Chuck Liddell told reporters at yesterday’s press conference for UFC 125 that he is officially retired from fighting and will be serving as the UFC’s new Executive VP of Business Development, which would sound a lot cooler if he were now the VP of Smashing Skulls. But the former light heavyweight champion’s retirement was a long time coming, as he’d lost 5 of his last 6 fights, which featured him losing via knockout in his last 3 contests. Still, the Iceman is an all-time badass and it’s good to see him going out with honor and respect, as opposed to insisting he can fight and then repeatedly embarrassing himself like a certain Minnesota Vikings QB that we know.

UFC President Dana White actually announced Liddell’s retirement first, as he praised his longtime friend as one of the driving forces behind the success of UFC over the past 11 years. Also a driving force? Dudes getting their asses kicked. But this is about one man, so take it away, Dana…

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Cubs manager Lou Piniella announced yesterday that this season will be his last, as he will retire at the season’s end. The three-time World Series champion cited his desire to spend more time with his family as his reason to put an end to a legacy of base-throwing, chest poking and umpire screaming. His career as both a player and manager has spanned 48 years, during which he’s been associated with eight teams. Of his decision, Piniella simply told reporters:

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” he said. “There’s no way that I won’t cherish the memories here.”

But, he added: “I’ve been away from home since 1962. That’s about 50 years.” Source

The Cubs are currently in a tie for third in the NL Central, 10.5 games back of the first place Cardinals, and Piniella remains realistic that his team probably isn’t going to gain ground on the Cards and second place Reds unless they start winning series, as opposed to being swept or saving face. Cubs GM Jim Hendry said that he won’t name Piniella’s successor until after the season (*cough* Ryne Sandberg *cough*) and then everyone laughed because it won’t be Hendry’s decision by the time this season ends.

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