The San Diego Chargers lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday 11-10. It was the first time in over 12,000 games that an NFL game ended with an 11-10 score.

Even though the score made NFL history the bigger story was the $100 million in legal bets riding on the game and the controversial scenario that transpired at the end. On 1st and 10 from San Diego’s 21 with only 5 seconds remaining Philip Rivers threw a short pass to LT over the middle for 3 yards. Tomlinson turned and made a lateral to wide receiver Chris Chambers, who attempted to pitch the ball to a teammate only to have safety Troy Polamalu deflect the lateral and score from the 12.

Both teams left the field on what looked to be a game deciding play, but were called back by the officials for the extra-point attempt. At that point, the replay official called for a review because any questionable calls under 2 minutes has to be reviewed.

After watching the play, Green initially announced the ruling on the field was upheld and the touchdown counted, but the officiating crew huddled again before the extra-point attempt and changed the call, deciding that an illegal forward pass should have ended the play. Well after the game was officially over Green admitted the touchdown should have counted. Not a real big deal in the end right? Well, that is when things get really interesting.

An estimated $100 million in legal bets was wagered worldwide on this game. Roughly 66% of that money was on the Steelers; with only 34% on the Chargers. If the touchdown was properly upheld, Steelers bettors would have won about $32 millions instead of losing big. This admittedly incorrect call resulted in a $64 million swing in favor of the bookies. How bout them apples?

Word out of Pittsburgh is that Steely McBeam the lead mascot for the Pittsburgh Steelers was arrested back in January due to a DUI. Kenneth C. Mahey who is one of the two people who portray the mascot blew a .1766 which is twice the legal limit. Let’s face it…if your job is to wear a ridiculous costume for a living…wouldn’t you be drinking like a fish too?

* Big Ben just hit the mother load with an eight year deal worth $102 million. Roethlisberger joins Peytong Manning, Brett Favre, Carson Palmer, Donovan McNabb and the suspended Vick in the $100 million club for signal callers. Many people are questioning whether the Steelers should extend the wealthiest contract in franchise history, but I personally think Ben deserves every dime. Lets just hope there was a provision in the contract for staying away from motorcycles.

* The Houston Rockets won their 15th game in a row matching a franchise record. That is all well and good, but now that Yao is out of the season the Rockets will be lucky to make it to the playoffs. Remember this statement!

* Michael “The Burner” Turner has signed a lucrative deal with the Atlanta Falcons and should be the starting running back in ‘08 for Hotlanta. Turner has been mired behind Tomlinson for years in San Diego and I fully expect a huge season this coming year. Nice work by the Falcons especially after so many dumb moves in recent months. On a side note Warrick Dunn immediately asked for a release due to this acquisition.

* Kobe dropped 52 yesterday in a win over the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers only lost TWO games in all of February and are a legitimate threat to win it all this year.

* Ernie Els won the Honda Classic yesterday ending a four-year winless drought. Whoopty do! Els is no longer a top player in the game and is not competition for Tiger Woods.

***Houston Texans cover -2.5 at home against the Buffalo Bills.

**Pittsburgh Steelers cover -3.5 at the Cleveland Browns

Overall Record:

College Football: 6-5

College Basketball 1-1

NFL 0-1

Our prestigious award is generally given to an individual, but this week it must be given to an entire team because I’m sure they feel this way. The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to a putrid 2-6 after a home loss yesterday to the Denver Broncos. I know there are “hangovers” and drop-offs generally after you win the Super Bowl, but this is down right ridiculous. You can put a priority stamp on this season because the Steelers have mailed it in.