Jamaica, Jamaica!

Jamaican track star Usain Bolt has set the world record and taken home 2 gold medals in both the 200 meter (19.30 seconds) and 100 meter (9.69 seconds) events. Usain 'Lightning' Bolt broke the world records in the 100 and 200 meter events previously held by Asafa Powell (2007) and Michael Johnson (1996) respectively. Usain Bolt has left his mark in Olympic history this year with two stunning performances that could withstand the test of time. Rooting for the American's, I would have loved to see an American track star take home the gold. However, after witnessing a performance like this any fan, American or otherwise, can't help but stand up and shout Jamaica, Jamaica!

RIP Gene Upshaw

Former NFL star and hall of fame guard Gene Upshaw passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 63 due to pancreatic cancer. Upshaw is perhaps best known for his work as head of the NFLPA, a title which he held for 25 years.

The news comes as a bit of a shock to those in the football community as Upshaw was said to have relatively good health until this past weekend when he was taken to the emergency room due to difficulty breathing. It was then that he was diagnosed with cancer.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued the following statement following the news of Upshaw's passing:

"Gene Upshaw did everything with great dignity, pride, and conviction. He was the rare individual who earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame both for his accomplishments on the field and for his leadership of the players off the field. He fought hard for the players and always kept his focus on what was best for the game. His leadership played a crucial role in taking the NFL and its players to new heights."

It is a sad day in sports when any former professional athlete dies, let alone one who was only 63. Our thoughts and go out to the Upshaw family following this tragic loss.

Umps Step To The Plate

Just one day was all it took for the genuses over at the World Umpires Association to come around and allow for the implementation of instant replay in Major League Baseball. The heavy dose of criticism from the sports world certainly didn't hurt the cause.

Late Wednesday the two sides came to an agreement that will allow instant reply to be used as early as later this month pending installation of the proper equipment in all MLB ballparks.

The agreement gives authority to the crew chief of each umpiring crew to make the decision as to whether a particular call will be reviewed. Then as many as three umpires may view the replay before coming to a group decision. It is expected that the number will be changed to five come playoff time.

To start, only boundary related calls can be reviewed (fair-foul, homerun yes-no).

This is great news for Major League Baseball fans, players, and coaches who have all been on the ban wagon for instant reply for the majority of the season, if not longer. Earlier this season MLB was under the microscope following a series of three blown homerun calls, each on consecutive nights.