Are you tired of the Tiger Woods saga?

With so much happening in the world of sports including the Vancouver Olympic Games, most of us were almost able to forget about Tiger Woods. Almost.

In his first public statement since his Thanksgiving dust up with wife Elin, Tiger apologized to his friends, family, fans, and everyone else involved with him. My question is: does anybody still care? Is anyone else tired of the Tiger Woods saga?

I agree, if he had come out with a statement a month or two ago, I would have been glued to my television. Now, however, many in the sports world are tired of hearing about Tiger.

Yes, we all know he's cheated with more than a dozen women. Yes, he's a bad person who has a lot of problems. Yes, he's a great golfer. And yes, he will return to golf at some point.

Can't we just leave it at that and stop talking about Tiger Woods? When Tiger is set to return, which many are predicting will be in time for the Masters, let's re-open the debate and discuss all of Tiger Woods' indiscretions, his cheating, and what his golf game will look like.

For now, let's close this chapter and move on. If Tiger Woods comes back and wins the Masters and five more tournaments or ten more tournaments, good for him. Remember, he is the best golfer in the game. If Tiger Woods comes back and proves yet again that he doesn't belong in the same division as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer when it comes to class, sportsmanship, and character, well, we already knew that. So again, it will be no surprise.

I truly hope Tiger Woods is sorry. I hope his public announcement wasn't just an effort to save his brand and his billion dollar empire. Hopefully, Tiger Woods has changed. It seems a little unrealistic to expect he is completely rehabilitated after such as short time. And personally, his recent announcement sounded like a carefully concocted batch of lies. Even the embrace with his mother seemed fake.

One thing is for sure, I'm sick of the Tiger Woods saga and I can't wait for it to be over. Goodbye Tiger Woods. I'll write about you again once you do something sports related.

Let the games begin.

Follow Instant Replay on Twitter.

Meet Ghana's Winter Olympic hope

When you come from a country with an average annual temperature of nearly 80 degrees fahrenheit, downhill skiing is not common place.

When you have a nickname like "snow leopard" and you hail from Ghana, an African nation, downhill skiing is even less common.

Despite the odds, Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong is Ghana's one and only Olympic hope in Vancouver. I feel a little bit of a 'cool runnings' story in this one. Starting to ski in 2003, it is amazing that any athlete would be able to qualify for an Olympic Games after only 7-years. What is more amazing, it that Nkrumah-Acheampong learned alpine skiing on a dirt hill.

There are so many twists and turns in the story of this Ghaniaan's that it sounds like a movie in the waiting. His nickname the "snow leopard" comes less from his ability on the slopes, and more from the fact that he is working for a charity organization which works to protect the endangered snow leopard.

So what is a man from a warm African nation doing at the Winter Olympics, flying down a hill of snow? Simple, he's proving to himself, his family, and his nation that he can. Nkrumah-Acheampong isn't just in this to participate either, he wants to compete. He wants to honour the tradition of sport and alpine skiing at the Winter Olympics.

Anything is possible in sports. This man first saw snow when he was 25-years-old. Now, he is a Winter Olympian, Ghana's first ever Winter Olympian to be exact.

He will be alone at the Vancouver Olympics, but alpine skiing, and sports fans across the worlds, along with the entire population of Ghana will be cheering for this unique, exciting, and inspiring athlete. Good luck Kwame Nkurumah-Acheampong. Hopefully you will inspire a new generation of athletes to compete.

Let the games begin.

Follow Instant Replay on Twitter

Olympic Sized Injuries for Vonn and Getzlaf

Only days before the Olympic Games get underway in Vancouver, injuries are even more detrimental to athletes and nations. Medal hopes, and even the hopes of participation can be erased in a second.

From Canada, NHL star Ryan Getzlaf was recently seen in a walking cast in Anaheim. Philadelphia Flyers center Jeff Carter has been invited to Vancouver as an emergency replacement in case Getzlaf can't play.

One of the bigger injury stories making its way through the media is the bruised shin of American skier Lindsey Vonn. Vonn, a heavy favorite to win multiple medals at the Vancouver Games bruised her shin at a training session in Austria.

Other countries are feeling similar pressures as the games creep closer. Injuries are especially a concern with the NHL players participating in the games. As well, the weather conditions have many skiers concerned about utlizing the practice facilities at Whistler and Cypress Mountain in the days leading up to the Games. Poor snow conditions increase the chance of catching an edge or hitting a rut during practice runs.

Vonn, who made headlines after completing a photo shoot for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, implied that her "bruise" might actually be a slight shin fracture. If she were to miss the Games, or even participate injured, it would be a huge blow to the United States' medal hopes.

Approaching the Olympics, you have to hope that the best athletes will be able to compete. That is what the Olympics are about, highlighting the world's top athletes and allowing them to compete for Gold.

Let the games begin.

Follow Instant Replay on Twitter

Money talks at the Vancouver Olympics

Flipping through the newspapers this morning, I couldn't believe how many articles I found about money and the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. It seems that people have lost their motivation to succeed for themselves, and that spending, making, and winning money, is central in the Olympics.

Case in point, an Alberta company called Fast Track Group is offering $1 million to any Canadian who wins gold in luge. Luge? Not hockey, not skiing, not figure skating...luge. The company will award the Canadian Luge Association $500,000 and give the other half to the winning luger.

And then there was an article about Own The Podium, Canada's funding program to support athletes in hopes of winning more medals for the nation at the Olympic Games. The program costs tax payers $66 million over 5-years, and this program, which is losing a portion of its money following the Games in Canada, is asking for another $22 million from the government.

I'll go on. We also have the budget for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. In a recent poll, most Canadians said they thought the games would lose money. They're probably right considering the Vancouver officials are paying $1000 per truck load of snow to stock all of Cypress Mountain, and who knows how much for the helicopter loads of snow being flown in.

And then we have the fact that this is the first Olympic Games that the Canadian Olympic Committee is rewarding medal winners with cash. $20,000 for a gold, $15,000 for a silver, and $10,000 for a bronze. I'll take one of each please.

Finally, it comes down to sponsorship. I'm not talking about Coke, or Nike. I'm talking about the fact that an amazing organization, Right to Play, was told they were not welcome at the Olympic Games because their sponsors conflicted with current Olympic Games sponsors. In case you don't know about Right to Play, they bring sport to children in areas struck by poverty, war, and disease. Just the kind of dirty organization that we should keep away from a sporting event right VANOC?

Money really does talk these days. It's unfortunate that the Olympic Games, an event that was once the world's greatest display of amateur sport, is becoming such a professional and commercial venture.

Let the games begin.

Follow Instant Replay on Twitter.

Womens Olympic Hockey Preview: Canada vs USA

Before you quickly answer Canada, take time to consider a few facts. First, the women from the United States are back-to-back reigning world champions. The team they beat? Canada.

What about pre-Olympic games between the two teams. Canada? Nope, actually the teams went back in forth in international and friendly games.

And then we have to have the discussion about Olympic Gold medals. Yes, the Americans have one of those too from 1998 in Nagano.

Believe it or not sports fans, the Canadian women may not be the favourite to win the Olympic Games in Vancouver. Team Canada has been hot lately, and with the backing of the Vancouver crowd, they should never be counted out.

What I’m saying is, this is no sure thing. It is a sure thing that either Canada or the USA will win gold. Countries such as Sweden, Finland, and China, are still the pimple faced little cousins in the Women’s hockey world.

Believe it or not, Russia is one of the worst countries in the Olympics in women’s hockey (but you can bet they’ll be better for Sochi in 2014).

Canadian stars such as Haley Wickenheiser, Jayna Hefford, Jennifer Botterill, Charline Labonte, and Meghan Agosta are the best in the game, but the Americans have the best developmental league in the NCAA. This means that a new group of young, fast, skilled Americans are here, and ready to take on the world.

American stars including Angela Ruggiero and Jenny Potter will give the Canadians all they can handle...and possibly more.

Who will win gold in women’s hockey at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver? We’ll find out soon enough. Just don’t go betting all your chips on Canada. This race is closer than you think.

Let the games begin.

Follow Instant Replay on Twitter

Oh the Saints Go Marching In

It's official, the city of New Orleans can overcome anything.

Less than 5 years after Hurricane Katrina crushed New Orleans, the city has once again proved it can meet any challenge. Trailing the Indianapolis Colts 10-0 after the first quarter, the New Orleans Saints battled back to win Super Bowl XLIV 31-17.

Bourbon Street and the French Quarter in New Orleans was flooded with thousands of celebrating fans minutes after the victory and for a moment at least, everyone forgot the woes that faced and still face New Orleans in the wake of Katrina.

The Saints were the rallying cry for the city immediately after Hurricane Katrina, and proved last night, that they remain the heart of 'The Big Easy' today.

Led by quarterback Drew Brees and star Reggie Bush, the Saints came back from their 10 point deficit and dominated Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.

Whether you were cheering for the Colts or the Saints, you have to congratulate the city of New Orleans and realize what this victory means for the region. Once crushed to the point where it seemed nothing could save the city, New Orleans is now the talk of the United States for better things. Mardi Gras is fast approacing and the New Orleans Saints are Super Bowl XLIV champions.

It's a great story. Even though I picked the Colts to win, I am happy for the Saints and even happier for the comeback story that is New Orleans.

Let the games begin.

Follow Instant Replay on Twitter
2X3SCZASTYVD

Olympic Mens Hockey Preview

We're less than a week from the opening of the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. One of the biggest question marks entering the games is who will walk away with Olympic gold in mens ice hockey. Here is a brief look at each team in the order I predict them to finish:

Gold Medal - Canada - Anything less than gold for the Canadian team and Steve Yzerman is unacceptable. Sidney Crosby has been dynamite lately and will be expected to lead this star studded lineup. Roberto Luongo should start in net, however, Canada has always been sentimental when it comes to legendary athletes and may choose to start Martin Brodeur. Luongo is the better goaltender and will receive huge backing from his home crowd in Vancouver.

Silver Medal - Sweden - I wouldn't expect Tre Kroner, reigning Olympic champions to go quietly into the night. This team is solid from top to bottom lead by Detroit Red Wings Niclas Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterburg. One compelling story to follow is how Peter Forsberg performs. After making his return this season in the Swedish Elite League with Modo, Forsberg was chosen for his leadership and ability to change games. Watch for a last minute decision on Johan Franzen who was initially left of the Swedish roster but is apparently healthy. Don't count the Swedes out of the gold yet.

Bronze Medal - Russia - There is too much firepower on the Russian lineup to ignore. Fueled by Ilya Kovalchuk, Pavel Datsyuk, and Evgeni Malkin, the Russians could easily catapult into the Gold or Silver position, but could also flop and fall far from medal contention. I say this because the Russians were pressured to include a percentage of KHL players. The players, although solid, are not at the elite level of other nations' NHL players.

4th - USA - The United States will be a young and fun team to watch. I almost feel like they could be a surprise "Miracle" team. In the short tournament format, their young and dynamic lineup could flourish. Their fate rests upon young scorers such as Patrick Kane, and how well goaltender Ryan Miller plays. Recent injuries on the blueline likely won't impact the teams overall outcome.

5th - Finland - Goaltending, goaltending, and goaltending. Whether they start Niclas Backstrom or Mikka Kiprusof, this team will live or die between the pipes. Last Olympics, hot goaltending carried the team. With an aging forward corps led by Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu, the Finns will struggle to score and likely won't medal.

6th - Slovakia - I wish I could be more optimistic about the Slovaks, but they likely aren't deep enough. That said, this team could again surprise the international hockey world. Led by stars Zdeno Chara, Marian Hossa, and Marian Gaborik, and poised to enter with one of the NHLs hottest goalies Jaroslav Halak, the Slovaks could beat any team in a 60-minute game. Likely not in the medal hunt, watch for the Slovaks to win an upset or two.

7th - Switzerland - I like the Swiss team, I like their systems, and I firmly believe this is one hockey nation that is moments away from joining the "Big 7." Starring Mark Streit and Anaheim Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller, this team could wreak havoc in Vancouver.

8th - Czech Republic - You might be surprised to see the Czech's this far down my list. I don't think they have the gusto anymore. Without a dominate Dominik Hasek in net, they are not the same team. There are too many unknowns on this lineup. That being said, if Jaromir Jagr is the same man we knew 4 years ago, and Thomas Vokoun can fend off the high powered attacks of opposing forwards, the sky is the limit.

The rest - After the top eight, the pickings get slim. I would expect the order of the remainder of the field to go something like this: 9. Belarus 10. Germany 11. Latvia, and 12. Norway.

What do you think?

Let the games begin.

Follow Instant Replay on Twitter

Danica Patrick is the talk of the track

To hear the hype surrounding Danica Patrick, you would think she's favored to win every stock car race this year. That statement couldn't be further from the truth.

What is also little known, is the fact that Patrick has stiff competition for the title of fastest female driver on the planet. That title could just as easily go to Alli Owens or Milka Duno.

The fact of the matter is, Danica Patrick is getting this hype and media coverage as much for her brand potential and image, as she is her driving abilities. Patrick who has appeared in seductive pictures in mens magazines including FHM and Maxim, as well as the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit addition, never shies away from the spotlight.

When talking about NASCARs biggest races, however, the question begs, is Danica Patrick a legitimate driver?

I would love to hear the honest opinion of fellow JR Motorsports racer Dale Earnhardt Jr. Actually, when Earnhardt was asked if he had to win to be considered the central figure of NASCAR, he responded "Apparently not," in response to the attention Danica Patrick is receiving at Daytona.

Patrick has sexualized and flaunted herself for the sake of self promotion and to build her "brand" instead of using talent and winning.

It is great that women are breaking into the sport of racing, but by making the image sexual and using her appearance instead of her driving ability, it diminishes any success she might have.

Danica Patrick obviously wants to be a quality racecar driver because she loves racing, however, she should be proving herself like every other NASCAR racer is forced to do: on the track, with their clothes on.

Let the games begin.

Follow Instant Replay on Twitter.

No Jamaican bobsled team at Olympics

Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up, it's bobsled time.

Well actually, this time around at Vancouver 2010, there will be no memorable appearance by the Jamaican bobsled team. The preliminary list of national bobsled teams that will compete in the Vancouver Olympic Games did not include Jamaica when it was released.

During the last winter Olympics on Canadian soil, the Jamaican bobsled team gained noteriety by qualifying and competing in the Calgary 1988 Olympics.

Inspired by their appearance at the Calgary Games, the movie "Cool Runnings" was created. As one of the best sports movies in decades, "Cool Runnings" became a cult classic and continues to inspire fans from across the globe to cheer for the Jamaican bobsled team.

Jamaica, a tropical country not known for winter sports, has never been a factor at the Winter Olympics, but has produced an unnatural number of world class sprinters and athletes in summer sports, including the legendary Usain Bolt.

It would have been nice to hear some reggae music at this year's Olympic Games, but I guess we will have to wait for the 2014 Games in Sochi to see if the Jamaican bobsled team can again win the hearts of sports fans.

Until then, I leave you with the famous words of John Candy, who played Irv, the coach of the Jamaican bobsled team in "Cool Runnings:"

Our Father, who art in Calgary, Bobsled be thy name. Thy kingdom come, gold medals won, on Earth as it is in Turn Seven. With Liberty and Justice for Jamaica and Hail Selassie. Amen.

See you in 2014 Jamaica.

Let the games begin.

Follow Instant Replay on Twitter.

Top five reasons to watch the Super Bowl

Millions of people will be spending this Sunday in front of their television to watch Super Bowl Sunday. Each person will watch for a slightly different reason. Some watch because they love football, some watch for the commercials, some watch because they have to, and some watch because it's tradition.

For this Sunday's Super Bowl between the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, here are five reasons to tune in:

1. The football obviously: Some years, the game doesn't actually seem that exciting. This year however, the two top ranked teams in the National Football League will face off against each other. The New Orleans Saints are playing in their first ever Super Bowl, while the Indianapolis Colts are entering as the most dominant team in the past decade. Not to mention, you'll get to watch Peyton Manning and Drew Brees lead their respective teams on exciting drive after exciting drive.

2. The television commericals: This is another obvious answer, but this year you can expect a little more from the commercials. Of course their will be the cornerstone commercials from Godadday.com, Budweiser, and Bud Light, but this year you can also expect to see controversial commercials. Tim Tebow will appear in an anti-abortion commercial funded by Focus on the Family, and there is controversy swirling about the rejection of the Man Crunch commercial, from a gay dating website. Doritos is also said to have a hilarious commercial on the way.

3. Delicious food: Get rid of your New Years resolution for one day and EAT!! I'll be cooking up some slow-cooked ribs, chicken wings, and garlic bread. Just make sure you're ready for the gym Monday after work. It is one day each year, so feel free to dip your hand into a bag of chips, throw out the diet pop, and eat anything and everything that comes your way. There is nothing better than relaxing during half time with a delicious pizza.

4. The half time show: Speaking of half time, the mid-game show is another great reason to watch the game. This year, The Who is the entertainment. Personally, I haven't enjoyed a half time show since Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson ruined it for us all with the exposed breast episode. Many fans still anxiously await half time more than the actual in game action.

5. Time with friends and family: Last but not least, the Super Bowl offers sports fans, and even those who despise the game, with a unique opportunity to forget life, forget the economy, forget work and school, and to spend time together. Cheer, laugh, place friendly bets, and relax. This is one day when you don't have to worry about the rigours of the world. Just find a few good friends, a television, and a comfortable couch, and you've got the perfect recipe for an unforgettable Super Bowl Sunday.