Paul the Octopus, who baffled soccer fans with his ability to correctly pick the outcomes of World Cup games this summer, died in his tank Tuesday morning. He was 2 1/2 years old.
According to a spokeswoman from the aquarium where he lived, Paul died of natural causes.
He rose to prominence by picking the winners of all seven of Germany's World Cup games in addition to the World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands.
Here are a few more stories to help kick off your Tuesday:
BLACKBURN CLOSES IN ON SALE
An India-based ownership group is nearing a takeover of English Premier League club Blackburn, and reports suggest a sale could be finalized next month.
Blackburn was put up for sale two years ago, but the powers that be at Ewood Park had yet to find a suitor that matches their needs.
Venky's Group would be the first Indian owner in Premier League history.
BECKHAM INTENDS TO PLAY OUT GALAXY CONTRACT
In an interview with The Associated Press, David Beckham said that he plans to play out his Los Angeles Galaxy contract, which runs through the end of next season.
Beckham has an option that would allow him to buy out the final year of his contract and leave at the end of this season, but he does not intend to do that.
"I'm definitely going to be here for the rest of my contract," Beckham told the AP.
BALLACK SET FOR JANUARY COMEBACK
Bayer Levekusen midfielder Michael Ballack says that he'll return to the pitch in mid-January for the restart of the Bundesliga season.
Ballack, who missed the World Cup because of an ankle injury, was injured again in Leverkusen's match against Hannover 96 in September. He was diagnosed with a micro-fracture in his tibia, and although early reports suggested he would return next month, the injury turned out to be more serious than initially thought.
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Did Paul the Octopus help you win anything this summer? Think a new owner will help propel Blackburn to the top half of the Premier League table? Happy to hear that Beckham isn't going anywhere this offseason? Do you think Ballack can be a difference-maker in the Bundesliga?
Share your thoughts below.
paul is suuuch a BAD ah. not only does he predict the future, he does it with mad style. props to a life well lived
Paul just died in peace with hot coal.
Lol. Props on that one
Will Beckham exercise his right to buy a MLS club?
Me too!
I was thinking the same thing.
The real question is “Did Paul see his death coming?”
What you can’t support NYRB?
Anyone know what the typical life span of an octopus is?
OR
Someone took a Paul lookalike, killed it, then saved the real Paul so he could use it in secret.
At least thats what I wouldve done. And if Paul ever got on a bad streak(which may be the case here)..something bad could happen.
Paul is dead? sounds familiar.
ROFLMAO funny line of the week!
But I believe the reason he’s in Florida and in the US witness protection program is due to the fact that he’s going to expose England trying to buy votes for 2018 therefore giving Russia, Spain/Portugal & Holland/Belgium.
Paul faked his death and has been moved to Florida as part of the witness relocation program; he will be testifying in an international game fixing probe soon to be made public by Interpol.
Agreed! I think he’s been part of the planning process all along. It seems like a perfect fit since LA and NY are his two favorite cities in the United States.
I think I’m going to eat some fried octopus for lunch today. I suddenly have a craving for it.
ceviche for everyone!
lol!
I see what you did there.
Gottes Segen Paul.
shouldn’t today’s headline be “mourning” ticker?
Newcastle interest in a Landon Donovan loan? Maybe he can squeeze a purchase option out of it.
wikileaks is all over this… they’ll find the truth
Like! I have a feeling that once The Cosmos come back into the league, I will finally have a favorite team in the MLS!
it was……………muuuurder?
Are you implying that Paul wasn’t assassinated? Don’t worry Paul, the truth will come out soon enough.
+1
Seriously. I’m surprised by how sad this news made me.
Seth – thanks
Ives – fix your dunord link. He’s at
dunord.blogspot.com
The other one seems to have expired. This one was updated last night
I guess they’re pissed they didn’t sell him to that other Zoo now!
Funny that he never saw that comming!
Was he delicious?
Ives – what’s up with DuNord? Is he going to get back online?
I’m squeezing lemons and mixing tartar sauce in his honor.
Beckham in as part-owner of Cosmos in 2012 or 2013.
RIP Paul 🙁
R.I.P. my friend.
The Bookies are celebrating the death of their worst enemy in Man`s Existence,..Paul
(pouring one out for my boy Paul)
20$ ballack re-inures himself within a month back