Pro Bowl Weekend

The weekend is here, and even though Tom Brady didn’t make it to Hawaii other players did, well eventually. Without further to-do, cue the 3-D animation its:

10 Things I’m “Looking Forward to” This Weekend

1. The Cinco Ocho Bowl


Tom Brady didn’t make the flight to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, but Chad Johnson did, eventually. Chad Johnson arrived at the Pro Bowl late, and not in a good mood. Johnson has been very open, perhaps too open, with his unhappiness with the Cincinnati Bengals organization. Johnson blew off a NFL public relations representative, who attempted to stop him for his mandatory Pro Bowl interviews, Johnson will probably face a fine for that one. What little he did say spoke volumes. Calling out people in the Bengals organization who have been speaking out against him to step foreword, "But now I don't hear them," Johnson said. "Where are you at now? It's time to let it out. The only voice I hear is mine". Maybe Chad will have a special celebration for the Bengals if he scores a touchdown in the Pro Bowl.

2. No Bill Murray at Pebble Beach


Unfortunately, Bill Murray was unable to attend this year’s AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. Let’s just hope this doesn’t happen again, Bill Murray has been one of the biggest reasons to watch the early rounds of Pebble Beach.

3. The Year of the Rat


Chinese New Year celebrations are going on through out China, here in the States Yao Ming decided to celebrate the New Year, with 22 points and 12 rebounds as Houston Rockets topped the Cleveland Cavaliers 92-77. LeBron James had 32 points, but the Cavs couldn't find a win against Yao and the Rockets. Next up, the Rockets face the Atlanta Hawks Saturday night at home. Yao’s New Year’s resolution looks like its get the Rockets out of fourth in the Southwest. Maybe Rick Adelman got Yao some lai shi (Red Packets).

4. North Carolina State v. Maryland


The Terps are back down to fourth in the ACC, after Clemson beat Virginia, surprise, last night. The Terps are on a bit of a roll right now and “Grumpy” Gary Williams will want win 601. The Wolfpack will have to make the trip up to the Comcast Center for Saturday's game, be sure they’ll want the win, sitting two places back in sixth place in the ACC. I’ll keep the ‘Fro-watch going and see if Bambale Osby got a hair cut, but I wouldn’t count on it.

5. Hurricanes v. Capitals


Life is starting to get a little bit sweeter for Caps fans, Alex Ovechkin leads the league in scoring and the Caps are sitting on top of the Southeast. The Caps will be tested tonight by a tough Carolina team that wants first place back. C-A-P-S! CAPS!! CAPS!! CAPS!!

6. Pro Bowl Cheerleaders


There’s eye candy and then there’s the best of the eye candy. Thank God! The Pro Bowl brings together some of the best cheerleaders from around the NFL and puts them in Hawaii. That’s just a good idea. Way to go ladies, Congratulations on the free trip to Hawaii!

7. Cameroon v. Egypt


Africa Cup of Nations concludes Sunday as Cameroon takes on previous cup winners Egypt. Egypt thumped Ivory Coast 4-1, in the semi-finals, and look to win another Cup of Nations. But, Samuel Eto'o and Cameroon will look to win a record-equalling fifth title, having won the tournament in 1984, 1988, 2000 and 2002. The biggest shame is that you won’t be able to find the final on American television.

8. Liverpool v. Chelsea


It figures, one of the most important matches to even pretend the Reds are in contention for the title, let alone our place in Europe next year and Liverpool are crippled with injuries. Chelsea will welcome back Mikel John Obi from international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Liverpool are down Fernando Torres, Andriy Voronin, Fabio Aurelio, Alvaro Arbeloa and Daniel, and Ryan Babel, due to injury. Not to mention Xabi Alonso is suspended. Captain extraordinaire, Steven Garrard is going to have a lot of weight on his shoulders, as the Reds take on second place Chelsea. Sigh.

9. The Manchester Derby


Manchester City won’t have to travel far to Old Trafford for another classic Manchester Derby. City are certainly a much stronger side than last season, and might introduce new January transfer signing Benjani Mwaruwari, who was as surprised as many about his transfer from Portsmouth. City will have to find away to contain Christiano Ronaldo, though they will be glad that Sir Alex Ferguson is forced to leave Wayne Rooney out of his line up, due to suspension. United will also pay tribute to the Munich Air Disaster before the derby. There also might be some retro jerseys worn by the Red Devils, in honour of the 50th Anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster. Hope United supporters know which numbers players are, or it might be hard to keep up with the action.

10. La Liga


Finally, La Liga should be good this weekend, with Sevilla taking on Barcelona, as Barca try and make a push for the title. In other action, league leaders Real Madrid will try and comeback from last weeks loss against Almeria. Real Madrid takes on Valladolid, if Real were to slip-up a second time this round, Barca could move to three points behind the reigning champions.

After two weeks straight beer was unfortunately omitted from “10 Things”, don’t worry I don’t think it’s the last time we’ve heard from our good old fresh brewed friend. ‘Till Monday.