Archive for the ‘Sports’ Category

Will Andre Agassi be Stripped of Titles after Admitting Drug Use?

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

“Even the best fall down sometimes” says the chorus of the song “Collide” by Howie Day. That phrase succinctly describes what has become of today’s sports heroes as of late. We all know about Tiger Woods. Yet there’s another one bubbling right now: the fate of tennis ace Andre Agassi.

Agassi stands alone, having taken in a career boatload of titles, but now, the great man stands alone in a different way. The legendary tennis star has just released his autobiography and it has detailed everything, warts and all. The book is at the center of a swirling storm of controversy and the tennis superstar’s legacy is now in jeopardy.

The crux of the matter is about the phase in his career around 1997. In his book Open, he describes how his young self had all the promise to be great, but his life was a mess. At the lowest point of his career, he had tested positive for using crystal meth and lied about taking the drug. That same year, he would go on to win championships and the experience became a catalyst for change in his life.

Now that this episode is behind him and now retired since 2005, Agassi has had his life turned around. He is the founder of the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, which raised $60 million for at-risk children, as well as founded the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas.

This good reputation is now under siege by his book and the public admission therein. He has since had to defend his reputation from criticism left and right. His book and his admission to the fact of cheating on a drug test was hailed as courageous by many, notably ESPN’s Rick Reilly, one of the most noted sports writers active today.

Yet others demand more than just an admission. Fact remains that he should have been suspended from the sport for using the drug, but he lied about it and avoided a lengthy ban. In that time, he would go on to win titles and achieve success that he should not have been entitled to had he told the truth in the first place. In particular, tennis great Martina Navratilova is shocked at the lies and expressed deep disappointment.

Given the backlash that the athlete has received, there is speculation that Andre Agassi may be stripped of titles that he won during this time. We have raised the question to the Predicto community: Will Andre Agassi be stripped of any titles he won by the time January 25, 2010 comes along? After nearly 1,000 votes, 58% do not believe he will be stripped of titles.

What about you? How do you feel about this? Sign up at Predicto.com and sound off today!


Tiger’s Tale Grows: Gatorade’s Dis, Rachel’s Dish and More Discoveries

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

Anyone naive enough to predict that the Tiger Woods scandal would simmer down after his Thanksgiving Escalade ‘accident’ first raised suspicions has been proven to be way off the mark. Though, like many golfers, he tried to blame that one on the ‘Caddy’, in fact Tiger is in deeper rough now more than ever. Moreover, his sticky situation features nearly as many unanswered questions as it does unscrupulous lovers.

Now that he has admitted to “transgressions”, it’s no longer a question as to whether he cheated on his Swedish wife, model Elin Nordgren – it’s merely a matter of how many different affairs Woods wedged into his schedule. Right now we’ve got nearly a dozen, and as Sex Rehab’s Dr. Drew Pinsky comments, “You’ve got to wonder about addiction. That’s the process that has people doing things that don’t make sense…I would suggest that Tiger come clean.”

However, not too many of you expect Woods to open up about sex addiction anytime soon, with 62% of voting Predicto Mobile members saying no, he won’t seek rehab.

He may seek out some image rehabilitation, though, courtesy of this nation’s finest talk shows. As a matter of fact, over 10,000 Predicto members have cast their votes on whether Woods’ first TV interview will be with Oprah, Matt Lauer, Larry King or some other sympathetic host. In the meantime, it seems his silence will be par for the course. But as much as Tiger’s trying to keep a lid on the story, he muffed his very own mobile use! Us Magazine this week has “Tiger’s Titillating Texts” to Jaimee Grubbs on full display. Perhaps he should have known that the interwebs are chock full of advice on how to catch ‘sexting’ cheaters.

Meanwhile, the one place where Woods stands to get hit hardest remains his wallet. The billionaire has yet to lose any of his seven-figure endorsements, and only 49% of Predicto Mobile members think he will. Still, the latest ‘dis’ from one of his main sponsors, Gatorade, has to give Tiger a little case of the yips. As reported by the New York Times, the famous thirst-quencher, short of cancelling their contract with the world’s greatest golfer, “announced on Tuesday that it was discontinuing its Tiger Woods Sports Drink.”

If Tiger wants to get out of this one unscathed, he’s got an awfully long way to the pin. The only bright spot in this sordid story may be the faithfulness of good ol’ mistress number one, Rachel Uchitel, who even in yet another “exclusive” dish this week in OK! magazine, talks about everything except for her relationship with Woods.

Uchitel’s all alone, though. From leading #trending topic to headline story, we’ve had two weeks of steady Tiger talk. He’s even threatening to put an early end to Levi Johnston’s fifteen minutes of fame. Ironically enough, there’s only one thing nobody’s saying much about – his golf game.


Will Marion Jones Join the WNBA?

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

You likely remember Marion Jones, the “blink and you’ll miss her” fast track star who dominated the 2000 Olympic games. Jones fell from grace a few years later when it was revealed that she had taken performance-enhancing drugs during those same games.

Jones spent some time in jail, but is out and has been working with a conditioning coach. Word has it she’s thinking of making the transition from track to basketball.

The potential move shouldn’t be a huge surprise, given that Marion played ball in college. Recently, she’s been in San Antonio, Texas, conditioning for a possible hookup with one of the league’s teams.

Will Jones make the transition from track to basketball? Surprisingly, 65% of voting Predicto Mobile members say no!

“Jones is finished! Rightfully so, I might add!” says member “tjcmomof4.”

“She disgraced herself as well as her fans and supporters!” says “sion5994.”

“She’s training hard, she will get another chance,” says “uelh6965.”

“The WNBA is disgraceful enough! She’d fit right in!” says “nwyd4298.”

What do you think will happen next? You can find out by visiting Predicto.com and registering for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with being able to vote on surveys, including this one, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed.

Sign up today — and get more Predicto by becoming a fan on Facebook!


Tiger’s Troubles!

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Pro golfer Tiger Woods is having a not-so-grrreat life these days. With allegations of him cheating, his car crash and rumors of him being on the receiving end of spousal abuse from his wife, model Elin Nordegren, the media have pounced on the story of this rapidly falling icon.

It all started when The National Enquirer published a story that Woods had been cheating with a woman who has been linked to multiple celebrities. On Friday, Woods was involved in a car accident outside his Orlando, Fla. home, hitting a tree and a fire hydrant.

Woods claims his wife rushed out of the house and used one of his clubs to break a back window and pull him out, though speculators suggest she was chasing Woods with it, angry about the cheating rumors. Woods was said to be unconscious and bloody, though no blood was found inside the vehicle.

After being taken to and released from the hospital, Woods released a statement on his Web site asking for privacy, declaring that his wife helped him and apologized for all the drama that’s surrounding him. He would later cancel a golf tournament he was hosting this week.

Throughout this ordeal, he’s refused to speak to police three times about his crash.

This mysterious case has everyone trying to figure out what’s going on. What really happened? Was his wife chasing him before he crashed? Is the mistress, who claims she and Woods did not do anything, lying?

Predicto is on the case to get predictions about two of the most pressing concerns in this case. The first, will Tiger admit that he was cheating on his wife? 68% of voting Predicto Mobile members say no!

“He doesn’t want people in his business so he is going to keep it wrapped tight. Plus, with the endorsements, it will hurt his career,” says member “bojl8898.”

“I think that Tiger Woods wasn’t cheating on his wife, but why would he be sneaking out early in the morning?” asks “wqbm7628.”

“He is just like all human beings and should be able to keep his life private, but needs to pay for any wrongdoings,” says “hyhx5861.”

Is that why he’s avoiding the police: did he do something wrong? Whether he did or not, will he talk to the authorities by next week? 56% say yes!

See what voters had to say!

Woods just got a ticket for the crash, but what do you think will happen next? You can find out by visiting Predicto.com and registering for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with being able to vote on surveys, including this one, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed.

Sign up today — and get more Predicto by becoming a fan on Facebook!


Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto: The Big Fight Looms

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Manny Pacquiao Miguel CottoTo those who were watching Jimmy Kimmel Live a while back and did not recognize who sang a (fairly off) rendition of Dan Hill’s “Sometimes When We Touch,” Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao is his name. If you still don’t know what he does, or what’s so special about him, you’re either A) not a sports fan, which is fine, or B) you didn’t listen to the show.

People who are not boxing fans or have not heard of Filipino boxing prizefighter Manny Pacquiao are a rapidly disappearing lot. His previous bouts against boxing greats Ricky Hatton, Erik Morales and Oscar de la Hoya were sold out within hours, with top-billing Hollywood V.I.P.s in attendance. Shaquille O’Neal, Jeremy Piven, Denzel Washington, Jack Nicholson and Sylvester Stallone have all watched him fight in his exciting, take-no-prisoners speed-and-power boxing style.

Hailing from humble beginnings from General Santos City in the Philippines, Pacquiao has transformed from a son who ran away from home into something of a transcendent icon. Having been deemed as part of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, 2008′s Boxer of the Year by Sports Illustrated and 2009 Best Fighter Award winner at the ESPYs, he is the first Asian and Filipino fighter to win five world titles in five different major boxing divisions.

On Saturday night, this decorated boxer is in for one of his biggest challenges, as he puts his 49-win, two-draw, three-loss record on the line against defending WBO Welterweight Champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Cotto is set to defend his WBO title, and his record of 34 wins (24 by knockout) and 1 loss.

Has Pacquiao taken on more than he can chew with Cotto? Cotto is the defending champion for a reason, having taken care of great fighters himself, such as, Michael Jennings, Ricardo Torres, Joshua Clottey and “Sugar” Shane Mosley. He brings to the ring an aggressive, heavy-hitting style that can take apart the quick and nimble Filipino.

Who will win in this clash of the titans? The fans have already picked a favorite and so far it’s Manny Pacquiao leading the Predicto Mobile community vote with 61% saying he will go on to win and take Cotto’s crown.

Predicto user “mszj4200” voted Manny Pacquiao, saying “Manny is just too fast for Miguel Cotto.” Yet, Cotto has his own fans, such as “Mr.Mouse169,” who warns people to “watch out for the underdog!”

What do you say? Visit Predicto and get yourself heard!


Are We Near the End of LeBron “King” James’ Reign in Cleveland?

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

LeBron JamesLeBron James. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, a quick walk around a sports store can quickly clue you in on who is the reigning MVP.

Ever since his rookie year in 2003, King James has been a force on the basketball court, taking the former cellar-dwelling Cavs to new heights and playing a key part in the U.S. Olympic basketball team’s gold medal win. He has earned big-name sponsorship endorsement deals with companies such as Nike and with last year’s earnings of $40.5 million, making him the third highest paid U.S. athlete today.

One thing, however, has eluded him: an NBA championship.

Few doubt he will hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy over his head one day, especially given his immense talent and physical prowess. But the title has yet to reach Cleveland. Fans expected 2009, his MVP season, to be the year he would come away with a championship ring, but the Cavs were unceremoniously trounced by the Orlando Magic en route to the NBA Finals. The team bounced back, recruiting NBA super center Shaquille O’Neal to help “win a ring for the king” and optimism was restored for the coming 2009-2010 campaign.

Following a crushing opening-day home defeat to title rivals the Boston Celtics, questions abounded if the team has enough to win it all. More questions loom as whether or not James, whose contract expires by the end of this season, will want to stay on with the Cavs.

One wonders if his loyalty to his home state of Ohio will prevail over possible big-money moves to other teams or to play for a team with enough talent to contest for an NBA title. Will LeBron stay or will he leave? Is it loyalty, money or glory that will prevail?

While this debate rages on, the Predicto Mobile community also takes the debate to the text message polls. After nearly 3,000 votes, the debate is in dead heat, with both sides neck and neck at 50%.

The fans of the Cavs believe that LeBron James has the best shot at winning a championship right where he is. Predicto player “skin10806” says “LeBron is close to getting a championship with the Cavs [and should stay] rather than going somewhere else and starting over.”

Other views on the quality of Cleveland’s team may haunt him this season and the chance to win a title elsewhere may be more tantalizing. Predicto member “capttoddE” believes he will leave, adding “LeBron has paid his dues with the Cavs. He deserves to be on a team that can go all the way.”

What do you think? Log on to Predicto.com and text in your vote today!


Confetti and Cheers at Yankees World Series Parade

Monday, November 9th, 2009

Who was that next to Alex Rodriguez in the New York Yankees World Series parade? It was not Kate Hudson – more like Jay-Z. The Predicto TV crew stood among about 1.5 million screaming fans celebrating the 27th championship at a raucous New York-style tribute. As the shredded paper rained down on us (bank financial statements, it seemed like), we watched as Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Johnny Damon, Jorge Posada and the rest of the team wave to the throngs. While Jeter got the loudest applause, so did series MVP Hideki Matsui (In a new Predicto survey, the fans spoke up: Will the Yankees sign Matsui to a new contract by December 10? Yes – 79% and No – 21%).

We spoke to many fans at the parade, and all were bursting with joy that their favorite team ended a nine-year championship drought. The parade moved up Broadway and to City Hall, where Mayor Mike Bloomberg presented keys to the city to the entire team and coaching staff. With the ceremony over, it was only 96 days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training!


Will the World Series Go for 7 Games?

Monday, October 26th, 2009

Derek JeterAfter a rain-delayed game 6, the New York Yankees finally ended their grueling series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and clinched a spot in the 2009 World Series.

They’ll be up against last year’s champions, the Philadelphia Phillies, who have been on hiatus since October 21. Having had plenty of time to rest and in possession of 2008’s trophy, the Phillies are going to fight hard to keep their place as baseball’s best team even though they’re up against the million-dollar bankroll of the Yankees.

No matter who wins, fans will be the true champions the longer series extends through October and November. Though both teams dominated their competitors throughout the playoff, will this battle royale extend to seven games in the World Series? 57% of voting Predicto Mobile members say yes — but not everyone shares the enthusiasm in their comments.

“No, the Yankees will win it in [fewer] games,” says “ybre3155.”

“The teams are great! Should be a matchup of the century,” says “jpru7358.” Wow, and it’s only 2009.

See what else voting Predicto members had to say!

What do you think is going to happen? Visit Predicto.com to register for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with being able to vote on surveys, including this one, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed.

Sign up today — and get more Predicto by becoming a fan on Facebook!


Who Will Win: Philadelphia or Colorado?

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

Ryan HowardPlay ball! Tonight begins Major League Baseball’s post-season as the first six of eight teams begin their quest for a World Series trophy.

While the New York Yankees take on the Minnesota Twins and the St. Louis Cardinals slug it out with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the reigning-champion Philadelphia Phillies will battle it out with 2007’s almost-champion Colorado Rockies.

Only one win and one loss separate the two teams, and with the Phillies not ready to give up their title as World Champions to the hungry Rockies, this is sure to be one of the most important matchups in the post-season.

The Phillies have had the taste of victory, but will the desire to be on top push the Rox past Philly’s finest in this series? 50% say yes!

See what competitive Phillies and Rockies fans have to say on this battle royale!

Who will reign as the victor of this National League bout? Well, you can visit Predicto.com and register for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with voting, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed, including on this survey! Sign up today and, to get more Predicto, become a fan on Facebook!


Yankees Support Charity at Gala Event

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

They are in first place and are just about to start the baseball playoffs, but the New York Yankees still find time to give back to the community. Predicto TV was invited to a gala charity event to meet two of the team’s most popular players, captain Derek Jeter and catcher Jorge Posada. Many other former and current Yankees came out to support the Jorge Posada Foundation.

It is a nonprofit organization established by the all-star catcher and his wife, Laura, to support — both emotionally and financially — families affected by craniosynostosis. The Posadas founded the Foundation when their son, Jorge Luis, was diagnosed with craniosynostosis when he was just 10 days old, having since undergone eight major surgeries to correct the condition. Craniosynostosis is a congenital or birth defect, characterized by the premature closure of one or more sutures, which causes an abnormally shaped skull.

At their 8th annual Heroes4Hope Gala, guests honored the 20 greatest Yankees catchers, while raising awareness of craniosynostosis. The stars also played Predicto and answered questions about hot topics in sports. Check out Episode 42 of Predicto TV now!