The top ten sports stories from over the break…

10. Meyer quits and then returns

Florida’s Head Coach Urban Meyer resigned to focus on health concerns, but later returned to take an indefinite leave.  Florida won the Sugar Bowl 51-24

9. NFL losses bigger than games

Chicago Bears’ defensive end Gaines Adams died on Jan. 17 from an enlarged heart, and Cincinnati Bengal’s wide receiver Chris Henry died Dec. 17, 2009 after falling out of a pick-up truck.

8. UT comes close yet so far

University of Texas made two National Championship appearances, but both brought back losses. Texas volleyball lost 2-3 to Penn State University and Texas football lost 37-21 to Alabama University

7. Coach bolts SoCal for NFL

Pete Carroll left the University of Southern California after 10 years and two National Championships to become the new head coach and executive vice president of the Seattle Seahawks.

6. Saints storm to Super Bowl

Four and a half years after Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans Saints advance to their first Super Bowl after defeating Minnesota Vikings in overtime 31-28 at the Superdome.

5. “Big Mac” got big from steroids

Mark McGwire admitted to the public he used steroids when he broke baseball’s home run record. McGwire, the new hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals, hit 70 home runs in 1998.

4. Bringing guns into the Areans

Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas pleaded guilty and was suspended indefinitely by the NBA for a gun charge after an altercation in the locker room with guard Javaris Crittenton.

3. First Heisman Trophy for Alabama

Alabama’s running back Mark Ingram was named Alabama’s first ever Heisman Trophy Winner on Dec. 12, 2009. Stanford University’s running back Toby Gerhart was a close second.

2. Indefinite leave of absence

Pro Golfer Tiger Woods, accused of having several affairs, took an indefinite leave from golf until he completes his rehab for sex addiction in the Gentle Path program in Mississippi.

1. “Mad Scienctist” gets pink slip

Allegations of mistreating Texas Tech wide receiver, Adam James,  led to the dismissal of Head Coach Mike Leach. Leach had a winning season every year during his tenure at Texas Tech.