GOOD
Jim Leyland
Nobody likes to lose, certainly not after winning 12 successive games in pursuit of a first division title since 1987, but for the Detroit Tigers there was certainly a silver lining in the 6-1 loss to the A's Thursday, as manager Jim Leyland and hitting coach Lloyd McClendon had refused to change their underwear until the team tasted defeat. Who ever said the smell of victory was a pleasant one?
Josh Hamilton
And to think folks at the Rogers Centre get excited about a free slice of pizza. The Rangers slugger outdid that quite handily Wednesday night, cashing in a promotion at a Texas carpet store by hitting a grand slam, ensuring that anyone who bought flooring or countertops between Aug. 29 and the end of the season was fully refunded. "I'm in the business of giving back," he said of his $500,000 dinger. "It's cool."
Tom Brady
Given the way the Patriots quarterback tore the Miami defence to shreds last Monday, you'd think opposing fans would be driven to drink. Still, Brady issued a plea to his own fans to drink early, drink often before Sunday's 4 p.m. home opener against the Chargers in a bid to get more atmosphere into Gillette Stadium. Of course, the team then clarified the comments, saying Brady had meant that fans should drink more water to stay hydrated. Obviously.
BAD
Mike Tindall
"We are not amused." If the Queen was not already wary of rugby players – having seen Princess Diana's alleged tryst with former England captain Will Carling play out in the press 15 years ago – she now has another reason to take them off the Windsor Christmas card list. Tindall, who married Her Majesty's granddaughter just six weeks ago, was captured on camera cavorting with a mystery blonde in between bouts of dwarf wrestling at the "Mad Midget Weekender" as the England players blew off steam following their opening World Cup win in New Zealand.
Cristiano Ronaldo
You can't please everybody, apparently, even when you're one of the world's most recognizable athletes. Still, ever modest, the Real Madrid forward has finally put his finger on just why he's such a lightning rod for soccer fans everywhere: "I think I am whistled at because I am handsome, rich and a great player, and people are jealous of me." Maybe, or maybe it's the preening, pouting, whining and diving that take away from his precocious talents.
Paul Attfield