The Top 10 Stories of 2010

As we bid a fond farewell to 2010 it's a good time to reflect on the top sports stories of the year. Depending on where you are and what your favorite sport is this list will vary. It's hard to consolidate all the news of the year, but someone's gotta do it. With no further adieu here are the top 10 stories of 2010.

10. The passing of John Wooden. The Wizard of Westwood is best known for winning 10 national championships at UCLA and leading his team to 88 consecutive victories. His impact is much more profound off the court because his life and coaching philosophies have influenced so many people.

9. Jim Joyce and the blown perfect game. After changing the course of history and robbing Armando Galarraga of immortality Jim Joyce received death threats and even had to have security escort him to and from games. Think it's time for instant replay in baseball?

8. Reggie Bush and the Heisman debacle. No one has ever returned their Heisman Trophy because of scandal and receiving improper benefits. Reggie Bush is now officially banished from USC and his time there has been erased as if it never happened. Why didn't he just pay the agent back?

7. The passing of George Steinbrenner. The "Boss" brought a win at all costs attitude that we will never see in sports again. His motto was, "If you can pay for what you want why would you ever play fair?"

6. Jimmy Johnson's 5th consecutive NASCAR championship. I don't care if you're shooting dice, playing shuffleboard, or nerf hoop in your living room, 5 championships in a row is impressive. This guy needs a cool nickname and fast.

5. The return of Michael Vick. When Donovan McNabb took Vick under his wing last year I doubt he thought he was grooming his eventual successor and the comeback player of the year in 2010. Life is funny.

4. Cam and Cecil Newton. I doubt we ever really got the whole story on this incident, but what you don't know won't hurt you. There will always be corruption in college athletics and the Cam story is just the latest installment. Congrats on winning the Heisman and every other major college football award known to man.

3. The New Orleans Saints win the Super Bowl. No city was more deserving to become Super Bowl champs. After all they've had to endure with the rebuilding process after Hurricane Katrina I couldn't be happier for them.

2. Lebron James taking his talents down to South Beach. Never has a free agent changing teams made such an impact on the league. From "The Decision" to "The Fallout" Lebron was front page news for 2 months straight. Few people on planet Earth can captivate the public's attention for that long.

1. Kobe wins his 5th NBA championship. One more than Shaq and one away from Michael Jordan. The significance of this accomplishment can't be overlooked. After Kobe wins his 6th title this year he will be considered Michael Jordan's equal and the whole world will have to kiss his ring Michael Corleone style. Stay tuned.

Have a Happy New Year everyone!