Alexander sidelined, Madden curse to blame?

By James Ransom-Wiley

With word that Madden 07 cover athlete Shaun Alexander has sustained a left foot fracture, sidelining the Seahawk star for at least two weeks, comes renewed speculation about the existence of a 'Madden curse.' Indeed, since 2000, when EA began featuring athletes on the Madden cover, a series of unfortunate events, in varying degrees, has befallen the stars who allegedly risk their careers for EA's "dirty" money.

Here's a brief history of the curse:

  • 2000 – Barry Sanders abruptly retires before training camp (was he warned of the impending curse?)
  • 2000 – Dorsey Levens is cut by Green Bay the following season
  • 2001 – Eddie George enjoys career year, until costly turnover leads to Titan's playoff exit
  • 2002 – Daunte Culpepper leads team to dismal 4–7 record before season-ending knee injury
  • 2003 – Marshall Faulk suffers ankle injury; career diminishes thereafter
  • 2004 – Michael Vick fractures right fibula in preseason game, just one day after Madden is released; sidelined for season
  • 2005 – Ray Lewis fails to post a single interception (after grabbing 6 the previous year), and injury forces him to miss the final game of the season; the Ravens also fail to make the playoffs after winning the division in the 2003–2004 season
  • 2006 – Donovan McNabb suffers sports hernia in first game and undergoes season-ending surgery in November; T.O. feud escalates; Eagles finish 6–10 after reaching the Super Bowl the previous year
  • 2007 – Shaun Alexander fractures left foot in Week 3 ...

[Thanks, Shadyrudy]

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