My First Blog: 2010

Friday, December 31, 2010

Charlie Weis Reportedly Could Be Next Florida Offensive Coordinator

Charlie Weis has been offered the job of offensive coordinator at Florida under new head coach Will Muschamp and is likely to accept it, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Weis is currently the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, one of the surprise teams in the NFL this season, but reports indicate Chiefs head coach Todd Haley would be fine with losing Weis.

Weis has also been the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets and New England Patriots.

His lone stint in college came as a head coach, from 2005-2009 at Notre Dame. He went 19-6 in his first two seasons as the Irish coach, but stumbled mightily the following season at 3-9. He went 13-12 in the last two seasons before being fired in favor of current Irish coach Brian Kelly.

If this report ends up being true, Weis would join Muschamp with Florida after the Gators complete their current season under Urban Meyer's group of coaches. Weis would be replacing Steve Addazio as OC, who left to take the head job at Temple.

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/12/31/charlie-weis-reportedly-next-florida-oc/

Phoenix Coyotes San Jose Sharks Boston Celtics

Maxim Lapierre Traded to Anaheim

Filed under: Canadiens, Ducks

While it's easy to get lost in the Winter Classic madness, there are still 28 other teams in the NHL doing business and playing games. On Friday, the Montreal Canadiens traded agitating forward Maxim Lapierre to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Brett Festerling and a fifth-round pick in the 2012 draft.

Lapierre, 25, has five goals and three assists for Montreal this season and plays a physical role as an agitator always looking to stir up some trouble and get under the skin of his opponents. He usually succeeds. His addition to an Anaheim roster that is already a chippy and physical team, currently second in the NHL in penalty minutes with 626, makes the Ducks even more annoying and frustrating to play against.

With Lapierre on the roster, the Ducks now have three of the top-30 most penalized players in the NHL with he, Corey Perry and George Parros.

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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/12/31/maxim-lapierre-traded-to-anaheim/

Cleveland Cavaliers Detroit Pistons Indiana Pacers

Raymond Felton Playing Big, Loving Life With Knicks in NYC

Filed under: Bobcats, Knicks, Magic

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Raymond Felton hasn't exactly embraced the big city lifestyle yet -- his favorite lunch stop is still the Waffle House -- but he has fallen in love with his New York Knicks.

He may have grown up in the small town of Marion, S.C., played his college ball in Chapel Hill, N.C, then spent the first five years of his NBA career in small-market Charlotte, but there is no going back now.

After two months on the job, Felton is ready to turn his two-year contract into 12.

"I think now, I've found my home. I've found it. I'd love to spend the rest of my career in New York,'' Felton told FanHouse Wednesday after a light workout. "When this contract ends, hopefully we'll work out another one.''

While all the attention and most of the accolades for the rise of the Knicks have fallen on center Amar'e Stoudemire, it is the other free agent addition -- the mostly overlooked one -- who has been almost as key and a much bigger surprise.

Coming to New York to play for coach Mike D'Antoni has transformed Felton from an average-at-best point guard into one of the best in the league, a potential All-Star and a leader on one of the league's most pleasant surprises.

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/12/29/raymond-felton-playing-big-loving-life-with-knicks-in-nyc/

New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers Arizona Cardinals *

Tony Kanaan Signs With DeFerran Dragon Racing for 2011 IndyCar Season

Filed under: IRL, Indianapolis 500

In the second major IZOD IndyCar Series team announcement in the last week, de Ferran Dragon Racing named 2004 series champ Tony Kanaan to drive its No. 2 car for the 2011 season.

Kanaan, one of the most popular drivers in the series (shown above with his three-year-old son, Leonardo), parted ways with Andretti Autosport at the end of the season when his car's primary sponsor, 7-Eleven, withdrew its funding of the car.

The new job unites Kanaan, 35, with fellow Brazilian and longtime friend, team co-owner Gil de Ferran, a two-time former CART champion and the 2003 Indy 500 winner. Legendary owner Roger Penske's son, Jay Penske, and Steve Luczo are also owners of the three-year-old team, which is still looking for its first IndyCar victory.

"We are still young and developing and Tony is a big addition,'' said de Ferran, who joined Kanaan in their native Brazil for the announcement on Monday. "I have no doubt he will bring speed and determination but he'll also help us shortcut a lot of the development process.

"This news certainly clarifies that we are serious in our intention to become a major force in series.''

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Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2010/12/20/tony-kanaan-signs-with-deferran-dragon-racing-for-2011-indycar-s/

Miami Dolphins New England Patriots New York Jets

A Year After Scandal, Tiger Finds His Rhythm -- and Fans -- at Chevron

Filed under: PGA, Sports Business and Media

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - The sun was shining, the Southern California air was crisp, gaggles of paunchy men in cargo shorts and golf shirts were clapping - and Tiger Woods was atop the leaderboard. It almost felt like, well, anytime before a certain driveway car crash turned Woods' life upside down a little over 12 months ago.

The atmosphere here at Sherwood Country Club, home of the $5 million Chevron World Challenge, was certainly more upbeat than it was a year ago. Back then, Woods was in hiding and the speculation about his extra-marital affairs was just tipping into outright mania. He skipped this tournament, which benefits his charitable foundation, and his absence cast a pall over the event - even if it did inspire some entertaining conversations among fans.

Woods was again the main topic of discussion at Sherwood on Friday, but for an entirely different reason: his play. The 34-year-old golfer, who has not won a tournament this year, shot an eagle on the second hole, part of a six-under-par round that extended his lead atop the 18-player field. He's now four strokes ahead of Graeme McDowell and five over Luke Donald and Rory McIlory, the 21-year-old phenom from Northern Ireland who was Woods' playing partner on Friday.

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Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2010/12/03/a-year-after-scandal-tiger-finds-his-rhythm-and-fans-at-c/

St. Louis Blues Anaheim Ducks Dallas Stars

Houapeu hopes to complete Africa to MLS journey

Levi Houapeu is ready for his next challenge ? becoming a professional soccer player in MLS. He?s come too far to give up now.

Born and raised in the Ivory Coast, Houapeu moved to Germantown, Md., when he was 12. A strong high school career in the D.C. suburbs preceded college at the University of Maryland (Baltimore County) campus.

Source: http://www.dcunited.com/news/2010/12/houapeu-hopes-to-complete-africa-to-mls-journey

Boston Bruins Buffalo Sabres Montreal Canadiens

Jaguars Place David Garrard on Injured Reserve

Filed under: Jaguars

It's been an extremely bad two weeks for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Rewind the calendar to Dec. 19 and the Jaguars simply needed a win against the Colts to virtually wrap up the AFC South title. Now the Jaguars head into Sunday needing a win against the Texans, a Colts' loss against the woeful Titans, and the knowledge that they'll have to do it without their starting quarterback.

David Garrard was placed on injured reserve on Thursday after surgery to repair an injured finger. The Jaguars will have to rely on backup Trent Edwards (who they picked up off waivers from the Bills this year) for both this week's game and any possible playoff games. Jacksonville will also likely be without its offense's best player, as Maurice Jones-Drew is expected to be out again with a knee injury.

Garrard's trip to the injured reserve is a disappointing finish to what had shaped up to be a solid season for the veteran quarterback. Garrard was putting together the second best season of his nine-year career, only topped by his 2007 performance where he threw 18 touchdowns and only three interceptions while leading Jacksonville to the second round of the AFC playoffs.

Now there are questions about Garrard's future in Jacksonville. Considering his poor end to the season, there is some speculation that Garrard's time in Jacksonville could be over. But considering the difficulty of acquiring a franchise quarterback, it's hard to see how Jacksonville could find a better one than Garrard for the 2011 season.

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/12/31/jaguars-place-david-garrard-on-injured-reserve/

Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles Lakers Phoenix Suns

Harmon Killebrew Diagnosed With Cancer

Filed under: Twins, MLB Hall of Fame

Harmon Killebrew has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, the Hall of Famer announced Thursday.

Killebrew, 74, released a statement through the Twins and the Hall of Fame saying he has begun treatment at the Mayo Clinic.

"While my condition is very serious, I have confidence in my doctors and the medical staff and I anticipate a full recovery," the statement read in part.

Killebrew had a 22-year major league career and played all but his final season with the same franchise. He broke in with the Washington Senators in 1954 as an 18-year-old and had established himself as a regular by the time the franchise moved to Minnesota for the 1961 season.

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/12/30/harmon-killebrew-diagnosed-with-cancer/

Kansas City Chiefs * Oakland Raiders * San Diego Chargers *

Dempsey wins award for top American export

The editorial staff at MLSsoccer.com is looking back over the year with our "Best of 2010" awards, running Dec. 13 through Jan. 2. Each day we'll hand out an award from a variety of categories culled from the storylines of Major League Soccer and the North American soccer scene.

Former New England Revolution and current Fulham star Clint Dempsey ran away with the Export of the Year, recognizing the American who made the biggest waves outside the United States.

Source: http://www.dcunited.com/news/2010/12/dempsey-wins-award-for-top-american-export

Ottawa Senators Toronto Maple Leafs New Jersey Devils

MLB 2010 in Review: Best of the Rest

All this week, the FanHouse staff is looking back at the most significant baseball storylines of 2010. Our top stories are linked below, but there were many more high and low points...

Hot Streaks

o. Troy Tulowitzki hit four home runs in 40 games between June 7 and Sept. 2, missing nearly six weeks during that span with a broken wrist. Suffice to say, there were no indications at that point that he was about to break out in an otherworldly power surge. From Sept. 3 to Sept. 18, Tulowitzki mashed 14 home runs and amassed 31 RBI. Four times during that span, he hit a pair of homers in a game. Throw in four doubles and a triple and his slugging percentage for that 15-game stretch was a tidy 1.164. Interestingly, 10 of those games came against teams in playoff contention (the Padres and Reds), but Tulowitzki didn't draw a single intentional walk during his run.

o. Perhaps Tulowitzki was just trying to outdo his teammate Carlos Gonzalez, who had an impressive streak end the day before Tulo's began. Gonzalez collected at least one extra-base hit in 10 consecutive games from Aug. 24-Sept. 2 -- four doubles, two triples and six homers. His slugging percentage during that time was an absurd 1.257.

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/12/31/mlb-2010-in-review-best-of-the-rest/

New Jersey Devils New York Islanders New York Rangers

North Carolina vs. Tennessee: Music City Bowl 2010

Filed under: Tennessee, UNC, ACC, SEC, Bowl Games

The North Carolina Tar Heels (7-5) and Tennessee Volunteers (6-6) will meet for the first time since 1961 at the Music City Bowl, slated for LP Field in Nashville on Dec. 30 at 6:40 p.m. ET.

There's irony in this matchup, as Tennessee dropped North Carolina from its schedule in 2011 and 2012, paying $750,000 to buy out the schools' deal. The goal was to make the Vols' schedule easier, but the decision was met with criticism from Vols fans. As a result, Tennessee AD Mike Hamilton pushed Music City Bowl officials to invite North Carolina.

The Vols were staring at a 2-6 start, but closed the season with a four-game winning streak.

The Tar Heels were expected to compete for an ACC title this year, but scandal led to the NCAA declaring four players permanently ineligible, most prominently defensive tackle Marvin Austin.

Senior T.J. Yates, who posted a stellar 67.6 completion percentage this year, will attempt to lead North Carolina to a bowl win despite the tumult. He'll be matched across the field by Vols quarterback Tyler Bray (pictured), who stepped in for Matt Simms after the 2-6 start and sparked that season-ending winning streak with 12 touchdowns over four games.

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/12/30/north-carolina-vs-tennessee-music-city-bowl/

Los Angeles Kings Phoenix Coyotes San Jose Sharks

LaMichael James to Return to Oregon

Filed under: Oregon

LaMichael James will skip the 2011 NFL Draft and return to school for his junior season, the University of Oregon announced Thursday.

James is coming off a season in which he finished third in Heisman voting after rushing for 1,682 yards -- only 40 short of Jonathan Stewart's school record. With 3,228 career yards at the school, he's 68 yards behind Derek Loville's mark.

"I came to the University of Oregon to get a quality education as well as to play football, and feel I have yet to complete that goal," James said.

There's been speculation that labor uncertainty and the potential strike in the NFL in 2011 could be influencing college players' decisions about whether to declare professional eligibility or stay in school.

Oregon will play in the BCS championship game against Auburn on Jan. 10.

Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/12/30/lamichael-james-returning-to-oregon-in-2011/

Real Salt Lake San Jose Earthquakes Seattle Sounders FC

Senior standouts Farfan, Soares sign with MLS

NEW YORK ? A few major names from the senior class in the college ranks have signed with MLS, the league announced on Wednesday.

Michael Farfan, the talented attacking midfielder from the University of North Carolina, and a AJ Soares, a big centerback from Cal, have agreed to contracts with MLS and will head to Ft. Lauderdale for next month's MLS Combine.

They will be joined by two of Farfan's Tar Heels teammates, defender Jalil Anibaba and midfielder Stephen McCarthy, who have also signed with the league.

Source: http://www.dcunited.com/news/2010/12/senior-standouts-farfan-soares-sign-with-mls

Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers New Orleans Saints

Onstad retires, will take DC coaching spot

One of the preeminent figures of Major League Soccer goalkeeping called it a career on Tuesday, as longtime San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo stalwart Pat Onstad announced his retirement after seven seasons in the league.

Onstad, who will turn 43 next month, will join the D.C. United coaching staff as the goalkeepers coach. The Dynamo did not pick up the option on Onstad?s contract following the 2010 season, and no MLS team took a shot on the three-time MLS Cup winner in the ensuing Re-Entry Draft.

Source: http://www.dcunited.com/news/2010/12/onstad-retires-will-take-dc-coaching-spot

Indianapolis Colts * Jacksonville Jaguars Tennessee Titans *

Five-Step Drop: Boise's Costly Loss

by Mark Hasty

Filed under: Baylor, Boise State, Illinois, Southern Miss, Utah, Washington State, WAC, General CFB Insanity, Bowl Games, Sports Business and Media

FanHouse's college football staff provides you with a personal quarterback. We do the primary and secondary reads for you so you can properly start your day.

1. When Boise State lost to Nevada on Nov. 26, everyone knew the loss cost the Broncos and the WAC a large sum of money. The New York Times stopped to figure out how much: $8 million. "The Rose Bowl, like other Bowl Championship Series games, touts a per-team payout of $17 million," Times reporter John Branch writes. "For teams like Boise State and others in one of the five conferences without an automatic bid, the payout is $12 million, Benson said. Boise State figured to gain $3 million, the other WAC teams would have split $5 million, and the four other second-tier conferences would have split $4 million." Branch also notes that Boise State coach Chris Petersen would have earned a $125,000 bonus for making it to a BCS game. If you want to say kicker Kyle Brotzman lost the game for the Broncos, that's your prerogative, but I'd suggest you read this book, which will change your mind like it did mine when I read it years ago. And if you're too good to read a 22-year-old book, you deserve to think Brotzman lost the game for BSU.

2. Meanwhile Utah, Boise State's opponent in the MAACO Bowl, is considering a new social media policy after one of its players turned to Twitter to taunt the Broncos. Utes receiver DeVonte Christopher tweeted, "I can't wait to get out here wit these Boise State or should I say Girlse State they a bunch of cheerleaders...lol." Coach Kyle Whittingham said he and Christopher had had "several conversations" about Christopher's ill-considered tweet. "Girlse?" Seriously? Bet they've never heard that before.

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/12/22/five-step-drop-boises-costly-loss/

Minnesota Vikings Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers

24/7 Penguins Capitals Episode 3: The First Meeting

Filed under: Capitals, Penguins, Eastern, Winter Classic

The third installment of HBO's "24/7 Penguins/Capitals" focused on the first meeting of the season between the two long-time rivals, as well as early preperations at Heinz Field for the Winter Classic and a number of experiences with players and coaches for the Christmas holiday.

Here are some of the highlights...

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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/12/29/24-7-penguins-capitals-episode-3/

Houston Dynamo Los Angeles Galaxy Real Salt Lake

Nebraska vs. Washington: Holiday Bowl

Filed under: Nebraska, Washington, Big 12, Pac 10, Bowl Games

The Nebraska Cornhuskers (10-3) will face the Washington Huskies (6-6) for the second time this season. This time it will be in the Holiday Bowl, in San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium, at 10 p.m. ET Thursday, Dec. 30.

The first time the two teams met was all the way back on Sept. 18 and it was a massacre in favor of Nebraska, 56-21. Huskers quarterback Taylor Martinez destroyed Washington to the tune of 137 yards and three touchdowns on the ground while throwing for another 150 yards and a touchdown. His counterpart, heavily hyped Jake Locker, completed only 4-of-20 passes for 71 yards while throwing two interceptions.

This time around, the momentum is a bit different. Washington enters having won three straight, while No. 17 Nebraska has dropped two of three.

Locker has battled injuries for some part of 2010, but comes in with a hot hand, having thrown for 463 yards and three touchdowns in the final two games. He'll likely need a big game to keep up with Nebraska. For the season, he's thrown for 2,209 yards and 17 TDs against nine interceptions. He's also run for 302 yards and five touchdowns.

The Huskers bring in a stellar three-headed monster of a rushing attack. Martinez has run for 942 yards (6.4 per carry) and 12 touchdowns, Roy Helu has 1,211 yards (6.8 per carry) and 11 touchdowns while Rex Burkhead has 912 yards (5.7 per carry) and seven touchdowns. Martinez, a freshman, has also thrown for over 1,500 yards and nine touchdowns.

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/12/30/nebraska-vs-washington-holiday-bowl/

Arizona Cardinals * St. Louis Rams * San Francisco 49ers

Rays Reportedly Eyeing Brian Fuentes

Filed under: Rays, MLB Rumors, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Free Agency

The Rays have seen several everyday players and most of their bullpen depart this winter, but they may be close to making an addition at last.

Tampa Bay is "very interested" in free agent lefty Brian Fuentes, the St. Petersburg Times reports. The 35-year-old would step in as the Rays' closer, replacing the departed Rafael Soriano.

It's a bit surprising to see the Rays seriously involved with a reliever who likely will demand a hefty contract (albeit not as hefty as the one Soriano has yet to secure) given their financial limitations. Then again, they already have shaved tens of millions from their payroll compared to 2010 with Soriano, Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, Dan Wheeler, Jason Bartlett, Joaquin Benoit, Randy Choate and Dioner Navarro off the books.

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/12/30/rays-reportedly-eyeing-brian-fuentes/

FC Dallas Houston Dynamo Los Angeles Galaxy

ESPNEWS Anchor Will Selva Plucks Column for Lead to Highlights

by Milton Kent

Filed under: Lakers, Spurs, Sports Business and Media

In his lead-in to narration of the highlights to Tuesday's San Antonio-Los Angeles game, ESPNEWS anchor Will Selva advised Lakers fans not to worry about the team's loss to Miami in the much ballyhooed Christmas Day meeting with Miami. Instead, they'd be better served, Selva said, being concerned with the Spurs.

It was an interesting thought. Too bad someone else had already expressed it.

Nearly word for word, Selva used the lead of a column written by Kevin Ding of the Orange County Register to advance the game. Think not? Here are the first three sentences of Ding's piece:

Christmas isn't over yet, Lakers fans. The big game, it turns out, will be the game after the supposed Game of the Year. In San Antonio on Tuesday night, the Lakers will be out to give themselves and their fans the much-needed gift of hope.

Here's a transcript of Selva's lead to the highlights:

Christmas isn't over yet, Lakers fans. The big game, it turns out, is the game after the supposed Game of the Year. In San Antonio on Tuesday night, the Lakers were out to give themselves and their fans the much needed gift of hope.

More Coverage: ESPNEWS Anchor Suspended for Plagiarism

Save for a couple of verb tenses, Selva's lead sounds identical to what Ding wrote. And Ding thought so, too. In a blog post, Ding noted the sensation of returning to his hotel room after the game and hearing what he had written coming through the TV, without receiving credit for having written it.

"Honestly, it wasn't my best lead, come to think of it. Sorry about that, Will. Unbelievable," wrote Ding.

We're awaiting comment from ESPN .

Oddly enough, the half-hour ended with a segment called, "No, He Didn't."

We couldn't make that up.

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/12/29/espnews-anchor-will-selva-plucks-column-for-lead-to-highlights/

Chicago Fire Columbus Crew D.C. United

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's Holiday Party for disadvantaged youth

D.C. United spent the ninth day of the "10 Days of Giving" campaign by heading to Capitol Hill for Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's Annual Holiday Party for disadvantaged youth. D.C. United staff and supporters entertained the guests, served lunch, and provided resources to make the party possible. This was the Black-and-Red's fifth consecutive year of participation in the event. Representatives from DC public schools and non-profit organizations were also in attendance.

Source: http://www.dcunited.com/news/2010/12/congresswoman-eleanor-holmes-nortons-holiday-party-for-disadvantaged-youth

Memphis Grizzlies New Orleans Hornets San Antonio Spurs

Maryland's Brenda Frese, Family Tackle Son's Leukemia Head-On

by Milton Kent

Filed under: Women's Basketball, Sports Business and Media

BALTIMORE -- Four months from now, Brenda Frese would relish the chance to devise a game plan for her Maryland team to bring the Connecticut women's basketball team's vaunted Division I record winning streak to an end, if it hasn't ended by then.

But on a chilly Wednesday morning -- the day after the Huskies won their 89th straight game to pass the UCLA men's team of the 1970s -- Frese's most intricate strategy of the day was getting her 2-year-old son, Tyler Thomas, quiet enough to get attached to an intravenous tube in an examination room of the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Oncology Center.

A container of cereal proved to do the trick for Tyler to settle in to accept the chemotherapy that helps him battle the leukemia running through his little body.

Frese's Terps, off to a 10-1 start, have the mix of talented veterans and the No. 2 freshman class to play deep into March. At moments like these, though, where her son's life hangs in the balance, Frese can be forgiven for placing basketball off to the side.

"We all can get tunnel vision in our day-to-day, our work, our jobs," Frese said. "There's such a bigger meaning and so many other things going on. I'm constantly reminded of that when I walk in here and see so many sick people with worse situations than our own. You get the perspective of not taking any single day for granted."

"Our win is about beating leukemia."

Tyler has come a long way -- figuratively and literally -- since Sept. 28, when, in a whirlwind five hours, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a form of cancer where the body produces an abnormally large number of white blood cells.

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Source: http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2010/12/24/marylands-brenda-frese-family-tackle-sons-leukemia-head-on/

Phoenix Coyotes San Jose Sharks Boston Celtics

Rod Buskas, Kris King Fight During Outdoor Game In Las Vegas: Video

Filed under: NHL Fans, NHL Fights, NHL Videos, Winter Classic

Here's a nice bit of randomness for your Thursday morning. In September, 1991, the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings played an outdoor exhibition game in the parking lot of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, a game that the Rangers ultimately won by a 5-2 margin. It was an outdoor game -- even if it didn't count in the standings -- played nearly two decades before any Winter Classic, and even before the Montreal-Edmonton Heritage Classic in 2003.

The game, played in temperatures as warm as 80 degrees, also featured a nice lengthy fight between Kings enforcer Rod Buskas and Kris King of the Rangers.

For your enjoyment, here is that fight, which seems to be one of the few videos online of this easily forgettable exhibition game...

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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/12/30/rod-buskas-kris-king-fight-during-outdoor-game-in-las-vegas-vi/

Phoenix Suns Sacramento Kings Dallas Mavericks

SBI's Top 5 USMNT Goals of 2010

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SoccerByIves/~3/imX4g9eQaZs/top-5-usmnt-goals-of-2010.html

Florida Panthers Tampa Bay Lightning Washington Capitals

Seeking First Win of 2010, Tiger Woods Shoots 4-Under 68, Leads by Four Strokes

Filed under: PGA

The Tiger comeback is looking better by the day.

The world's most famous - and scandalized - golfer, who has not won a tournament in more than a year, continued his stellar play in the third round of the Chevron World Challenge in Thousand Oaks, Calif., shooting four-under-par to maintain his four-stroke advantage over U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell.

On a cool, windy day at Sherwood Country Club, Woods had two bogeys during the round - he has just three through 54 holes, fewest in the field - but saved several holes with excellent putts for par, and heads into Sunday at 17-under par.

"I'm excited about tomorrow because of the way I'm playing," said Woods, who has never lost a tournament that he's led by at least three shots going into the final round.

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Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2010/12/04/seeking-first-win-of-2010-tiger-woods-shoots-4-under-68-leads/

Western Conference Calgary Flames Colorado Avalanche

Golf's Power Shifting From U.S. to Europe; PGA Tour Feeling the Heat

Filed under: PGA, European Tour

The Europeans' recent domination of men's professional golf in 2010 is going be an ongoing topic heading into next season.

You know the reasons. England's Lee Westwood is the world's new No. 1. The Europeans have seven of the world's top 11 players compared to four Americans. Europe won the Ryder Cup. Young stars Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Martin Kaymer of Germany are declining to play full time in the U.S. next year, committing to the European Tour.

More and more Americans are making appearances overseas -- at the expense of PGA Tour events.

"The golf courses and the tournaments and the players on the European Tour are definitely catching up to us," admitted PGA Tour veteran Billy Mayfair.

In golf's big picture, could that be a good thing?

Hall of Famer Greg Norman, who has proven to know a lot about business success, believes it.

"I think it's great for golf, to tell you the truth," Norman said. "When I was overseas and all this was taking place with the change in the No. 1 player in the world and the Europeans winning the Ryder Cup, I thought, you know, this is just the shot in the arm that the game of golf needs."

Golf has seen similar shifts before. The Americans owned the world game with Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Lee Trevino. Europe followed with Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros and Ian Woosnam, to hold an upper hand in the 1980s and early '90s. Then the American regained control.

"Now it's swinging back again," Norman said.

What's interesting, however, is how many of the young Americans see the power shift.

Or, actually, how they do not see it.

"I can't speak for anybody else, but for me personally, I see them as people," Bubba Watson said. "I don't see them as Europeans or from other countries. I just see them as golfers.

"Some guys beat me, who cares where they're from. I'm from Baghad, Fla,. Nobody is around going, 'You're from a weird place,' you know. So I just see it as some great golfers beat me no matter where they come from."

If Norman's predictions are true, Watson might be wise to pay just a bit more attention.

While visiting China recently, Norman was asked to address the Tourism and Golf Forum.

"They want 30 million golfers in China in the next years, and there's three million now," Norman said. "When you think there's 24, 25 million golfers in the United States and it's been that number for decades and decades, imagine when China comes online in 20 years down the line.

"And then when China comes online, you've already got the Koreans doing extremely well. The development of the game of golf in Malaysia and Indonesia and Vietnam and Cambodia, to a degree, is just starting to skyrocket. And then you bring in India.

"So you got pretty much 50 percent of the world's population just starting to get into the game of golf. So when you start looking out into the future, it's extremely healthy. "

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Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2010/12/14/golfs-power-shifting-from-u-s-to-europe-pga-tour-feeling-the/

New York Red Bulls Philadelphia Union Toronto FC

Nickey Van Exel, Son of Former NBA Star Nick Van Exel, Charged With Murder

Filed under: Hawks, Lakers, Mavericks, Nuggets, Spurs, Warriors, NBA Police Blotter

Nickey Van Exel, the 20-year-old son of former NBA great Nick Van Exel, is being held on $1 million bond after being charged with one count of capital murder in Dallas, according to police.

Van Exel is being held on the felony count of murdering Bradley Bassey Eyo, described by police as a close friend.

Paul Johnson, the younger Van Exel's attorney, told The Associated Press that Van Exel and Eyo were allegedly playing with a shotgun at a home in Garland, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, when the gun accidentally fired. Johnson further explained that Van Exel "panicked" and moved the body, dumping it less than a mile away in nearby Lake Ray Hubbard.

Nickey Van Exel turned himself into Dallas police on Wednesday and has admitted to the murder, police said, although he insists it was an accident.

"It's a real sad situation," Johnson said. "Emotions are running high, and, obviously, we recognize that some very bad decisions were made on how he responded."

The senior Van Exel played 13 years in the NBA, appearing in 880 games and starting 670. He averaged 14.4 points and 6.6 assists per game in his career and was known as both a clutch shooter and 3-point specialist. He remains ranked No. 6 in NBA history in 3-point field goals made.

Nick Van Exel played for six different teams in the NBA, most notably the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers and retired after a final season in 2005-06 with the San Antonio Spurs.

Nick Van Exel is in his first year as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks, where he specializes in player development instruction.

No information has been released yet about a hearing date for the younger Van Exel.

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/12/30/nickey-van-exel-son-of-former-nba-star-nick-van-exel-charged-w/

San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Boston Bruins

David Aardsma to Undergo Hip Surgery

Filed under: Mariners, MLB Injuries

Turns out the oblique injury that ended David Aardsma's season wasn't exactly that.

Seattle's closer will undergo surgery Monday to repair a torn labrum in his left hip, the real cause of the pain in Aardsma's side that shut him down in September.

Aardsma is expected to be throwing again a month later and should have no trouble being up to full speed by Opening Day, according to the Mariners.

The 29-year-old saved 31 games in 2010 for a Mariners team that won only 61 overall, allowing just 33 hits in 49 2/3 innings.

Aardsma is arbitration-eligible and could come close to doubling his 2010 salary of $2.75 million through that process. The Mariners might have preferred to trade him away this winter given the salary increase, but that won't be possible now.

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/12/30/david-aardsma-to-undergo-hip-surgery/

Philadelphia Eagles Washington Redskins * Chicago Bears *

ESPNEWS Anchor Will Selva Plucks Column for Lead to Highlights

by Milton Kent

Filed under: Lakers, Spurs, Sports Business and Media

Christmas isn't over yet, Lakers fans. The big game, it turns out, will be the game after the supposed Game of the Year. In San Antonio on Tuesday night, the Lakers will be out to give themselves and their fans the much-needed gift of hope.

Here's a transcript of Selva's lead to the highlights:

Christmas isn't over yet, Lakers fans. The big game, it turns out, is the game after the supposed Game of the Year. In San Antonio on Tuesday night, the Lakers were out to give themselves and their fans the much needed gift of hope.

More Coverage: ESPNEWS Anchor Suspended for Plagiarism

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/12/29/espnews-anchor-will-selva-plucks-column-for-lead-to-highlights/

Boston Bruins Buffalo Sabres Montreal Canadiens

Mike Wallace: NFL's Best Big-Play Wide Receiver?

Filed under: Steelers, NFL Analysis

When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets this past offseason, the biggest question for the offense was who would replace him as the its big-play threat in the passing game. Holmes, for all of his problems off of the field (two suspensions: one by the team in 2008, one by the NFL in 2010, a now infamous and probably forgotten Twitter meltdown) was an impact player on it. A Super Bowl MVP and an explosive wide receiver capable of turning any pass into a touchdown.

The answer for his replacement was an easy one, coming in the form of second-year wide receiver Mike Wallace. Fresh off a rookie campaign that saw him finish with the highest yards-per-catch average in the NFL, he's emerged as not only the Steelers biggest impact player on offense, but also the best big play wide receiver in the NFL.

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/12/30/mike-wallace-nfls-best-big-play-wr/

Portland Timbers Vancouver Whitecaps FC Montreal Impact

Graeme McDowell Dashes Tiger Woods' Comeback Attempt at Chevron Challenge

Filed under: PGA

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- There was golf history made Sunday at Sherwood Country Club -- but it didn't include a fairy tale ending for Tiger Woods.

In a dramatic, back-and-forth final round, Graeme McDowell came back from four strokes down to overtake Woods and win the $5 million Chevron World Challenge, sinking two consecutive long birdie putts at the 18th hole - one in regulation, and another in a sudden death playoff . McDowell's Sunday surge marked the first time Woods had failed to win an event that he had led by three strokes going into the final round.

It was, in a way, a fittingly disappointing conclusion to a forgettable 2010 for the world's most famous golfer, whose personal life was turned upside down a year ago after revelations about his extra-marital affairs. Woods, who turns 35 later this month, has not won a tournament in 378 days, by far the longest winless streak of his professional career -- and likely the longest such drought of his life.

Despite the near-miss and his inability to hold a lead, Woods showed few signs of disappointment after the round. "It was a great week even though I didn't win," he said. "It said a lot for me to come back and put my swing back together again. I'm just really excited about this offseason, and I haven't been that way in a while."

For McDowell, the Northern Ireland native and 2010 U.S. Open champion, it was yet another memorable moment in a fantastic season that's seen him climb to No. 7 from No. 39 on the World Golf Rankings.

Golf.com: Chevron World Challenge Final Leaderboard

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Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2010/12/05/graeme-mcdowell-dashes-tiger-woods-comeback-attempt-at-chevron/

Vancouver Whitecaps FC Montreal Impact Buffalo Bills

Kevin Garnett Leaves Celtics Game With Right Leg Injury

Filed under: Celtics, NBA Injuries

Kevin Garnett left Wednesday night's game against the Detroit Pistons with a right leg injury. X-rays were taken on the Boston Celtics' star and were negative.

The 16-year veteran will reportedly have an MRI in Boston on Thursday. In addition to the initial prognosis, boston.com reported that a teammate noted the injury was not "as serious as it appeared." The Celtics initially termed it a lower leg injury, and multiple reports indicate that it is believed to be a calf injury, not a knee injury.

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/12/29/kevin-garnett-leaves-celtics-game-with-right-leg-injury/

Houston Rockets Memphis Grizzlies New Orleans Hornets

Penalized Ohio State Players Vow to Return Next Year

Filed under: Ohio State

The five Ohio State University football players suspended for part of the 2011 season have pledged to return next year and serve their suspensions, because if they hadn't, they would not have been allowed to play in Monday's Sugar Bowl, coach Jim Tressel said Thursday.

Terrelle Pryor, DeVier Posey, Mike Adams and Dan Herron would all have legitimate options to enter the NFL Draft rather than return for their senior seasons, the Cleveland Plain-Dealer reported. Defensive end Solomon Thomas is the other suspended player.

But Tressel said in a news conference Thursday in New Orleans that the players had vowed to return for 2011 and be suspended for the first five games of the season as a condition for playing in the bowl game.

The vow is non-binding, so there's nothing to stop any of them from changing their minds and entering the draft after the Sugar Bowl, the paper said.

Tressel also said he would not bench the players or punish them in any way for the Monday night game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at the Superdome. He said he would base his decisions about playing time only on football issues.

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/12/30/penalized-ohio-state-players-vow-to-return-next-year/

Philadelphia Flyers Pittsburgh Penguins Atlanta Thrashers

Celebratory Salute Mars Wild Pinstripe Bowl Victory for Syracuse

Filed under: Kansas, Syracuse, Bowl Games

The inaugural Pinstripe Bowl deserved better.

Trailing Syracuse 36-28 with just over a minute left, Kansas State rallied to within two points on a 30-yard scoring strike from Carson Coffman to Adrian Hilburn. Hilburn cruised to the back of the end zone then offered a quick military-style salute to fans seated around the end zone. That gesture drew an "excessive celebration" penalty that forced the Wildcats' two-point attempt to be moved back 15 yards to the 18. It predictably failed. It was the salute soon to be discussed around the world, marring one of the better bowl games this year.

A surge of outrage emerged on Twitter and likely soon the rest of the college football world in questioning whether the NCAA's celebration and sportsmanship rules have gone too far.

Unfortunately that discussion will overshadow the Orange's surprising revival under coach Doug Marrone.

In two years Marrone turned one of the FBS' worst programs into a bowl winner. Although the Orange defense carried the program through much of 2010, the offense finally woke up in time to run and throw all over the Kansas State defense.

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/12/30/celebratory-salute-mars-wild-pinstripe-bowl-victory-for-syracuse/

Houston Rockets Memphis Grizzlies New Orleans Hornets

Golf's Power Shifting From U.S. to Europe; PGA Tour Feeling the Heat

Filed under: PGA, European Tour

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Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2010/12/14/golfs-power-shifting-from-u-s-to-europe-pga-tour-feeling-the/

San Diego Chargers * National Football Conference Dallas Cowboys

NHL's John Collins Discusses Evolution, Success of Winter Classic

Filed under: Capitals, Penguins, Winter Classic

Contrary to legend, John Collins did not invent the NHL Winter Classic. The game of ice hockey has been played outdoors for well over a century. The Heritage Classic, played in an Edmonton football stadium between the Oilers and Montreal Canadiens in 2003, predates the hiring of Collins as the league's chief operating officer.

But with projected ticket revenue of $9 million for the Classic at Heinz Field on New Year's Day between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals, plus countless streams from broadcasting and merchandising, Collins is grateful to the many executives who have built the event.

"When I started with the NHL four years ago, a lot of my colleagues had these amazing photos in their offices from the outdoor game in Edmonton," Collins told FanHouse while preparing to leave for Pittsburgh. "I'd been with the NFL and I wasn't familiar with the Heritage Classic. I was mesmerized by the photos. I would say to everyone, 'Tell me about this game' and 'Do you think we can do it again?' and 'How can we grow it as an event?' From there, it has been a completely collaborative effort."

Collins went on to name some of the collaborators. Consider these some of the founding fathers:

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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/12/29/nhls-john-collins-discusses-evolution-success-of-winter-classi/

Miami Dolphins New England Patriots New York Jets