A New Chapter for Dakar

THIS WEEK

FOOTBALL January 24, 2010  The Indianapolis Colts defeat the New York Jets 30-17 at the AFC championship, while the New Orleans Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-28 in overtime for the NFC title. Two weeks later, led by their quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints would overtake the Colts 31-17 at Super Bowl XLIV in Miami Gardens, Miami. To date, it was the Saints’ first and last championship title.

BASKETBALL January 19, 2000  Retired hoops super star Michael Jordan returns to the NBA to join the Washington Wizards as part owner and President of basketball operations. A year and half later, the 6x NBA champion hit the court for the Wizards as a player, though he lasted only 60 games due to a torn knee cartilage. His managerial position with the team was terminated after posting a mixed record.

BOXING January 15, 1990  Gerry Cooney is knocked out by George Foreman in the 2nd round of a non-title heavyweight fight. It was Cooney’s last bout in a pro career that began in 1977. The NYC-born pugilist who was known for his left hook and imposing 6’6” frame fought twice for the heavyweight title but lost both times to Larry Holmes and Michael Spinks. He retired with a 31-28-3 record.

OLYMPICS January 20, 1980  In response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December of 1979, Jimmy Carter announces a U.S. boycott of the Olympics in Moscow. 65 other nations decided to follow the American example, while 80 countries did send their athletes to the Games. Four years later, the USSR countered the U.S. by boycotting the 1984 Olympics that were held in Los Angeles.