With the New Year less than three weeks away, let’s take a look at some of the most memorable moments and intriguing story lines of 2005…

The New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 in Super Bowl XXXIX to win their third championship in four seasons. Trailing by 10, Donovan McNabb leisurely drove his team downfield on the second to last possession, killing nearly seven minutes and leaving fans wondering if Rush Limbaugh was calling the plays.

The International Badminton World Championships in Anaheim was a smashing success. The men’s doubles competition ended in a thrilling three setter, as Americans Tony Gunawan and Howard Bach upset Indonesians Candra Wijaya and Sigit Budiarto, completely stealing the spotlight away from the MLB steroid scandal.

Speaking of steroids, Mark McGwire refused to talk about the past or answer questions about the giant asterisk that developed on Rafael Palmeiro’s shrunken testicles.

Seven months after the congressional hearings, the baseball season ended on an encouraging note as the Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros in the World Series, putting an end to their 88-year title drought. Unfortunately, Kenny Rogers snuck into the press room during the trophy presentation and attacked four reporters.

Rafael Nadal burst onto the tennis scene after defeating Roger Federer at the French Open. His unique game combines the speed of Michael Chang and the style of Venus Williams.

Talented females Danica Patrick, Michelle Wie and Ashley Simpson also made the headlines in 2005. Patrick finished fourth in the Indy 500, Wie finished second in the LPGA Championship and Simpson told 70,000 fans at halftime of the Orange Bowl “you make me wanna la la in the kitchen on the floor.”

Following last seasons lockout, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced several rule changes intended to increase scoring and boost attendance. For example, goaltenders can’t handle the puck behind the goal line, they have to use smaller equipment and they must be from Croatia.

The International Olympic Committee officially cut baseball and softball from the 2012 Summer Games. They will be replaced by roller skating and duck duck goose (the Bulgarian version).

Lance Armstrong took home his record seventh Tour de France title, but just imagine how many more he could have won if he met Sheryl Crow sooner.

The San Antonio Spurs needed seven games to defeat the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, capturing their third title since the Chicago dynasty. The dynamic duo of Al Michaels and Hubie Brown called all of the action, while the electrifying Michelle Tafoya was joined by Michael Kay on the sidelines.

Roy Williams cried his eyes out after leading North Carolina to a 75-70 victory over Illinois for his first national championship. After the tournament, American Express founder Mike Krzyzewski was quoted as saying, “I don’t look at myself as a basketball coach, I look at myself as a leader who just happens to know the Tar Heels didn’t play the right way.”

Mike Tyson refused to return to the ring after the sixth round of his match with Kevin McBride over the summer. Following the loss, Tyson challenged “Million Dollar Baby” star Hilary Swank.

Sports may be unpredictable but there’s one thing that you can always count on. With the Colts’ quest for perfection, Sydney Crosby’s rookie season, the upcoming Winter Olympics and many other stories to follow in 2006, next year will provide even more memorable moments to look back upon.

For Sean Lishansky’s 2004 year in review, go to bupipedream.com/workflow_web/display_article.php?id=1271