The Best “F You”s in Sports from 2008 from our new friends at www.ingamenow.com
We’ve all seen it. The New England Patriots epitomized it for 17 games in the 2007/2008 season. All the greats - Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Walter Payton - thrived on it. It’s the “F You” mentality. Athletes that come to the field with it often find themselves transcending the sport and creating moments that we’re talking about days, months, and sometimes even years later. In 2008, We had plenty “F You” moments in sports, but here’s a list of the best. If you don’t like our list, then F You.

Jon Lester says “F You” to Cancer and the Royals

On May 19th, Jon Lester threw a no hitter in Fenway Park against the Kansas City Royals just 20 months after being diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Last October he clinched game 4 of the World Series in Colorado and then threw no hit the Royals with 9 strike outs and just two walks over 9 innings:

“It’s something that I’ll remember forever, a lot of excitement. I think I had more adrenaline going in the ninth inning than I did in the first inning, which I guess is normal for that situation. It was great. The fans were great; they’re on their feet yelling and screaming. It was probably one of the loudest times I’ve heard Fenway when I’ve been out there pitching.”

Rafael Nadal beats Federer in the Wimbledon Final

For years, Rafael Nadal was considered the best tennis player in the world not named Roger Federer. Federer was ranked #1, and Nadal #2 for 160 straight weeks. Federer owned Wimbledon, winning it FIVE consecutive times. Nadal flipped the tennis world upside down when he beat his arch rival 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-7(8), 9-7, in what many consider the greatest tennis match of all time. To put an exclamation point on his FU, Nadal became the #1 ranked player in the world on August 18th!

The Red Sox say “F You” to Manny Ramirez and Scott Boras

Thanks for the memories Manny… now get the hell out of town and take your ego, money-driven agent with you. The Red Sox were so strong in this sentiment that they paid to have him move to Los Angeles, included prospects and took pennies on the dollar… but they were so fed up with Manny’s antics and selfish behavior, that they brought in the hard-working Jason Bay to replace ManRam in left field. In his first game for the Red Sox, Bay got a standing ovation (before even swinging) and scored the winning run in extra innings. Good riddance.

Woods takes out Rocco at the US Open

Tiger was catching a lot of heat for is apparent knee injury during this years US Open. Typical Tiger, he was non-comental on the situation. The media flat out questioned if he was faking his injury. After 71 holes, Tiger trailed Rocco by one shot. Rocco, one of the most loved players on tour, was even more popular than Tiger that week. Tiger made a birdie on the 72nd hole of the US Open to tie Rocco. According to US Open rules, 18 holes would be played the next day. Tiger played on Monday under apparent pain.
After 17 playoff holes, Tiger was 1 back against Rocco. He made the stoke up on the 90th hole, to force sudden death. Tiger won on the 91st hole of the tourny. Two days later, Tiger announced that he would have season ending knee surgery to have his ACL fixed. For the ultimate FU to the PGA tour, it was also announced that Tiger had played the previous ten months with a torn ligiment in his left knee, as well as a double stress fracture in his left leg. Tiger dominated the PGA tour with only one leg.

Favre Scores 6 TD’s. Meanwhile, Rodgers Writhes in Pain.

When Michael Jordan came out of retirement (the first time), there was no question that the Chicago Bulls would find room for him. I’m half-convinced that if Dan Marino wanted to come out of retirement, the Miami Dolphins would welcome him back with open arms.

So how come the Green Bay Packers weren’t so receptive to Brett Favre’s return to the gridiron, especially when he never really left? Because they had Aaron Rodgers, of course! So while Aaron Rodgers struggled before getting knocked out in the the Packers’ 21-30 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Favre was tossing a career-high 6 touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals.

Elton Brand Signs with the 76ers

This “F You” is a little different from the rest. This one involves telling your current team that you’re opting out of your contract for the purpose of providing payroll flexibility, telling your team you have every intention of re-signing. This one involves your team relying on this assurance when blowing their salary cap load on an All-Star point guard who will be your perfect comlement on the court. Finally, this one involves you going back on your word and telling your team to “F off.” Don’t worry, Elton, the city of Los Angeles is saying the same thing to you as you head off to Philadelphia.

Joe Torre Takes the Dodgers to the National League Championship Series. Steinbrenners and Yankees are Watching from Home.

By the way Joe Torre was treated near the end of his run in New York, you’d think he was no more successful than Isiah Thomas. Fed up with Steinbrenner ownership, Torre jumped to the left coast to manage the Los Angeles Dodgers. Many thought Torre’s chances of reaching the postseason greatly diminished with this move, as he took on a roster that in no way resembled the experience (and payroll) of the Yankees. So what does Torre do? He says “F You” to the Steinbrenners and all his critics, pushing his Dodgers into the playoffs where they swept the heavily favored Chicago Cubs to reach the NLCS. As for the Yankees and their $210 million payroll? I think we all know the answer to that one.

Rashad Evans Knocks UFC posterboy Chuck Liddell the F*&K Out!

Chuck Liddell is the golden boy of UFC. Scratch that. Liddell WAS the golden boy of the UFC - we’re still waiting to hear if the Iceman has thawed out after being knocked out cold by Rashad Evans at UFC 88. Liddell came into the match as the strong favorite - he was ranked as one of the best fighters in the world at his weight class, and he was determined to build himself back up after suffering back-to-back losses to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Keith Jardine. There was no way Chuck would allow this one to slip away. Evans was just a speed bump in Liddell’s road back to a title shot. Ummm…just watch the video.

Michael Phelps & Co. tell French, “Thanks for the statue…Now get the F*&K out of our pool!”

The 400 medley was supposed to be in France’s backpocket. They knew it, too, predicting that they would “smash” the Americans. And it looked like they would - until Jason Lezak hit the water for a record-setting swim, coming from a full body length behind before pulling ahead for the gold at the last second. Truly a performance that can only be described as an “F You” to the arrogant French.

New York Giants Say “F You” to Vegas Oddsmakers and Take Down the Undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl

Was there ANYBODY who thought the New York Giants could beat the New England Patriots and stand in the way of the NFL’s first 19-0 season? I mean, really, it was like a high school team taking the field against a roster of Pro Bowlers. The fact that the New York Giants even bothered to show up to the stadium was cute.

The Patriots came into this one as something like a 1,400 point favorite. 99 times out of 100, Tom Brady and the Patriots wrap this one up. But as anyone who has watched way too many sports movies will tell you, all it takes is that one time. And, of course, a little “F You” attitude.

written by Roc