The 2011 Turkeys

     Since last year I have made my annual list of failures in sports at thanksgiving...also known as the Turkeys. Below I will list players and teams in sports that have failed this year. Whether it's blowing expectations, a scandal, or something else, these people and teams have a lot to be embarrassed about. In no order, here are my 2011 Turkeys.

1. Lebron James/Miami Heat

After the most productive off-season in sports history, the Heat were loaded and had what seemed to be the greatest team in the history of the sport. They introduced themselves with fireworks and personal shows, with celebrations and over the top events. After a great regular season and playoffs, Lebron and D-Wade mocked Dirk Nowitzki's fever and cold in front of the media. Dirk and the Mavs ended up thrashing them as the Heat (Lebron in particular) choked under the pressure of the finals.

2. Jay Cutler

In the NFC championship, the Bears had the home-field advantage against the red-hot Packers and still needed everything they could to win. When QB Jay Cutler went down, it seemed hopeless. When pictures from the sideline made him look fine, and he was walking around without crutches and didn't need surgery after the game, fans ended up doubting his toughness and ability to perform. Sure, he was hurt in the long run, but he acted weak which hurt his team.

3. Penn State

I couldn't talk much about Favre in last year's Turkeys, so I can't talk about Penn State here (it's a clean blog). Or, as they have been calling it around Madison, STATE PENN.

4. Tony LaRussa

Ok, so he won the World Series. Creds to him for that. But from in August and September, his actions towards the Milwaukee Brewers and MLB were unacceptable. From filing a report because of "ribbon lights changing (cheating?)" to plunking Braun with a 100 MPH fastball, his actions were terrible. Not to mention his terrible attitudes in press conferences about the rivalry that he created himself.

5. Manny Ramirez

STEROIDS! Wait...estrogen? Manny Ramirez embarrassed himself yet again with steroids and hormones discoveries that led to his retirement and that may ruin a legendary career. 

6. Floyd Mayweather

It's the fight that everyone wants, Manny vs Floyd. But he's too scared to take up the challenge, which is what EVERYBODY else wants. These are 2 of the best boxers ever and the fact that Floyd still won't fight Manny Pacquio is embarrassing for him. After all, the fight, if put on prime time TV, would make the sport the most popular it has been since the 1970s.

7. Kris Humphries

OK, you're a New Jersey Net. I'm sorry, I know it's not your fault. BUT MARRYING A KARDASHIAN? SHAME ON YOU.

8. NBA and NFL

This one is more for the NBA, because no games were missed in the NFL. The greedy owners and players wanted too much money and sacrificed games for that, which ruins the leauge for the fans, the real reason for the pro leagues. There was no "love of the game" from the NBA players union, and none from the owners either.

9. CHICAGO CUBS

The lovable losers aren't lovable. But they are losers. Big time losers, 103rd year in a row.