[tps_header]To commemorate the death of James Gandolfini, we've put together five moments where Tony Soprano exerted his will on the sporting world. Gandolfini was tracically found dead of a suspected heart attack in a hotel room in Italy yesterday. Gandolfini won three Emmy awards playing the New Jersey mob boss over six seasons on David Chase's groundbreaking HBO show.[/tps_header]
1. Tony And Silvio Take Girl's Soccer Very Seriously
There are so many great things about this scene starting off with Tony shouting 'Brick Wall Baby, Brick Wall' after his daughter Meadow makes a save before reacting very sensitively to an innocuous remark from wife Carmela.
So typical of the ever gullible Artie Bucco to completely buy the soccer coach's 'next year' line.
2. Tony Intimidates Via Golf Buggy
Unhappy with Dr. John Kennedy not returning the calls of Uncle Junior who was worried after a bad reaction to chemotherapy, Tony Soprano and Furio 'Mr. Williams' Giunta drive onto the golf course for a an impromptu meeting with the doctor. Junior worshiped Kennedy mainly due to the fact that he was the namesake of the former US president.
3. Tony Meets New York Jets Head Coach Eric Mangini
2007 was a different time. Lehman Brothers and Bear Sterns were still 'thriving', Sean Kingson topped the charts and Eric Mangini was known as the 'Mangenius' after leading the Jets to the playoffs in his first season as Head Coach.
After his spell with the Cleveland Browns, Tony wouldn't even acknowledge him if he ever saw him in Mount Vesuvio again.
4. A.J. Comes Good Much To His Father's Delight
Tony is delighted as 'couch potata' Anthony Jr. recovers a fumble before getting up groggily.
http://youtu.be/5w55eqMw6U4
5.'Ralf's' Horse Wins But Tony Wants His Share Of The Profits
One of The Sopranos more psychotic gangsters, Ralph Cifaretto, buying a successful racehorse was one of key storylines in season four of the show. Tony becomes very attached to 'Pie-O-My' and effectively takes over ownership of the horse as the season goes on.
In this scene, Soprano hilariously claims a large share of the betting winnings here after Ralph used his successful betting strategies as opposed to those of his financial advisor who bet on the horse to finish in the top 3 ('show').
