CNN must not have much oversight for headlines this Holiday season, I am still laughing about this one that I just saw:

Crew injured as speed yacht flips off France

When I clicked the link I was really hoping for a story about a group of drunken rich guys floating about in the waters just off of the coast of France while flipping “the bird” in France’s direction for all of the world to see.  But nooooo, that would’t be a “P.C.” story to run now would it?

For those of you wondering what this is really about, apparently some folks with too much time and money are into creating the yacht version of a speed boats.  I don’t have the time to research what that is all about, but I’m picturing some folks water skiing behind these bad boys, dressed up as clowns and jumping waves while getting chased by sharks out in the open water (think water skiing Rodeo Clowns).  I’m sure the real explanation is not near as entertaining, so I think I’ll just stick to what I’m envisioning and run with that as the “truth” behind it all.

Let me be first say that I haven’t a clue as to why Mark Teixeira is getting such big figures thrown at him besides his pimp of an agent, Scott Boras (in my opinion of course).

Is it just me or is a $180 million contract over eight years (or $190M depending on who’s reporting) just seem crazy for more than one reason?  I guess the whole similar waste of money on A-Rod has went over these folks heads (remember that Rangers-Yankees deal that still makes no sense to me).  Sure, I can’t really blame the likes of A-Rod or Teixeira for going for it if the teams are willing to throw the money around, but their sports pimp needs to go.  I think it might be good if A-Rod got in touch with Teixeira and told him that the pimp isn’t necessary to land a good contract, even if it’s not an 8 year deal.

I’m not sure why this is important “breaking news” for the various media outlets here in Indiana, but Ball State (Cardinals) Head Football Coach Brady Hoke is reportedly headed to San Diego State (Aztec Warriors).  Overall Hoke has a 34-38 record at Ball State, but had a record of 7-6 in 2007 and is is 12-1 in 2008 with a bowl game yet to play.

With Hoke’s departure, it is speculated that Nate Davis (8th in the 2008 Heisman Trophy balloting) will declare for the 2009 NFL Draft.

Neither one of these should really come as a surprise to anyone.

Small schools are merely a spring board to better coaching jobs if you can get them (not that San Diego State is a big school either, but they have more money).  And given Hoke’s clear improvement over the past two seasons I can see why he’d gain interest.  I’d say take it while you’re on top.

And regarding Nate Davis, if you’re going to have a new coach next year you might as well go where the money is.