And the Winners Are…

In light of last night’s Oscars, I have consulted the Sports Academy (myself) and have given out awards for the year that was in sports. So butter the popcorn, put on that designer dress and get ready to blow George Clooney like everyone else in Hollywood does. Here are the winners of the 1st annual Sports Academy Awards.

Best Athlete in a Supporting Role:

The New Orleans Saints Offense

We all know that Drew Brees was the Jack Nicholson of the Saints. He was the overwhelming leader of the Super Bowl Champs. But the supporting cast that Brees had was the real reason they were able to take down the Colts and win their first Super Bowl. Never have I seen a team which such a well-balanced array of offensive weapons than this years Saints. Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, Reggie Bush, Robert Meachem, Pierre Thomas, Jeremy Shockey, Marques Colston (hell, you could even throw Mike Bell and David Thomas in there for good measure). The collective talent and effort the Saints had made it impossible to focus on one player, which was a perfect complement to Brees.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fcx1Yp00iyU&w=390&h=235]

Best Original Score:

Alex Ovechkin’s One-Handed Goal

I shouldn’t be surprised at Alex the Great’s spectacular goals anymore, but I am. His wizardry with the puck always seems to top his previous goal. This one-handed goal he put in with five seconds left for his 500th career point is as original as it comes. See for yourself.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnKHhwNj2-k&w=389&h=234]

Best Costume Design:

The Detroit Lions (had to)

The Lions new, sleek “out with the old, in with the new, let’s forget about the 0-16 season” uni’s ushered in the Matt Stafford era. The new look was the first step in getting rid of the stench of the 2008 season. And it’s working. Kind of.

Best Athlete in a Lead Role:

Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)

Bryant finally won an NBA championship as alpha-dog, cementing his place as “best basketball player of MY generation.” His will to win and ice watery veins make him the undoubted leader of his team and one of the greatest competitor’s of all-time. And, he’s a prima donna like most Hollywood actors.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRBzzr9Egig&w=394&h=237]

Lifetime Achievement Award:

Alex Rodriguez

One of the greatest baseball players of all-time (please don’t bring up steroids– not the place or time and I will crush you in this debate) finally won a World Series, and avoided joining the Barry Bonds, Dan Marino, Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing in the best-player-to-never-win-a-championship category. His career numbers (.305 AVG, 583 HR, 2531 H) can finally be validated with the Yankees 2009 World Series Championship. Because that’s how we measure our athletes, with championships, right?

Best Director:

Sean Payton (New Orleans Saints)

In just four seasons, Sean Payton took the Katrinia (yes I brought it up, deal with it) ravaged city, the home of  the “Ain’t’s” and turned that team into the Super Bowl Winning New Orleans Saints. He inspired that team and that city, and I’m pretty sure they are still partying on Bourbon St.

Best Team:

2009 North Carolina Men’s Basketball

The Saints may have been the sentimental pick in this category, but we forget that the Tar Heels were the best team all season long and breezed through the NCAA tournament, eventually slaughtering my Spartans in the championship game. Ty Lawson, Danny Green, Wayne Ellington and Ty Hansbrough were way too much for any team to handle. Plus, any team Obama picks to win is going to be the best team.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X4MbWV2WDg&w=321&h=257]

So there you have it. Second guess all you want. But at the end of the day, I am George Clooney.