As we look back over 2011, one thing we can always count on is that sports will always be interesting and entertaining.  Some stories made us laugh and some made us cry. However,  some stories had our eyebrows raised, mouths open and we were aghast saying something like “W-T-H”, “W-T-F’ or any and everything in between.

So we have scanned the year and here are the most outrageous sports stories of 2011:

(in no particular order)

1. San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow beaten at Dodgers – Giants baseball game.

This story was probably the most horrific. Bryan Stow, a 42-year-old paramedic and father of two from Santa Cruz, was beaten at a Dodgers – Giants game by two Dodgers fans.  He suffered a severe skull fracture and bad bruising to his brain’s frontal lobes–virtually one-third of his brain destroyed.  He was put into a medically induced coma and part of his skull was removed to relieve pressure and swelling in his brain. The alleged attackers were eventually caught and have been charged with multiple accounts of assault.

Bryan is now in rehab. His  medical care is in the millions of dollars; he needs around-the-clock care; he will be permanently disabled and his children will miss a part of their father they will never get back.

Let’s continue to pray for Brian. You can watch a video update of his progress here: http://www.examiner.com/crime-in-national/dodger-stadium-beating-victim-bryan-stow-speaks-on-camera-for-the-first-time-video

2. LeBron’s mother arrested.

When this story leaked, we were all like WOW! Apparently Gloria James pimp-slapped a valet attendant during an altercation after partying with friends at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. Around 5 a.m. Ms. James was arrested and charged with simple battery and disorderly intoxication. She was eventually released on bail.

Ms. James has been in trouble with the law before … having been arrested in 2006 for DUI in Ohio.

Let’s hope she stays out of trouble this season. LeBron has enough on his mind trying to win a championship this year.

3. T.O.’s overdose–again!

When T.O. supposedly tried to commit suicide a few years ago when he was playing with the Dallas Cowboys, I was the first to deny the reports. Now, this year with another “accidental” overdose, I’m not so sure. T.O. was rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles after accidentally taking too many pills…mmm-hmm.

I think T.O. is depressed–really depressed. His financial struggles, coupled with his unsuccessful attempts to be signed to an NFL team this year has made for a difficult year. I think T.O. would be best served on Celebrity Rehab–not for drugs but for his addiction to external validation. I think he needs some real therapy to deal with his past demons that continue to haunt his present and destroy his future. (that’s my Dr. Phil moment).

4. Booty-Lounge Bus in Detroit.

When this story broke, no one was surprised this happened in Detroit. We were all just like, DAMN–this is just CRAZY–even for Detroit! (well, maybe not).

The Booty-Bus was a strip club on wheels. As the Detroit Lions were on a winning streak the Booty Bus parked in the stadium parking lot. Patrons could come on the bus and get a live strip show. The owner said he didn’t violate any laws because he didn’t charge to get on the bus, BUT he was accepting “donations”. Yeah…o.k.

Eventually the bus was ticketed and shut down by police.

5. Brandon Marshall stabbed by his wife.

On April 23rd Miami Dolphins wide-receiver Brandon Marshall was stabbed by his wife Michi Nogami-Marshall in the abdomen.

Nogami-Marshall, 26, was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon; she was released on a $7,500 bail the next day.

Marshall, 27, initially told police that he fell onto a broken glass vase, but when Nogami-Marshall was arrested, she said that she stabbed her husband out of self defense.

This story, while shocking, was not new news.

When they were were engaged they the same type of violent fights. SMH!

6. Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley–need we say more? He didn’t really do anything…per-se–BUT he said alot! Each week on NBA On TNT Charles Barkley could always be counted on for quips, commentary and cuttin’ up! And he never disappointed.

Here’s some of my favorite Charles Barkley quotes:

(during the celebrity game at NBA All-Star event) “Who is that? Is that T.O.? T.O.? I thought he was dead!”

(during NBA on TNT) “I take Viagra like tic-tacs.” ; “Have you seen Michael Jordan. He black. Real black. Look at how black he is!”

LOL! I’m still laughing!

7. Ray Edwards Sexting Pics

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards now joins many athletes including Shaq, Tony Parker, Greg Odgen, Brett Favre and Tiger Woods who get caught sexting.

When Ray Edwards’ sexting pics were released we were more horrified than pleased. The man-panties and nipple rings left us giving him the side-eye and not a smile. It didn’t look sexy–at all. We were all going, “hmmmm”.

Ray, let it go. Sexting is not your friend. And put the toilet seat down!

8. A VP, A Correspondent and a Sex Scandal

When this story broke we were all like, WTH? Just because it was so bizarre!

Keith Clinkscales, former Senior VP of Content Development for ESPN filed a defamation lawsuit against a colleague for alleging Clinkscales masturbated in front of ESPN correspondent Erin Andrews on a plane. A tipster who is believed to be the husband of one of the executives released the story to Deadspin saying,  ”This place is a shit show.” Another tipster who’s believed to be another executive at ESPN said the entire department was disbanded to get rid of Clinkscales.

Who knows the real deal behind this story, and more than likely we’ll never hear anymore about it because lawsuits like this usually get settled out of court. Besides, ESPN does not want the bad press.

In the meantime, Keith Clinkscales has moved on to become and independent producer. I’m sure we’ll be seeing him real soon.

9. Penn Sate Sex Scandal

When this story broke the entire country was in shock. Not because Jerry Sandusky,  the former assistant football coach at Penn State was accused of molesting young boys through a non-profit organization–but because he was allegedly caught doing it. Apparently, one of the workers at the university was in the lockerroom and heard what sounded like people having sex. One witness even came forward stating he saw Sandusky having oral sex with a young boy in a shower! WTF!! WHY didn’t he intervene?!

The details in this case were and still are so disturbing that the entire country was in an outrage. The aftermath of this alleged abuse resulted in the firing of legendary coach Joe Paterno, a massive protest by Penn State students, the coming forward of more victims and an investigation that will leave a stain on the university. Our prayers are with the victims of this violent crime.

10. Sophomore Brand Davies Kicked Off Basketball Team For Having Sex

This story was the center of much talk and debate. Basketball talent Brandon Davies was kicked off the basketball team at Brigham Young University (BYU) for having sex with his girlfriend.

Can a university really do that?

YES they can!

BYU is located in the beautiful mountains of Utah, and the private college is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which is the largest religious university, and the third largest private university in the US.

Apparently they are serious about their moral code–real serious.

When a student enrolls at BYU, they are REQUIRED to follow an honor code–yes required! The honor code mandates behavior in line with the church’s teachings such as academic honesty, adherence to dress and grooming standards, and abstinence from extramarital sex and from the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Students who accept this standard make a commitment to keep it, and willful violations are, apparently, not tolerated.

Many were upset saying the school was judging Davies. Others felt that there is nothing wrong with holding a student accountable to honor a commitment he made.

Whatever side you’re on, this story raised alot of eyebrows and pushed us to think perhaps about our own moral code. If we were forced to honor that which we believe, many of us would find ourselves benched just like Davies.

Conclusion

There’s plenty more crazy sports happenings in 2011 that we could talk about— but these made our top 10. I hope you enjoyed the stroll down sports’ memory lane. Sports will always entertain, anger, inspire and surprise us. It’s not because of the game, but because of the people who play them.

It seems 2012 is going to be one hell’uva ride! Buckle up!

Your JGF,

~Angela Davis