From Putin to Rodman to Kobe's mom: one weird year

There was also a barking lineman, an Aussie Rules masquerade and that Brazilian masseur who decided to become a goalkeeper, Associated Press reports.

The story had all the elements of a Cold War thriller: a wealthy American businessman, Russian leadership at the highest levels, diplomatic intrigue and purloined jewels. Regrettably, there was no romantic subplot. But if the movie rights on this are ever sold, that will be an easy addition to the script.

The mystery of Robert Kraft's wayward Super Bowl ring was one of many odd places sports wandered into in 2013. Here are a few more: