2008 is almost over, but our friend Josh Q. Public put together the top sports 2008 stories. Of course I had to get in on the fun, so here is my top sport story of the year and you can read the rest of Josh Q's Sports stories of 2008 here.
Robert Littal of BlackSportsOnLine has been described over the years as a social phenomenon, a broadcaster and crusading journalist who broke the pretty-face, perfect-hair, former-jock mold of network sports personalities with his unique style and delivery. He tells it like it is.
2008: The Year In SportsNew York Giants: By far, the biggest sports story of 2008 was the New York Giants beating the undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
To truly understand how great of a story this is you have to look at the irony of the situation. The Patriots started their dynasty by beating an overwhelming favorite, the Greatest Show on Turf, 2001 Saint Louis Rams. They were the team that all the working class could relate to. They were a bunch of outcasts led by a 6th round Quarterback that no one had heard of. No celebs, no glitz, no glamour just a "team" in every sense of the word.
But, by February 2008, it was like the scripts were reversed. The Patriots were the team of stars with high price free agents, loads of name recognition and a record breaking offense. They had gone from heroes to villains. Accused of cheating, running up the scores and giving a big "F.U." to anyone who didn't like the Patriots way.
So, when the Giants came waltzing in with their six losses, a coach that was about to be fired a year before and a QB who the fans were labeling a bust as late as mid season, we all should have seen what was coming.
It was inevitable. It was destiny. You think that Eli Manning to David Tyree play happens by chance? Some things are just meant to be. The Patriots are still suffering for their sins of the past.
That play and that game were the catalyst for a year that many consider the greatest year in sports ever.
Happy New Year everybody