I Am Sporticus

Released this weekend via the Brazilian government was the news that soccer legend Pele was robbed at gunpoint by 10 armed men in traffic earlier this month. The incident occurred at night while Pele was attempting to reach his beach house on the freeway. In the tunnel during the traffic jam, the 10 men held them at gunpoint.

Pele responded to the men by saying “It’s me, Pele”. Half the men returned the driver’s belongings, and the other half ran away with Pele’s phone, watch, and necklace. Why is Pele so important? The Brazilian government declared the man a freaking national treasure! His play had one of the single greatest impacts ever on the game of soccer. It’s a shame 10 men from the favela (Brazilian shanty-towns) decided to rob a man of such great stature.

Here’s to Pele.

Here is a kid who has recorded over 600 juggles. Notice he isnt “cheating” by relying on his thighs to juggle the soccer ball (marching is much easier to maintain over a longer period of time). Hopefully his talent will convey to real soccer skills.

Ambidextrous serving by 10-year-old tennis prodigy Emira Stafford

Landon Shuffet, an incredible billiards player

Last week, the site www.fanmanual.com released a sub par list of “The Best Finishes in College Sports” with abundance of Duke plays and lackluster finishes. While I agree with his selection of Boise State in the Top 5, all the rest of the plays belong on the sidelines. While I would love to rank these finishes, I do not believe it is possible. So, here are the BEST finishes in college sports history that the site happened to leave out.

Appalachian State vs. Michigan - 2007

In what is deemed the greatest upset in college football history, the southern boys from a small North Carolina school upset one of the greatest football programs in the nation. The game wasn’t even televised in their home state, as impending defeat surely loomed for the Mountaineers. What they did that day will always be remembered.

The Guilford College Miracle Throw - 2006

Down by 2 points with 0.6 seconds left to go, Guilford College’s opponents miss a free throw which would surely end the game. However, Guilford guard Jordan Snipes, a small town boy from Siler City, NC had other plans 90 ft from the basket.

The Timeout - 1993

I love Chris Webber in all his glory, but when you are down by 2 points in the National Championship game, try not to walk then commit a technical foul during the last possession.

LSU vs. Kentucky - The Bluegrass Miracle – 2002

Kentucky drank the coolaid a little too early in this game. Plus you get a short glimpse at the “Hefty Lefty” . . . the “Pillsbury Throwboy” . . . and then an amazing catch for the win.

Trinity vs. Millsaps - 2007

15 laterals. 62 seconds. 7 players touching the ball. This isn’t only one of the most impressive single touchdowns of all time, it’s also one of the most impressive finishes.

Doug Flutie’s Miracle in Miami – 1984

Probably one of the most impressive and memorable hailmary’s in the history of college football to give BC the 47-45 win over Miami. Truly incredible.

NC State vs. Houston – The Dunk - 1984

When the clock was winding down, and all hope was lost, this desperation shot somehow found the basket. We all know how this ends.

In the entertainment world, telling someone to “Break a Leg” is good luck. In the Horse Racing world, it would be like telling someone to go shoot themselves. Actually, that is exactly what you are telling them to do. In the rest of the sports world - it is somewhere between. (oh yeah - I do not mean this as a social commentary on the ethics of horse euthanasia. It is really just an excuse to show some crazy videos)

Kick Boxer:
Truly one of the most disgusting videos I have ever seen in my life.

American Football:
What happens when your momentum is disrupted so quickly that you cannot keep your legs from spreading?

Faux Wrestling:
Wait, this is just entertainment, right? Yeah, but something tells me 300lb men jumping from ropes onto tight trampolines is asking for trouble.

Rugby:
Come on, you knew this one was coming. Breaking a bone in Rugby is like breaking an egg to make an egg.

Skateboarding:
Do you think 4 2-inch plastic wheels and a half-inch thick board will sustain a 20 foot drop. Yeah, me neither.

Tennis:
Really, tennis? They have injuries in tennis? Apparantly so. And this one ranks up with any of the others above.

Football / Soccer #1:
No comment needed. The next several videos are all soccer and all pain.

Football / Soccer #2:

Football / Soccer #3:

Football / Soccer #4: