Sports Movies for the Holiday Season

Can you believe it? Christmas is officially two weeks away, while Hanukkah has already begun. 

The holiday season is upon us! 

So, to appropriately celebrate this time of year, here are a couple of sports movies that are primed to be watched during the holidays. 

Yes, I know, Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone, and Elf are perfectly acceptable as well-since I watch them every year-but, here are some classic sports films for your holiday screening leisure (in no particular order):

1. Angels in the Outfield

Storyline (IMDB): Roger who has lost his mother is living separated from his father. As he and his friend J.P. are one of the biggest fans of the Los Angeles baseball team he has got only two dreams: Living together with a real family and let LA win the championship. As he is praying for these two things to happen some angels show up in order to help him - but he is the only one to see them and believe in them.

Why You Should Watch It: This movie is about a kid trying to find a family of his own and does it with the help of some angels and an LA baseball team. Every kid needs a family, especially during the holidays. This funny, heartfelt movie stars Danny Glover, Tony Danza, Christopher Lloyd, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Plus, the movie's tagline was: "Ya Gotta Believe". I mean come on! Classic holiday sports movie right here.

2. Remember the Titans

Storyline (IMDB): Suburban Virginia schools have been segregated for generations, in sight of the Washington Monument over the river in the nation's capital. One black and one white high school are closed and the students are sent to T.C. Williams High School under federal mandate to integrate. The year is seen through the eyes of the football team where the man hired to coach the black school is made head coach over the highly successful white coach. Based on the actual events of 1971, the team becomes the unifying symbol for the community as the boys an the adults learn to depend and trust each other.

Why You Should Watch It: There's no better family friendly movie than this one. Not only is the cast impeccable, but this might be one of my favorite Denzel Washington movies. This movie is all about overcoming the odds and coming together no matter the color of our skin. After watching this movie and seeing that you can overcome the odds, this will have you on a holiday high.

3. Radio

Storyline (IMDB): Radio is a good human-interest story that was inspired by events in 1976 in Anderson, South Carolina. Cuba Gooding, Jr., who plays the mentally challenged Radio, does such a good acting job, you will believe he is the real Radio. His real name is James Robert Kennedy, and he was nicknamed Radio, because of his radio collection and listening to the radio all the time. Radio spends his days in this small town pushing or riding a grocery cart down the street, talking to no one. After some football players harass Radio, the football coach Harold Jones played by Ed Harris takes Radio under his wing. Radio begins to help out at football practice and sits on the bench at games. In time, Radio begins to trust the coach. However, some people in town think Radio is a distraction to the team, and they want Radio to go. By this time the coach and the team are all friends to Radio and they want him to stay.

Why You Should Watch It: This movie is a crazy emotional rollercoaster ride, just like having the in-laws visiting during Christmas. It'll make you laugh, sob, and scream at the TV. Not only do you want to keep on rooting for Radio, but you'll probably google him after the movie is over to read all about his life. So, grad the entire family and watch this good ole fashioned football movie.

4. The Blind Side

Storyline (IMDB): Based on the true story of Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy who take in a homeless teenage African-American, Michael "Big Mike" Oher. Michael has no idea who his father is and his mother is a drug addict. Michael has had little formal education and few skills to help him learn. Leigh Anne soon takes charge however, as is her nature, ensuring that the young man has every opportunity to succeed. When he expresses an interest in football, she goes all out to help him, including giving the coach a few ideas on how best to use Michael's skills. They not only provide him with a loving home, but hire a tutor to help him improve his grades to the point where he would qualify for an NCAA Division I athletic scholarship. Michael Oher was the first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 NFL draft.

Why You Should Watch It: This has got to be one of my favorite sports movies of all-time. Not only did Sandra Bullock win an Oscar for her role as Leigh Anne, but the rest of the cast was impeccable. After watching this movie, all you'll want to do is give back to others who are not so fortunate this holiday season. This movie hits you right in the feels and makes you want to open up your heart. It comes highly recommended, so if you haven't seen it, go get it now!

5. Moneyball

Storyline (IMDB): In 2001, General Manager Billy Beane's Oakland A's lose to the Yankees in the playoffs then lose three stars to free agency. How can Beane field a competitive team when the A's player salaries total less than a third of the rich teams? To the consternation of his scouts, Beane hires and listens to Peter Brand, a recent Yale grad who evaluates players using Bill James' statistical approach. Beane assembles a team of no names who, on paper, can get on base and score runs. Then, Beane's manager, Art Howe, won't use the players as Beane wants. Can Beane circumvent Howe, win games, make it to the 2002 Series, and stand baseball's hidebound conventions on their heads?

Why You Should Watch It: Okay, Moneyball isn't your typical '90s sports movie. It's got an edge to it, but with Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill and Philip Seymour Hoffman leading the cast, this movie is worth watching. For someone looking for a sentimental movie, it tracks the journey of man who is at the lowest point in his career who works his way to becoming one of the greatest minds in all of baseball. It's also a documentary about what a man can do to change the stagnant arena of the MLB. Be prepared to fall in love with this one as well.

Cutest Athlete Children

Congratulations Tom and Gisele! They just welcomed their third child, Vivian Lake earlier this week. She joins her two older brothers, Benjamin, 3, and John, 5. Thank goodness the Brady bunch decided to name their children normal names, not like Pilot Inspektor or Apple. 

Anyhow, I couldn't help but believe that their third child will be not only gorgeous, but will probably continue on to model like her mother. 

So, I was thinking, which athletes have the cutest children? You'll be cooing and awing after you see these adorable tikes. 

Benjamin Brady (Father: Tom Brady, Mother: Gisele Bundchen)

Can you say future NFL quarterback? Tom and Gisele's little one certainly has his cat walk down, and I'm sure he'll be attending the University of Michigan before we blink. He proves that when an NFL quarterback and Victoria's Secret supermodel have a son, he can be the cutest thing.

Baylen Brees (Father: Drew Brees)

I bet every woman in America is drooling after seeing one of the best (and handsome) quarterbacks hold up his son Baylen after winning his first Super Bowl ring. How adorable is that? 

Ace and Diesel Daigle (Mother: Jennie Finch)

Jennie Finch is known for her skills as an Olympic softball player, but her best skills are used being a great mother to two adorable children, who are seen here announcing the arrival of their third sibling. 

Chris Paul II (Father: Chris Paul)

CP3 was as charming as he looked playing basketball on the court, and it seems his son Chris Paul II has those same traits. Not only does this kid have a really high basketball IQ, but this 3-year-old can recite about everyone who plays for the Lakers and Clippers. 

Plus, he can do the Blake Griffin face. Too cute.

Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz Beckham (Father: David Beckham, Mother: Victoria Beckham)

Yes, we all know that great genes run in the Beckham family. Who knew that two gorgeous people could create four (sister Harper not in the picture) genetically beautiful children? I'm putting money down that these three brothers will be breaking the hearts of many women when they're 18. Swoon.

Genevieve Johnson (Father: Jimmie Johnson)

Is anyone actually paying attention to dad and driver Jimmie Johnson right now? His daughter stole the show wearing giant pink headphones, knit booties and a white dress. I'm predicting that she'll be walking the fashion runways when she's older. 

Camden Cutler (Father: Jay Cutler, Mother: Kristin Cavallari)

Apparently Camden is the easiest baby in the world because now parents Jay and Kristin want to have another baby! He is certainly a cutie, rocking out in his dad's Chicago jersey. Who doesn't want to see another Cavallari-Cutler baby?

Luca Comrie (Mother: Hilary Duff, Father: Mike Comrie)

Mother Hilary Duff is obsessed, and I mean, obsessed with her little cutie. And why wouldn't we be either? Just look at him! 

Bryce and Lebron James II (Father: Lebron James)

These are The King's princes. Lebron II and Bryce certainly have their father's genes and I'm sure that in about five years, they'll be just as tall as him. 

And if you haven't already seen them on TV, then you don't truly know how adorable they are:

Lailaa Williams (Mother: Candance Parker, Father: Sheldon Williams)

Little Lailaa has got to be the sweetest thing wearing that big puffy hat! Plus, she is the spitting image of her dad Sheldon, and should have some ballin' genes, if you know what I mean. Wouldn't it just be fitting for her to play basketball and follow in her parents' shoes?

Nick Lachey: This I Swear!

Photo Credit: Duane Prokop, Getty Images

Don't ever mess with Nick Lachey's Cincinnati Bengals. But better yet, don't ever mess with Nick Lachey while he's at a Cincinnati Bengals game. 

Sunday, Lachey tweeted this:

This tweet was in response to an argument he had gotten into with another fan during Sunday's Bengals-Chargers game. While he does admit getting into a yelling match with the fan, he denies choking and cursing out the Chargers' fan.

Lachey responded again via Twitter, saying, "For the record, I was not kicked out of the Chargers game for excessive trash talking. No, that honor belonged to the guy in front of me! I simply don't appreciate someone turning around and putting their finger in my face. Call me crazy, but that deserved a reaction. Again, aside from a few exceptions, I had a great time hanging with Charger fans all afternoon. Honestly, some of the nicest fans around." 

Lachey and his friends were then interviewed by police outside the stadium and released with no charges filed. 

Oh Nick. I understand the importance of sports, and trust me, I've also been yelled at while I'm in opposing teams' stadiums, but remember to keep your cool. C'mon Man!

What would baby Camden think? Well, he'd probably give this face:

LeBron "The King" James Named 2012 Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated 

Photo Credit: Walter Iooss Jr., Sports Illustrated

What is it this year with me and magazine covers? Anyhow, the "King" has returned to the spotlight!

LeBron James was named by Sports Illustrated Magazine as the 2012 Sportsman of the Year.

The Miami Heat player is coming off a championship season and at just 27-years-old, has done some pretty remarkable things. Do I think he's the next Michael Jordan? No. Win five more NBA championships, then we'll talk about "Greatest player ever." 

But for now, the NBA All-Star has joined other athletes like his teammate Dwayne Wade, Brett Favre, Derek Jeter, Michael Phelps and Drew Brees with this honor.

But why LeBron? 

Paul Fichtenbaum, editor of Time Inc.'s Sports Group, says, "He was the most dominant athlete this year - MVP of the NBA regular season, MVP of the NBA playoffs, led the Heat to the NBA championship and Team USA to the gold medal in London."

It feels like this sentiment about LeBron's new title carries over in the locker room. Fellow winner and Heat guard Dwayne Wade approves of the pick, saying, "It gets no better for a basketball player. He has no position. His position is to do whatever he wants. There's never been anything like it. You just give him the ball and you win the game."

But it's not just what LeBron does on the court, it's what he does off of it that sealed this year's Sportsman of the Year award for him. His LeBron James Family Foundation helps kids in need and gives them a better opportunity to succeed in life.

While I will say LeBron's "The Decision", his hour-long special about his move to Miami was a little too much for me, what he's done this year as a basketball player and philanthropist should be applauded. 

Okay, I'll say it. Strahan, give him a smile!

Kate Middleton: Duchess and Sports Junkie

Photo Credit: Arthur Edwards, WPA Pool/Getty Images

It's no wonder Prince William fell in love with Kate Middleton. Not only is she beautiful, refined, loving, caring, and now the Duchess of Cambridge, but she is also a sports junkie!

Yesterday, the Duchess was spotted playing field hockey at her alma mater. Yes, we all know Kate was a field hockey star back in her St. Andrew's School days in Pangbourne, England. But, I will say I give her props for playing in such a stylish outfit! The Duchess donned an Alexander McQueen coat and high-heeled boots. 

She even proclaimed her love of sports, saying, "It was while I was here at school that I realized my love of sports. Sports has been a huge part of my life, and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities I had to get outside and play in such wonderful open spaces."

This is why we love Kate! But, I will say that no Duchess looks as gorgeous as she does playing sports. As such, let's see what other stylish outfits she has worn while being active.

Field Hockey

We all knew Kate Middleton was good at field hockey during her St. Andrew's School days. Looks like her skills have not faded since then!

Here, the Duchess played another round of field hockey at London's Olympic Park, donning a pair of brightly colored skinny jeans and sneakers.

Football, Ping Pong, Karate

As the 2012 London Olympic Games raged on, the royals appeared at thirty events. During this particular day at Bacon's College in London, the Duchess played a round of football, ping pong and even learned some karate to show her way of supporting the Games. And she did it stylishly, wearing a Hobbs dress, a white belt, and nude wedges. If I could look this good playing sports, I'd play in wedges too!

Rowing

Apparently the Duchess is as good in the water as she is on land playing sports! Kate, along with being an avid field hockey junkie also spends time as a competitive rower. No wonder her arms look that toned! Maybe I should get into rowing too.

Javelin Throw

Yes, Kate can run, swim, row, and oh yeah, also throw a javelin. Hundreds of onlookers cheered as she and Prince William threw inflatable spears during a vist to a children's sports event in Nottingham. I was looking, but at her blue M Missoni coat dress and stylish navy cocktail hat designed by Rachel Trevor-Morgan.

Skiing 

Before Kate became Duchess of Cambridge, she was still called Ms. Middleton when this photo was taken. In April of 2004, this photo was snapped of Kate and William making their public debut as a couple on a ski trip in Switzerland. Loving her red coat and stylish hairdo while in the coldest of temperatures.

Verdict

Ever since Prince William put a ring on Kate's finger, and the entire world witnessed the Royal Wedding, Kate has been on a whirlwind of traveling, speaking engagements, but most importantly wearing some fabulously delicious outfits. I give Kate three thumbs up for her fashion, but also for looking so good while playing sports. How can she not break a sweat? Jealous.

GQ's Least Influential People of 2012: Oh Snap!

Photo Credit: GQ.com

Every year People Magazine does a "Sexiest Man Alive" issue (which I posted about earlier this month), and GQ says hey, I can do that too! Instead of good looks driving their magazine this month, they once again unveiled their "Least Influential People of 2012" magazine, and boy, is it great! 

The number one least influential person this year? Mitt Romney! 

But in this list of 25 people, some of your favorite (or in this case, least favorite) athletes were given the honors of being extremely unhelpful this year. 

Let's see who made GQ's naughty list:

Dwight Howard

Photo Credit: GQ.com

After many months of jockeying for a team other than the Orlando Magic, Dwight Howard landed in the sunny city of Los Angeles as a Laker. While his end goal was finally reached, the way it took him to get to California was a little sketchy to say the least. It seemed it took Howard months of making vague demands to the Magic owners and then telling the fans that he was happy in Orlando, to then jump ship when the Laker's camp came calling. While his presence in LA adds another dynamic to the team, his contributions as a player have yet to be felt.

Ryan Lochte

Photo Credit: Getty Images

The king of "Jeah!" is back in another magazine. I'm sure he wouldn't mind. Ryan Lochte is certainly an interesting individual, who after making a splash in the London Olympics, has been in the tabloids and celebrity gossip realm ever since July. He's guest-starred as himself on 90210, was linked to the newly minted Miss USA, has been hopping around in the music scene, and finally managed to trademark his favorite word: Jeah. While he is still a pretty attractive person, it's his slightly below average intellect and all-about-me attitude that is a big turnoff. To quote GQ: "This is what happens to you when you buy American-flag mouth grills."

Gregg Williams

Photo Credit: John David Mercer, US Presswire

Oh Gregg Williams. To think that violence will earn you money, well, you're mistaken. Williams, the disgraced former NFL defensive coordinator, was the man who pioneered the New Orleans Saint's bounty program. This program that awarded players with money if they could cause another player harm, has completely backfired. Not only has the Saints organization paid dearly with multiple suspensions, fines, and bad karma, it's just shameful that someone in the NFL could do such a thing. We all know that concussions are still a serious problem for players, so why add another dangerous element to the game? Unbelievable. Williams definitely deserves to be on this list.

Lance Armstrong

Photo Credit: Rogerio Barbosa, Getty Images

It's been a rough year for Lance Armstrong. Not only have his seven Tour de France titles been stripped from him, but he also stepped down as the head of his organization, Livestrong, and was dropped by his biggest supporter Nike. Sadly, he now is the polar opposite of the inspiring legend and athlete he once was. No one is taking away the fact that he beat cancer, which is certainly something to be admired. However, his choices, which were truly hypocritical to his message as an honest athlete, are now coming back to bite him.

Bobby Valentine

Photo Credit: Kelley L Cox, US Presswire

To be a Boston Red Sox fan this year must be rough. After the Red Sox let manager Terry Francona go (he was a man who won the franchise TWO World Series titles), they brought in ESPN analyst and TV personality Bobby Valentine. Valentine, in just one year, seemed to completely fracture the organization, divided the clubhouse even further than it already was, showed up to practices late, bickered about his assistant coaches, and even said his team had "the weakest roster... in September in the history of baseball." And sadly, this year, the Red Sox finished last in the AL East division with a 69-93 record. As a result, Valentine was canned for the club's third manager in three years, John Farrell.

Verdict:

All in all, this year's athletes in GQ's "Least Influential People of 2012" was spot on. But to say the least, I'm not exactly impressed with each of these five athletes this year. Hopefully 2013 will be a better year for them. McKayla shakes her head at them.

Kris Humphries Scratched Up

Photo Credit: Jared Wickerham, Getty Images

Another day, another story about Kim Kardashian's ex-husband. Will he ever shed that title? Well, probably not until Kim marries the other half of "Kimye."

Anyway, yesterday during the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics game, Humphries, Boston Celtics Rajon Rondo and fellow Brooklyn Net Gerald Wallace were all ejected from the game in Boston for fighting. 

It all started when Humphries delivered an extremely hard foul on Kevin Garnett, and to defend his teammate Rondo immediately got in Humphries's face and started shoving him. That, is when it all got crazy.

Photo Credit: Jim Davis, Boston Globe

As both teams' benches started to empty around them, Humphries and Rondo continued to jaw at one another until they and a bunch of security guards fell into a giant pile screaming, scratching, and punching.

For both their efforts, they were then both immediately ejected from the game. Humphries was slapped with two technical fouls. 

But it was what happened after the fact that made me frown at Humphries.

Later he tweets:

Subtle, Humphries, very subtle. Not sure what his publicist would have said about that one. But, what made me literally laugh out loud? 

Some of the responses he got on Twitter, notably from one Erin Andrews, who doesn't mention his name, but you can clearly tell who she was aiming her latest tweet at:

I could not agree with you more on that Erin. Seriously people.

This entire debacle is still in the midst of the Kardashian-Humphries divorce extravaganza. Ironically, the day Humphries got into this all-out brawl was the day that Kim said she was forever "handcuffed" to the Nets forward. Maybe that's why Humphries took out a little more aggression on the court in Boston.

Regardless, all I have to say to Humphries is that McKayla and I are unimpressed with your 15 minutes of fame.

McKayla Maroney and President Obama are NOT Impressed

Photo Credit: White House

When this photo appeared magically within the webiverse, I could not stop laughing. 

You guys all I know I love McKayla Maroney's disappointed stare, so when the 16-year-old gymnast visited the White House with her Olympic teammates two days ago, I just had to find evidence. There, President Barack Obama congratulated the team for their gold medal during this summer's London games. 

And the best part? Well, it seems the President keeps up on celebrity culture.

Maroney became an Internet sensation after her glare was caught by cameras, and then it became this summer's biggest meme. 

After the memorable moment with the newly re-elected President, Maroney tweeted: "Did I just do the Not Impressed face with the President...?" 

If I were her, I'd be smiling all the way to two equally happy Strahans.