Roughriders OL Makowsky hangs up cleats

Football Betting Lines

02/17/2012 - Regina, SK (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced Friday that veteran offensive lineman Gene Makowsky has retired.

The 38-year-old finished his 17-year career as the franchise's all-time leader in games played.

"It's never an easy decision to make and it was extremely difficult for me," stated Makowsky. "However I felt that this is the best decision to make for my family, my career and my team."

A Saskatchewan native, Makowsky participated 284 regular-season games, passing Roger Aldag early last year for the record, and also toiled in 16 playoff games and four Grey Cups, earning a championship ring in 2007.

The former second-round pick in 1995 accumulated multiple honors over the course of his career: CFL offensive lineman of the year in both 2004-05, a five-time league All-Star selection and a West Division All-Star team for seven consecutive years.

"Geno will go down as one of the greatest players in CFL history," said Riders assistant general manager Jeremy O'Day. "His toughness, work ethic, dedication and character were unmatched. It was an honor to have played with Geno and he made me a better player, a better person and I will be forever grateful for the time we spent as teammates."

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Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value

If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture.  Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).

For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot.  The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.

TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the  drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.

"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,'  it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."

"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.

Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash.  Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win. 

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Visa needs.