The year of 2008 was filled with exciting highs, devastating losses, and controversial headlines within the world of sports. As we toast to a new year, rolling out puts 2008 in review as we highlight the top five sports happenings of the year.
5. Mike Singletary’s Dramatic Start
The once-great San Francisco 49ers had endured their sixth consecutive losing streak during the 2008 season. Adjustments in the front office led to Mike Singletary’s assuming the job of interim coach on October 21 in the midst of the season–and the losing streak. Singletary had a unique way of getting his point across in effort to turn his losing team around. He demonstrated how bad the team was getting their “tails whipped” during his first halftime speech by dropping his pants. Singletary also ensured his coaching debut would be talked about by benching tight end Vernon Davis after an unnecessary roughness penalty. He then sent Davis to the locker room because Singletary didn’t feel that Davis was taking the game seriously. The story was a top headline for weeks, but even with the controversial start, Singletary turned their season around–winning five out of nine games as interim coach. Ultimately, Singletary earned a four year contract as 49ers head coach–worth an estimated $10 million.
The year of 2008 was filled with exciting highs, devastating losses,
and controversial headlines within the world of sports. As we toast to
a new year, rolling out puts 2008 in review as we highlight the top
five sports happenings of the year
4. Tiger Woods Limps to Victory
Cementing his status as the world’s best golfer, Tiger Woods fought to
win his 14th major title at the U.S. Open. After recently recovering
from knee surgery, Woods battled through the entire tournament. Despite
being less than 100 percent physically, the iconic Woods sank a 12-foot
birdie on the final hole which led to an 18-hole playoff. On the 18th
hole Woods sank a 4-foot birdie, resulting in a 19-hole playoff against
Rocco Mediate. Showing determination through the pain, Woods
prevailed–dramatically securing his 14th title.
The year of 2008 was filled with exciting highs, devastating losses,
and controversial headlines within the world of sports. As we toast to
a new year, rolling out puts 2008 in review as we highlight the top
five sports happenings of the year.
3. A Bostonian Celebration
“Anything is Possible!!!” are the words joyously bellowed by Boston’s
Celtics’ star forward Kevin Garnett after defeating longtime rivals the
Los Angeles Lakers in the 2008 NBA Finals to secure his first
championship. In a 4-2 series win, the Boston Celtics clinched their
17th Championship title, spurred by the new “Big Three” of Garnett, Ray
Allen and Paul Pierce. The Celtics began the 2008-2009 with the same
championship fire, starting this season on a 19-game winning streak-the
longest in the storied franchise’s history. Ironically, the streak
ended in a Christmas Day defeat at the hands of their hated enemy-the
L.A. Lakers.
The year of 2008 was filled with exciting highs, devastating losses,
and controversial headlines within the world of sports. As we toast to
a new year, rolling out puts 2008 in review as we highlight the top
five sports happenings of the year.
2. Plaxico Burress
In every
year, in every industry, there are highs and lows. Such was the case
for New York Giants-specifically wide receiver Plaxico Burress. After
helping lead the underdog Giants to one of the most memorable Super
Bowl victories in decades, Burress started the season holding out of
training camp because of a contract dispute. But his troubles magnified
after he shot himself accidentally while carrying an unregistered gun
in a nightclub. The receiver became the topic of discussion for every
major media outlet and the poster child for troubled athletes in the
league. The incident led to a suspension from the Giants and criminal
charges that could lead to jail time, a foolish mistake that has led to
his uncertain future in the NFL.
The year of 2008 was filled with exciting highs, devastating losses,
and controversial headlines within the world of sports. As we toast to
a new year, rolling out puts 2008 in review as we highlight the top
five sports happenings of the year.
1. Obama Shoots and Scores
After taking a break on the campaign trail to shoot hoops with star
forward Tyler Hansborough at the University of North Carolina (UNC),
President-elect Barack Obama had shown he knows a thing or two about
b-ball. And while making history on Election Day 2008, Obama decided to
take on a few of his friends on a Chicago basketball court to ease his
mind. Whether on the hardwood at UNC or discussing the merits of the
Bowl Championship Series, Obama consistently showed that he understood
the American sports fan because he was the American sports fan. He
watched sports and he played sports, just like all of us. And on the
night of November 4, he clinched a historical win for America.
