Filed under: PGAAnthony Kim, a noted party boy, is having his alleged nighttime antics lead to questions about his withdrawal from the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open.
Kim was in Las Vegas for the event, and quickly tales of his behavior surfaced. One report had Kim dubbed a "loose cannon" by a dealer at the Bellagio. A tweet from DJ Exodus, who was performing at a club in Vegas, read, "Anthony Kim is an animal 115 bottles then to top it off a 25k bottle of Dom, which he showered the dance floor with."
Kim withdrew from the Open Wednesday night, citing the thumb injury that cost him the second half of the season. Some believe the partying played a role in the withdrawal. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Dustin Byfuglien's Transition to D is Going Quite Well
Filed under: Sabres, ThrashersThe Atlanta Thrashers decision to move Dustin Byfuglien to defense (he was originally drafted as a defenseman) was met with some skepticism and criticism this summer, most of which came from former NHL star Jeremy Roenick. During his weekly radio show in late September Roenick said this on the Thrashers move:
"That might be the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life. Dustin Byfuglien as a defenseman. I would love to play against Dustin Byfuglien as a defenseman. I would turn him inside out, left, right and center every single time. This kid, he made his living in front of the net scoring goals during the playoffs for the Chicago Blackhawks. Why on earth would you put him back as a defenseman?"
Boom. Ten games into the season and Byfuglien has been one of Atlanta's best defensemen, and one of the most productive rearguards in the NHL. He's averaging over 21 minutes of ice-time per game, is fifth in scoring among all defensemen with 10 points and on top of the league with four goals and seven power play points. On Friday, as Atlanta overcame an early 2-0 deficit against the Buffalo Sabres to earn a 4-3 overtime win, Byfuglien scored the game-winning goal in overtime on a coast-to-coast rush (hey, it's been a theme with Atlanta recently) that split the Buffalo defense.
Here's the video... Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
"That might be the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life. Dustin Byfuglien as a defenseman. I would love to play against Dustin Byfuglien as a defenseman. I would turn him inside out, left, right and center every single time. This kid, he made his living in front of the net scoring goals during the playoffs for the Chicago Blackhawks. Why on earth would you put him back as a defenseman?"
Boom. Ten games into the season and Byfuglien has been one of Atlanta's best defensemen, and one of the most productive rearguards in the NHL. He's averaging over 21 minutes of ice-time per game, is fifth in scoring among all defensemen with 10 points and on top of the league with four goals and seven power play points. On Friday, as Atlanta overcame an early 2-0 deficit against the Buffalo Sabres to earn a 4-3 overtime win, Byfuglien scored the game-winning goal in overtime on a coast-to-coast rush (hey, it's been a theme with Atlanta recently) that split the Buffalo defense.
Here's the video... Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
David Stern Supports LeBron James' Decision to Move to Heat
by Surya FernandezFiled under: Heat, Sports Business and MediaNBA commissioner David Stern was in the house for the Miami Heat's home opener against the Orlando Magic and he was in a good mood before tipoff. His enthusiasm for the start of the regular season after such a frenzied offseason was tempered somewhat with the looming dark cloud that could be protracted labor negotiations.
Nevertheless, Stern was happy to answer questions from the media about a wide variety of topics before the tipoff. Inevitably his thoughts on the biggest story in the NBA were offered and he was pleased to congratulate the Heat for their accomplishments this past summer.
"These roster changes in Miami have certainly occasioned a fair amount of publicity and it's kind of fun to watch all the speculation and the combination of 'mail the trophy to Miami' or not, 'play the season' or not, etc. But it's a great game and we always play the season and it always has interesting results.
"I'm really very happy for Micky Arison who has been very devoted to the Miami community," said Stern, noting that the Heat owner has continuously re-invested in his franchise over the years and is now reaping the benefits because of it. "They're going to have an interesting season because the expectations are very high." Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Nevertheless, Stern was happy to answer questions from the media about a wide variety of topics before the tipoff. Inevitably his thoughts on the biggest story in the NBA were offered and he was pleased to congratulate the Heat for their accomplishments this past summer.
"These roster changes in Miami have certainly occasioned a fair amount of publicity and it's kind of fun to watch all the speculation and the combination of 'mail the trophy to Miami' or not, 'play the season' or not, etc. But it's a great game and we always play the season and it always has interesting results.
"I'm really very happy for Micky Arison who has been very devoted to the Miami community," said Stern, noting that the Heat owner has continuously re-invested in his franchise over the years and is now reaping the benefits because of it. "They're going to have an interesting season because the expectations are very high." Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Thank you from Jaime Moreno
Fans,
What more can I say: you truly are the best. My number 1 fan and long time friend Oscar Zambrana and the Barra Brava, The Screaming Eagles, La Norte, District Ultra's and everyone here that has been supportive of myself and D.C. United over the years. I don't have enough words to thank you...
What more can I say: you truly are the best. My number 1 fan and long time friend Oscar Zambrana and the Barra Brava, The Screaming Eagles, La Norte, District Ultra's and everyone here that has been supportive of myself and D.C. United over the years. I don't have enough words to thank you...
FOX, Cablevision Fail to Resolve Dispute as World Series Begins
by FanHouse NewswireFiled under: MLB Playoffs, World Series, Sports Business and MediaLOS ANGELES (AP) -- FOX on Wednesday rejected a last-ditch offer from Cablevision Systems Corp. to pay it more for its TV stations' signals, a move that could leave some 3 million Cablevision subscribers in the New York area with few options besides heading to a bar to watch baseball's World Series on TV.
In preparation for an extended blackout, Cablevision e-mailed its customers Wednesday saying it will reimburse them $10 to cover the cost of paying to watch the games online through MLB.com.
Cablevision said earlier in the day that it offered to pay the same rate as Time Warner Cable Inc. for signals from FOX 5 in New York and FOX 29 in Philadelphia for one year, even though the rate is more than it pays for any other New York broadcast station.
The cable operator did not explain what it was offering for My 9 in New York and cable channels FOX Business Network, NatGeo Wild and FOX Deportes, which are also part of the fee dispute. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
In preparation for an extended blackout, Cablevision e-mailed its customers Wednesday saying it will reimburse them $10 to cover the cost of paying to watch the games online through MLB.com.
Cablevision said earlier in the day that it offered to pay the same rate as Time Warner Cable Inc. for signals from FOX 5 in New York and FOX 29 in Philadelphia for one year, even though the rate is more than it pays for any other New York broadcast station.
The cable operator did not explain what it was offering for My 9 in New York and cable channels FOX Business Network, NatGeo Wild and FOX Deportes, which are also part of the fee dispute. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Dwyane Wade, Not LeBron James, Emerging as Miami Heat Leader
Filed under: Heat, Magic, NBA Last Night, Chris Bosh
MIAMI -- It's hard to imagine two-time Most Valuable Player LeBron James -- once the center of the basketball universe -- being anyone's sidekick or set-up man.
It just might be happening here.
This is still Dwyane Wade's town. This is still his team.
Wade, who coaxed both James and Chris Bosh to Miami as free agents this summer, has wasted no time asserting himself as the dominant player on what is expected to be the league's most dominant team.
After missing all but three minutes of the exhibition schedule with a hamstring injury, Wade (shown above in pregame introductions of Friday's contest) has used the first week of the regular season to step confidently into his role as The leader -- not A leader -- of the Miami Heat.
Three games into the season, it's starting to look clear. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
MIAMI -- It's hard to imagine two-time Most Valuable Player LeBron James -- once the center of the basketball universe -- being anyone's sidekick or set-up man.
It just might be happening here.
This is still Dwyane Wade's town. This is still his team.
Wade, who coaxed both James and Chris Bosh to Miami as free agents this summer, has wasted no time asserting himself as the dominant player on what is expected to be the league's most dominant team.
After missing all but three minutes of the exhibition schedule with a hamstring injury, Wade (shown above in pregame introductions of Friday's contest) has used the first week of the regular season to step confidently into his role as The leader -- not A leader -- of the Miami Heat.
Three games into the season, it's starting to look clear. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
It is finished
You never know what moments are going to change your life. For D.C. United and, really, for soccer fans across the United States, one such moment came on August 7, 1996. Just four minutes after kickoff on that summer evening, a young Bolivian player named Jaime Moreno scored for D.C....
Dustin Byfuglien's Transition to D is Going Quite Well
Filed under: Sabres, ThrashersThe Atlanta Thrashers decision to move Dustin Byfuglien to defense (he was originally drafted as a defenseman) was met with some skepticism and criticism this summer, most of which came from former NHL star Jeremy Roenick. During his weekly radio show in late September Roenick said this on the Thrashers move:
"That might be the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life. Dustin Byfuglien as a defenseman. I would love to play against Dustin Byfuglien as a defenseman. I would turn him inside out, left, right and center every single time. This kid, he made his living in front of the net scoring goals during the playoffs for the Chicago Blackhawks. Why on earth would you put him back as a defenseman?"
Boom. Ten games into the season and Byfuglien has been one of Atlanta's best defensemen, and one of the most productive rearguards in the NHL. He's averaging over 21 minutes of ice-time per game, is fifth in scoring among all defensemen with 10 points and on top of the league with four goals and seven power play points. On Friday, as Atlanta overcame an early 2-0 deficit against the Buffalo Sabres to earn a 4-3 overtime win, Byfuglien scored the game-winning goal in overtime on a coast-to-coast rush (hey, it's been a theme with Atlanta recently) that split the Buffalo defense.
Here's the video... Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
"That might be the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life. Dustin Byfuglien as a defenseman. I would love to play against Dustin Byfuglien as a defenseman. I would turn him inside out, left, right and center every single time. This kid, he made his living in front of the net scoring goals during the playoffs for the Chicago Blackhawks. Why on earth would you put him back as a defenseman?"
Boom. Ten games into the season and Byfuglien has been one of Atlanta's best defensemen, and one of the most productive rearguards in the NHL. He's averaging over 21 minutes of ice-time per game, is fifth in scoring among all defensemen with 10 points and on top of the league with four goals and seven power play points. On Friday, as Atlanta overcame an early 2-0 deficit against the Buffalo Sabres to earn a 4-3 overtime win, Byfuglien scored the game-winning goal in overtime on a coast-to-coast rush (hey, it's been a theme with Atlanta recently) that split the Buffalo defense.
Here's the video... Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Golfer Dies Days After Struck by Ball
Filed under: Golf Odds and EndsA man died days after he was struck in the head by a golf ball at a Southern California golf course.
Hiroshi Tango, 69, of Brea, Calif., complained of head and neck pain after he was struck in the head at Los Serranos Country Club in Chino on Oct. 7, The (Riverside) Press-Enterprise reported. Tango was transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he "succumbed to his injuries" on Saturday, according to the San Bernardino County coroner's office.
The coroner's office has not specified an exact cause of death. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Hiroshi Tango, 69, of Brea, Calif., complained of head and neck pain after he was struck in the head at Los Serranos Country Club in Chino on Oct. 7, The (Riverside) Press-Enterprise reported. Tango was transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he "succumbed to his injuries" on Saturday, according to the San Bernardino County coroner's office.
The coroner's office has not specified an exact cause of death. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
With Slump Deepening, Giants Won't Commit to Playing Pat Burrell in Game 4
Filed under: Giants, Rangers, MLB Playoffs, World SeriesARLINGTON, Texas - Giants manager Bruce Bochy wouldn't commit to playing Pat Burrell again in Game 4 of the World Series after Burrell's awful postseason continued with a four-strikeout night in Game 3.
Bochy said he'd discuss it with his coaches later Saturday night.
"I want to play," Burrell said. "Could I blame him (for making a change)? Probably not. I'm not exactly swinging the bat well. This is a terribly important time for our team. I'll show up ready to play and we'll see."
Burrell is 0-for-9 with eight strikeouts so far in the World Series. For the postseason, he is 6-for-38 with 19 strikeouts. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Bochy said he'd discuss it with his coaches later Saturday night.
"I want to play," Burrell said. "Could I blame him (for making a change)? Probably not. I'm not exactly swinging the bat well. This is a terribly important time for our team. I'll show up ready to play and we'll see."
Burrell is 0-for-9 with eight strikeouts so far in the World Series. For the postseason, he is 6-for-38 with 19 strikeouts. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Mike Shanahan: Donovan McNabb 'Still Our Starter' After Benching
Filed under: Redskins, NFC EastRedskins coach Mike Shanahan's decision to pull six-time Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb for backup Rex Grossman was the big surprise in Washington's 37-25 defeat at the hands of the Lions Sunday.
The up-and-down Redskins fell at Ford Field last year, too, ending Detroit's 19-game losing streak.
But the shock of a repeat performance paled in comparison to Shanahan's move to Grossman, who played in coordinator Kyle Shanahan's offense last season in Houston, with his team trailing by just six points with 1:45 remaining.
"(McNabb's) still our starter," Mike Shanahan said after McNabb posted a 75.7 passer rating on 17 of 30 passing for 210 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He was also sacked five times. "At the end of the game, with Rex knowing how to run the two-minute offense, I felt with the time (left) and no timeouts, he gave us the best chance to win. The terminology, it puts a lot of pressure on the quarterback.
"Everything is sped up when you don't have timeouts. It's gotta come automatic. You gotta call a couple plays at the line. You can't think, you gotta react. ... (Donovan) understands. I don't think any quarterback likes it, but you gotta make those tough decisions."
Quick Hits: Lions 37, Redskins 25
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The up-and-down Redskins fell at Ford Field last year, too, ending Detroit's 19-game losing streak.
But the shock of a repeat performance paled in comparison to Shanahan's move to Grossman, who played in coordinator Kyle Shanahan's offense last season in Houston, with his team trailing by just six points with 1:45 remaining.
"(McNabb's) still our starter," Mike Shanahan said after McNabb posted a 75.7 passer rating on 17 of 30 passing for 210 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He was also sacked five times. "At the end of the game, with Rex knowing how to run the two-minute offense, I felt with the time (left) and no timeouts, he gave us the best chance to win. The terminology, it puts a lot of pressure on the quarterback.
"Everything is sped up when you don't have timeouts. It's gotta come automatic. You gotta call a couple plays at the line. You can't think, you gotta react. ... (Donovan) understands. I don't think any quarterback likes it, but you gotta make those tough decisions."
Quick Hits: Lions 37, Redskins 25
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Lana Lawless, Transgender Woman, Reportedly Suing LPGA
Filed under: LPGALana Lawless (right), a transgender woman who won the women's world championship in long-drive golf in 2008, is suing the LPGA because of a requirement that all competitors must be "female at birth."
Lawless, a 57-year-old who had gender reassignment surgery in 2005, is claiming the rule violates California's civil rights laws.
Despite winning the long-drive championship in '08, Lawless was barred from competing this year because Long Drivers of America, which oversees the event, changed its policy to mirror that of the LPGA. Lawless wrote a letter in May asking for permission to apply for LPGA qualifying tournaments, but was told she would be turned down. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Lawless, a 57-year-old who had gender reassignment surgery in 2005, is claiming the rule violates California's civil rights laws.
Despite winning the long-drive championship in '08, Lawless was barred from competing this year because Long Drivers of America, which oversees the event, changed its policy to mirror that of the LPGA. Lawless wrote a letter in May asking for permission to apply for LPGA qualifying tournaments, but was told she would be turned down. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
DC's Boskovic frustrated by maiden MLS campaign
WASHINGTON, D.C. ? Branko Boskovic had seen enough. Last Saturday, his D.C. United side had just lost its 20th league match of the season ? its 12th defeat overall since his midsummer arrival and by virtue of their fourth blown lead during the same period. While most of the attention,...
Thomas Jones First to Rush for Over 500 Yards With Five Different Teams
Filed under: Chiefs, AFC WestKansas City Chiefs running back Thomas Jones has become the first rusher in NFL history to have run for over 500 yards for five different teams.
In Sunday's matchup against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium, on first-and-ten at the 50 late in the second quarter, Jones picked up 3 yards for the record. This is Jones' first year with the Chiefs and the back from the University of Virginia has also tallied yardage with the Arizona Cardinals (2002), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2003), Chicago Bears (2004-2006) and the New York Jets (2007-2009). Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
In Sunday's matchup against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium, on first-and-ten at the 50 late in the second quarter, Jones picked up 3 yards for the record. This is Jones' first year with the Chiefs and the back from the University of Virginia has also tallied yardage with the Arizona Cardinals (2002), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2003), Chicago Bears (2004-2006) and the New York Jets (2007-2009). Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Time to Rethink How We Protect Young Football Players
Filed under: NFLDr. Ann McKee, the Boston University School of Medicine expert on football and brain injuries, said Monday on a radio program I participated in that medical science suspects of concussions on the football field what most of us are certain of intuitively:
"Is it more dangerous for a 13-year-old to experience these hits than a 25-year-old?" she asked on National Public Radio's On Point hosted by Tom Ashbrook from Boston's WBUR. "We think that the earlier in life that you experience these hits, the more detrimental they are."
In Friday's wee hours came tragic potential corroborating evidence from the Kansas City area. A senior running back named Nathan Stiles at suburban Spring Hill High School died before the sun came up after collapsing on the sidelines of a game Thursday night.
"It was a screen pass," Nathan's teammate Aaron Barnes was quoted saying Saturday by kctv5.com. "Nate went down to make the tackle, and he dove at his feet. He didn't make the tackle. He got up and he was all shaken up."
"Is it more dangerous for a 13-year-old to experience these hits than a 25-year-old?" she asked on National Public Radio's On Point hosted by Tom Ashbrook from Boston's WBUR. "We think that the earlier in life that you experience these hits, the more detrimental they are."
In Friday's wee hours came tragic potential corroborating evidence from the Kansas City area. A senior running back named Nathan Stiles at suburban Spring Hill High School died before the sun came up after collapsing on the sidelines of a game Thursday night.
"It was a screen pass," Nathan's teammate Aaron Barnes was quoted saying Saturday by kctv5.com. "Nate went down to make the tackle, and he dove at his feet. He didn't make the tackle. He got up and he was all shaken up."
MLS names finalists for end-of-season awards
NEW YORK ? Major League Soccer released the finalists for the league's annual end-of-season awards, including the three finalists for the hotly debated MVP race.Check them out:
Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists
Kevin Hartman (FC Dallas)
Donovan Ricketts (LA Galaxy)
Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)...
Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists
Kevin Hartman (FC Dallas)
Donovan Ricketts (LA Galaxy)
Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)...
Ron Hornaday Jr. Flips in Wild Talladega Crash, Walks Away Unhurt
Filed under: NASCAR Crashes, Camping World Truck Series, SPEED TV, NASCARNASCAR truck series driver Ron Hornaday Jr. walked away from a wild crash in the NASCAR series truck race at Talladega Superspeedway Saturday that saw his truck flip onto its roof and then tumble several times on the high-banked first turn.
Hornaday's No. 33 Chevy truck, owned by Kevin Harvick, came to a stop on its roof, but the driver soon emerged without a scratch.
"I brought the steering wheel back," Hornaday told SPEED TV, holding the wheel in his hand after being released from the infield care center. "If you can't win, you gotta bring the steering wheel back. But it was cool to come here. I led a lot of laps and learned a bunch. Too bad we ruined a good truck."
The crash, which occurred with three laps to go, involved five other trucks and prompted NASCAR to bring out a red flag and then finish the race with a green-white-checkered, two-lap shootout.
The finish was just as wild, as Kyle Busch nearly lost control of his truck going to the inside of Aric Almirola, but nipped Almirola at the line by .002 of a second, or about a foot. Johnny Sauter went to the outside of Almirola and made it three wide at the finish, but crossed under the flag in third. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Hornaday's No. 33 Chevy truck, owned by Kevin Harvick, came to a stop on its roof, but the driver soon emerged without a scratch.
"I brought the steering wheel back," Hornaday told SPEED TV, holding the wheel in his hand after being released from the infield care center. "If you can't win, you gotta bring the steering wheel back. But it was cool to come here. I led a lot of laps and learned a bunch. Too bad we ruined a good truck."
The crash, which occurred with three laps to go, involved five other trucks and prompted NASCAR to bring out a red flag and then finish the race with a green-white-checkered, two-lap shootout.
The finish was just as wild, as Kyle Busch nearly lost control of his truck going to the inside of Aric Almirola, but nipped Almirola at the line by .002 of a second, or about a foot. Johnny Sauter went to the outside of Almirola and made it three wide at the finish, but crossed under the flag in third. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Northwestern Defeats Indiana 20-17
Filed under: Indiana, Northwestern"Underslopped" isn't a word, but it's a good description of how Northwestern was able to post a 20-17 victory over Indiana on Saturday. On a day when both teams were executing poorly, the Wildcats simply made smaller errors than the Hoosiers.
Indiana's passing game, normally among the Big Ten's best, had trouble getting established. It wasn't anything Northwestern was doing on defense. When quarterback Ben Chappell wasn't overthrowing his receivers, they were dropping the ball. Meanwhile, the Indiana running game never showed up at all.
Northwestern was able to find better balance on offense. The Wildcats scored the game's first touchdown on a Dan Persa to Jeremy Ebert pass in which Persa (right, in an earlier game) scrambled wildly between the hash marks. Running back Mike Trumpy had a breakout game, rushing for 109 yards on 21 carries. Trumpy was the Wildcats' first 100-yard rusher since Mike Kafka went for 217 yards against Minnesota in 2008.
Chappell put Indiana ahead 10-7 just before halftime on a six-yard touchdown run/stretch. Northwestern was able to answer quickly, helped along by an impossible-looking catch by Demetrius Fields that set up a Stefan Demos field goal to tie the game at 10.
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Indiana's passing game, normally among the Big Ten's best, had trouble getting established. It wasn't anything Northwestern was doing on defense. When quarterback Ben Chappell wasn't overthrowing his receivers, they were dropping the ball. Meanwhile, the Indiana running game never showed up at all.
Northwestern was able to find better balance on offense. The Wildcats scored the game's first touchdown on a Dan Persa to Jeremy Ebert pass in which Persa (right, in an earlier game) scrambled wildly between the hash marks. Running back Mike Trumpy had a breakout game, rushing for 109 yards on 21 carries. Trumpy was the Wildcats' first 100-yard rusher since Mike Kafka went for 217 yards against Minnesota in 2008.
Chappell put Indiana ahead 10-7 just before halftime on a six-yard touchdown run/stretch. Northwestern was able to answer quickly, helped along by an impossible-looking catch by Demetrius Fields that set up a Stefan Demos field goal to tie the game at 10.
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David Stern: Players Get 'Masters in Complaining' in NBA
by Brett PollakoffFiled under: Celtics, Heat, Lakers, Rockets, NBA Referees, Sports Business and Media
LOS ANGELES -- Despite the colossal amount of hype surrounding LeBron James and the Miami Heat this season, David Stern passed on attending the battle in Boston on Opening Night. Instead, he fulfilled his duties as commissioner by showing up for the Lakers' home opener at Staples Center. The reason was simple.
"I'm here to give out some rings," Stern said.
Stern met with the media prior to L.A.'s 112-110 victory over the Rockets, and even though he spent close to 20 minutes fielding questions on a variety of topics, there wasn't really anything earth-shattering to come of it. Stern dropped plenty of interesting bits of knowledge just a week earlier during his annual season tip-off conference call, so the amount of new information to come out of this meeting was minimal at best.
But there was the opportunity for some clarification.
One of the biggest topics of interest in the ongoing labor negotiations that Stern has addressed is the possibility of contraction. But as the commissioner was quick to point out, it's not a stand-alone item that the league wants to consider. It's just that the conversation has to happen when the subject of revenue sharing is introduced, particularly when you're talking about cutting a substantial check to a team that may not be profitable even after that level of financial assistance.
Pollakoff: Role Players Lead Lakers on Opening Night
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LOS ANGELES -- Despite the colossal amount of hype surrounding LeBron James and the Miami Heat this season, David Stern passed on attending the battle in Boston on Opening Night. Instead, he fulfilled his duties as commissioner by showing up for the Lakers' home opener at Staples Center. The reason was simple.
"I'm here to give out some rings," Stern said.
Stern met with the media prior to L.A.'s 112-110 victory over the Rockets, and even though he spent close to 20 minutes fielding questions on a variety of topics, there wasn't really anything earth-shattering to come of it. Stern dropped plenty of interesting bits of knowledge just a week earlier during his annual season tip-off conference call, so the amount of new information to come out of this meeting was minimal at best.
But there was the opportunity for some clarification.
One of the biggest topics of interest in the ongoing labor negotiations that Stern has addressed is the possibility of contraction. But as the commissioner was quick to point out, it's not a stand-alone item that the league wants to consider. It's just that the conversation has to happen when the subject of revenue sharing is introduced, particularly when you're talking about cutting a substantial check to a team that may not be profitable even after that level of financial assistance.
Pollakoff: Role Players Lead Lakers on Opening Night
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There's No Place Like Home for Heat
Filed under: Heat, Magic
MIAMI -- The city of Miami had to wait 113 long days since the biggest prize in 2010 NBA free agency, LeBron James, announced his intentions to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to play for the Miami Heat for this night. The fans couldn't even enjoy a sneak preview of what was to come when Wade went down with an injury three minutes into the preseason at home against the Detroit Pistons. But the wait to see their home team finally playing their stars at the same time for a full game while making a quantum leap in team chemistry made it all worth it.
"The crowd was amazing," remarked Wade after the game. "We were very satisfied with the energy and the atmosphere that was in the building tonight. When they come out that way and support us we want to give them our best effort. And that's what we did."
The media earlier in the day pounced on the news that a couple of hundred tickets were still available for the game several hours before tip-off, leading many to speculate that it wouldn't be a sold out event. Those concerns were officially put to rest by the punctual and rowdy crowd that had the arena shaking with each basket the Heat made. And yes, the arena was officially listed as a sellout with 19,600 in attendance. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
MIAMI -- The city of Miami had to wait 113 long days since the biggest prize in 2010 NBA free agency, LeBron James, announced his intentions to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to play for the Miami Heat for this night. The fans couldn't even enjoy a sneak preview of what was to come when Wade went down with an injury three minutes into the preseason at home against the Detroit Pistons. But the wait to see their home team finally playing their stars at the same time for a full game while making a quantum leap in team chemistry made it all worth it.
"The crowd was amazing," remarked Wade after the game. "We were very satisfied with the energy and the atmosphere that was in the building tonight. When they come out that way and support us we want to give them our best effort. And that's what we did."
The media earlier in the day pounced on the news that a couple of hundred tickets were still available for the game several hours before tip-off, leading many to speculate that it wouldn't be a sold out event. Those concerns were officially put to rest by the punctual and rowdy crowd that had the arena shaking with each basket the Heat made. And yes, the arena was officially listed as a sellout with 19,600 in attendance. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Missouri Comes Up a Quarter Short Against Nebraska
Filed under: Missouri, Nebraska, BCS, Big 12, Top 25LINCOLN, Neb. -- Seventh-ranked Missouri played well enough in three of four quarters against Nebraska on Saturday to remain undefeated. The Tigers played well enough in three of four quarters to make sure that last week's win over then-Bowl Championship Series standings leader Oklahoma was worth it. And, of course, Mizzou played well enough in three of four quarters to give the Huskers a memorable going-away present.
Too bad for that one quarter.
A lousy opening 15 minutes -- combined with a magical, record-setting performance by Cornhuskers running back Roy Helu Jr. -- spelled familiar doom for Missouri here at Memorial Stadium. The Tigers couldn't overcome a 24-zip deficit in the first quarter and Helu's 307 rushing yards, falling 31-17 and tumbling from the ranks of the unbeatens and into a first-place tie with the Cornhuskers in the Big 12 North. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Too bad for that one quarter.
A lousy opening 15 minutes -- combined with a magical, record-setting performance by Cornhuskers running back Roy Helu Jr. -- spelled familiar doom for Missouri here at Memorial Stadium. The Tigers couldn't overcome a 24-zip deficit in the first quarter and Helu's 307 rushing yards, falling 31-17 and tumbling from the ranks of the unbeatens and into a first-place tie with the Cornhuskers in the Big 12 North. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Lee Westwood to Remain in Europe for Most of 2011
Filed under: FedEx CupLee Westwood will not be a regular on the PGA Tour in the United States next year. The 37-year-old Englishman will put family first in 2011, staying in Europe and forgoing the bigger paydays he could receive by competing for the FedEx Cup.
"I don't want to get into a situation where I have to play events in America just to make up 15 needed for tour membership," he said. "The FedEx Cup sits right in the middle of the kids' summer holidays and I like going on holiday with them for a couple of weeks."
The No. 2-ranked Westwood - and most likely soon to be top ranked- will only play in the U.S. for major tournaments, World Golf Championships and other select events of his choosing in 2011.
"I'm not taking my card up in the States," Westwood said Wednesday as he prepared for Thursday's start of the Dunhill Links Championship. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
"I don't want to get into a situation where I have to play events in America just to make up 15 needed for tour membership," he said. "The FedEx Cup sits right in the middle of the kids' summer holidays and I like going on holiday with them for a couple of weeks."
The No. 2-ranked Westwood - and most likely soon to be top ranked- will only play in the U.S. for major tournaments, World Golf Championships and other select events of his choosing in 2011.
"I'm not taking my card up in the States," Westwood said Wednesday as he prepared for Thursday's start of the Dunhill Links Championship. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
David Stern Supports LeBron James' Decision to Move to Heat
by Surya FernandezFiled under: Heat, Sports Business and MediaNBA commissioner David Stern was in the house for the Miami Heat's home opener against the Orlando Magic and he was in a good mood before tipoff. His enthusiasm for the start of the regular season after such a frenzied offseason was tempered somewhat with the looming dark cloud that could be protracted labor negotiations.
Nevertheless, Stern was happy to answer questions from the media about a wide variety of topics before the tipoff. Inevitably his thoughts on the biggest story in the NBA were offered and he was pleased to congratulate the Heat for their accomplishments this past summer.
"These roster changes in Miami have certainly occasioned a fair amount of publicity and it's kind of fun to watch all the speculation and the combination of 'mail the trophy to Miami' or not, 'play the season' or not, etc. But it's a great game and we always play the season and it always has interesting results.
"I'm really very happy for Micky Arison who has been very devoted to the Miami community," said Stern, noting that the Heat owner has continuously re-invested in his franchise over the years and is now reaping the benefits because of it. "They're going to have an interesting season because the expectations are very high." Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Nevertheless, Stern was happy to answer questions from the media about a wide variety of topics before the tipoff. Inevitably his thoughts on the biggest story in the NBA were offered and he was pleased to congratulate the Heat for their accomplishments this past summer.
"These roster changes in Miami have certainly occasioned a fair amount of publicity and it's kind of fun to watch all the speculation and the combination of 'mail the trophy to Miami' or not, 'play the season' or not, etc. But it's a great game and we always play the season and it always has interesting results.
"I'm really very happy for Micky Arison who has been very devoted to the Miami community," said Stern, noting that the Heat owner has continuously re-invested in his franchise over the years and is now reaping the benefits because of it. "They're going to have an interesting season because the expectations are very high." Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Kasey Kahne: 'It Was Time for Me to Move On'
Filed under: Brian Vickers, Kasey Kahne, NASCAR Rumors, Sprint Cup, Red Bull Racing, NASCARDiscussing his abrupt departure from Richard Petty Motorsports this week, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne insisted Friday morning that it was a mutual decision. He dismissed reports that he was owed money from the team and challenged anyone to question his commitment despite the late-season split.
"It was time for me to move on,'' Kahne told reporters Friday morning at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, where he'll begin his tenure in the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
"It definitely went down differently than what a lot of people people expected, including myself. It's a big change for myself. I'm been doing the same thing for six and a half years. ... and now everything's different, but I'm looking forward to it. I've been looking forward to next year and now I've got a quicker start on it.
"I think it's good for me that it happened. And I think it's good for RPM also.''
Red Bull Racing general manager Jay Frye concurred and acknowledged the timing certainly benefited them as well. Kahne was already set to run the full 2011 season with the team before taking over the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in 2012. With one of Red Bull's lead drivers, Brian Vickers recovering from a blood clot, the No. 83 was available for Kahne now. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
"It was time for me to move on,'' Kahne told reporters Friday morning at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, where he'll begin his tenure in the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
"It definitely went down differently than what a lot of people people expected, including myself. It's a big change for myself. I'm been doing the same thing for six and a half years. ... and now everything's different, but I'm looking forward to it. I've been looking forward to next year and now I've got a quicker start on it.
"I think it's good for me that it happened. And I think it's good for RPM also.''
Red Bull Racing general manager Jay Frye concurred and acknowledged the timing certainly benefited them as well. Kahne was already set to run the full 2011 season with the team before taking over the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in 2012. With one of Red Bull's lead drivers, Brian Vickers recovering from a blood clot, the No. 83 was available for Kahne now. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Craig Anderson Out Indefinitely Following Injury in Warmup
Filed under: Avalanche, NHL Injuries
VANCOUVER, B.C. -- It has been a long time since NHL teams played with only one goalie in a game.
But the Colorado Avalanche found themselves in that position Tuesday night.
Colorado lost No. 1 netminder Craig Anderson -- who wasn't supposed to play anyway -- to a knee injury suffered in the warmup before a 4-3 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Coach Joe Sacco confirmed after the game that Anderson would fly back to Denver for evaluation.
A team spokesman said after the second period that Anderson is out indefinitely. He is expected to miss Thursday's game in Calgary. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
VANCOUVER, B.C. -- It has been a long time since NHL teams played with only one goalie in a game.
But the Colorado Avalanche found themselves in that position Tuesday night.
Colorado lost No. 1 netminder Craig Anderson -- who wasn't supposed to play anyway -- to a knee injury suffered in the warmup before a 4-3 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Coach Joe Sacco confirmed after the game that Anderson would fly back to Denver for evaluation.
A team spokesman said after the second period that Anderson is out indefinitely. He is expected to miss Thursday's game in Calgary. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Dustin Byfuglien's Transition to D is Going Quite Well
Filed under: Sabres, ThrashersThe Atlanta Thrashers decision to move Dustin Byfuglien to defense (he was originally drafted as a defenseman) was met with some skepticism and criticism this summer, most of which came from former NHL star Jeremy Roenick. During his weekly radio show in late September Roenick said this on the Thrashers move:
"That might be the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life. Dustin Byfuglien as a defenseman. I would love to play against Dustin Byfuglien as a defenseman. I would turn him inside out, left, right and center every single time. This kid, he made his living in front of the net scoring goals during the playoffs for the Chicago Blackhawks. Why on earth would you put him back as a defenseman?"
Boom. Ten games into the season and Byfuglien has been one of Atlanta's best defensemen, and one of the most productive rearguards in the NHL. He's averaging over 21 minutes of ice-time per game, is fifth in scoring among all defensemen with 10 points and on top of the league with four goals and seven power play points. On Friday, as Atlanta overcame an early 2-0 deficit against the Buffalo Sabres to earn a 4-3 overtime win, Byfuglien scored the game-winning goal in overtime on a coast-to-coast rush (hey, it's been a theme with Atlanta recently) that split the Buffalo defense.
Here's the video... Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
"That might be the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life. Dustin Byfuglien as a defenseman. I would love to play against Dustin Byfuglien as a defenseman. I would turn him inside out, left, right and center every single time. This kid, he made his living in front of the net scoring goals during the playoffs for the Chicago Blackhawks. Why on earth would you put him back as a defenseman?"
Boom. Ten games into the season and Byfuglien has been one of Atlanta's best defensemen, and one of the most productive rearguards in the NHL. He's averaging over 21 minutes of ice-time per game, is fifth in scoring among all defensemen with 10 points and on top of the league with four goals and seven power play points. On Friday, as Atlanta overcame an early 2-0 deficit against the Buffalo Sabres to earn a 4-3 overtime win, Byfuglien scored the game-winning goal in overtime on a coast-to-coast rush (hey, it's been a theme with Atlanta recently) that split the Buffalo defense.
Here's the video... Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Jonathan Byrd Wins Shriners Open With Hole-in-One
All that fun stuff you hear about in Las Vegas that nobody is supposed to talk about? It usually happens after dark. The PGA Tour's Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open was no exception.
"I couldn't see it" said Jonathan Byrd.
On this occasion, Byrd had good reason for the temporary blackout.
The script wasn't looking promising Sunday night at TPC Summerlin. After a 72-hole regulation play ended in a three-way tie, Byrd, Martin Laird and Cameron Percy were heading to the fourth playoff hole as daylight was fading fast.
Before stepping to the 204-yard par 3 17th hole (for the third time of the day) the three players were given the option by PGA Tour officials to continue play or return Monday morning to decide a winner.
If any of the three had declined to go forward, play would have been halted until Monday. When Byrd was asked, he offered to go with the flow.
"Whatever you guys want to do," he said.
The agreement was to press on.
They didn't have to go far. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
"I couldn't see it" said Jonathan Byrd.
On this occasion, Byrd had good reason for the temporary blackout.
The script wasn't looking promising Sunday night at TPC Summerlin. After a 72-hole regulation play ended in a three-way tie, Byrd, Martin Laird and Cameron Percy were heading to the fourth playoff hole as daylight was fading fast.
Before stepping to the 204-yard par 3 17th hole (for the third time of the day) the three players were given the option by PGA Tour officials to continue play or return Monday morning to decide a winner.
If any of the three had declined to go forward, play would have been halted until Monday. When Byrd was asked, he offered to go with the flow.
"Whatever you guys want to do," he said.
The agreement was to press on.
They didn't have to go far. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
MLS Western Playoff Preview: The Sprint to the Cup Begins
Filed under: MLS, FC Dallas, Los Angeles Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders FC
After playing 30 matches over the course of seven months, eight MLS teams now find themselves just four games away from the league title.
It's like having the eight leading runners in a marathon restart the race 10 yards from the finish line. Absolutely anything can happen, and previous MLS Cup tournaments suggest that it probably will.
In each of the past two years, the eighth seed has advanced to the championship game. In 2008, the New York Red Bulls shocked the Houston Dynamo in the first round, won the Western Conference crown and were defeated by Columbus in the final. Last year, Real Salt Lake turned the tables on the Crew before winning both the Eastern Conference and MLS Cup on penalties. RSL managed just one goal over the 240 minutes of semifinal and final play, yet walked away with the title. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
After playing 30 matches over the course of seven months, eight MLS teams now find themselves just four games away from the league title.
It's like having the eight leading runners in a marathon restart the race 10 yards from the finish line. Absolutely anything can happen, and previous MLS Cup tournaments suggest that it probably will.
In each of the past two years, the eighth seed has advanced to the championship game. In 2008, the New York Red Bulls shocked the Houston Dynamo in the first round, won the Western Conference crown and were defeated by Columbus in the final. Last year, Real Salt Lake turned the tables on the Crew before winning both the Eastern Conference and MLS Cup on penalties. RSL managed just one goal over the 240 minutes of semifinal and final play, yet walked away with the title. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Rangers Restore Order in Game 3 Win
Filed under: Giants, Rangers, MLB Playoffs, World SeriesARLINGTON, Texas -- Washington, D.C. wasn't the only place where a little sanity came into focus Saturday.
After having their lunch handed to them twice in San Francisco, the Texas Rangers returned home and followed the lead of starter Colby Lewis and first baseman Mitch Moreland to a 4-2 victory Saturday night.
"After those two games in San Francisco, we needed to just be ourselves, do what we do best," reliever Darren O'Day said.
O'Day had been one of the culprits in San Francisco, but back on his home turf, he threw an unhittable slider to Buster Posey in the eighth inning. Posey, the Giants' best hitter and the only San Franciscan all night who batted with a chance to tie the game, grounded out to short. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
After having their lunch handed to them twice in San Francisco, the Texas Rangers returned home and followed the lead of starter Colby Lewis and first baseman Mitch Moreland to a 4-2 victory Saturday night.
"After those two games in San Francisco, we needed to just be ourselves, do what we do best," reliever Darren O'Day said.
O'Day had been one of the culprits in San Francisco, but back on his home turf, he threw an unhittable slider to Buster Posey in the eighth inning. Posey, the Giants' best hitter and the only San Franciscan all night who batted with a chance to tie the game, grounded out to short. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Twins Angela and Amber Cope Make Historic NASCAR Start at Martinsville
Filed under: Camping World Truck Series, NASCARFor the first time in NASCAR history, a set of twins competed together in a national division in the Camping World Truck Series race Saturday at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.
For 27-year-old identical twins Amber and Angela Cope, the prime-time debut was a decade in the making.
Amber Cope, driving the No. 6 Dodge, finished 26th, three laps down, while Angela Cope was involved in two incidents within 18 laps of each other early in the race and finished 30th, six laps down. Series veteran Ron Hornaday won the race.
But the Cope twins are far more interested in the future opportunities their debut may create than in the history they made.
The nieces of 1990 Daytona 500 winner Derrike Cope (shown at right with their uncle) hadn't competed in over a year before Saturday's race, the sagging economy having made it tough to find sponsorship to fund a two-car program.
So while the publicity and headlines can't hurt, the real goal for the Copes Saturday was the more modest: gain of seat time and turning heads.
"The twins are smart, attractive and have talent,'' Derrike Cope said. "And they understand that there is a learning process associated with being successful.
"The girls know this is do-or-die. They have to perform. They have to make it happen.
"Our hopes are that people will stand up and take notice. We're just trying to get in position so this can escalate, to get the opportunities in front of us.'' Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
For 27-year-old identical twins Amber and Angela Cope, the prime-time debut was a decade in the making.
Amber Cope, driving the No. 6 Dodge, finished 26th, three laps down, while Angela Cope was involved in two incidents within 18 laps of each other early in the race and finished 30th, six laps down. Series veteran Ron Hornaday won the race.
But the Cope twins are far more interested in the future opportunities their debut may create than in the history they made.
The nieces of 1990 Daytona 500 winner Derrike Cope (shown at right with their uncle) hadn't competed in over a year before Saturday's race, the sagging economy having made it tough to find sponsorship to fund a two-car program.
So while the publicity and headlines can't hurt, the real goal for the Copes Saturday was the more modest: gain of seat time and turning heads.
"The twins are smart, attractive and have talent,'' Derrike Cope said. "And they understand that there is a learning process associated with being successful.
"The girls know this is do-or-die. They have to perform. They have to make it happen.
"Our hopes are that people will stand up and take notice. We're just trying to get in position so this can escalate, to get the opportunities in front of us.'' Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Rangers' Beleaguered Bullpen Puts Out Fire This Time
Filed under: Giants, Rangers, MLB Playoffs, World SeriesARLINGTON, Texas -- Who replaced the torches with baseballs and put them in the hands of Texas Rangers relievers?
Thankfully for the 106th World Series, someone straightened these guys out.
A Rangers bullpen that put up an ERA of 18.56 in Games 1 and 2 retired all four batters it faced Saturday, which locked up a 4-2 victory in Game 3 and kept the San Francisco Giants from turning this Fall Classic into a laugher.
"We hadn't performed like we are capable of, but we knew we were capable of it," said Darren O'Day, one of the torch-wielders, who got a big final out of the eighth inning. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Thankfully for the 106th World Series, someone straightened these guys out.
A Rangers bullpen that put up an ERA of 18.56 in Games 1 and 2 retired all four batters it faced Saturday, which locked up a 4-2 victory in Game 3 and kept the San Francisco Giants from turning this Fall Classic into a laugher.
"We hadn't performed like we are capable of, but we knew we were capable of it," said Darren O'Day, one of the torch-wielders, who got a big final out of the eighth inning. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Jason WIlliams Suspended for Making Contact With Referee
Filed under: Heat, Magic, Wizards, NBA VideosJason Williams has been suspended for one game without pay for making contact with an official, the league said in a release on Friday. Williams picked up two quick technicals with 58 seconds left in the Magic's lopsided 112-83 victory over the Wizards on Thursday, after arguing an offensive foul call that went against him on the previous play.
Williams continued to plead his case to the official after the ejection, and made brief contact as the two were walking toward the scorer's table. The referee briefly stopped and glanced at the left side of his body, likely to emphasize to Williams that he had gotten a little too close.
The suspension will be enforced Friday night, when the Magic take on the Heat in what will be Miami's first home game of the season.
Video of the exchange between Williams and the official can be seen in the clip below. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Williams continued to plead his case to the official after the ejection, and made brief contact as the two were walking toward the scorer's table. The referee briefly stopped and glanced at the left side of his body, likely to emphasize to Williams that he had gotten a little too close.
The suspension will be enforced Friday night, when the Magic take on the Heat in what will be Miami's first home game of the season.
Video of the exchange between Williams and the official can be seen in the clip below. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Dwyane Wade, Not LeBron James, Emerging as Miami Heat Leader
Filed under: Heat, Magic, NBA Last Night, Chris Bosh
MIAMI -- It's hard to imagine two-time Most Valuable Player LeBron James -- once the center of the basketball universe -- being anyone's sidekick or set-up man.
It just might be happening here.
This is still Dwyane Wade's town. This is still his team.
Wade, who coaxed both James and Chris Bosh to Miami as free agents this summer, has wasted no time asserting himself as the dominant player on what is expected to be the league's most dominant team.
After missing all but three minutes of the exhibition schedule with a hamstring injury, Wade (shown above in pregame introductions of Friday's contest) has used the first week of the regular season to step confidently into his role as The leader -- not A leader -- of the Miami Heat.
Three games into the season, it's starting to look clear.
MIAMI -- It's hard to imagine two-time Most Valuable Player LeBron James -- once the center of the basketball universe -- being anyone's sidekick or set-up man.
It just might be happening here.
This is still Dwyane Wade's town. This is still his team.
Wade, who coaxed both James and Chris Bosh to Miami as free agents this summer, has wasted no time asserting himself as the dominant player on what is expected to be the league's most dominant team.
After missing all but three minutes of the exhibition schedule with a hamstring injury, Wade (shown above in pregame introductions of Friday's contest) has used the first week of the regular season to step confidently into his role as The leader -- not A leader -- of the Miami Heat.
Three games into the season, it's starting to look clear.
New Flame Brendan Mikkelson 'Excited' About Fresh Start
Filed under: FlamesCALGARY, Alta. -- As much as one may think it, it wasn't hockey all day, every day in Brendan Mikkelson's household growing up. But sometimes, it sure felt that way.
After all, father Bill played in the '70s in the NHL and sister Meaghan was a gold medallist with the Canadian women's hockey squad at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.
"My parents are great, they're supportive with anything I would have done,'' Brendan Mikkelson explained. "They encouraged me to play everything growing up. They knew after a little while that I had a passion for the game and was able to pick it up. It wasn't hockey, hockey, hockey ... but it almost became that way with my sister and I taking to the game like we did.'
'
The 23-year-old is a recent addition to the Calgary Flames' blueline. Mikkelson was claimed off waivers from the Anaheim Ducks, the club that drafted him in the second round back in 2005. He signed on with Calgary on Oct. 19. After three seasons of playing sporadically with the California club, the youngster from Regina was happy to give it a shot in a new NHL city. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
After all, father Bill played in the '70s in the NHL and sister Meaghan was a gold medallist with the Canadian women's hockey squad at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.
"My parents are great, they're supportive with anything I would have done,'' Brendan Mikkelson explained. "They encouraged me to play everything growing up. They knew after a little while that I had a passion for the game and was able to pick it up. It wasn't hockey, hockey, hockey ... but it almost became that way with my sister and I taking to the game like we did.'
'
The 23-year-old is a recent addition to the Calgary Flames' blueline. Mikkelson was claimed off waivers from the Anaheim Ducks, the club that drafted him in the second round back in 2005. He signed on with Calgary on Oct. 19. After three seasons of playing sporadically with the California club, the youngster from Regina was happy to give it a shot in a new NHL city. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Broncos vs. 49ers Preview, Score and More
Filed under: 49ers, Broncos, NFL LondonTwo teams that have been huge disappointments in 2010 have taken vastly different paths to the NFL's annual overseas game. The 49ers have been in England since Monday. The Broncos didn't show up until Friday.
For the Niners, this is a chance to get away from the ignominy of a 1-6 start, to get Troy Smith a start at quarterback in neutral waters with Alex Smith (separated left shoulder) out for at least a couple of weeks. The San Francisco offense boasts great weapons (RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, WR Michael Crabtree) but not great production.
Denver has twice as many wins as the 49ers at 2-5, but they are just as happy to be away from the States. The Broncos tied a record by giving up 59 points at home last weekend against the Oakland Raiders, so Denver comes into this one looking to rediscover itself across the Atlantic. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
For the Niners, this is a chance to get away from the ignominy of a 1-6 start, to get Troy Smith a start at quarterback in neutral waters with Alex Smith (separated left shoulder) out for at least a couple of weeks. The San Francisco offense boasts great weapons (RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, WR Michael Crabtree) but not great production.
Denver has twice as many wins as the 49ers at 2-5, but they are just as happy to be away from the States. The Broncos tied a record by giving up 59 points at home last weekend against the Oakland Raiders, so Denver comes into this one looking to rediscover itself across the Atlantic. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Kasey Kahne: 'It Was Time for Me to Move On'
Filed under: Brian Vickers, Kasey Kahne, NASCAR Rumors, Sprint Cup, Red Bull Racing, NASCARDiscussing his abrupt departure from Richard Petty Motorsports this week, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne insisted Friday morning that it was a mutual decision. He dismissed reports that he was owed money from the team and challenged anyone to question his commitment despite the late-season split.
"It was time for me to move on,'' Kahne told reporters Friday morning at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, where he'll begin his tenure in the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
"It definitely went down differently than what a lot of people people expected, including myself. It's a big change for myself. I'm been doing the same thing for six and a half years. ... and now everything's different, but I'm looking forward to it. I've been looking forward to next year and now I've got a quicker start on it.
"I think it's good for me that it happened. And I think it's good for RPM also.''
Red Bull Racing general manager Jay Frye concurred and acknowledged the timing certainly benefited them as well. Kahne was already set to run the full 2011 season with the team before taking over the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in 2012. With one of Red Bull's lead drivers, Brian Vickers recovering from a blood clot, the No. 83 was available for Kahne now. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
"It was time for me to move on,'' Kahne told reporters Friday morning at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, where he'll begin his tenure in the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
"It definitely went down differently than what a lot of people people expected, including myself. It's a big change for myself. I'm been doing the same thing for six and a half years. ... and now everything's different, but I'm looking forward to it. I've been looking forward to next year and now I've got a quicker start on it.
"I think it's good for me that it happened. And I think it's good for RPM also.''
Red Bull Racing general manager Jay Frye concurred and acknowledged the timing certainly benefited them as well. Kahne was already set to run the full 2011 season with the team before taking over the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in 2012. With one of Red Bull's lead drivers, Brian Vickers recovering from a blood clot, the No. 83 was available for Kahne now. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
UConn Shocks West Virginia in OT
Filed under: Connecticut, West Virginia
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. -- Simply stating that the University of Connecticut football team has had some distractions in recent weeks would be a little like pointing out that political campaigns have resorted to angry attack ads as election day approaches.
Suspensions, injuries and a new quarterback every week. Consecutive Big East losses to Rutgers and Louisville, defeats that left the Huskies 0-2 in the conference standings and wondering where their season was headed. Fans calling for the firing of head coach Randy Edsall. And then there was the spy, watching from a university dorm room, posting practice information online and forcing the Huskies to move their workouts indoors.
It was strange stuff, somewhat spooky for the start of a Halloween weekend. As 40,000 fans filed into Rentschler Field Friday night, it had to seem like the worst possible time for West Virginia to come calling. But one kick might have reversed the curse chasing the Huskies recently.
Dave Teggart's 27-yard field goal in overtime lifted UConn (4-4, 1-2) to a 16-13 victory, giving the Huskies their first win ever over the Mountaineers (5-3, 1-2) and drastically changing the direction of UConn's season. When it was over, UConn fans -- some costumed like Teletubbies, penguins and other scary creatures -- stormed the field to celebrate the unlikely outcome. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. -- Simply stating that the University of Connecticut football team has had some distractions in recent weeks would be a little like pointing out that political campaigns have resorted to angry attack ads as election day approaches.
Suspensions, injuries and a new quarterback every week. Consecutive Big East losses to Rutgers and Louisville, defeats that left the Huskies 0-2 in the conference standings and wondering where their season was headed. Fans calling for the firing of head coach Randy Edsall. And then there was the spy, watching from a university dorm room, posting practice information online and forcing the Huskies to move their workouts indoors.
It was strange stuff, somewhat spooky for the start of a Halloween weekend. As 40,000 fans filed into Rentschler Field Friday night, it had to seem like the worst possible time for West Virginia to come calling. But one kick might have reversed the curse chasing the Huskies recently.
Dave Teggart's 27-yard field goal in overtime lifted UConn (4-4, 1-2) to a 16-13 victory, giving the Huskies their first win ever over the Mountaineers (5-3, 1-2) and drastically changing the direction of UConn's season. When it was over, UConn fans -- some costumed like Teletubbies, penguins and other scary creatures -- stormed the field to celebrate the unlikely outcome. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
One Hot Summer of 'Boys, Have At It' NASCAR Highlights
Filed under: Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Sprint Cup, Joey Logano, NASCARThe leaves are changing, and pretty soon it will be getting dark at 5 p.m. and the holidays will be hurtling at us.
We've still got five races to go in NASCAR's Chase to the Sprint Cup championship, and four more in the Nationwide series.
But on this rather slow Wednesday at the halfway point of the Chase, we thought we'd jump back into the summer for a review of some of the highlights and lowlights of those long, sunny, hot days of June, July and August.
The 2010 season will be remembered as a year that the economic downturn hit NASCAR hard, with vast swaths of empty seats at many race tracks. Even Bristol doesn't sell out anymore.
But NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton's open invitation of "Boys, have at it" in January had its effects, too, and throughout the season, the drivers showed a far greater willingness to mix it up on the track, and the NASCAR police stood down and let 'em race.
The results include these top-five candidates below. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
We've still got five races to go in NASCAR's Chase to the Sprint Cup championship, and four more in the Nationwide series.
But on this rather slow Wednesday at the halfway point of the Chase, we thought we'd jump back into the summer for a review of some of the highlights and lowlights of those long, sunny, hot days of June, July and August.
The 2010 season will be remembered as a year that the economic downturn hit NASCAR hard, with vast swaths of empty seats at many race tracks. Even Bristol doesn't sell out anymore.
But NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton's open invitation of "Boys, have at it" in January had its effects, too, and throughout the season, the drivers showed a far greater willingness to mix it up on the track, and the NASCAR police stood down and let 'em race.
The results include these top-five candidates below. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Lakers vs Suns: Pau Gasol Leads LA in Phoenix
Filed under: Lakers, SunsPHOENIX -- In a rematch of last year's Western Conference Finals, the Lakers faced the Suns in the champs' first road contest of the season. This was the third time in the last five meetings between the teams that the Suns were playing on the second night of a back-to-back, while the Lakers were coming off of at least a day's rest -- or in this case, two days.
Phoenix hung around all game long, thanks to never letting L.A. go on a huge run of more than seven or eight points. And, they held their own in the rebound battle, an area that Suns coach Alvin Gentry specifically pointed to before the game as an area of concern. But in the end, the depth of the Lakers -- as it's likely to be against the majority of their opponents this season -- was simply too much, and L.A. pulled away for a 114-106 victory to improve to 2-0 on the young season. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Phoenix hung around all game long, thanks to never letting L.A. go on a huge run of more than seven or eight points. And, they held their own in the rebound battle, an area that Suns coach Alvin Gentry specifically pointed to before the game as an area of concern. But in the end, the depth of the Lakers -- as it's likely to be against the majority of their opponents this season -- was simply too much, and L.A. pulled away for a 114-106 victory to improve to 2-0 on the young season. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Baseball Aims for Families With Early Start to World Series Game 3
Filed under: Giants, Rangers, MLB Playoffs, World Series, Sports Business and MediaARLINGTON, Texas -- Baseball was proud of itself for starting Game 3 of the World Series at 6 o'clock Saturday, its earliest start for the so-called Fall Classic in 23 years. The game ended before 10 p.m. Eastern time, which improved the chances that boys and girls watched the whole game.
"We've gotta have the children," said Charles Steinberg, a senior advisor to commissioner Bud Selig. "Ours is the family game."
When Texas Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis threw a strike at 6 p.m. CT Saturday, it was the earliest first pitch in a World Series since Game 6 in 1987 between the Minnesota Twins and St. Louis Cardinals.
"It shows that baseball is listening to families who are asking to help make sure their kids can watch the game," Steinberg said. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
"We've gotta have the children," said Charles Steinberg, a senior advisor to commissioner Bud Selig. "Ours is the family game."
When Texas Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis threw a strike at 6 p.m. CT Saturday, it was the earliest first pitch in a World Series since Game 6 in 1987 between the Minnesota Twins and St. Louis Cardinals.
"It shows that baseball is listening to families who are asking to help make sure their kids can watch the game," Steinberg said. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Ron Hornaday Jr. Flips in Wild Talladega Crash, Walks Away Unhurt
Filed under: NASCAR Crashes, Camping World Truck Series, SPEED TV, NASCARNASCAR truck series driver Ron Hornaday Jr. walked away from a wild crash in the NASCAR series truck race at Talladega Superspeedway Saturday that saw his truck flip onto its roof and then tumble several times on the high-banked first turn.
Hornaday's No. 33 Chevy truck, owned by Kevin Harvick, came to a stop on its roof, but the driver soon emerged without a scratch.
"I brought the steering wheel back," Hornaday told SPEED TV, holding the wheel in his hand after being released from the infield care center. "If you can't win, you gotta bring the steering wheel back. But it was cool to come here. I led a lot of laps and learned a bunch. Too bad we ruined a good truck."
The crash, which occurred with three laps to go, involved five other trucks and prompted NASCAR to bring out a red flag and then finish the race with a green-white-checkered, two-lap shootout.
The finish was just as wild, as Kyle Busch nearly lost control of his truck going to the inside of Aric Almirola, but nipped Almirola at the line by .002 of a second, or about a foot. Johnny Sauter went to the outside of Almirola and made it three wide at the finish, but crossed under the flag in third. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Hornaday's No. 33 Chevy truck, owned by Kevin Harvick, came to a stop on its roof, but the driver soon emerged without a scratch.
"I brought the steering wheel back," Hornaday told SPEED TV, holding the wheel in his hand after being released from the infield care center. "If you can't win, you gotta bring the steering wheel back. But it was cool to come here. I led a lot of laps and learned a bunch. Too bad we ruined a good truck."
The crash, which occurred with three laps to go, involved five other trucks and prompted NASCAR to bring out a red flag and then finish the race with a green-white-checkered, two-lap shootout.
The finish was just as wild, as Kyle Busch nearly lost control of his truck going to the inside of Aric Almirola, but nipped Almirola at the line by .002 of a second, or about a foot. Johnny Sauter went to the outside of Almirola and made it three wide at the finish, but crossed under the flag in third. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Colorado's Capitulation an Indictment of MLS's Broken Playoff System
Filed under: MLS, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt LakeThe Rocky Mountain Cup, contested each season by the Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake, has been a fierce rivalry since the moment RSL joined Major League Soccer in 2005. But it has never been as thrilling as it was on Saturday evening.
Trailing 2-0 in the 90th minute of the game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, visiting Salt Lake engineered an incredible comeback and scored two stoppage-time goals in the span of four minutes. The 2-2 draw sent the Cup back to Utah.
RSL's first goal came in the 91st minute after Álvaro Saborío seized upon a terrible clearance by Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens. Saborio struck again in the 95th, burying a penalty kick earned when Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan took down Jámison Olave in the box. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Trailing 2-0 in the 90th minute of the game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, visiting Salt Lake engineered an incredible comeback and scored two stoppage-time goals in the span of four minutes. The 2-2 draw sent the Cup back to Utah.
RSL's first goal came in the 91st minute after Álvaro Saborío seized upon a terrible clearance by Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens. Saborio struck again in the 95th, burying a penalty kick earned when Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan took down Jámison Olave in the box. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Jonathan Byrd Takes Second-Round Lead, Shoots 8-Under 63 at Shriners
Filed under: PGALAS VEGAS (AP) -- Jonathan Byrd shot an 8-under 63 on Friday at rain-softened TPC Summerlin to take the second-round lead at 13 under in the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open.
Byrd, seeking his fourth PGA Tour title, had nine birdies and a bogey in perfect scoring conditions in the fourth of five Fall Series events.
"This golf course, when it's not firm, it takes a lot of teeth out of the golf course," Byrd said. "And the hole location and the way the greens are shaped and everything. But the ball is not going quite as far. I've hit it very well the last two days. I've given myself a lot of options, and I've putted well."
Japan's Ryuji Imada was a stroke back after a 62. He had an eagle, eight birdies and a bogey. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Byrd, seeking his fourth PGA Tour title, had nine birdies and a bogey in perfect scoring conditions in the fourth of five Fall Series events.
"This golf course, when it's not firm, it takes a lot of teeth out of the golf course," Byrd said. "And the hole location and the way the greens are shaped and everything. But the ball is not going quite as far. I've hit it very well the last two days. I've given myself a lot of options, and I've putted well."
Japan's Ryuji Imada was a stroke back after a 62. He had an eagle, eight birdies and a bogey. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Mike Maddux: Bud Selig Is Rangers 'MVP'
by Jeff FletcherFiled under: Mariners, Rangers, MLB Biz, Sports Business and MediaSAN FRANCISCO -- Eyes were opened around baseball when the Rangers, who at the time were in bankruptcy court, were allowed to take on salary to get Cliff Lee in a July trade, and Texas pitching coach Mike Maddux admitted on the eve of the World Series that it was a lucky break.
"I've got to say our MVP is Commissioner Selig, for letting us operate without a checkbook," Maddux said. "He's got to be one of the unsung heroes of baseball, at least as far as the Rangers are concerned."
Lee, who will start Game 1 of the World Series against the Giants on Wednesday, was obviously one of the keys to put the Rangers over the top. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
"I've got to say our MVP is Commissioner Selig, for letting us operate without a checkbook," Maddux said. "He's got to be one of the unsung heroes of baseball, at least as far as the Rangers are concerned."
Lee, who will start Game 1 of the World Series against the Giants on Wednesday, was obviously one of the keys to put the Rangers over the top. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Utah Escapes Air Force With Eight Victory and Perfect Mark Intact
Filed under: Air Force, Utah, Mountain WestCOLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- As Utah coach Kyle Whittingham walked into the visitors tunnel of Falcons Stadium, he let out a giant sigh of relief.
"Frick," he muttered as he shook his head and wandered into the locker room.
It was one of those games for Whittingham, whose Utes barely escaped the Air Force Academy with a 28-23 win to preserve their undefeated record.
"I've been in this game maybe 21 times (as an assistant and head coach) and I need a break from it," said Whittingham, whose team moves to the Pac-12 next year and has no future dates with Air Force. "So now we're getting a break from it and that's why I was breathing a sigh of relief.
"The bottom line is when you're playing Air Force, you'll take a win any way, shape or form that it comes. I told the players that exact same thing. I was proud of them. It wasn't perfect, it never is, but we're 8-0. Bottom line."
The win sets up a potential top five showdown with conference rival TCU next week for control of the Mountain West Conference and a possible BCS bowl berth.
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"Frick," he muttered as he shook his head and wandered into the locker room.
It was one of those games for Whittingham, whose Utes barely escaped the Air Force Academy with a 28-23 win to preserve their undefeated record.
"I've been in this game maybe 21 times (as an assistant and head coach) and I need a break from it," said Whittingham, whose team moves to the Pac-12 next year and has no future dates with Air Force. "So now we're getting a break from it and that's why I was breathing a sigh of relief.
"The bottom line is when you're playing Air Force, you'll take a win any way, shape or form that it comes. I told the players that exact same thing. I was proud of them. It wasn't perfect, it never is, but we're 8-0. Bottom line."
The win sets up a potential top five showdown with conference rival TCU next week for control of the Mountain West Conference and a possible BCS bowl berth.
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Scholarship Athletes Still Pay for School, Study Finds
by FanHouse NewswireFiled under: Sports Business and Media
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- A new study suggests that the so-called "free ride" for college scholarship athletes isn't quite so free.
The report by Ithaca College researchers and a national athletes' advocacy group shows that the average "full scholarship" Division I athlete winds up having to pay $2,951 annually in school-related expenses not covered by grants-in-aid.
The shortfall represents the difference between educational expenses such as tuition, student fees, room and board and ancillary costs not covered by scholarships, from campus parking fees to calculators and computer disks required for classes.
At some schools, the shortfall can approach or exceed tuition costs. At Arkansas-Little Rock, for instance, the 2009 shortfall is nearly $11,000, said Ramogi Huma, a former UCLA linebacker who now heads the National College Players Association.
"It's really deceptive to use the words 'full scholarship,' " he said. "There's never an explanation for recruited athletes that the price tag for attending school falls short of the scholarship amount."
The Little Rock school disputed that calculation, suggesting its gap between athletic scholarships and the actual cost of attendance is closer to $4,100 a year.
College athletes whose academic expenses aren't fully covered by scholarships are more susceptible to the influence of money-wielding sports agents, Huma suggested. In a recent Sports Illustrated report, a former agent said he paid more than 30 college football players. Seven of the athletes confirmed that account.
Terence Moore: Paying College Players Just Plain Stupid
David Whitley: Time for Schools to Pay Mouths That Feed Them Megabucks
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COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- A new study suggests that the so-called "free ride" for college scholarship athletes isn't quite so free.
The report by Ithaca College researchers and a national athletes' advocacy group shows that the average "full scholarship" Division I athlete winds up having to pay $2,951 annually in school-related expenses not covered by grants-in-aid.
The shortfall represents the difference between educational expenses such as tuition, student fees, room and board and ancillary costs not covered by scholarships, from campus parking fees to calculators and computer disks required for classes.
At some schools, the shortfall can approach or exceed tuition costs. At Arkansas-Little Rock, for instance, the 2009 shortfall is nearly $11,000, said Ramogi Huma, a former UCLA linebacker who now heads the National College Players Association.
"It's really deceptive to use the words 'full scholarship,' " he said. "There's never an explanation for recruited athletes that the price tag for attending school falls short of the scholarship amount."
The Little Rock school disputed that calculation, suggesting its gap between athletic scholarships and the actual cost of attendance is closer to $4,100 a year.
College athletes whose academic expenses aren't fully covered by scholarships are more susceptible to the influence of money-wielding sports agents, Huma suggested. In a recent Sports Illustrated report, a former agent said he paid more than 30 college football players. Seven of the athletes confirmed that account.
Terence Moore: Paying College Players Just Plain Stupid
David Whitley: Time for Schools to Pay Mouths That Feed Them Megabucks
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It is finished
You never know what moments are going to change your life. For D.C. United and, really, for soccer fans across the United States, one such moment came on August 7, 1996. Just four minutes after kickoff on that summer evening, a young Bolivian player named Jaime Moreno scored for D.C....
Denny Hamlin Wins Again at Martinsville, Trails Jimmie Johnson by Six Points
Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Sprint Cup, NASCARMARTINSVILLE, Va. -- Denny Hamlin needed a long green flag stretch to get his No. 11 FedEx Toyota to run at its best, and he finally got that run during the final 100 laps at Martinsville Speedway, making the race-winning pass of Kevin Harvick on lap 471 of the 500-lap event.
The victory, Hamlin's third in a row at Martinsville, allowed him to pull within six points of Jimmie Johnson in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. It's the closest margin between first and second in the Chase since the playoff format was instituted in 2004.
Hamlin took the checkered flag by 2.318 seconds over Mark Martin, who made up two laps and was charging toward the front at the end. Harvick finished third after leading most of the later laps of the race. Kyle Busch finished fourth, followed by Jimmie Johnson.
It was Hamlin's seventh win this year and his 15th career victory. He's now won three in a row at Martinsville and four in all.
"We are back, baby!" Hamlin shouted on his radio as he crossed the finish line. "Awesome job! Great job of adjusting the car. It was the best it's been all day long. Pit crew, you did it right there. You got me out. Thanks, guys. Relentless, relentless job, guys."
In victory lane, Hamlin said, "I don't think I've ever closed that well, ever. We did not have a race-winning car until the very end. My pit crew got me from sixth to third before the last restart and that was the key." Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
The victory, Hamlin's third in a row at Martinsville, allowed him to pull within six points of Jimmie Johnson in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. It's the closest margin between first and second in the Chase since the playoff format was instituted in 2004.
Hamlin took the checkered flag by 2.318 seconds over Mark Martin, who made up two laps and was charging toward the front at the end. Harvick finished third after leading most of the later laps of the race. Kyle Busch finished fourth, followed by Jimmie Johnson.
It was Hamlin's seventh win this year and his 15th career victory. He's now won three in a row at Martinsville and four in all.
"We are back, baby!" Hamlin shouted on his radio as he crossed the finish line. "Awesome job! Great job of adjusting the car. It was the best it's been all day long. Pit crew, you did it right there. You got me out. Thanks, guys. Relentless, relentless job, guys."
In victory lane, Hamlin said, "I don't think I've ever closed that well, ever. We did not have a race-winning car until the very end. My pit crew got me from sixth to third before the last restart and that was the key." Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
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Spotter's Stand: Jeff Gordon vs. Kurt Busch Tops Martinsville Drama
Filed under: Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Sprint Cup, NASCARMaybe this is what NASCAR's Robin Pemberton had in mind in January when his "Have at it, boys" line became the buzz phrase of the 2010 season.
In fact, it may have been even better.
Sunday at Martinsville, Va., couldn't have been scripted more perfectly in terms of drivers leaving the .526-mile bullring irritated with each other and how the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship battle is setting up with four races to go.
Oh, and some guy named Dale Earnhardt Jr. managed to have the South Central Virginia crowd roaring for the 90 laps he led -- the most he's paced all season.
But Jeff Gordon and Kurt Busch -- personalities who have little crossover appeal within their separate fan bases -- provided the most interesting episode.
Gordon's most recent history with Busch came a quarter-lap before the ultimate payback, but their past history this season includes a cut tire on Busch's No. 2 that left him steamed at Gordon after finishing 32nd on the Infineon road course in June. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
In fact, it may have been even better.
Sunday at Martinsville, Va., couldn't have been scripted more perfectly in terms of drivers leaving the .526-mile bullring irritated with each other and how the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship battle is setting up with four races to go.
Oh, and some guy named Dale Earnhardt Jr. managed to have the South Central Virginia crowd roaring for the 90 laps he led -- the most he's paced all season.
But Jeff Gordon and Kurt Busch -- personalities who have little crossover appeal within their separate fan bases -- provided the most interesting episode.
Gordon's most recent history with Busch came a quarter-lap before the ultimate payback, but their past history this season includes a cut tire on Busch's No. 2 that left him steamed at Gordon after finishing 32nd on the Infineon road course in June. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Saturday, October 30, 2010
US Midfielder Jermaine Jones Tears Ankle Ligament
Filed under: European Soccer, Bundesliga (Germany), U.S. Men's National TeamNew U.S. national team midfielder Jermaine Jones has injured ligaments in his right ankle and is set for a spell on the sidelines.
The 28-year-old midfielder, who impressed during his first two appearances with the U.S. early this month, tore one ligament and "damaged another" during Schalke 04's German Cup victory of FSV Frankfurt on Tuesday, according to this report on FIFA's Web site.
Jones was replaced in the 77th minute. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
The 28-year-old midfielder, who impressed during his first two appearances with the U.S. early this month, tore one ligament and "damaged another" during Schalke 04's German Cup victory of FSV Frankfurt on Tuesday, according to this report on FIFA's Web site.
Jones was replaced in the 77th minute. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
David Beckham Will Play Out Los Angeles Galaxy Contract
Filed under: International Soccer, MLS, Los Angeles Galaxy, EnglandDavid Beckham's future with the England national team is uncertain, and rumors continue to float about interest from clubs overseas, but he has announced that he will finish out his contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Beckham's five-year, $32.5 million deal runs through the 2011 MLS season, but he had the option to buy out the final year and leave after 2010.
"I want to play as long as my legs can take me," he said. "I know it sounds a cliche, but I love playing soccer. I love playing the game. It's my passion. When I stop enjoying it then I'll know I need to stop.
"I'm definitely going to be here for the rest of my contract," he said. "My sons go to school here, we're all happy living here, so I can't see us moving." Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Beckham's five-year, $32.5 million deal runs through the 2011 MLS season, but he had the option to buy out the final year and leave after 2010.
"I want to play as long as my legs can take me," he said. "I know it sounds a cliche, but I love playing soccer. I love playing the game. It's my passion. When I stop enjoying it then I'll know I need to stop.
"I'm definitely going to be here for the rest of my contract," he said. "My sons go to school here, we're all happy living here, so I can't see us moving." Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Maple Leafs' Colton Orr Looks to Wear Pink Skates
Filed under: Maple Leafs, Rangers, NHL FightsTORONTO -- Toronto's toughest player is expected to wear pink skates against the New York Rangers to support the fight against cancer.
Colton Orr put in a request with Reebok for the league's Hockey Fights Cancer month. The company delivered hand-painted pink skates for the forward to wear in Saturday night's game against the Rangers.
Orr is wearing the skates in memory of Todd Davison, a former teammate with the WHL's Regina Pats who died in 2006 from a rare form of cancer.
Orr's skates were painted by artist David Arrigo and will be auctioned off for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro had all pink gear made -- pads, blocker and gloves -- while others have used pink sticks. NHL coaches and managers have worn pink ties.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
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Colton Orr put in a request with Reebok for the league's Hockey Fights Cancer month. The company delivered hand-painted pink skates for the forward to wear in Saturday night's game against the Rangers.
Orr is wearing the skates in memory of Todd Davison, a former teammate with the WHL's Regina Pats who died in 2006 from a rare form of cancer.
Orr's skates were painted by artist David Arrigo and will be auctioned off for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro had all pink gear made -- pads, blocker and gloves -- while others have used pink sticks. NHL coaches and managers have worn pink ties.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
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New York Red Bulls Shut Out Chris Wondolowski, San Jose Earthquakes, 1-0
Filed under: MLS, New York Red Bulls, San Jose EarthquakesWhen you stop Chris Wondolowski, you stop the San Jose Earthquakes.
The 27-year-old forward is the favorite to win the Major League Soccer MVP award because he almost single-handedly lifted San Jose to the MLS playoffs for the first time in five years.
No member of the Earthquakes other than Wondo scored a goal in the last nine games of the regular season. He had 10 during that span, and the club earned the eighth and final berth and a date with the New York Red Bulls.
On Saturday night in San Jose, those Red Bulls shut Wondolowski down, got a goal from midfielder Joel Lindpere and secured a 1-0 win that leaves them in excellent position to advance to the Eastern Conference final. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
The 27-year-old forward is the favorite to win the Major League Soccer MVP award because he almost single-handedly lifted San Jose to the MLS playoffs for the first time in five years.
No member of the Earthquakes other than Wondo scored a goal in the last nine games of the regular season. He had 10 during that span, and the club earned the eighth and final berth and a date with the New York Red Bulls.
On Saturday night in San Jose, those Red Bulls shut Wondolowski down, got a goal from midfielder Joel Lindpere and secured a 1-0 win that leaves them in excellent position to advance to the Eastern Conference final. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Danroy Henry Memorial a Requiem for a Young Life Lost
BOSTON -- At Danroy Henry's memorial service Friday, the football players of Pace University wore dark suits and somber expressions and a few signs of a long season.
One walked on crutches with his foot in a cast. Another wore a bandage on his wrist with his arm in a sling. Others moved slowly, limping slightly. But their aches and pains were inconsequential to the reason for the gathering.
The players were among about 2,000 persons in a big room of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center who met to honor a teammate slain almost two weeks ago by police bullets in Thornwood, N.Y., a suburb north of New York City.
Desmond Hinds, a wide receiver, recalled that Henry, who was from the Boston suburbs, was a Celtics fan and had looked forward to Tuesday's NBA opener against LeBron James and the Miami Heat and had frequently predicted a Boston victory.
"I can't wait! I can't wait!" Hinds said, recalling his friend's words in the days before his death. The Celtics won the game, nine days after Henry died.
"I believe they won because he was on their side," Hinds said while standing on a flower-filled stage that included a photograph of Henry and various football decorations.
One walked on crutches with his foot in a cast. Another wore a bandage on his wrist with his arm in a sling. Others moved slowly, limping slightly. But their aches and pains were inconsequential to the reason for the gathering.
The players were among about 2,000 persons in a big room of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center who met to honor a teammate slain almost two weeks ago by police bullets in Thornwood, N.Y., a suburb north of New York City.
Desmond Hinds, a wide receiver, recalled that Henry, who was from the Boston suburbs, was a Celtics fan and had looked forward to Tuesday's NBA opener against LeBron James and the Miami Heat and had frequently predicted a Boston victory.
"I can't wait! I can't wait!" Hinds said, recalling his friend's words in the days before his death. The Celtics won the game, nine days after Henry died.
"I believe they won because he was on their side," Hinds said while standing on a flower-filled stage that included a photograph of Henry and various football decorations.
Oakland Raiders * San Diego Chargers * National Football Conference
There's No Place Like Home for Heat
Filed under: Heat, Magic
MIAMI -- The city of Miami had to wait 113 long days since the biggest prize in 2010 NBA free agency, LeBron James, announced his intentions to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to play for the Miami Heat for this night. The fans couldn't even enjoy a sneak preview of what was to come when Wade went down with an injury three minutes into the preseason at home against the Detroit Pistons. But the wait to see their home team finally playing their stars at the same time for a full game while making a quantum leap in team chemistry made it all worth it.
"The crowd was amazing," remarked Wade after the game. "We were very satisfied with the energy and the atmosphere that was in the building tonight. When they come out that way and support us we want to give them our best effort. And that's what we did."
The media earlier in the day pounced on the news that a couple of hundred tickets were still available for the game several hours before tip-off, leading many to speculate that it wouldn't be a sold out event. Those concerns were officially put to rest by the punctual and rowdy crowd that had the arena shaking with each basket the Heat made. And yes, the arena was officially listed as a sellout with 19,600 in attendance. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
MIAMI -- The city of Miami had to wait 113 long days since the biggest prize in 2010 NBA free agency, LeBron James, announced his intentions to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to play for the Miami Heat for this night. The fans couldn't even enjoy a sneak preview of what was to come when Wade went down with an injury three minutes into the preseason at home against the Detroit Pistons. But the wait to see their home team finally playing their stars at the same time for a full game while making a quantum leap in team chemistry made it all worth it.
"The crowd was amazing," remarked Wade after the game. "We were very satisfied with the energy and the atmosphere that was in the building tonight. When they come out that way and support us we want to give them our best effort. And that's what we did."
The media earlier in the day pounced on the news that a couple of hundred tickets were still available for the game several hours before tip-off, leading many to speculate that it wouldn't be a sold out event. Those concerns were officially put to rest by the punctual and rowdy crowd that had the arena shaking with each basket the Heat made. And yes, the arena was officially listed as a sellout with 19,600 in attendance. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
World Series Game 3 Preview
Filed under: Giants, Rangers, MLB Playoffs, MLB Video, World SeriesAs the World Series shifts to Arlington on Saturday, the Rangers find themselves in a Texas-sized hole, down two games to none. Shockingly, the Giants have teed off on Texas pitching, especially the bullpen, to the tune of 20 runs in two games.
Find out why, after facing aces Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain in the first two games, the Rangers' offense may have its hands full again with Jonathan Sanchez on Saturday. It's FanHouse TV on location at the World Series -- click to watch: Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Find out why, after facing aces Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain in the first two games, the Rangers' offense may have its hands full again with Jonathan Sanchez on Saturday. It's FanHouse TV on location at the World Series -- click to watch: Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Corey Miller, Cubs Bullpen Catcher, Busted With 8.4 Pounds of Marijuana
Filed under: Cubs, MLB Police BlotterLongtime Cubs bullpen catcher Corey Miller was caught with 8.4 pounds of marijuana in a vehicle that was stopped for speeding by Nebraska State Patrol while he was driving through Lincoln last Saturday, according to the Lincoln Journal Star.
Miller has been with the team since 2007.
Miller told the trooper who pulled him over what he did for a living according to the report. "I asked what he did for a living and he said that he was a catcher for the Cubs," the affidavit states.
Miller was reportedly accompanied by 26-year-old Maria Myaskovsky, and an infant . Myaskovsky accepted responsibility for the marijuana, and a background check revealed that she had prior arrests, one time being hit with a charge for intent to deliver. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Miller has been with the team since 2007.
Miller told the trooper who pulled him over what he did for a living according to the report. "I asked what he did for a living and he said that he was a catcher for the Cubs," the affidavit states.
Miller was reportedly accompanied by 26-year-old Maria Myaskovsky, and an infant . Myaskovsky accepted responsibility for the marijuana, and a background check revealed that she had prior arrests, one time being hit with a charge for intent to deliver. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Time to Rethink How We Protect Young Football Players
Filed under: NFLDr. Ann McKee, the Boston University School of Medicine expert on football and brain injuries, said Monday on a radio program I participated in that medical science suspects of concussions on the football field what most of us are certain of intuitively:
"Is it more dangerous for a 13-year-old to experience these hits than a 25-year-old?" she asked on National Public Radio's On Point hosted by Tom Ashbrook from Boston's WBUR. "We think that the earlier in life that you experience these hits, the more detrimental they are."
In Friday's wee hours came tragic potential corroborating evidence from the Kansas City area. A senior running back named Nathan Stiles at suburban Spring Hill High School died before the sun came up after collapsing on the sidelines of a game Thursday night.
"It was a screen pass," Nathan's teammate Aaron Barnes was quoted saying Saturday by kctv5.com. "Nate went down to make the tackle, and he dove at his feet. He didn't make the tackle. He got up and he was all shaken up."
"Is it more dangerous for a 13-year-old to experience these hits than a 25-year-old?" she asked on National Public Radio's On Point hosted by Tom Ashbrook from Boston's WBUR. "We think that the earlier in life that you experience these hits, the more detrimental they are."
In Friday's wee hours came tragic potential corroborating evidence from the Kansas City area. A senior running back named Nathan Stiles at suburban Spring Hill High School died before the sun came up after collapsing on the sidelines of a game Thursday night.
"It was a screen pass," Nathan's teammate Aaron Barnes was quoted saying Saturday by kctv5.com. "Nate went down to make the tackle, and he dove at his feet. He didn't make the tackle. He got up and he was all shaken up."
Indianapolis Colts * Jacksonville Jaguars Tennessee Titans *
Video: Bruins Fans Thank Phil Kessel For Tyler Seguin
Filed under: Bruins, Maple Leafs, NHL Fans, NHL VideosBy now you already know the story: The Boston Bruins traded Phil Kessel to the Toronto Maple Leafs prior to last season for a number of draft picks (including two first round selections), one of which turned out to be the No. 2 overall pick in this past summer's NHL draft. That pick was used on forward Tyler Seguin.
Kessel, of course, is an excellent player, having scored at least 30 goals in each of the past two seasons, and already lighting the lamp seven times in nine games this season for the Leafs. Still, from Boston's perspective the trade has the potential to be a franchise-changing event -- assuming the Bruins draft well and Seguin turns out to be as good as advertised -- as it already has one top-two selection, Seguin, and has one more first-round pick coming next summer.
On Thursday, Seguin and Kessel faced off for the first time -- in Boston -- with the Bruins coming out on top with a 2-0 victory. Oh, and Seguin scored one of the goals, prompting Bruins fans to offer up a mock chant of "Thank You Kessel."
Observe... Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Kessel, of course, is an excellent player, having scored at least 30 goals in each of the past two seasons, and already lighting the lamp seven times in nine games this season for the Leafs. Still, from Boston's perspective the trade has the potential to be a franchise-changing event -- assuming the Bruins draft well and Seguin turns out to be as good as advertised -- as it already has one top-two selection, Seguin, and has one more first-round pick coming next summer.
On Thursday, Seguin and Kessel faced off for the first time -- in Boston -- with the Bruins coming out on top with a 2-0 victory. Oh, and Seguin scored one of the goals, prompting Bruins fans to offer up a mock chant of "Thank You Kessel."
Observe... Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Video: Jozy Altidore Scores (Finally) for Villarreal
Filed under: European Soccer, La Liga (Spain), U.S. Men's National TeamStruggling U.S. national team forward Jozy Altidore scored his first competitive goal for Villarreal in nearly two years in a Copa del Rey match on Wednesday. Sure, it was against a third-division team. But for a player desperate for confidence and a foothold at a top club, any goal is golden.
His outstanding 44th-minute strike staked the Yellow Submarine to a 1-0 lead over Polideportivo Ejido (which boasts one of the worst logos we've ever seen.).
The fairy tale was not to be, however. The minor league hosts equalized in the 90th minute. The return leg of the round-of-32 match-up is Nov. 9 in Villarreal.
Altidore's first and only goal for the Spanish club prior to Wednesday came in November 2008 in the final minute of a La Liga game against Athletic Bilbao.
His pro career has hit the skids since then. He was loaned to England's Hull City and struggled as the club was relegated from the Premier League last spring. He managed just one goal. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
His outstanding 44th-minute strike staked the Yellow Submarine to a 1-0 lead over Polideportivo Ejido (which boasts one of the worst logos we've ever seen.).
The fairy tale was not to be, however. The minor league hosts equalized in the 90th minute. The return leg of the round-of-32 match-up is Nov. 9 in Villarreal.
Altidore's first and only goal for the Spanish club prior to Wednesday came in November 2008 in the final minute of a La Liga game against Athletic Bilbao.
His pro career has hit the skids since then. He was loaned to England's Hull City and struggled as the club was relegated from the Premier League last spring. He managed just one goal. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
World Series Game 3: Colby Lewis, Mitch Moreland Give Rangers First Win
Filed under: Giants, Rangers, MLB Playoffs, World SeriesARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers made themselves at home, and now the World Series is looking a lot more interesting.
In the first World Series game played at Rangers Ballpark, Texas knocked off the Giants 4-2 to halve San Francisco's lead in the best-of-seven series to two games to one.
"Now it's our turn," was a sign that one Rangers fan held up after closer Neftali Feliz, in his World Series debut, struck out two Giants to complete the victory.
The crowd, announced at 52,419, was the largest in ballpark history.
Building on his strong postseason, Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis checked a Giants offense that had amassed 20 runs in San Francisco across Games 1 and 2. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
In the first World Series game played at Rangers Ballpark, Texas knocked off the Giants 4-2 to halve San Francisco's lead in the best-of-seven series to two games to one.
"Now it's our turn," was a sign that one Rangers fan held up after closer Neftali Feliz, in his World Series debut, struck out two Giants to complete the victory.
The crowd, announced at 52,419, was the largest in ballpark history.
Building on his strong postseason, Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis checked a Giants offense that had amassed 20 runs in San Francisco across Games 1 and 2. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Legendary NASCAR Executive Jim Hunter Dies
Filed under: NASCARNASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter died Friday night in Daytona Beach after a year-long battle with cancer.
Almost always seen wearing a NASCAR #48 ball cap -- referencing the sport's 1948 beginnings -- Hunter was a legendary figure in the sport, having worked as a racing journalist, public relations specialist, president of Darlington Raceway and ultimately as a top executive with the sanctioning body during a 40-year career with NASCAR.
(He's pictured at Darlington Raceway in 2008 with the Charlotte Observer's Jim Utter, at left, and Sirius NASCAR Radio's Claire B. Lang, right).
"Jim Hunter was one of NASCAR's giants,'' NASCAR Chairman Brian France said. "For more than 40 years Jim was part of NASCAR and its history. He loved the sport but loved the people even more.
"It seems as if everyone in the sport called him a friend. Jim will forever be missed by the NASCAR community.''
Almost always seen wearing a NASCAR #48 ball cap -- referencing the sport's 1948 beginnings -- Hunter was a legendary figure in the sport, having worked as a racing journalist, public relations specialist, president of Darlington Raceway and ultimately as a top executive with the sanctioning body during a 40-year career with NASCAR.
(He's pictured at Darlington Raceway in 2008 with the Charlotte Observer's Jim Utter, at left, and Sirius NASCAR Radio's Claire B. Lang, right).
"Jim Hunter was one of NASCAR's giants,'' NASCAR Chairman Brian France said. "For more than 40 years Jim was part of NASCAR and its history. He loved the sport but loved the people even more.
"It seems as if everyone in the sport called him a friend. Jim will forever be missed by the NASCAR community.''
Riley wins final Goal of the Week honor of 2010
Sounders fans voted in force, once again, for MLSsoccer.com's AT&T Goal of the Week, ensuring a Seattle player took the honor for the fifth time in the past six weeks.
James Riley's first goal of the year wins this campaign's final Goal of the Week award, having collected 65.75 percent of the...
James Riley's first goal of the year wins this campaign's final Goal of the Week award, having collected 65.75 percent of the...
NHL Notebook: Lose the Shootout, Not CHL 9-Game Clause; Best Goaltenders
Filed under: NHL Fans, NHL Coaching, Junior HockeyThe Shootout is Dead
They decided another hockey game with a one-on-one skills competition in Calgary on Tuesday, and it was the perfect illustration of why NHL general managers devalued the shootout in the offseason. The Oilers-Flames game was also the latest example of why the shootout has to go soon.
Down 4-1 to their provincial rivals in the Saddledome, the young Oilers valiantly battled back. The exciting future of the franchise was on display. Jordan Eberle scored with 17 seconds left in the second period to make it 4-2. Magnus Paajarvi and Tom Gilbert tied the game before the third period was half-over. In the thrilling final stanza, Edmonton out-shot Calgary 17-10.
What a wonderful game, the kind of mid-week October dazzler the NHL can proudly point to and say, "How often does the NBA provide this for its fans? How about MLB"?
The overtime was a blast. No, it wasn't a classic display of end-to-end, tape-to-tape magic. Overtime at the Saddledome was chaos, with a handful of scoring chances stopped by Miikka Kiprusoff and Nikolai Khabibulin. When it was over, fans of both teams roared. It was over too soon, which is the problem. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
They decided another hockey game with a one-on-one skills competition in Calgary on Tuesday, and it was the perfect illustration of why NHL general managers devalued the shootout in the offseason. The Oilers-Flames game was also the latest example of why the shootout has to go soon.
Down 4-1 to their provincial rivals in the Saddledome, the young Oilers valiantly battled back. The exciting future of the franchise was on display. Jordan Eberle scored with 17 seconds left in the second period to make it 4-2. Magnus Paajarvi and Tom Gilbert tied the game before the third period was half-over. In the thrilling final stanza, Edmonton out-shot Calgary 17-10.
What a wonderful game, the kind of mid-week October dazzler the NHL can proudly point to and say, "How often does the NBA provide this for its fans? How about MLB"?
The overtime was a blast. No, it wasn't a classic display of end-to-end, tape-to-tape magic. Overtime at the Saddledome was chaos, with a handful of scoring chances stopped by Miikka Kiprusoff and Nikolai Khabibulin. When it was over, fans of both teams roared. It was over too soon, which is the problem. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
David Ortiz Wants Multi-Year Deal From Red Sox
Filed under: Red SoxDesignated hitter David Ortiz wants more than just a one-year deal when he sits down with the Boston Red Sox over the next week to talk about a new contract. The soon-to-turn 35-year-old slugger told WEEI.com that he wouldn't feel comfortable returning to the team if he didn't have a multi-year deal in place.
The Red Sox have until three days after the World Series to decide whether or not they want to exercise their $12.5 million option on Ortiz. If the team decides to pick up that option and not extend the terms any further into the future, Ortiz will return to the same situation he was in a year ago - and Ortiz is a little angry about it.
"To tell you the truth, like everybody knows, I want to be back, and I want to be here for a longer period of time. I'm just a little worn out because of the negativity that I've dealt with the last few years," Ortiz said. "I don't think there's any baseball player that can deal with all the distractions that I deal with and play baseball. It's hard. I'm not a super hero. I'm just another human being, like everyone else. I've got feelings. I want to give this team another World Series, and dealing with all the other crap with people telling you can't do it no more, or this and that, I have no room for that." Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
The Red Sox have until three days after the World Series to decide whether or not they want to exercise their $12.5 million option on Ortiz. If the team decides to pick up that option and not extend the terms any further into the future, Ortiz will return to the same situation he was in a year ago - and Ortiz is a little angry about it.
"To tell you the truth, like everybody knows, I want to be back, and I want to be here for a longer period of time. I'm just a little worn out because of the negativity that I've dealt with the last few years," Ortiz said. "I don't think there's any baseball player that can deal with all the distractions that I deal with and play baseball. It's hard. I'm not a super hero. I'm just another human being, like everyone else. I've got feelings. I want to give this team another World Series, and dealing with all the other crap with people telling you can't do it no more, or this and that, I have no room for that." Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Riley wins final Goal of the Week honor of 2010
Sounders fans voted in force, once again, for MLSsoccer.com's AT&T Goal of the Week, ensuring a Seattle player took the honor for the fifth time in the past six weeks.
James Riley's first goal of the year wins this campaign's final Goal of the Week award, having collected 65.75 percent of the...
James Riley's first goal of the year wins this campaign's final Goal of the Week award, having collected 65.75 percent of the...
Colorado's Capitulation an Indictment of MLS's Broken Playoff System
Filed under: MLS, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt LakeThe Rocky Mountain Cup, contested each season by the Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake, has been a fierce rivalry since the moment RSL joined Major League Soccer in 2005. But it has never been as thrilling as it was on Saturday evening.
Trailing 2-0 in the 90th minute of the game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, visiting Salt Lake engineered an incredible comeback and scored two stoppage-time goals in the span of four minutes. The 2-2 draw sent the Cup back to Utah.
RSL's first goal came in the 91st minute after Álvaro Saborío seized upon a terrible clearance by Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens. Saborio struck again in the 95th, burying a penalty kick earned when Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan took down Jámison Olave in the box. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Trailing 2-0 in the 90th minute of the game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, visiting Salt Lake engineered an incredible comeback and scored two stoppage-time goals in the span of four minutes. The 2-2 draw sent the Cup back to Utah.
RSL's first goal came in the 91st minute after Álvaro Saborío seized upon a terrible clearance by Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens. Saborio struck again in the 95th, burying a penalty kick earned when Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan took down Jámison Olave in the box. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Magic vs. Heat: D-Wade and Miami Dominate Orlando in South Beach
Filed under: Heat, MagicMIAMI -- Miami coach Erik Spoelstra has been talking since the start of training camp - and he did it again pre-game Friday -- that the rise of the Heat this season will be "a process,'' asking for patience instead of a polished product early this season.
The Process didn't take very long.
The Heat may have looked lost in their opener in Boston earlier this week, but they looked overpowering Friday night when they destroyed the Orlando Magic, who came with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove.
What they proved was just how quickly Miami might put this championship team together. So much for The Process. This was a 96-70 spanking.
The Magic still might be a 60-win team this season - and Dwight Howard looked really, really good in the first half -- but they looked like the Washington Wizards in the second half in Miami Friday night.
Dwyane Wade led everyone with 26 points, while the Magic scored just 25 points in the second half, wilting under the defensive pressure of the Heat. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
The Process didn't take very long.
The Heat may have looked lost in their opener in Boston earlier this week, but they looked overpowering Friday night when they destroyed the Orlando Magic, who came with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove.
What they proved was just how quickly Miami might put this championship team together. So much for The Process. This was a 96-70 spanking.
The Magic still might be a 60-win team this season - and Dwight Howard looked really, really good in the first half -- but they looked like the Washington Wizards in the second half in Miami Friday night.
Dwyane Wade led everyone with 26 points, while the Magic scored just 25 points in the second half, wilting under the defensive pressure of the Heat. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Moreno's gifts
Jaime Moreno concluded his historic Major League Soccer career Saturday night in front of the Black-and-Red faithful at RFK Stadium. Moreno's career ended with a crescendo of emotion, as fans crowded the field to thank a true club hero for the final time. On his lap around the stadium field, Moreno...
San Diego Chargers * National Football Conference Dallas Cowboys
Danroy Henry Memorial a Requiem for a Young Life Lost
BOSTON -- At Danroy Henry's memorial service Friday, the football players of Pace University wore dark suits and somber expressions and a few signs of a long season.
One walked on crutches with his foot in a cast. Another wore a bandage on his wrist with his arm in a sling. Others moved slowly, limping slightly. But their aches and pains were inconsequential to the reason for the gathering.
The players were among about 2,000 persons in a big room of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center who met to honor a teammate slain almost two weeks ago by police bullets in Thornwood, N.Y., a suburb north of New York City.
Desmond Hinds, a wide receiver, recalled that Henry, who was from the Boston suburbs, was a Celtics fan and had looked forward to Tuesday's NBA opener against LeBron James and the Miami Heat and had frequently predicted a Boston victory.
"I can't wait! I can't wait!" Hinds said, recalling his friend's words in the days before his death. The Celtics won the game, nine days after Henry died.
"I believe they won because he was on their side," Hinds said while standing on a flower-filled stage that included a photograph of Henry and various football decorations.
One walked on crutches with his foot in a cast. Another wore a bandage on his wrist with his arm in a sling. Others moved slowly, limping slightly. But their aches and pains were inconsequential to the reason for the gathering.
The players were among about 2,000 persons in a big room of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center who met to honor a teammate slain almost two weeks ago by police bullets in Thornwood, N.Y., a suburb north of New York City.
Desmond Hinds, a wide receiver, recalled that Henry, who was from the Boston suburbs, was a Celtics fan and had looked forward to Tuesday's NBA opener against LeBron James and the Miami Heat and had frequently predicted a Boston victory.
"I can't wait! I can't wait!" Hinds said, recalling his friend's words in the days before his death. The Celtics won the game, nine days after Henry died.
"I believe they won because he was on their side," Hinds said while standing on a flower-filled stage that included a photograph of Henry and various football decorations.
Video: Colorado Rapids Defeat Columbus Crew, 1-0, in MLS Playoff Opener
Filed under: MLS, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew
The Colorado Rapids are a good soccer team. Too bad the city of Denver hasn't realized it.
A sparse crowd of just under 12,000 was on hand for the first playoff game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, and those that showed up were treated to a virtuoso performance from Rapids forward Omar Cummings. The swift and skillful Jamaican toyed with a tired-looking Columbus Crew side in a game the Rapids (13-8-10) should have won by a lot more than the 1-0 final score.
The second leg of the Eastern Conference semifinal series, which will be decided by total goals, will be Nov. 6 in Columbus. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
The Colorado Rapids are a good soccer team. Too bad the city of Denver hasn't realized it.
A sparse crowd of just under 12,000 was on hand for the first playoff game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, and those that showed up were treated to a virtuoso performance from Rapids forward Omar Cummings. The swift and skillful Jamaican toyed with a tired-looking Columbus Crew side in a game the Rapids (13-8-10) should have won by a lot more than the 1-0 final score.
The second leg of the Eastern Conference semifinal series, which will be decided by total goals, will be Nov. 6 in Columbus. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
FanHouse TV: McMurphy's Law Projects a Very Spooooooky Weekend
Filed under: Auburn, Boise State, Michigan State, Missouri, Oregon, TCU, UtahA topsy, turvy college football season is about to get even wilder on Saturday when six of the remaining seven unbeaten teams venture on the road.
Boise State managed to survive on Tuesday night against Louisiana Tech, but how will Auburn, Oregon, Michigan State, Missouri, TCU and Utah fare on Saturday?
For a look at this weekend's games, including which unbeatens will no longer be unbeaten after Saturday, check out FanHouse TV's Brett McMurphy and this week's edition of McMurphy's Law. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Boise State managed to survive on Tuesday night against Louisiana Tech, but how will Auburn, Oregon, Michigan State, Missouri, TCU and Utah fare on Saturday?
For a look at this weekend's games, including which unbeatens will no longer be unbeaten after Saturday, check out FanHouse TV's Brett McMurphy and this week's edition of McMurphy's Law. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Air Force Navigates Tough Stretch
Filed under: Air Force, Utah, Mountain West
Four weeks ago, Air Force had its sights set on not finishing fourth.
In each of the past two seasons, fourth has been the best the Falcons could do after faltering against the upper third of the Mountain West Conference.
The past two weeks have been like deja vu.
The Falcons have lost to San Diego State and TCU. Both are ahead of the fourth-place Falcons in the Mountain West standings and, on Saturday, they face the third team ahead of them in Utah.
"I think this is probably the best team that they've ever had there," Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said of the Utes. "I thought the group they had two years ago was outstanding and a group at the end of the season you could have easily said that they should have had the opportunity to play for the national championship or earn the national championship vote. And yet, I think this squad is even better." Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Four weeks ago, Air Force had its sights set on not finishing fourth.
In each of the past two seasons, fourth has been the best the Falcons could do after faltering against the upper third of the Mountain West Conference.
The past two weeks have been like deja vu.
The Falcons have lost to San Diego State and TCU. Both are ahead of the fourth-place Falcons in the Mountain West standings and, on Saturday, they face the third team ahead of them in Utah.
"I think this is probably the best team that they've ever had there," Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said of the Utes. "I thought the group they had two years ago was outstanding and a group at the end of the season you could have easily said that they should have had the opportunity to play for the national championship or earn the national championship vote. And yet, I think this squad is even better." Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Delonte West, Von Wafer Reportedly Exchange Punches After Practice
Filed under: CelticsThe Celtics took a bit of a risk when they decided to bring Delonte West back to the team for a second tour of duty this season. Besides the fact that West wouldn't even be able to play during the first 10 games of the season due to a league suspension for pleading guilty to multiple weapon charges in July, there was the possibility that West's emotional state could randomly force him to miss time, as it did with the Cavaliers last season.
West's emotions got the better of him at Celtics' practice on Friday when he reportedly got into a physical altercation with teammate Von Wafer in the locker room after practice. According to the report from Hoopsworld, the problems began during the practice session, with West getting so physical with Wafer in a three-on-three game that Wafer left midway through and headed to the locker room.
West approached Wafer from behind as Wafer sat at his locker and threw the first punch, with Wafer quickly responding by connecting two blows of his own before the two wrestled to the ground and had to be separated. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
West's emotions got the better of him at Celtics' practice on Friday when he reportedly got into a physical altercation with teammate Von Wafer in the locker room after practice. According to the report from Hoopsworld, the problems began during the practice session, with West getting so physical with Wafer in a three-on-three game that Wafer left midway through and headed to the locker room.
West approached Wafer from behind as Wafer sat at his locker and threw the first punch, with Wafer quickly responding by connecting two blows of his own before the two wrestled to the ground and had to be separated. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
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