back to the F1 World Championship? Bodog has the odds. Bet on Bodog today.

Here are some odds on who will win the 2006 French Grand Prix at Magny Cours:

Fernando Alonso 5/7

Michael Schumacher 8/5

Kimi Raikkonen 7/1

Juan Pablo Montoya 16/1

Drew Bledsoe is still the No.1 Quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys in NFL Football

Drew Bledsoe brings consistency at the QB position of the Dallas Cowboys.

Consistency. It's the word used more often compared to any other during training camp. It's what coaches and players are striving for in just about everything, from the schedules to the actual practice performances.

And consistency is also wanted in personnel.

Needless to say, the Cowboys haven't exactly had a consistent force at the quarterback position in recent years. Not since Troy Aikman in 1999 and 2000 has one Cowboys quarterback started the majority of games in two consecutive regular seasons.

After Quincy Carter in 2001, then Chad Hutchinson in 2002, followed by another year from Carter and then Vinny Testaverde in 2004, the Cowboys were hoping for some consistency when they signed Drew Bledsoe last season.

And did they got one from Mr. Bledsoe.

Not only did Bledsoe start all 16 games and put together a statistical season that ranks among the best in franchise history, but he's also the expected starter once again in 2006.

Not only that, but the Cowboys are counting on Bledsoe to lead an offense that figures to have the best set of offensive talent since the 1990's.

The addition of Terrell Owens should make Bledsoe's life easier, at least between the whistles. Owens is still one of the NFL's most electrifying players, and when he's atop his game, he can make just about any quarterback look good.

On the flip side, Owens has had his share of problems with quarterbacks, publicly calling out both Jeff Garcia and Donovan McNabb. The latest backlash on McNabb is detailed in the wide receiver's new book titled T.O.

But Bledsoe said he understands that wide receivers want the ball, and added he prefers it that way over the contrary.

Can Drew Bledsoe lead the Dallas Cowboys to Super Bowl XLI in Miami, Florida? Visit and bet on Bodog today.

Here are more odds from Bodog on some NFL football teams and their odds to win the Super Bowl in Miami, Florida:

Denver Broncos 10/1

Dallas Cowboys 12/1

New England Patriots 8/1

Indianapolis Colts 6/1

Seattle Seahawks 10/1

Pittsburgh Steelers 10/1

LeBron James Accepts Five-Year Contract Extension from the Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James won't be leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers anytime soon.

Cleveland's All-Star forward has accepted a five-year contract extension worth about 80 million dollars from the Cavaliers. It's a huge relief for the rising team and its fretting fans, who worried he might be planning an escape.

James says he's excited to be re-signing with the Cavaliers and plans to work toward bringing a championship to Cleveland.

James' agent says he'll officially sign the deal once the league's moratorium ends Wednesday. James waited a week before announcing his intention to take the deal, which will keep him in Cleveland through the 2012-2013 season.

The delay had Cleveland fans fearing the worst, but the 21-year-old from nearby Akron came through in the clutch.

After all, he IS from Akron.

As scared and reluctant as the long-suffering fans on Lake Erie were to believe this, after every sporting tragedy to befall them over the years, LeBron is a proud Ohioan. He gives back tons of money to his community as an All-Star philanthropist.

LeBron grew up in nearby Akron and DOES NOT WANT TO LEAVE.

Beginning in his junior year of high school, James was highly promoted by the national media in the United States as a future NBA star. He was selected with the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, directly out of high school at the age of 18.

He is now widely considered as one of the more gifted and versatile players as well as serving as one of the more prominent figures in the league.

Can LeBron James lead the Cleveland Cavaliers towards the NBA Championship? Visit and bet on Bodog today.

Jeff has the Stuff as NASCAR saw Jeff Gordon win Chicagoland Speedway

NASCAR saw Jeff Gordon win at all costs last Sunday.

Jeff Gordon bumped Matt Kenseth out of the way to win Sunday's NASCAR Nextel Cup race and warned Tony Stewart the same could happen to him.

Kenseth said Gordon's bump was payback for an incident at Bristol in March. Gordon said that played a role in how he raced Kenseth, but the contact was inadvertent.

NASCAR sided with Gordon, letting Jeff keep his 75th career Cup victory and move within one of tying Dale Earnhardt on the all-time win list. Gordon also returned to the top 10 in points as he races to make the title chase after missing it last year.

Kenseth, who finished 22nd, lost his bid to take the points lead from Gordon's teammate, Jimmie Johnson. Kenseth would have taken the points lead by winning. Instead, Kenseth trails Johnson by 51 points.

Of course, Kenseth was more upset with Gordon's bump in the final laps than his finish. ''That wasn't an accident,'' Kenseth said.

Gordon didn't argue.

''You better believe I was going to make life difficult for him,'' Gordon said.Gordon's tap and Kenseth's spat ended what had been a calm day at Chicagoland Speedway that might have been remembered only for Juan Pablo Montoya's decision to become the first driver to leave Formula One for NASCAR. He'll drive for Chip Ganassi full time next year.

No doubt Montoya will have a lot to learn, considering the late-race bump-and-run orchestrated by Gordon.

Will this be the year when Jeff Gordon wins the Nextel Cup Series? Log on to Bodog for more betting odds today.

New York Knicks look for New Day in the NBA with New Head Coach Isiah Thomas

Will the New York Knicks be any different with Isiah Thomas now as Knicks head coach?

A whistle dangled at the end of a blue lanyard near Isiah Thomas' rib cage, where a stylish silk tie normally rested. The pressed Italian suit was gone, too, replaced by a black warm-up shirt and shorts, each adorned with a Knicks logo.

Thomas may be working under a one-year ultimatum, but he seemed perfectly happy to be in charge of his own fate.

After five days of coaching the Knicks' summer-league team here, Thomas was upbeat in his first interview as head coach.

''It feels good to kind of get back on the bike and start riding,'' said Thomas, who had not coached since 2003, with Indiana. ''I'm pretty enthusiastic myself. I love basketball and I really am in love with the game. It's a great game. I don't make it any more than it really is.''

The task for now is simple: Prepare the Knicks' two recent draft picks (Renaldo Balkman and Mardy Collins) and prod last season's three rookies (Channing Frye, Nate Robinson and David Lee).

The hard part will come in the fall, when Thomas will have to establish a lineup and a rotation and turn the Knicks into something they had no hope of becoming last season, a playoff team.

Thomas carefully avoided making any comparisons between himself and Larry Brown, who was fired last month after one season as head coach. Thomas also refused to offer any definition for ''significant progress,'' the standard that James L. Dolan, the Madison Square Garden chairman, said was necessary to save Thomas' job.

''My goal is to get to the playoffs. As a coach, I want to be coaching a playoff team,'' said Thomas, whose Pacers teams made the playoffs in each of his three seasons.

''That will be our thought from Day One, and that's what we'll push them towards. Come April, we want to be still lacing them up.''

Can Isiah Thomas coach the New York Knicks to the NBA Playoffs? Bet on Bodog for more odds today.

2006 FIFA World Cup Final between Italy and France might see Referees make bad calls

Franz Beckenbauer wants change in these FIFA World Cup tournaments.

After leading Germany to World Cup victories both as a player and manager, Franz Beckenbauer turned his energy toward organizing this World Cup. With another mission seemingly destined to end in triumph, he is now talking about officiating.

As a referee, Beckenbauer would have zero tolerance for the dive, that counterfeit tumble by a player, frequently accompanied by a trip off the field on a stretcher and then a swift, complete, miraculous recovery.

''They are all playing for advantage, but when players exploit the situation, a referee's job is to recognize these things, and punish them by showing a yellow card,'' Beckenbauer said. ''These are incidents that none of us want, that we try to discredit.''

Referees may give yellow (warning) cards to players who dive. Brazil's Adriano received one, but he was an exception.

One of the lasting legacies of the tournament will be the unprecedented number of yellow cards that have been handed out. With two of 64 matches remaining, Portugal will play Germany on Saturday for third place, then Italy will face France on Sunday in the final, a record 336 yellow cards have been handed out. Some people have interpreted the high number as evidence that FIFA's campaign for fair play backfired.

''I felt that the yellow card was being shown too often, but often for trivial things, and the next time something trivial happened, the referee had to do it again,'' Beckenbauer said.

Angel Maria Villar Llona, the chairman of FIFA's referee committee, said on June 28, ''The main objective, to protect the players, has been accomplished.'' On that day, even before the quarterfinal round, referees had surpassed the previous record of 272 yellow cards in 2002.

The 2006 FIFA World Cup final game between Italy and France this Sunday will be interesting. Interesting in a sense that the referees could very well decide who will be crowned new 2006 FIFA World Cup champions.

Bodog has all the odds on tap in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final game.

Will France beat Italy to become 2006 FIFA World Cup Champions?

Will Italy destroy France and bag the 2006 FIFA World Cup title?

Rivals meet as Amelie Mauresmo face Justin Henin-Hardenne in the Wimbledon Final

Amelie Mauresmo will face Justine Henin-Hardenne in the Wimbledon finals.

For the second time this year, Amelie Mauresmo will face Justine Henin-Hardenne in the final of a Grand Slam tournament, and Nathalie Tauziat, the last Frenchwoman before Mauresmo to reach the final at Wimbledon, has a wish list.

"Zero injuries, zero illnesses and lots of tennis," Tauziat said as she left center court feeling proud Thursday after Mauresmo had conquered a few more of her demons in a hot-and-cold semifinal against Maria Sharapova.

In their first Grand Slam meeting this year, in the Australian Open final in January, Henin-Hardenne retired from the match with Mauresmo leading by 6-1, 2-0 . The problem, according to Henin-Hardenne, was intense stomach pain brought on by anti-inflammatory medication.

Though she was clearly not at her best, her retirement and unapologetic manner afterward irked those, including Mauresmo and her coach, Loic Courteau, who thought she should have muddled through to give Mauresmo the satisfaction of a match point.

Neither player was eager to reopen that touchy subject Thursday.

"It's, for me, far away," Henin-Hardenne said. "I want to think about myself and another opportunity to win another Grand Slam and win for the first time Wimbledon. But I'm not thinking about what happened a few months ago, because the situation is different. I hope we can both be in our best shape and show good tennis to the crowd.''

"I don't have anything to prove to anyone anymore. I think I proved enough on the tennis court: the fighter I am; how much I can compete."

In an interview before the French Open, Mauresmo expressed disappointment with Henin-Hardenne's comportment in Melbourne and said she had no desire, for the moment, to renew their friendship or to discuss the incident at length with her.

But after her Wimbledon breakthrough Thursday, Mauresmo said of Saturday's match-up: "I think really this final is going to be about tennis. That's what I want it to be."

Will Amelie Mauresmo prove she can beat Justine Henin-Hardenne without injuries helping her? Will Justine Henin-Hardenne beat Amelie Mauresmo and be injury-free at the Wimbledon final? Bet on Bodog today.

Pedro Martinez rests through MLB All-Star break as New York Mets place him on DL

All-Star ace Pedro Martinez was placed on the disabled list by the New York Mets due to pain in his right hip.

Martinez missed his scheduled start on Monday and can now rest through the All-Star break.

''This is the perfect time to do this,'' Martinez said. Martinez was chosen for the NL All-Star team but won't take part in next week's festivities in Pittsburgh, general manager Omar Minaya said.

The move is retroactive to June 29, the day after the right-hander's last start.

Heath Bell was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to take Martinez's place on the roster. Bell will continue to work out of the bullpen for the Mets, who are trying to piece together a starting rotation while protecting a double-digit lead in the NL East.

Martinez (7-4) last pitched June 28 against the Red Sox in Boston when he allowed eight runs, six earned, and seven hits in just three innings. The star pitcher revealed last week that he recently received a cortisone injection in his ailing hip. He felt similar discomfort last season, his first with the Mets, and aggravated the injury when he slipped in the bathroom and fell on his hip while changing his shirt during a series in Florida in May.

Since coming to the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1992, Martinez has made several trips to the disabled list but none since signing with the Mets.

''My teammates have been urging me to do this so that I can be ready for the long run,'' Martinez said. The Mets decided to put Martinez on the DL now so they can open up another roster spot for a pitcher. ''I don't want to pitch short another week,'' manager Willie Randolph said.

Can Pedro Martinez lead the New York Mets to win the MLB World Series? The Mets are 3/1 to do just that.

Here are some odds on some NL teams and their respective odds to represent the National League in the coming World Series:

New York Mets 7/5

Philadelphia Phillies 12/1

Pittsburgh Pirates 300/1

San Diego Chargers 10/1

San Francisco Giants 12/1

ITALY vs. FRANCE at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final in Berlin, Germany

Nobody thought

Italy and France will be playing for the biggest prize in all of football at this 2006 FIFA World Cup tournament.

After all, Italy was consumed by scandals and France is just having a tough time scoring in this 2006 FIFA World Cup tournament. After advancing to the 2006 FIFA World Cup final game, both countries can now put everything to rest and just focus on that big game on Sunday.

The 2006 FIFA World Cup tournament has been nothing but a time of torment away from the football field for the Italians. For days, allegations of bribery and favoritism just kept piling up against four topflight clubs for which 13 of the 23 Italy team members play.

As for France, the media saw them as a team over the hill and struggling to put the ball through the net in this 2006 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Both of these countries' trip to the 2006 FIFA World Cup final game have silenced all their critics and at the same time, proven them all wrong. So what will the 2006 FIFA World Cup final game have in store for both of these countries?

Italy are the grand masters of heart-breaking tragedy when it comes to major finals. In all three World Cups held in the 1990s, the Italians bowed out on penalties, including Roberto Baggio's infamous miss against Brazil in the 1994 final.

They don't fare a lot better in Europe either. With Euro 2000 in the bag, opponents France equalized four minutes into injury time and went on to win, while Euro 2004 saw Italy bow out in the group stage when Sweden and Denmark drew 2-2, the only result which would send both teams through at the Italians' expense.

As for France, the World Cup is something very familiar, entering the 1998 tournament as hosts and 2002 as Champions. They failed to reach the finals in 1990 and 1994 and will be desperate to avoid the humiliation they suffered four years ago in which they finished bottom of their group without a goal to their name.

France is an aging side with Thuram and Zidane at 34 in the finals while Makelele, and goalkeeper Gregory Coupet will be 33 and midfielder Sylvain Wiltord 32. The main problem manager Raymond Domenech has endured is the younger generation of players just don't look up to the task which has forced him to bring back the tried and trusted stars of yesteryear.

On Sunday in Berlin, Italy will play for its fourth FIFA World Cup championship and France will go for its second. Both teams have rich traditions, but neither entered the month-long 2006 FIFA World Cup tournament a favorite.

Here are some 2006 FIFA World Cup odds from NINE.com.

France (+200) vs Italy (+150)

Bodog has all the odds on tap in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final game, between Italy and France.

Will France beat Italy to become 2006 FIFA World Cup Champions?

Will Italy destroy France and bag the 2006 FIFA World Cup title?

It's not just about France and Italy. Here are the odds on Saturday's 2006 FIFA World Cup match for third place between Germany and Portugal.

FINAL SCORE

Germany 1-0
Germany 2-0

Portugal 1-0
Portugal 2-0

Draw

Michelin Exits, Bridgestone becomes Official Tire Supplier to the FIA F1 Championships

Michelin rules itself out of F1 racing.

The FIA, the governing body of F1 racing, has announced that tire manufacturer Bridgestone has been selected as the official tire supplier to the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

That is after Michelin ruled itself out of F1 at the start of the 2007 F1 season.The FIA decided to select a single tire manufacturer which would supply all Formula One teams from 2008.

A tender process was opened and the deadline for bids was June 23 2006.

There are currently two manufacturers involved in the sport, Michelin and Bridgestone. However Michelin, which currently supplies six of the eleven teams, ruled itself out of the bidding process in June.

The French tire manufacturer had already withdrawn from the 2007 season and confirmed in a statement released before the Canadian Grand Prix, that they had no plans to return to Formula One racing after the new single-tire regulations had come into effect in 2008.

The move is part of the FIA's plans to cut the cost of competing in Formula One racing. It is also believed that by eliminating competition between tire suppliers the decision will help to curb cornering speeds.

Can Michelin-powered, Fernando Alonso still dominate with new Bridgestone tires? What will be Michelin's next step?

Bet on Bodog today.

Ben Roethlisberger is Getting Ready to lead Pittsburgh Steelers in coming NFL Season

Ben Roethlisberger is almost ready for the brand new 2006-2007 NFL Season.

Ben Roethlisberger is healing faster and looking better than expected and is scheduled to start throwing next week for the first time since he was injured in a motorcycle accident, two sources who are familiar with his situation said.

Mr. Roethlisberger made another appearance at the Steelers' offices on the South Side this week, his second since his accident June 5, but he has done nothing more than pick up mail and other items.

That, though, is expected to change sometime next week when he will attempt to throw light passes to test his strength, awareness and stability, his biggest step to date on his road to recovery.

However, despite his improving condition, the Steelers are going to be extra careful with Mr. Roethlisberger and will not try to rush him back into the lineup, one of the sources said.

The reason: The amount of head and facial trauma Mr. Roethlisberger received in the accident, the source said.

While Mr. Roethlisberger is expected to be ready for the start of training camp July 28 and could conceivably be healthy enough to play in the second or third preseason game, Coach Bill Cowher and the team's medical staff will closely monitor his condition and not play him until they are convinced he is ready to go.

The Steelers are prepared to keep Mr. Roethlisberger on the sidelines, even for the Sept. 7 season opener against the Miami Dolphins, until they are absolutely certain he can absorb hits to the head and function as he did last season.

Will Ben Roethlisberger and the rest of the Pittsburgh Steelers defend their Super Bowl rings this season?

Can the Seattle Seahawks finally win the Super Bowl?

Here are some teams and their odds to win it all this year:

Denver Broncos 10/1

Dallas Cowboys 12/1

New England Patriots 8/1

Indianapolis Colts 6/1

Seattle Seahawks 10/1

Pittsburgh Steelers 10/1