This Week in Sports :: January 14-18, 2008

Terrell Owens

Despite a great season, TO and the Cowboys fail to reach the Super Bowl. Is Jessica Simpson to blame for the Cowboys' shortcomings?

Cowboys Go Home

Coming into the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys had high expectations to make it to the Super Bowl after posting a 13-3 regular season record. But they fell short on Sunday, losing in the division playoffs to the New York Giants. There is speculation that the team's shortcomings can be attributed to quarterback Tony Romo's relationship with Jessica Simpson. Some people think that the two have been spending too much time together - including a trip to Mexico earlier that week - and that was taking away from Tony's football focus. After the game, a crying Terrell Owens refused to blame Tony and Jessica's romance on the loss. The Giants on the other hand, face off with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in the NFC Conference Championship. While in the AFC Championship game, LT and the Chargers square off against the nearly invincible Patriots.

Bynum Injured

The Lakers' quest for the NBA title took a big detour as rising center Andrew Bynum dislocated his knee in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies last Sunday. The third year pro out of high school was having the best year of his career averaging 13.1 points per game. He was also one of the main reasons for the Lakers' surging play in the past month - the Lakers had won nine of their last 10 games with Bynum in the lineup. The knee injury will sideline the 20-year-old for eight weeks. The Lakers have been rumored to be looking for replacements for Bynum including former NBA star Chris Webber, as well as veteran PJ Brown.

Nene has Tumor Removed

Denver Nuggets forward Nene has taken an indefinite leave of absence from the team due to a serious medical condition. A testicular tumor was found last week in an exam by the team's physician and Nene had the tumor immediately removed. According to Nene, the tumor was found in its early stage and should be treatable. Nene is still under going treatment and tests and it is not clear where his health stands at this point. Nene was the Nuggets' first round pick in 2003. So far this season, Nene was averaging 6.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

Notes Around the Sports World

South African runner Oscar Pistorius will not be allowed to compete in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Pistorius is a double-amputee who runs with carbon fiber blades attached, which is considered an advantage over other runners.

Tour de France cycling champion Lance Armstrong has announced he will compete in the Boston Marathon, which will take place on April 21st. Armstrong ran in last year's New York Marathon in a time of two hours, 46 minutes and 43 seconds.

On Wednesday, the Miami Dolphins announced that they have hired Tony Sparano as their new head coach. Last season, Sparano was an assistant coach for the Dallas Cowboys.

As expected, tennis superstar Roger Federer has been cruising through the first few rounds at the Australian Open. He easily defeated Fabrice Santoro and Diego Hartfield in three sets each.

This Week in Sports :: January 1-4, 2008

This Week in Sports :: December 24-28, 2007