Good Morning: 12.14.12

GOOD MORNING

Josh Hamilton signed a 5-year $125 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, giving the Angels one of the most murderous lineups in baseball, with Hamilton, Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Mark Trumbo. It's also possible the Angles could ship one of their bats to bolster their pitching rotation, with RA Dickey amongst the names mentioned as candidates.

 

The Bengals crushed the Philadelphia Eagles, 34-13. Now at 8-6, the Bengals appear to be heading to the playoffs. Will they be ready? Last night's performance, despite the win, suggests not.

 

The Big East is set to lose seven schools, likely ending the Big East as we know it.

 

Carmelo Anthony dropped 30 points but left the game early with a sprain in his left leg, as the Knicks went on to beat the Lakers, 116-107.

 

Kobe Bryant says the Knicks finally put the right pieces around 'Melo, and chastises the media for riding him so hard last season while praising him for doing the same thing this season.

 

Damian Lillard scored a career-high 29 points as the Trailblazers took down the Spurs, 98-90. Popovich already has his eyes on him.

 

In addition to his neck, Jay Cutler has also sprained his MCL.

 

This dude threw nine strikes in one minute.

 

 

The President comments on the NHL lockout, which, apparently, is still going on.

 

Larry Merchant is stepping down from HBO following this weekend's clash between Nonito Donaire and Jorge Arce. Merchant will be remembered most recently for his fued with Floyd Mayweather Jr, but his legacy was established long before his tenure at HBO.

 

Ichiro and the Yanks are nearing a one-year deal.

 

T.O. denies the rumors that he spent the summer begging the Clippers for a contract.

 

The Memphis Grizzlies hired ESPN.com's John Hollinger as VP of Basketball Operations.

 

FLASHING LIGHTS

 

Party with HOV

 

Tyler Perry will be directing a drama and comedy on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

 

Lincoln scored director Steven Spielberg a record seven Golden Globe nominations.

 

Nothing more important than the Mula.

 

DID YOU REALIZE?

 

Susan Rice wrote a letter to President Obama withdrawing her name from consideration for Secretary of Defense. She stated her withdrawal was good for the country due to the arduous process it would entail. Congrats, Senator McCain, your bitching and moaning sets a great example for all of us, just like your Vice Presidential pick did in '08.

 

Whooping cough has been declared an “epidemic” in Vermont.

 

The internet will change language forever. "On the internet, all that matters is that people can communicate – nobody has a right to tell them what the language should be."

 

A man in Texas was arrested for breaking into an antique store. He was rearrested for stealing a police car during the original arrest while wearing handcuffs. Yup, there's video.

 

EVERYTHING I AM

 

Leon Panetta is a fascinating person who has a way with words and advice. He chats with Esquire as his tenure as Secretary of Defense nears it's conclusion.

 

GOTTA HAVE IT

 

Wale gets back to ballin' with French Montana.

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