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By Michael Lopez

It may not be as bad as Janet Jackson's nipple, but M.I.A.'s middle finger did stir up quite a bit of backlash after yesterday's Super Bowl. Madonna’s halftime show collaborator has already angered the NFL, which issued a statement to sensitive fans who were watching yesterday's big game.

"The obscene gesture in the performance was completely inappropriate, very disappointing and we apologize to our fans," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said today.

Seeing how viewers of all ages watch the Super Bowl, we're certain the football org got swarmed with angry emails today. McCarthy went on to assure fans that M.I.A. did not use the gesture during any of the halftime rehearsals.

Nevertheless, the damage has been done and M.I.A. added another feather to her controversy cap. The 36-year-old rapper has already had videos censored on MTV and was even listed as a Homeland Security threat because of her outspoken political views. Perhaps Madge should've used Lourdes as her musical halftime cheerleader instead.

Do you think M.I.A.'s gesture went too far? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, Football, M.I.A., Madonna, NFL, popnews, Sports, Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLVI

By Michael Lopez

Believe it or not, advertisers were paying up to $3.5 million for 30 seconds of commercial time during Sunday's Super Bowl. And, for many of them, the expense paid off. Millions of viewers caught the big game and, on the day after, millions more are talking about the best and worst spots.

Clint Eastwood's Chrysler ad generated a huge amount of buzz. The iconic actor rarely appears on TV, let alone in commercials, but he made an exception for his "Halftime in America" spot. Taking on a patriotic tone, the 2-minute "mini-movie" featured an Eastwood narration emphasizing the importance of buying American cars. Yahoo critics praised his performance, calling it "genuine" and "heartfelt."

Another heavily praised spot featured one of our favorite Latinas, Adriana Lima. We mentioned earlier that Lima's Kia ad was being teased online, but the full promo took things to a whole new level. Built around dreams and fantasies, the big budget commercial featured Sandman special effects, a rockin' performance from Motley Crue, and Adriana waving the checkered flag down a Kia runway. Quite impressive, if you ask us.

Audi scored big points with critics too, with a creative ad tapping into the Twilight vampire trend. Touting new brighter headlights (and a #SoLongVampires Twitter hashtag), the car company went the comedy route, using their LED bulbs to burn up bloodsuckers at a late night campfire. We're sure it got major LOLs from everyone who's tired of the Bella and Edward craze.

Pepsi went the celebrity route, with a fairy tale inspired spot that featured Elton John, Flavor Flav and X-Factor winner Melanie Amauro. Many critics gave them an A for effort, even if the commercial felt a bit bizarre and unintelligible. Met Life used some animated stars to push its 2012 insurance plans, including faves like Charlie Brown, Scooby Doo, and Richie Rich. Definitely a nice attempt for Saturday morning nostalgia lovers.

And as far as the worst commercials are concerned, NBC's ad for Season 2 of The Voice seemed to be overwhelmingly unoriginal. Betty White scored huge kudos for her 2010 Super Bowl Snickers commercial, but that was then and this is now. Bringing out the 90-year-old Golden Girl again felt a bit stale to us (even though there were some interesting Christina Aguilera kung fu scenes).

Career Builder also seemed a bit unimaginative with their post halftime spot. Utilizing the good old "chimps in business suits" gag, they played the primate card a little too hard. Is it us or do monkey jokes seem to just be a cheap laugh these days? Perhaps they should have taken a cue from Volkswagen and incorporated some Star Wars dogs instead.

What was your favorite Super Bowl commercial this year? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Adriana Lima, Audi, Betty White, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Career Builder, Chrsyler, Clint Eastwood, Commercials, Football, Hot Stuff, Kia, Met Life, Motley Crue, Pepsi, Sports, Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLVI, The Voice, Volkswagen

By Michael Lopez

Let the Super Bowl backlash begin! One day after the big game, New England fans are up in arms over comments made by Gisele Bundchen. The Brazilian beauty blamed the Patriot's loss on the team's receivers who failed to catch passes thrown by her hubby Tom Brady.

"You (have) to catch the ball when you're supposed to catch the ball," Gisele was overheard saying. "My husband cannot [expletive] throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time. I can't believe they dropped the ball so many times."

It seems Wes Welker, Deion Branch, and Aaron Hernandez may be the key figures she was referring to. All three of them dropped key passes and Welker, in particular, missed one that may have cost the team the game.

Regardless, we can certainly see why Pats fans are upset. Pointing fingers will certainly not build camaraderie in the locker room, even if Bundchen's comments were made off the record.

Do you think Gisele was wrong to make those comments? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, Football, Gisele Bündchen, NFL, Patriots, popnews, Sports, Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLVI, Tom Brady, Wes Welker

By Michael Lopez

No one can deny that the Patriots and the Giants delivered one hell of a Super Bowl battle this past Sunday. In what proved to be an incredibly close game, the teams kept it tense until the last second, with New York edging out New England with a 21-17 win. And one of our faves, Victor Cruz, proved to be an essential part of the Giants' victory.

Latinos expecting to see Victor's trademark salsa dance were not disappointed. The Giants' wide receiver scored the game's first touchdown, slanting by James Ihedigbo into the end zone. He then got the crowd at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium roaring when he broke out a few merengue moves.

But Latino fans rooting for New England got a major boost in the third quarter when tight end Aaron Hernandez scored a touchdown for the Patriots, putting them in the lead for a large portion of the game. Grabbing one of Tom Brady's razor-sharp passes, Hernandez got many NFL fans thinking the Giants were on their way out.

Then in the fourth quarter, things got intense again. Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker missed a vital catch with 3:46 left to play in the game. That gave New York possession and the opportunity to score the pivotal touchdown which won them the championship. Sure hardcore sports fans will be debating the play for ages, but if you ask us, it's all part of the game.

"It just feels great," Giants quarterback (and Super Bowl MVP) Eli Manning said after the win. "It was a great game with two great teams. We played to the very end. It was just a great effort on both sides. There were some big plays being made."

But for the hundred million viewers watching from around the world, Super Bowl XLVI was much more than a series of big plays. It was an experience. And one major component of it was the controversial Madonna halftime show. Many critics across the web lambasted the Material Girl for her "transparent" performance.

The L.A. Times criticized Madonna for putting too much emphasis on mediocre songs from her upcoming album and too little on her classic hits. But she did deliver a very precise show, choreographing every move to a science and throwing in familiar faces like Cee Lo Green and LMFAO to appeal to a wider audience.

Perhaps the most noteworthy moment was when M.I.A. stepped on the stage and flipped her middle finger to the NFL cam. Was it an artistic statement or a cheap vie for attention? We'll let you be the judge of that. But regardless, it all made for a memorable Bowl that we doubt fans will soon forget.

What did you think of this year's Super Bowl? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Aaron Hernandez, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cee Lo Green, Eli Manning, Football, Giants, Hot Stuff, LMFAO, M.I.A., Madonna, NFL, Patriots, Sports, Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLVI, Tom Brady, Victor Cruz, Wes Welker

By Michael Lopez

With over 100 million eyeballs watching this Sunday's Super Bowl, you can bet the wacky commercials will be coming fast and furious. Just like in previous years, you can expect dancing dogs, movie spoofs, and plenty of celebs popping in for cameos. And it's important to note that several big companies are adding Latino talent to their spots too.

Brazilian beauty Adriana Lima will be starring in two commercials during the big game, both of which will be highlighting her killer physique. One will supposedly test Lima's comedy chops as she tries to sell romance for Teleflora Flowers. And the other is attracting a ton of buzz for its wild sex appeal.

Adriana's Kia commercial features the Victoria's Secret babe waving a checkered flag and posing provocatively for the camera. It's also got her decked out in a bikini-esque silver outfit that highlights her rock hard tummy and perfect curves.

And Lima won't be the only sultry Latina making waves during the touchdown breaks. Tr3s fave Roslyn Sanchez will be featured in clips from her new movie Act Of Valor, which comes out later this month. Set in the hard-nosed world of Navy SEALS, Valor promises plenty of action in its 30-second teaser.

Film fans will also be treated to snippets from 2012 summer flicks like John Carter and G.I. Joe: Retaliation. And interestingly, another famous movie icon will be appearing too, only much older and driving a Honda CR-V.

Matthew Broderick has already stirred up a ton of buzz for his Super Bowl Ferris Bueller revival. The iconic slacker from 1986's Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is making a triumphant return and updating many of the classic jokes we know and love.

Volkswagen is hoping that "The Force" helps them move a few units during the big game. Capitalizing on the Star Wars saga (and the never-ending cuteness of howling dogs), the German car company put together a hilarious spot called "The Bark Side."

And those of you eager for another erotic GoDaddy commercial need not worry. The famous domain name company has assembled The Pussycat Dolls for their newest NFL promo. Just like Danica Patrick and Jillian Michael from Super Bowls past, the Dolls will be flossing revealing lingerie and tantalizing fans to "see more" on Daddy's homepage.

If you ask us, these 30-second goodies may wind up being more exciting than the game itself! We'll find out more when The Patriots meet The Giants Sunday afternoon.

What Super Bowl commercials are you most excited about? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Act of Valor, Adriana Lima, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Commercials, Ferris Bueller, Football, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, GoDaddy, John Carter, Matthew Broderick, NFL, Roslyn Sanchez, Star Wars, Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLVI, The Pussycat Dolls

By Michael Lopez

How does ace wide receiver Victor Cruz wind down before his big trip to the Super Bowl? With a few high spirited salsa classes in the heart of New York.

The Giants star has already become well known for his signature merengue moves after every touchdown. And this week he capitalized it, by teaching a few die-hard fans his famous steps at a New York sporting goods store.

And, as he told Yahoo News, Cruz (who is part Puerto Rican) is mighty proud of the salsa sensation he's helping to create.

"There was no celebratory dancing in high school," he said. "But once you get to the NFL, when you're young watching, you just want to have your own trademark stuff, so I'm fortunate to have something the fans can cling to. It's fun to do."

Interestingly, it's not just Victor who's making the most of the touchdown dance. Local merchants have created Cruz-inspired shirts, hats, and bobbleheads that sway to Latin beats.

Are you a fan of Cruz' salsa moves? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Football, New York Giants, NFL, Salsa, Sports, Super Bowl, Victor Cruz

By Michael Lopez

Sure Madonna is great and all, but what about those of us who like a little reggaeton during our football games? Not to worry, Don Omar and Larry Hernandez are hitting Indiana too, to perform at the pre-game Fan Jam.

Sponsored by the NFL and Pepsi, the Fan Jam is expected to build quite a bit of hype before "the big game." El Don and Larry will headline the event on February 1, four days before Sunday's Super Bowl kickoff.

And they won't be holding court just by themselves. Both Alejandra Guzman and Moderatto have agreed to participate in the show, which will be broadcast live for TV. The following day, Fan Jam will continue with performances from Gym Class Heroes and B.o.B.

The best part of all is, tickets for the concerts are absolutely free! If you ask us, that's a lot more economical than the price that the actual Super Bowl is charging. If you want to get a premium seat at Lucas Oil Stadium, it's going to cost you up to $3,000!

Have you ever been to a Super Bowl? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alejandra Guzman, B.o.B., Blogger: Michael Lopez, Don Omar, Football, Gym Class Heroes, Larry Hernandez, Música, Moderatto, NFL, Sports, Super Bowl, Super Bowl Fan Jam

By Michael Lopez

It seems like a few of the New York Jets are taking this losing season to heart. Though they played hard, the team failed to make the playoffs this year and now several unnamed players are pointing the finger directly at quarterback Mark Sanchez.

"We have to bring in another quarterback that will make him work at practice," an anonymous Jet told The New York Daily News. "He's lazy and content because he knows he's not going to be benched."

Of course Mark doesn't seem to believe the team's failures rest on his shoulders. In fact, in a recent interview, the Mexican-American QB claimed his football skills were "light years ahead" of his NFL contemporaries.

And at least two Jets agree with Sanchez' statement. Guard Matt Slauson and lineman Marcus Dixon both praised Mark's skills this season. But as far as the mystery players are concerned, a quarterback trade needs to happen quick.

Do you think Mark was to blame for the Jets' losing season? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, Football, Jets, Mark Sanchez, New York Jets, NFL, popnews, Sports

By Michael Lopez

Believe it or not, the Super Bowl is just one month away. And that means there's going to be a lot of football talk within the next 30 days. With the Playoffs kicking into gear this Saturday, we thought now would be a great time to reflect on the Latinos who may be walking away with the NFL's biggest prize on February 5.

Lots of eyes will be on the New York Giants this weekend as they take on the Atlanta Falcons. Both teams have some prominent Latinos in their ranks, including one of our faves, Victor Cruz. Known for his touchdown "salsa dances," Victor's a charismatic, dedicated receiver and clearly proud of his Puerto Rican roots.

It's important to note that the Falcons have a pretty prominent Hispanic on their front line too. Tony "Gonzo" Gonzalez is a role model for Dominican Americans and has actually broken the record for most receptions from a tight end. Though many gamblers are putting their money on New York, Saturday's battle could be anybody's game.

On Sunday, you can see a few more Latinos going head-to-head for Playoff glory. Manny Ramirez (no, not the disgraced Dodger, thank you very much) has been crushing heads as a Broncos lineman since January. A proud Mexican-American, he's not a guy you'd want to mess with on the field. Measuring 6'4" and weighing 330 lbs, he's prone to do so major damage during Denver's game against the Steelers.

On the flipside, Pittsburgh's Daniel Sepulveda has got a lot less weight, but a killer right foot. An ace Steelers punter for the past four years, Daniel's already earned one Super Bowl ring. And though he's currently on the injured list, we're sure he'll have plenty of Mexican-Americans from his hometown of Austin waving around those terrible towels.

Perhaps the most high-profile Latino to make the Playoffs this year is Houston Texan Jeff Garcia. One of the only Hispanic quarterbacks in the league, Jeff's fought long and hard to make his way to the show. Interestingly, he first joined the team last month after starting QB Matt Schaub got put on the injured list. And if there was ever a time for Garcia to prove himself, this is it!

Jeff's now in his early 40's and spent the last decade throwing passes for the Detroit Lions, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Half Mexican and half Irish, Garcia's always had pride in his Latino roots and contributed quite a bit of cash to Hispanic Scholarship Funds.

Millions will be watching the four big Playoff games this weekend. And we're keeping our fingers crossed that at least one Latino will walk away with a shiny Super Bowl trophy when it's all said and done.

Who are you rooting for in the NFL Playoffs? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Atlanta Falcons, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cincinnati Bengals, Cultura, Daniel Sepulveda, Denver Broncos, Football, Houston Texans, Jeff Garcia, Manny Ramirez, New York Giants, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers, Sports, Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLVI, Victor Cruz

By Michael Lopez

A while back, NY Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez described his "ideal woman." And if the latest gossip stories are correct, he may have now found her. It seems the eligible NFL bachelor is hooking up with Victoria’s Secret model, Kate Upton.

Known for her curvaceous figure and stunning blue eyes, Kate's modeled for brands like Dooney & Burke and Guess? But it's her lingerie poses for Victoria’s Secret that have gotten her the most attention. And they seem to have caught the attention of Mark too.

Sanchez has been spotted in Upton's apartment building on more than one occasion. But interestingly, the paparazzi have yet to get a shot of the two of them together. As of right now, they both seem to be going to great lengths to hide their romance from the public.

But tabloid detectives have found a definite link between the two. It seems that Kate's sister works for the Jets' client relations. Perhaps she's lending a hand in the player matchmaking department too.

Do you think Mark and Kate make a cute couple? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, Football, Kate Upton, Mark Sanchez, New York Jets, NFL, popnews, Sports, Victoria's Secret