Dolphins Send Sparano Packing

December 13, 2011
Written by Julia Chongarlides

One day after the Miami Dolphins' 26-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Head Coach Tony Sparano joined the already-crowded unemployment line. Many thought that after back-to-back 7-9 seasons he would be gone by the beginning of the 2011 season, but he lasted 13 games, only four of which were wins.

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross had this to say regarding his decision to fire Sparano:

“As you know when I purchased the team I told you there is nothing more important to me at all than being a winning team and bringing back the glory to Miami that it had in the past. There has been a lot of distractions and speculation in regard to if Tony would stay or Tony would go and I think in the interest of the football team and the development of this team that this is the time we need to make a change.”

Todd Bowles will take over as the Dolphins interim head coach for the last three games of the season. “I love Todd Bowles,” said Jason Taylor. “He’s a great football coach and it’s a tough situation to get your chance but we’ll be behind him.” Miami heads into back-to-back road games. First, heading to Buffalo this Sunday and then to New England for a Christmas Eve match-up. Then bringing it home for the last game of season against the Jets at Sun Life Stadium.

The Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland can’t afford any more losing seasons with his job on the line as well. So, he will be looking for someone with experience entering next year. Someone like a Jon Gruden, Jeff Fisher, Andy Reid, Brian Billick, Bill Cowher or Joe Philbin. All have their pros and cons but Ireland really wants someone who has the pedigree to lead the Dolphins to winning seasons. If that doesn't happen, Ireland may suffer the same fate as Sparano.

Cats Claw Their Way to First Place

December 7, 2011
Written by Julia Chongarlides

The first place Florida Panthers showed the Washington Capitals why they deserve to be atop the Southeast Division. The Panthers have a seven-point lead over the Caps in the division, which is the largest division lead in the NHL.

Dmitry Kulikov scored a career-high three points (1-2-3) and a season-high five shots, while Steven Weiss notched two goals to lead the Cats to their 5-4 win over the Capitals on Monday night. For the first time in 12 years the Florida Panthers are 15-8-4 on the season.

The Cats travel to Boston on Thursday night to face off with the defending Stanley Cup Champs. The Bruins are first in the Northeast Division and have a one-point lead over the Panthers in the East. The puck drops at 7:00 PM ET.