The world of football lost another legend when Alex Karras passed away today at the age of 77. The former Detroit Lion had been battling a myriad of ailments over the past few years which included dementia, stomach cancer and kidney failure, and his passing had been expected for some time.

Although he was understandably frail at the time, Karras was first known on the gridiron for his punishing strength and fear he put in opposing Quarterbacks. He was the anchor of an excellent Lions Defensive Line and a member of the 1960’s All Decade Team. As popular as he was as an athlete, he became one of the first to transition into acting.

Karras first broke into a role he was familiar with; himself. It was in the film adaptation of “Paper Lion” which documented George Plimpton’s tryout with the Detroit Lions. Karras’ role was not just of a cameo, but one with a high billing and a serious chance to break out into to a line of work. Karras would go full force into Hollywood, landing movie and TV work among which included the iconic role of “Mongo” in Mel Brooks film, Blazing Saddles. Although Karras’ portrayal of Mongo was that of a dimwitted oaf, he was anything but. Appearances on the Johnny Carson show allowed him to display his humor and intellect. He even had a well-received run as the Color Commentator on Monday Night Football in 1977.

Perhaps it was his role as George Papadopoulos in the 80’s sitcom Webster that he became most known for. True, he again portrayed an ex-football player, but he did so in a way that showed his softer side. A generation saw Karras as one of their favorite TV dads as opposed to a feared NFL defender. He helped show other athletes that they too could pursue acting careers, or even that they did not have to be defined by what they could do on a playing field.

Thanks Alex, and you were more than just a pawn in life’s game.

The Czech Goalie, Dominik Hasek has announced that he is forgoing thoughts of returning to the National Hockey League. At the age of 47, Hasek last played in North America for the Detroit Red Wings where he captured the second of his two Stanley Cups. Hasek lasted played professionally in the KHL for HC Spartak Moscow in the 2010-11 season.

The Hockey Hall of Fame allows for players to be eligible three years after their pro career (regardless of what league) has ended. Hasek will remain eligible for the Hall in 2014, and based on his legacy as one of the greatest Goaltenders of all time, we would champion him as a first ballot entrant.

We bring this up, as we are currently working on our lists for future players for the Hockey Hall of Fame. At present sections for the Baseball Hall of Fame and those who will soon be eligible is populating our site. Look for hockey to follow suit.

With the Major League Baseball playoffs set to tee off soon, we thought this was the perfect time to look towards the future of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

We will be adding sections looking towards the future eligible of the Hall, and allowing you to give your opinions and votes so that we could look at factoring this in to future rankings.

The following players are eligible for the 2014 vote:

Armando Benitez
Damion Easley
Eric Gagne
Esteban Loaiza
Frank Thomas
Greg Maddux
Hideo Nomo
Jacques Jones
Jeff Kent
Jon Lieber
Jose Cruz Jr.
Jose Vidro
JT Snow
Keith Foulke
Kenny Rogers
Luis Gonzalez
Matt Morris
Mike Mussina
Mike Timlin
Moises Alou
Paul Lo Duca
Ray Durham
Richie Sexson
Scott Hatteberg
Sean Casey
Shannon Stewart
Steve Tracshel
Todd Jones
Tom Glavine
Trot Nixon

To be eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, the player must have retired (or played their final game) in 2008 and have played ten season in the MLB.

Wow!   Today the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced their nominees for the 2013 class, and much to our surprise and delight our top three acts have been chosen.

Headlining the pack is Rush, our number one choice and first time nominee. This is no doubt pleasing legions of fans across the world who has sung the praises of this Canadian Progressive Rock trio. Our second and third choices of Kraftwerk and Deep Purple have also been selected.

First year entrants Public Enemy and N.W.A. will be the representatives of Hip Hop on the ballot. The other nominees are Heart, the Marvelettes, the Meters, Albert King, Chic, Donna Summer, Procul Harum, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Joan Jett and the Black Hearts and Randy Newman.

The five selected will be announced in Mid-December.

Let the debate begin!