The Sports Xchange: 49ers clinch playoff bid, say goodbye to 'Stick

By Art Spander
The Sports Xchange

SAN FRANCISCO — Maybe it wasn't the last goodbye. 

Maybe the San Francisco 49ers, if circumstances are ideal, will hold a playoff game at Candlestick Park, a second farewell. 

Regardless, the 49ers made a bit of history in their regular-season finale at the old stadium, beating the Atlanta Falcons 34-24 to clinch a spot in the playoffs. 

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Copyright © 2013 The Sports Xchange

Newsday (N.Y.): Coordinator Vic Fangio has 49ers' defense near top of NFL

By Art Spander
Special to Newsday

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- He has a voice that has been described as both piercing and maniacal. He carries the nickname "Lord" from when he was an assistant at Stanford. He leaves messages on his voicemail at the office just before he falls asleep or if he wakes up in the middle of the night with a thought.

Vic Fangio is coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers' defense, which was the NFL's third best during the regular season and is the best of the four remaining teams in Sunday's conference championship games. The 49ers play the Falcons in Atlanta for the NFC title.

Read the full story here.

Copyright © 2013 Newsday. All rights reserved.

RealClearSports: Vick Not Wasting His Second Chance

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

We find satisfaction in realizing what Michael Vick can do. After finding revulsion in learning what he did.

He moves forward, with remarkable skill, a brilliant talent. We move on. And yet ...

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© RealClearSports 2010