You know that movie Sliding Doors? The one with Gwyneth Paltrow before she became famous? Yeah, well me neither really, but I do see it whenever I'm at Blockbuster. Anyway, from looking at the cover, reading the back of the box, and looking at the cover again, it seems the movie is about how the decisions we make can effect the future in profound ways. Like if you are running late, and therefore miss your subway train, and then meet the love of your life while waiting for the next one. Or something like that. Really, I've never seen it. I promise.

So, without further ado, I give you a few moments in time that could have occurred that would have impacted the sports landscape beyond your wildest imagination. Well, maybe not beyond your wildest imagination -- that's just irresponsible, empty hyperbole. So I'll just try to guess what would have happened instead.

Here goes...

Ricky Williams develops asthma at age 18.  Always at the ready with an inhaler in his pocket, the college freshman is overheard saying "I say nope to dope" at his first party at the University of Texas. Presumably because smoking exacerbates his condition.
-In the year 2005, Ricky Williams leads the NFL in rushing through 13 games with 1902 yards and 21 TDs.

At the eleventh hour, Gary Bettman and the NHL players union reach an agreement. On September 15, 2004 the two factions make enough concessions to ensure the season will take place.
-In the year 2005, all the fans who fervently followed the saga remenisce. All 12 of them.

"With the 2nd pick of the 1984 NBA Draft, the Portland Trailblazers select Michael Jordan." Ignoring their need for a low-post presence, the Blazers front office decides they cannot pass on this electrifying athlete.
-In the year 2005, Sam Bowie is not the answer to a trivia question.

Roy Williams really doesn't "give a #### about Carolina." Kansas coach Roy Williams resists taking over at his alma-mater and stays with the Jayhawks. While at home after getting upset in the first round by Bucknell, Roy watches as George Karl leads UNC to a National Championship.
-In the year 2005, Roy Williams is addicted to Percocet.

In 1992 Victor Conte is found guilty of racketeering in conjunction with three known mafia henchmen. BALCO Labs is never founded and steroid abuse in Major League Baseball is nothing more than a potential problem area.
-In the year 2005, Barry Bonds finishes the season just 6 HRs shy of passing Chili Davis for 71st on the all-time list.

On October 2, 1996 Lance Armstrong receives a negative diagnosis. Going in for his usual check-up, Lance's doctor finds no signs of any cancerous growths and declares him physically sound. He is never inspired to become anything more than an average cyclist.
-In the year 2005, Lance Armstrong has twice as many testicles as he does today.

Gloria James marries a wealthy octogenarian. No longer financially destitute, she enrolls her young son, LeBron, in private school and signs him up for fencing lessons. He becomes a real-life Carlton Banks and scoffs at that basket sport.
-In the year 2005, the Cleveland Cavaliers count on Luke Jackson to take them to the playoffs.

Matt Leinart enters the 2005 NFL Draft. After winning the national title, Leinart is a lock to be picked first and makes it official. At USC, Reggie Bush takes advantage of his departure and wins the starting QB job in the spring. Bush gets the ball in his hands every snap and accounts for 6147 all purpose yards and 43 total touchdowns on the season.
-In the year 2005, the Heisman Trophy is renamed Whatever the Hell Reggie Bush Wants To Call This.

It is said that even a butterfly beating its wings can cause a tsunami across the world. So just try to imagine how different the sports world as we currently know it would be if even half these events had taken place. Or maybe just two or three. Hell, maybe just the Leinart one. That one seems kind of plausible.