Mountain West Tables Expansion, for Now

Filed under: Mountain West

The Mountain West Conference is content with its current membership.

That was the gist of a release issued by the conference following two days worth of meetings by the Mountain West's board of directors in Las Vegas.

"The Board feels strongly the membership configuration already established going forward creates outstanding prospects for future success," the release stated.

For the past two days, rumors have been rampant that the Mountain West was looking at adding two members in order to create a conference championship game and perhaps gain a more lucrative television deal. While the teams the conference was considering -- Utah State and San Jose State -- might potentially have brought the television markets of San Jose/San Francisco and Salt Lake City, they added very little to the conference's quest of ultimately being a BCS automatic-qualifying conference.

"In addition, we are continuing with our strategic initiatives related to our television partnerships and the MWC's efforts to effect change in the BCS structure," the statement said. "The Board is excited about what is undoubtedly a bright future for the Conference."

Utah State hasn't had a winning season since 1996 and hasn't been to a bowl game since 1993. The Aggies have only had three winning campaigns since 1980. San Jose has had just five winning seasons during the past two decades and is 3-22 in the past two years.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/01/25/mountain-west-tables-expansion-for-now/

Real Salt Lake San Jose Earthquakes Seattle Sounders FC

Cody Hodgson Called Up By Canucks

Filed under: Canucks, Western, Minor League Hockey

VANCOUVER -- Cody Hodgson's big chance with the Vancouver Canucks has finally arrived.

The Canucks called up Hodgson on Monday from Manitoba of the AHL as they try to get more scoring from anyone not named Sedin, Ryan Kesler or Alex Burrows. With 26 points in 28 games, he could be the jolt they need.

The promotion caps a long comeback from a mysterious back injury for Hodgson, who has been hailed as Vancouver's star of the future since he was drafted 10th overall in 2008, but he's struggled with injuries. When he completed his 2008-09 junior season with Brampton of the OHL and helped Manitoba reach the Calder Cup finals, it looked like he was on a fast track to the NHL.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/01/31/cody-hodgson-called-up-by-canucks/

Minnesota Wild Vancouver Canucks Chicago Blackhawks

Martin Luther King III Interested in Mets Minority Ownership Stake

Filed under: Mets, Sports Business and Media

NEW YORK (AP) -- Martin Luther King Jr.'s oldest son is reportedly interested in becoming a minority owner of the New York Mets.

The New York Post reported Sunday that Martin Luther King III was part of a bid that includes former Mets first baseman Ed Kranepool, Donn Clendenon Jr. and television executive Larry Meli. Clendenon's father was MVP of the Mets' 1969 World Series victory.

In a statement released to The Associated Press, King said there had been much discussion about his participation in the acquisition of the Mets. He said it was premature to make those discussions public, but said in the statement that he valued diversity among owners in pro sports.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/01/31/martin-luther-king-iii-interested-in-mets-minority-ownership-sta/

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Arizona Cardinals * St. Louis Rams *

United in Fort Lauderdale: Day 1

UNITED ARRIVES

Source: http://www.dcunited.com/news/2011/01/united-in-fort-lauderdale-day-one

New Orleans Hornets San Antonio Spurs Chicago Fire

Five Things to Watch for On National Signing Day

Filed under: Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma, USC, Recruiting, Prospects

While the mail service may run and banks are still open, Wednesday for many around the country has been circled on the calendar for months as a virtual national holiday.

And inside athletic departments nationwide, Wednesday's National Signing Day is a 24-hour period that means almost as much to football coaches' futures as on-field success.

Every year, there are a few twists and turns that come with National Signing Day as a five-star recruit may suddenly switch teams and turn a "solid verbal commitment" to one team into a "signing day coup" for that team's rival. And while most programs enter Wednesday feeling like their recruiting classes are locked down for 2011, no one truly knows until ink meets paper and 18-year-old athletes back those commitments with signed national letters-of-intent.

As a prelude to Wednesday's full-on finale to recruiting season, here are FanHouse's Top Five Things to Expect On National Signing Day:

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/01/31/five-things-to-watch-for-on-national-signing-day/

Pittsburgh Penguins Atlanta Thrashers Carolina Hurricanes

Meyer, ESPN Form Alliance on Their Terms

by Milton Kent

Filed under: Florida, SEC, Media Watch, Sports Business and Media

Here are some things we learned from Monday's conference call to announce ESPN's hiring of Urban Meyer as a college football analyst:

Meyer doesn't want to criticize anyone. And he doesn't want to formally cut his ties to Florida, the school he coached to two national titles before announcing his departure in December. In fact, he apparently wants to continue assisting the school in raising funds, even while he may be called on to comment on the team and school's doings.

And doggone it if it's all OK with ESPN.

In a 30-minute conference call with reporters Monday afternoon, Meyer and Norby Williamson, ESPN's executive vice president for production, discussed the once and almost certainly future coach's role with the Worldwide Leader. Suffice it to say, the terms that were laid out would hardly pass the smell test in any journalism ethics course.

But, then, save for, say, Outside the Lines, precious little that goes out over the airwaves at ESPN these days bears much connection with solid journalism.

Still, you don't have to be the modern day sports equivalent of Edward R. Murrow to see that allowing a coach who just stepped off the sidelines to maintain any ties with a school, much less the school he just left, raises serious questions about his objectivity and impugns the integrity of the outlet for whom he now works.

Yet, Meyer, with an apparent straight face, said his work with Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley, presumably in fundraising, would have no impact on what he does for ESPN.

"I'll be very respectful of Florida," said Meyer. "I'll be very respectful of the game. I think we have a great coach (Will Muschamp) and Florida's obviously a great program so I have no problem at all. Plus I'm a Florida fan and I'm not going to be ashamed of that."

And, apparently, Williamson , who was the executive who defended ESPN's outrageous conduct in last summer's "Decision" involving LeBron James' announcement that he was leaving Cleveland for Miami, won't be ashamed either.

Asked if Meyer would be steered away from calling Florida games or commenting on Florida for at least a short term, Williamson said he would not. After all, ESPN didn't separate Magic Johnson from his role as a part owner of the Lakers while he was an NBA studio analyst, so Meyer talking about the Gators shouldn't be a problem.

To the contrary, Williamson said, ESPN would be leaning on Meyer's familiarity with the public as a former Florida coach, seeing him as "somebody stepping out of that program with an unbelievable access and insight to the inner workings of not only Florida, but the SEC."

Williamson added: "It's our goal to mine that and to utilize that and to have those discussions while, at the same time, being very up front with the audience that it is coming from his sort of close oversight of the Florida operation. So we are not going to put any ban or anything along those lines about talking Florida or the SEC. We're not going to sit here and hire Urban and basically say, 'You're not going to talk any Florida,' or 'You're not going to talk any SEC.' We have to be responsible in the way that we do it. We have to be balanced."

Williamson analogized Meyer's connection to Florida and its value to ESPN to that of Lou Holtz and his ties to Notre Dame. Nice try, except Holtz is 15 years removed from the Golden Dome, a lifetime to television viewers, with a five-year stint at South Carolina in between.

Oh, and back to that criticism thing. Don't worry so much about it, says Meyer and Williamson. It's just semantics. You know, a rose by any other name, and all that. What you call criticism, Williamson and Meyer prefer to think of as strong comments.

Said Meyer: "I don't think it's my job to be critical. It's my job to analyze college football. I don't criticize. If that means, I have to give a strong opinion one way or the other, then I'm certainly going to do that."

"People like to latch on to the word criticism," said Williamson.

"That's not where we're going. We're here to bring some of the insight and perspective into the game, into Florida, into the SEC, into the Big Ten, whatever it might be," he continued. "If a certain amount of change and opinion or criticism comes with that, then so be it.

"But we're not out to come from a perspective to create criticism."

Anyone got a problem with that?

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/01/31/meyer-espn-form-alliance-on-their-terms/

New York Rangers Philadelphia Flyers Pittsburgh Penguins

Andy Gray, Richard Keys Taken Off Air for Sexist Comments

by FanHouse Newswire

Filed under: English Premier League, Sports Business and Media

LONDON (AP) -- Two of Britain's leading soccer commentators were reprimanded by their TV network and taken off the air Monday after making sexist remarks about two female game officials and a team executive.

Andy Gray and Richard Keys were disciplined Monday for derogatory comments about Sian Massey's suitability as a lineswoman for a Premier League game the commentators were working Saturday for Sky Sports.

Gray and Keys have been respected voices in soccer for the past 20 years. They also criticized the ability of former Premier League official Wendy Toms and a column written by West Ham executive Karren Brady in the Sun newspaper that day.

The men have privately apologized to their employer. Sky said the two have been warned and "reminded of their responsibilities." They will not work the show Monday night when Bolton hosts Chelsea in the Premier League.

"They (the comments) are inexcusable from anyone at Sky, regardless of their role or seniority," said Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2011/01/24/andy-gray-richard-keys-taken-off-air-for-sexist-comments/

Dallas Cowboys New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles

Robert Burton, UConn Booster, Wants Money Back After Coaching Hire

Filed under: Connecticut

Robert Burton, quite literally, would like to take his money and go home.

The University of Connecticut booster feels he was slighted by UConn AD Jeff Hathaway (pictured) with regard to the recent search for a college football coach. Burton had given the university $3 million dollars for a facility bearing his name and he has stated in a letter to the school that he would like the money returned and his name removed from the complex.

The Day obtained a copy of the letter, which outlined Burton's desire to be included in the coaching search. In addition, Burton questioned Hathaway's relationship with outgoing coach Randy Edsall.

"The primary reason Randy took another job is because he couldn't work with you," Burton wrote. "You are not qualified to be a Division I AD and I would have fired you a long time ago. You do not have the skills to manage and cultivate new donors."

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/01/25/robert-burton-uconn-booster-wants-money-back-after-coaching-hi/

Miami Heat Orlando Magic Washington Wizards

Rashard Mendenhall's Breakout Season Poetry in Motion for Pittsburgh

Filed under: Packers, Steelers, Super Bowl, NFL Analysis

DALLAS -- It is a good look now, an enriched view for Rashard Mendenhall as he arrives here on Monday with the Steelers.

Thirteen rushing touchdowns and a cornerstone 324 carries during the regular season. Two rushing touchdowns against the Ravens in the divisional playoffs. A potent 121-yard rushing night against the Jets in the AFC championship game. Those are jaunts, leaps that make people take a second look at this running back. A revised look .

Mendenhall, 23, in only his third pro season, has a chance for his second ring. This is the surface of what Super Bowl XLV offers him.

But Mendenhall reaches much deeper.

Something has clicked, something has settled with this player, this ardent reader, this passionate poet who remains mysterious to many.

He left the University of Illinois as a junior and was drafted by Pittsburgh in 2008, the 23rd overall selection. Two weeks later, he was robbed at gunpoint in Chicago. Four games into his rookie season, he suffered a shoulder injury on a Ray Lewis hit that caused him to miss Pittsburgh's final 15 games, including the Super Bowl XLIII victory over Arizona.

Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/01/31/rashard-mendenhall-breakout-season-poetry-in-motion-for-pittsbur/

Florida Panthers Tampa Bay Lightning Washington Capitals

Training Session - 2/18

Source: http://www.dcunited.com/event/2011/01/training-session-218

Minnesota Vikings Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers

Devon Alexander Nurses Post-Tim Bradley Wounds, Ponders Future

Filed under: WBA, WBC, WBO, Golden Boy Promotions, Boxing Rumors, HBO, FanHouse Exclusive

PONTIAC, Mich. -- Sitting before a mass of reporters in the bowels of the Pontiac Silverdome on Saturday night, southpaw Devon Alexander wore the wounds of a beaten man.

Covering Alexander's badly-ripped open right eyelid was a bandage that concealed four stitches, and there was a smaller one over the lower, left corner of his left eye which required two more stitches.

But perhaps more damaging was the inner pain felt by the 23-year-old Alexander, who, nearly an hour earlier, had been dethroned as WBC champion by 27-year-old WBO titlist Tim Bradley (27-0, 11 knockouts) in the first loss of his career following an HBO televised, junior welterweight (140 pounds) bout before a sparse crowd of 6,247.

Bradley was awarded a 10-round, technical decision in their brutal scheduled 12-rounder. An accidental clash of heads that caused searing pain in the left eye of Alexander was something he simply could not overcome.

"Bradley's head went into my eye a little bit. I was pretty dazed when he head-butted me that last time. The head-butts were tremendous. Go back and look at the fight. I don't bleed often, so, I'm not used to being cut. It was kind of on my mind," said Alexander, who slipped to 21-1, with 13 knockouts.

"The head-butts cut up both of my eyes, but my left eye was stinging real bad after that last one. I couldn't open my left eye," said Alexander. "I'm like, 'Man, blood was getting into my eye.' I didn't even know that this cut [on the left eye] was that bad, but the doctor said that it was down to the bone."

On the advice of ringside doctor, Peter Samet, referee Frank Garza ruled that Alexander could not continue. The bout's result would be determined by the ringside judges, whose scorecards read 96-95, 97-93, and, 98-93 for Tim Miller of Ohio, Duane Ford of Nevada and Omar MIntun of Mexico, respectively -- all for the victorious Bradley.

"People are going to say what they want to say," said Alexander. "But, let them get head-butted and try to be in a fight through constant head-butts."

Source: http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2011/01/31/devon-alexander-nurses-post-tim-bradley-wounds-ponders-future/

San Jose Sharks Boston Celtics New Jersey Nets

NASCAR Considers Points Overhaul

Filed under: NASCAR Tracks, Sprint Cup, NASCAR

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- NASCAR is considering scrapping the points system it has used since 1975 in favor of a simpler method that awards points per finishing position, The Associated Press has learned.

The overhauling of the system is one of a handful of changes NASCAR is considering implementing before the season begins next month. Series officials have been detailing their ideas in individual meetings with teams, a person who attended one of the briefings told The AP on Monday.

The person spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity because NASCAR has not finalized its upcoming changes.

The sanctioning body wants to go to a scoring system that would award 43 points to the race winner, and one point less for each ensuing position down to one point for the 43rd-place finisher.

NASCAR is also shying away from wholesale changes to its Chase for the Sprint Cup championship format.

Currently, a race win nets 185 points, with 170 points for second, 165 for third and dropping in increments from there, with 43rd place winning 34 points. Five bonus points are awarded to any driver who leads a lap as well as the driver who leads the most laps.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/01/18/nascar-considers-points-overhaul/

Phoenix Suns Sacramento Kings Dallas Mavericks

NFL Pro Bowlers Running on Island Time

Filed under: Pro Bowl

HONOLULU, Hawaii (AP) -- After a week of practices about as stressful as a Hawaiian sunset, NFL players shifted to Aloha Stadium for their final workouts before Sunday's Pro Bowl.

Workout, in this case, is a highly dubious description. The most work done in their brief on-field appearances Saturday was signing autographs for the fans who showed up in the dazzling island sunshine and everyone involved seemed thrilled that this game is back in Hawaii.

Even New England's Bill Belichick, the AFC's coach, departed from his dour reputation to smile a time or two. And there was no need for that hoodie in this weather.

Fans with special permission to be on the field during practice far outnumbered any "working" media, and it was difficult to locate anyone actually participating in drills amid the throng, although there was the amusing sight of Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald working on the kickoff team, something he probably hasn't done since junior high, if then.

Peyton Manning paused from a casual chat with fellow AFC quarterback Philip Rivers to deadpan about the serious nature of the final pre-game preparation.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/01/30/nfl-pro-bowlers-running-on-island-time/

Detroit Lions * Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings

Tony Gonzalez Tears Through Pro Bowl Record Books as NFC South Shines

Filed under: Atlanta Falcons, NFC South

It wasn't a bad day's work for the NFC South in the Pro Bowl. You can't get too excited about a game played at half speed, but what the heck. That's the Pro Bowl, a colossal waste of time and easily the most useless of the pro all-star games.

The Falcons had a day, though. Quarterback Matt Ryan was 9 of 13 for 118 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. Running back Michael Turner ran eight times for 53 yards and wide receiver Roddy White had five catches for 69 yards.

Brent Grimes, the Falcons cornerback, intercepted a Peyton Manning pass, which had to be a big thrill. Did he get Manning to sign the ball?

Tight end Tony Gonzalez added to his Pro Bowl record for career receptions (42) and moved into first place in Pro Bowl lore in touchdown catches with his sixth.

Jon Beason of the Carolina Panthers ran an interception back for a touchdown, which was a nice treat for a hard-working guy who just went through a 2-14 season.

Donald Penn, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' left tackle, got on stage with the best in the NFL, which was a big thing for Penn. He was not named to the original Pro Bowl starting unit, but got in the game because Chad Clifton of the Packers had a bigger game to get ready for.

Penn helped hold together a Tampa Bay line decimated by injury this season and was deserving of the spotlight and sunshine.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/01/31/tony-gonzalez-tears-through-pro-bowl-record-books-as-nfc-south-s/

New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Washington Redskins *

Martin Luther King III Interested in Mets Minority Ownership Stake

Filed under: Mets, Sports Business and Media

NEW YORK (AP) -- Martin Luther King Jr.'s oldest son is reportedly interested in becoming a minority owner of the New York Mets.

The New York Post reported Sunday that Martin Luther King III was part of a bid that includes former Mets first baseman Ed Kranepool, Donn Clendenon Jr. and television executive Larry Meli. Clendenon's father was MVP of the Mets' 1969 World Series victory.

In a statement released to The Associated Press, King said there had been much discussion about his participation in the acquisition of the Mets. He said it was premature to make those discussions public, but said in the statement that he valued diversity among owners in pro sports.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/01/31/martin-luther-king-iii-interested-in-mets-minority-ownership-sta/

Oakland Raiders * San Diego Chargers * National Football Conference

Edson Buddle Scores in Debut with FC Ingolstadt

Filed under: Bundesliga (Germany), U.S. Men's National Team, Los Angeles Galaxy

Two months of inactivity and a move to Germany have not slowed the goal scoring express that is Edson Buddle.

The former Los Angeles Galaxy forward, who tallied 19 times in MLS play last year, opened his account with his new club, FC Ingolstadt, on Friday in his first game with the German second-division side.

The 76th-minute volley (video below) lifted Ingolstadt to a 1-0 lead over visiting Duisburg, but Buddle's relegation-threatened club couldn't hold the advantage and wound up settling for a 1-1 draw.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2011/01/21/edson-buddle-scores-in-debut-with-fc-ingolstadt/

San Jose Earthquakes Seattle Sounders FC Portland Timbers

Herschel Walker Back in the NFL? Mike Flynt Is a Believer

Filed under: General CFB Insanity

Mike Flynt smiled when he heard Herschel Walker wants back into the National Football League. Walker, now 48 years old, says he's 100 percent certain he can help a team. As in right now. Preferably for his home state Atlanta Falcons.

Sure, this might be as different as apples and oranges, night and day, white and gray brain matter. Yet, Flynt, of course, knows about comebacks and physical fitness.

Flynt returned for his senior football season at Division III Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, in 2007 -- at the age of 59.

Flynt, an accomplished college strength and conditioning coach, stepped back in time to become the oldest player in college football history. Flynt played in five games and proved that age is only a number. He's in great health and spirits at age 63 in his hometown of Franklin, Tenn. He's been married for 38 years to Eileen with three children and three grandchildren.

Flynt's a big fan of Walker, too.

"Like everything else Herschel has accomplished athletically and taken on throughout his life, he has pretty much excelled at it," Flynt told FanHouse Tuesday.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/01/25/herschel-walker-back-in-the-nfl-mike-flynt-is-a-believer/

Indianapolis Colts * Jacksonville Jaguars Tennessee Titans *

NBA Owners Say No to Crucial All-Star Weekend Meeting With Players

by Sam Amick

Filed under: Celtics, Hawks, Hornets, Knicks, Lakers, NBA Rumors, Sports Business and Media, NBA CBA, NBA Business

An NBA labor situation that has been dire for months may have reached doomed status recently, as a crucial negotiating session between the league's owners and players at next month's All-Star weekend does not look likely to happen.

The meetings that so many expected to take place were seen by most as a final frontier of sorts on the labor front, an 11th-hour attempt to resolve their many differences in time to avoid a lockout that would begin when the collective bargaining agreement expires in July. But according to Maurice Evans, the Atlanta guard who serves as executive vice president on the NBA Player's Associations committee, the owners have made it known that they have no interest in engaging the players on such a stage.

"They don't even want to meet with us at All-Star break," Evans told me by phone on Wednesday. "You're telling me you can't pull a few guys and some owners into a room for an hour and try an update what's important? What's important is us continuing our league and not having a work stoppage, so if it was really important to them, I would think they would want to find time to do that."

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/01/19/nba-owners-say-no-to-crucial-all-star-weekend-meeting-with-playe/

San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Boston Bruins

Nationwide Champ Brad Keselowski 'Will Live With' NASCAR's New Format

Filed under: Penske Racing, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, NASCAR

TAMPA, Fla. -- Brad Keselowski arrived at Tampa's Busch Gardens theme park Wednesday to help promote the Feb. 20 Daytona 500 wearing a black jacket emblazoned with a NASCAR Nationwide series logo -- a proud nod to the series championship he won in 2010 but won't be defending in 2011.

In a posting on its official Twitter account earlier this week, NASCAR announced that drivers must declare themselves eligible for only one championship among its three national series, Sprint Cup, Nationwide and the Camping World Truck series.

That means Keselowski, who drives the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge for Penske Racing in the marquee Sprint Cup series, will race in multiple series but won't be able to simultaneously accumulate championship points in Cup and Nationwide as he did this season.

And while NASCAR isn't formally commenting on or confirming the format change yet -- President Mike Helton and Vice President for Competition Robin Pemberton will address it in a scheduled news conference next Friday in Daytona Beach -- Keselowski appeared resigned to his fate.

"There's a lot of different ways of looking at it,'' Keselowski said Tuesday. "Obviously NASCAR has an obligation of trying to do the best for the sport and everything and I respect and appreciate that.

"I still plan on competing even though I can't compete for the championship. I still plan on living up to the commitments that we've made for our sponsors and for our team. I've had the luxury of competing in both series last year and enjoyed it. We'll just kinda live with it and deal with it this year.''

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/01/12/nationwide-champ-brad-keselowski-will-live-with-nascars-new-f/

Golden State Warriors Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles Lakers

Stafon Johnson Suing USC Over Weightlifting Incident

Stafon Johnson is taking his alma mater to court over a year after a weightlifting incident at USC could have taken his life.

Johnson filed a lawsuit Monday in L.A. County Superior Court against USC, alleging that weightlifting coach Jamie Yanchar recklessly struck the bench press bar Johnson was lifting, causing it to go off balance and fall on Johnson's neck.

According to Johnson, he was lifting 270 pounds in Sep. 2009 when Yanchar's "negligent, careless and reckless" action "substantially increased the risk inherent in Mr. Johnson's bench pressing." The exercise was part of a mandatory regimen.

Johnson underwent complicated surgery after the incident, ending his college career. It was believed his football career as a whole was done, but Johnson recovered and opted for the NFL draft. The Titans signed Johnson as an undrafted free agent, but a severe leg injury ended his rookie campaign in the preseason.

Johnson is suing for unspecified damages, including loss of future earnings.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/01/24/stafon-johnson-suing-usc-over-weightlifting-incident/

Detroit Red Wings Nashville Predators St. Louis Blues

Chip Ganassi Racing Leading the Way in Wild Rolex 24 at Daytona

Filed under: A.J. Allmendinger, Jimmie Johnson, Daytona Int'l Speedway

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Nineteen hours into the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Juan Pablo Montoya held a meager five-second lead over his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Memo Rojas and the Michael Shank Racing Ford driven by Max Papis.

As the sun came up over the famous Daytona International Speedway high banks Sunday morning, six of the marquee Grand-Am Series Daytona Prototypes were on the lead lap -- the top five separated by only 15 seconds with five hours remaining in the twice-around-the-clock race through the 3.56-mile road course.

Wolf Henzler has the No. 67 TRG Motorsports Porsche in front of the GT production class -- an inspired drive, considering the car started at the rear of the 50-car field after its pole-winning qualifying effort was disqualified for a technical violation.

Ganassi, who became the first owner to win three consecutive Rolex 24 races from 2006-2008, saw his teams have some minor problems in the opening hours of the race, but they emerged from a fog-induced early morning caution period to prove themselves as he class of the field again. Some of the closest calls came between the Ganassi team cars -- both featuring a Who's Who list of racing stars.

Montoya is co-driving with Daytona 500 winner Jamie McMurray, two-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti and two-time IndyCar champ Scott Dixon. They are competing against Ganassi's full-time Grand-Am Series entry driven by reigning series champs Scott Pruett and Rojas, along with IndyCar driver Graham Rahal and sports car driver Joey Hand.

Without exception, drivers characterized the early laps of the 2011 Rolex 24 at Daytona as wild and adventurous and it has proven to be one of the most action-packed offerings in the race's 49-year history.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/01/29/still-anyones-race-in-wild-rolex-24-at-daytona/

Portland Timbers Vancouver Whitecaps FC Montreal Impact

Joe Morgan Looking Forward to Life After 'Sunday Night Baseball'

by John Hickey

Filed under: Reds, Sports Business and Media

For the better part of his life, Joe Morgan has spent his summer Sundays at the ballpark.

For two decades, starting when he was out of high school, it was as a player. Since 1990, it's been as a broadcaster.

Now that's over. With ESPN declining to offer Morgan and his longtime compatriot in the "Sunday Night Baseball" broadcast booth, Jon Miller, contracts for 2011, Morgan is entering a new phase of his life.

He's accepted the offer of Walt Jocketty to join the Cincinnati Reds as a front office adviser. Morgan, whose Hall of Fame career was launched when he helped form Cincinnati's Big Red Machine in the 1970s, has long had a locker in Cincinnati even after his retirement.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/01/28/joe-morgan-looking-forward-to-life-after-sunday-night-baseball/

New York Knicks Philadelphia 76ers Toronto Raptors

One-Armed Kevin Laue an NCAA Basketball Inspiration to All

Filed under: Mid-Majors

RIVERDALE, N.Y. -- Kevin Laue was 10 years old the day his father died, ending the gut-wrenching torment the two endured -- a cancerous brain tumor that painfully sucked the life from a big, vibrant man and traumatized the son, robbing him of his innocence and a bond he desperately needed.
If only dad could see him now.

A decade later, Laue has grown into one of America's most inspirational stories, overcoming a serious birth defect to become the first and the only NCAA Division I basketball player with one hand.

He's become something the father never thought possible.

"It's a difficult subject now, but I would have loved to have my father here to see me play -- just one game, any game -- so he could see what I've done,'' Laue told FanHouse recently. "All I can do now is hope that he would be proud of me, and what I've become."

Source: http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2011/01/31/one-armed-kevin-laue-an-ncaa-basketball-inspiration-to-all/

New York Knicks Philadelphia 76ers Toronto Raptors

Hal Steinbrenner Has 'No Problem' With Brian Cashman

Filed under: Yankees

Doing his best to fill the vacuum that is a long winter without much in the way of significant Yankees news, Hal Steinbrenner insisted Thursday that he has "no problem" with the way Brian Cashman is doing his job.

In an interview with the New York Post, the man in charge of overseeing the Yankees' operations said the perception that a rift has grown between the Steinbrenners and their general manager is nothing but "a bunch of drummed-up drama."

Though that notion first gained traction during the contentious negotiations with Derek Jeter earlier this offseason and deepened when the Yankees couldn't close the deal with marquee free agent Cliff Lee, everything came to a head at the press conference to introduce Rafael Soriano. It was in that venue that Cashman stated quite publicly that it wasn't his idea to sign the reliever to a three-year, $35 million contract.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/01/28/hal-steinbrenner-has-no-problem-with-brian-cashman/

Florida Panthers Tampa Bay Lightning Washington Capitals

Mets Searching for 'Strategic Partners' With Madoff Lawsuit Ongoing

Filed under: Mets, MLB Biz, Sports Business and Media

The New York Mets announced that they are looking for "strategic partners" as they continue to feel the financial pressure of a lawsuit brought against Sterling Equities -- Fred Wilpon's real estate investment firm, which also owns and operates the Mets -- by the trustee of victims of Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme.

In a conference call with the media, Fred and son Jeff said they are looking to sell up to 25 percent of the team, perhaps to multiple stakeholders. Citi Field and SNY, which are also owned by Sterling, will not be part of any deal, however.

"At the outset I want to emphasize what we are discussing today has not or will not affect the Mets day-to-day operations and control," Fred Wilpon told reporters. "Let me stress, at the end of the day we may or may not do anything."

We have known for quite some time that the Wilpon family was connected to Madoff, who defrauded investors of billions of dollars before he was arrested in 2008. We have also known since late 2010 that the Wilpons were being sued by that trustee, Irving Picard, a sign that the family actually profited as a byproduct of Madoff's scheme.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/01/28/mets-searching-for-strategic-partners-with-madoff-lawsuit-ongo/

Atlanta Hawks Charlotte Bobcats Miami Heat

NHL All-Star Game Broadcast Promoted Throughout New NBCUniversal Platforms

Filed under: NHL Media Watch

As Comcast takes over NBC Universal just before midnight Friday, hockey will be impacted in a potentially positive way. According to an industry source, the NHL All-Star Game -- broadcast on VERSUS on Sunday -- has been selected as the first "cross-channel priority" for the new NBCUniversal.

A "cross-channel priority" is an initiative identified by the network's marketing council to receive broad promotion across NBCUniversal's numerous platforms.

NBCUniversal has been successfully employing the initiative for big events such as the Olympics, NFL Kickoff, movie premieres like "Despicable Me" and the launch of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" at Universal Theme Park in Orlando, Fla.

Now that NBCUniversal has combined with Comcast's media assets, the cross-promotional capabilities are larger than ever. The new NBCUniversal has 20 channels and more than 40 websites to use to promote its "cross-channel priorities." As a result, the 2011 NHL All-Star Game stands to benefit -- as could the NHL for years to come if it enters a long-term broadcast partnership with NBC.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/01/28/nhl-all-star-game-broadcast-promoted-throughout-new-nbcuniversal/

San Antonio Spurs Chicago Fire Columbus Crew

Monday Movers: Torrey Pines' Dramatic Finish Excites Golf World

Filed under: Golf Odds and Ends

Each week, Monday Movers will look back on the previous week in the golf world to see whose stock is rising and who will likely be heading back to the range.

Stock Up

Bubba Watson -- Watson's victory at Torrey Pines won't be remembered for the 362-yard drive he bombed on 13. Instead, it was the brilliant touch he showed with his short game as he got up-and-down from a tough lie in a bunker on the 72nd hole to secure the one-stroke win over Phil Mickelson. The left-hander had to earn his second career PGA win against an experienced group of competitors all making a push, but did so with consistency. He led the field in greens in regulation and only carded one bogey during the final round.

Paul Casey -- The Englishman called Sunday at the inaugural Volvo Golf Champions "one of the toughest battles I've ever had." On paper, Casey ended the day in the same position he started it -- first -- but he did so by surviving 23 final-round lead changes to win his first tournament in 20 months. If not for Mickelson finishing second in San Diego, Casey would have moved into the top five of the world rankings. Instead, he moved up three spots to 6th.

Golf Rulebook -- PGA commissioner Tim Finchem spoke out about the recent rules violations that were reported by television viewers and led to disqualification for Camilo Villegas and Padraig Harrington. Finchem, speaking from the Farmers Insurance Open, said he wants a thorough review of the rules to decide whether there is a better way to punish players that aren't aware of their violation. He'll meet with the USGA executive committee next week and has also asked the European Tour to join him in examining the rule.

Sunday at Torrey Pines -- The PGA was hoping for an exciting finish when Tiger Woods announced he would make his 2011 debut at Torrey Pines alongside Phil Mickelson -- and they got it, despite Woods struggling efforts on the course. With the top of the leaderboard filled with some of the top players on Tour and super-rookie Jhonattan Vegas, the level of competition bordered on majoresque on Sunday. Nick Watney went out early and set the tone with a 28 on the front nine and the leaders followed. On a day in which only 11 of the 79 players broke 70, six of those came from the top 6 finishers, and that provided an incredible finish.

---

Elliott: Watson Holds Off Lefty at Torrey Pines
Krasovic: Will We Ever See the Old Tiger Again?

---

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2011/01/31/monday-movers-torrey-pines-dramatic-finish-excites-golf-world/

Carolina Hurricanes Florida Panthers Tampa Bay Lightning

Bill Haas, Phil Mickelson Lead; Collection of Talent Strokes Away at Torrey Pines

Filed under: PGA

SAN DIEGO -- Phil Mickelson and Bill Haas are 12 under par and share the lead going into Sunday's final round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. Hunter Mahan, Bubba Watson, Anthony Kim and rookie Jhonattan Vegas are within three strokes as the sun-splashed week heads to the finish line.

What could possibly be wrong with a tournament like that?

Funny you should ask.

Sitting adjacent to Torrey Pines golf complex is the Scripps Clinic. When a visitor to the medical center arrived this week for a scheduled doctor's appointment, she was confounded by signage in the parking lot that announced "NO ACCESS FOR FARMERS."

Clinic officials are now aware of a coming petition demanding that in the future they accept the area's farm workers for treatment.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2011/01/29/bill-haas-phil-mickelson-lead-collection-of-talent-strokes-awa/

Detroit Pistons Indiana Pacers Milwaukee Bucks

Playoffs Not Looking Good for NHL's Canadian Teams

Filed under: Canadiens, Canucks, Flames, Maple Leafs, Oilers, Senators

Woe Canada.

If the Stanley Cup playoffs were to begin on Tuesday when the NHL schedule resumes after the All-Star break, the Vancouver Canucks and the Montreal Canadiens would be carrying the weight of hockey-mad Canadians on their shoulders.

The geographical bookends are in the top eight in the Eastern and Western conference. But when it comes to the rest of the pack - the Ottawa Senators, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers - the mush is spread across the rest of the country.

That's two-thirds of Canada's NHL teams looking for answers.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/01/28/playoffs-not-looking-good-for-nhls-canadian-teams/

C.D. Chivas USA Colorado Rapids FC Dallas

Bubba Watson Edges Phil Mickelson to Win at Torrey Pines

Filed under: PGA

SAN DIEGO -- With a 5-under final-round 67 Sunday at Torrey Pines, Bubba Watson won the Farmers Insurance Open -- his second PGA Tour title -- by one shot over Phil Mickelson and put the PGA Tour on notice.

He's serious.

"It just shows that I can do it," Watson said. "I did it twice now. I'm only like 50 behind Phil and 80 behind Tiger, so they better watch out."

Watson, no malice intended, is seen by many as something of a golf goof ball. The 32-year-old self-taught player from the little Florida Panhandle town of Bagdad, likes to post Internet videos featuring trick shots and comedy. One of his favorites is a wedge shot from out of a tiny loving cup, over a swimming pool and into a sand pail.

He also has posted a "Happy Birthday" tribute to Ellen DeGeneres, and, last December at the Shark Shootout, dressed as Santa Claus to sign autographs after finishing play.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2011/01/30/bubba-watson-edges-phil-mickelson-to-win-at-torrey-pines/

Indianapolis Colts * Jacksonville Jaguars Tennessee Titans *

Golf Still Needs Tiger Woods, but Ben Crane Provides Much-Needed Laughs

Filed under: PGA

SAN DIEGO -- Tiger Woods wasn't at Torrey Pines golf course Tuesday, thankfully. Allowed me and the real golf writers more time with my new pal, Ben Crane.

Crane won the PGA event here last January, then said he won because he hadn't expected to win. Many golfers are full of hooey like that. But come to find, Crane has a gift for goofy.

Clowning with friends, he recently acted a loon in two videos that became YouTube hits. The pale and bald former Oregon Duck's 90-second bursts of silly prompted more fan feedback than his three PGA wins in nine years.

"It's been an amazing response," he said.

Desperate for material since their meal ticket Tiger's gone so long without winning, the New York Times guy and three other golf writers crowded Crane here Tuesday for word on his next flick. "We're going to launch another one maybe next month," he said, like we were all at Sundance.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2011/01/26/golf-still-needs-tiger-woods-but-ben-crane-provides-much-needed/

Washington Wizards Denver Nuggets Minnesota Timberwolves

Kevin Love Makes All-Star Bid With 'Numb#rs'

Filed under: Timberwolves, NBA All-Star Game

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves hope that the key to the Western Conference coaches' All-Star vote is through their noses.

Introducing "Numb#rs," the new fragrance by Kevin Love.

On the same day the NBA announced the starters for the All-Star game next month, the Wolves' public relations department unveiled its campaign to convince the coaches to vote their star into the game as a reserve.

A box was mailed to all Western Conference coaches that includes a bottle of "Numb#rs" cologne, a DVD with a 30-second commercial for the product that spoofs an ultra-serious fragrance ad, an advertisement that includes Love and a local model dressed to the nines and a list of his accomplishments on the back, and a bottle of face lotion just for good measure.

"It's all in good fun," Love said on Thursday after practice. "You never try to take yourself too seriously. If you can have fun with yourself it's a good part of your life."

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/01/28/kevin-love-makes-all-star-bid-with-numb-rs/

National Football Conference Dallas Cowboys New York Giants

Herschel Walker Back in the NFL? Mike Flynt Is a Believer

Filed under: General CFB Insanity

Mike Flynt smiled when he heard Herschel Walker wants back into the National Football League. Walker, now 48 years old, says he's 100 percent certain he can help a team. As in right now. Preferably for his home state Atlanta Falcons.

Sure, this might be as different as apples and oranges, night and day, white and gray brain matter. Yet, Flynt, of course, knows about comebacks and physical fitness.

Flynt returned for his senior football season at Division III Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, in 2007 -- at the age of 59.

Flynt, an accomplished college strength and conditioning coach, stepped back in time to become the oldest player in college football history. Flynt played in five games and proved that age is only a number. He's in great health and spirits at age 63 in his hometown of Franklin, Tenn. He's been married for 38 years to Eileen with three children and three grandchildren.

Flynt's a big fan of Walker, too.

"Like everything else Herschel has accomplished athletically and taken on throughout his life, he has pretty much excelled at it," Flynt told FanHouse Tuesday.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/01/25/herschel-walker-back-in-the-nfl-mike-flynt-is-a-believer/

San Antonio Spurs Chicago Fire Columbus Crew

Boise State-TCU Game Moved to Boise

Filed under: Boise State, TCU, Mountain West

The Mountain West Conference officially approved that this fall's TCU-Boise State game -- originally scheduled to be played at TCU -- would be moved to Boise State.

The MWC Board of Directors decided to implement the change in the 2011 football schedule as had been recommended by the athletic directors. TCU will now play at Boise State, while Boise State's contest with San Diego State will be played in San Diego. The Board felt the change was in the best interest of the Mountain West Conference and would help address current and future scheduling concerns created by the new set of circumstances which stemmed from another change in membership.

Because TCU is leaving the Mountain West, the school does not get a vote when it comes to whether the game is moved.

TCU athletic director Chris Del Conte said previously he didn't agree with the league's proposal to move the game to benefit Boise State, which joins the league this year.

"It's our home game and they told us it would be our home game and to change the rules midstream is not appropriate," Del Conte told ESPNDallas.com earlier this month. "I'm hoping they do what we originally said, which was that it would be a home game for TCU. To me to change it is not right."

Del Conte said he thought because Boise State was inserted on the schedule to replace departing Utah, TCU should get that home game against Boise State, as agreed upon.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/01/25/boise-state-tcu-game-moved-to-boise/

Indianapolis Colts * Jacksonville Jaguars Tennessee Titans *