L.A. Confidential: Tour Takes Turn Down 'Hogan's Alley'

Filed under: PGA

It's easy for golf to feel a little romantic about this week's Northern Trust Open. By any name, it's the old Los Angeles Open at Riviera Country Club. This is the course that Ben Hogan all but made his own, turning it into "Hogan's Alley." In the 1940s, Hogan won the Los Angeles Open three times and finished second once.

Other winner's over the years include Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Hale Irwin, Tom Watson, Johnny Miller, Ben Crenshaw, Fred Couples, Nick Faldo, Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson.

Not bad.

And then there's the real history.

Riviera is the club that was so Hollywood.

Famous members over the years include Humphrey Bogart, Glen Campbell, Peter Falk, Dean Martin, Gregory Peck, Walt Disney and Douglas Fairbanks.

Oh, yeah, O.J. Simpson once had a locker there, too.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2011/02/16/l-a-confidential-tour-takes-turn-down-hogans-alley/

Columbus Blue Jackets Detroit Red Wings Nashville Predators

Five-Step Drop: Schlichter Charged

Filed under: Notre Dame, Tennessee

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

1. There's a sad update in the Art Schlichter story we told you about last week. The former Ohio State quarterback was charged Monday with stealing more than $1 million from a Columbus-area woman. Schlichter's attorney expects federal charges are also forthcoming. The charges relate to Schlichter's alleged involvement in a ticket-brokering scheme. The Columbus Dispatch has a closer look at the scheme and Schlichter's role in it. The woman he is accused of stealing from is the widow of an executive for the Wendy's hamburger chain. She says her decision to help Schlichter "has cost me nearly everything."

2. As the Horns Turn: Jerry Gray returned to his alma mater, Texas, about a month ago to become Mack Brown's defensive backs coach. That position came open when longtime Horns assistant Duane Akina left to become Mike Stoops' defensive coordinator at Arizona. Gray has now left Texas, without even coaching spring practice, to become Mike Munchak's defensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans. The Horns have already replaced Gray ... with Duane Akina. Never has the phrase "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss" been more appropriate.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/15/five-step-drop-schlichter-charged/

Buffalo Bills Miami Dolphins New England Patriots

Miguel Cabrera to Be Evaluated by Doctors

Filed under: Tigers, MLB Police Blotter

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Miguel Cabrera was on his way to Tigers camp late Wednesday. He won't arrive before the middle of next week.

Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski said Saturday that Cabrera, arrested late Wednesday in Fort Pierce, Fla., on suspicion of drunken driving, will be evaluated early next week by a doctor selected jointly by Major League Baseball and the players' union. A treatment plan will be decided upon after that, Dombrowski said.

"He wanted to come (to Lakeland) yesterday," Dombrowski said, "but it didn't take long (to convince him to be evaluated) because it's one of those where he understands what's best for himself. And he's willing to cooperate."

So there's no telling when Cabrera will return to baseball.

"The regular season's a while away yet," Dombrowski said. "Even when you deal with most (rehabilitation) programs, if you deal with programs, most of them are 30-day programs -- and I'm not saying that's what he's going into."

---

More Coverage: Don Newcombe Says Cabrera Needs to Confront Problem

---

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/19/miguel-cabrera-to-be-evaluated-by-doctors/

San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Boston Bruins

Replay of Jeff Gordon Live FanHouse Chat

Four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon returned again this year for another live FanHouse chat from Daytona International Speedway on Friday.

Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet, is a three-time Daytona 500 winner and is looking for his first Cup title since 2001. He posted the second-fastest qualifying speed last Sunday and will start The Great American Race from the outside of the front row.

The champ chatted with FanHouse senior motorsports writer Holly Cain. See a 3-D photo of Friday's chat here.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/02/17/join-jeff-gordon-for-live-fanhouse-chat-at-3-45-p-m-friday/

Houston Dynamo Los Angeles Galaxy Real Salt Lake

Tomas Kaberle Traded to Boston; Bruins Trade Blake Wheeler to Atlanta

Filed under: Bruins, Maple Leafs, Thrashers, Trade Deadline

The annual Tomas Kaberle trade circus has finally come to an end. After nearly three years of rumors, near trades, almost trades and no trades, the Maple Leafs have finally sent him to the Boston Bruins. In return, Toronto will get Boston's first round pick, prospect Joe Colborne and a conditional draft pick. According to TSN's Bob McKenzie, Toronto will get Boston's 2012 second-round selection if the Bruins make the Stanley Cup Final this year or re-sign Kaberle after this season.

As recently as a week ago the Maple Leafs were without a first-round pick in this year's draft, having sent their pick to Boston two years ago in the Phil Kessel trade. And now, after a series moves over the past couple of days, general manager Brian Burke has given his team two first-rounders thanks to this deal and the trade that sent Kris Versteeg to the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Leafs have been active in recent weeks trading Francois Beauchemin, Versteeg and Kaberle, netting them a return of Joffrey Lupul, Jake Gardiner, Colborne and a number of draft picks.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/18/report-tomas-kaberle-traded-to-boston-bruins-trading-blake-whe/

Kansas City Wizards New England Revolution New York Red Bulls

CBS, Turner Reveal Blueprints for NCAA Tournament Coverage

by Milton Kent

Filed under: NCAA Tournament, Sports Business and Media

CBS and Turner Thursday announced a big piece of the road map by which they will combine to carry next month's NCAA men's basketball tournament, and it is a messy one.

For Mike Aresco, CBS Sports' executive vice president for programming, what is an annual challenge -- namely getting the March Madness to the right homes at the right time -- has been made even more, well, challenging, by the presence of three more channels.

But it should be fun. Shouldn't it?

"I think this will be one of those deals where we'll look back on it and say, 'Gee, wasn't that fun?' It might not be fun while we're doing it," said Aresco, laughing.

As previously announced, CBS, TBS, TNT and TruTV will air each of the 67 games nationally, from the new four play-in games to the Final Four and national championship match, across the platforms as national games. That means you won't have to hunt for any games or buy a Direct TV package to see every game of the tournament.

That's the easy part. What will be tricky is the execution of the plan, large portions of which were unveiled Thursday.

The process begins with "The First Four," the newly created quartet of first round games, that will air on Tuesday and Wednesday March 15 and 16, starting at 6:30 p.m. with the nightcap at 9 p.m each night on TruTV. Though the games will feel for many much like the play-in games, CBS and Turner will gloss them up by having its Final Four crew of Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg and Turner NBA analyst Steve Kerr do the Tuesday doubleheader with the ever excitable Gus Johnson and Len Elmore working the Wednesday games.

"We're conscious with the NCAA of having those Tuesday-Wednesday games be perceived as part of the tournament, which they are," said Aresco

From there, things get interesting. The start times of the Thursday and Friday games, now officially known as the second round, will be staggered in such a way so that viewers will be able to see more of the contests, since they'll be scattered between the four channels.

As recently as last year, when CBS had all the games, start times would be delayed by 5-15 minutes during the windows. Now, there will be enough of a delay so that there will be "wall to wall basketball from noon to midnight," Aresco said.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/10/cbs-turner-reveal-blueprints-for-ncaa-tournament-coverage/

Carolina Panthers New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Family of Slain Pace Player Indignant Over Grand Jury Ruling

A grand jury in a suburb north of New York City Monday declined to indict a police officer in the death of Danroy Henry, Jr., a Pace University football player shot while driving his car outside a bar in the Westchester County town of Thornwood.

Henry's father and his lawyer said they were not surprised by the decision and vowed to take the case to the United States Department of Justice and to pursue a civil suit.

"My faith was never in district attorney (Janet) DiFiore," Danroy Henry, Sr., said in a telephone conference call. "Our faith is in God. We were hoping she would surprise us but we had no faith in her."

Henry died a week before his 21st birthday and a few hours after the homecoming game from wounds caused by bullets fired from the gun of Aaron Hess, a police officer in Pleasantville, N.Y., who responded to a call to quell a disturbance in a parking lot after 1 a.m. on Oct. 17.

Although Henry was not involved in the fighting, Hess shot him from the hood of Henry's moving car. Police and witnesses disagreed as to whether police had told Henry to move his car or if Henry's actions put the officer in danger.

In a prepared statement, DiFiore said the grand jury of 23 persons heard testimony from 85 witnesses, including two passengers in the car with Henry and also from Hess, who testified without protection of immunity from prosecution. More than 100 exhibits were admitted into evidence at a proceeding which began on Jan. 10.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/14/family-of-slain-pace-player-indignant-over-grand-jury-ruling/

San Jose Earthquakes Seattle Sounders FC Portland Timbers

Rich Harden Shut Down With Lat Stiffness

Filed under: Athletics, MLB Injuries

Spring training has barely begun, but the Oakland A's have already had to shut down Rich Harden for "a few weeks," according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser.

Harden experienced some lat stiffness and when he couldn't get loose after 10-15 pitches, and the A's made the decision to shelve him until sometime in March.

After being traded by the A's to the Cubs in 2008, Harden returned to Oakland this offseason to try and compete for the club's fifth rotation spot this spring. He spent 2010 with the Rangers, struggling with the strike zone (6.1 walks per nine innings) and with several injuries.

How this affects his chances to compete for that last rotation spot will probably depend on how much time he ends up missing, but it's certainly not the way he wanted things to start.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/17/athletics-rich-harden-shut-down-with-oblique-stiffness/

Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers Houston Texans

Video: John Wall's High Bounce Alley-Oop to Blake Griffin

Filed under: NBA All-Star Game

LOS ANGELES -- As you might expect, defense was fairly non-existent in the 2011 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge. There were plenty of highlight dunks of course, but the one that clearly stood out among the rest was this ridiculous jam from Blake Griffin, off a high, hard bounce pass from the Wizards John Wall.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/18/video-john-walls-high-bounce-alley-oop-to-blake-griffin/

Dallas Mavericks Houston Rockets Memphis Grizzlies

3-D Photo Gallery From Daytona International Speedway

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Reed Sorenson, Daytona Int'l Speedway, NASCAR Fans, Sprint Cup, NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Here's a 3-D photo gallery from Speedweeks here at Daytona International Speedway, as well as several photos from the Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour in January.

To see these photos in 3-D, use common red-cyan 3-D glasses. Remember, left eye red.

Except as noted, all 3-D photos were taken by FanHouse motorsports editor Bob Zeller using a Fuji W3 3-D camera.


Jeff Gordon answers questions from fans in a live chat with FanHouse senior motorsports writer Holly Cain from the media center at Daytona on Friday afternoon.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/02/19/3-d-photo-gallery-from-daytona-international-speedway/

Tampa Bay Lightning Washington Capitals Western Conference

NASCAR Shrinks Restrictor Plates to Reduce Speeds

Filed under: Denny Hamlin, Sprint Cup, NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- After taking other steps last week to try to reduce the 200 mph-plus speeds of two-car tandem drafts at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR has taken a more aggressive step by reducing the size of the restrictor plate.

The sanctioning body has reduced the size of the restrictor plate by 1/64th of an inch, which should cut about 10 horsepower from the engines.

Previously in Speedweeks, NASCAR made changes in an effort to minimize the ability of cars to hook up together in two-car drafts. Although Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the pole at slightly over 186 mph, the two-car drafts have reached speeds upward of 206 mph.

"We want to get those speeds knocked down a little bit," NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said. "That 206 is a little quick."

"Every time we get on track with these cars and NASCAR makes a change, it's going to have to be a learning curve we adapt to," said Denny Hamlin.

That learning curve was going nowhere early Wednesday, however, as coastal showers halted all activity on the track until mid-afternoon, when practice finally got underway.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/02/16/nascar-shrinks-restrictor-plates-to-reduce-speeds/

Montreal Impact Buffalo Bills Miami Dolphins

Senators Urge MLB to Ban Tobacco Use

by Jeff Fletcher

Filed under: MLB Biz, Sports Business and Media

Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), right, and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) sent a letter to commissioner Bud Selig and MLB Players Union head Michael Weiner urging them to ban the use of smokeless tobacco in the upcoming collective bargaining agreement.

MLB has come under growing scrutiny over the past year for allowing its players to use smokeless tobacco, which presents a health risk and also may encourage use among kids.

"The use of smokeless tobacco by baseball players undermines the positive image of the sport and sends a dangerous message to young fans, who may be influenced by the players they look up to as role models," wrote Lautenberg and Durbin.

Last year the House Energy and Commerce Committe convened a hearing to explore a potential ban on smokeless tobacco in the majors. Also, a consortium of 10 heath agencies wrote a letter to Selig and Weiner pushing for a ban in November.

Baseball had banned the use of smokeless tobacco, commonly called "dip" in the minor leagues, but any similar action in the majors would require approval by the union. The current CBA expires in December.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/15/senators-urge-mlb-to-ban-tobacco-use/

Milwaukee Bucks Atlanta Hawks Charlotte Bobcats

Phoenix Open Power Rankings: Mickelson Primed for Success

Filed under: Golf Odds and Ends

The Waste Management Phoenix Open is one of the few PGA events that has the feel of an NFL game or a NASCAR race -- not to confuse the two demographics, but both atmospheres have very similar qualities. Huge crowds will again be in attendance, despite weather so cold the pro-am was canceled.

TPC Scottsdale's par-3, 16th hole is the most exciting hole in golf with bleachers surrounding tee to green. It will serve as the Kodak Challenge hole for the week, which gives it an unneeded boost. Sit back and enjoy the party in Arizona, and keep an eye on these players.

The favorites for this week are familiar names who have started strong in 2011:

1. Phil Mickelson -- After a strong performance at Torrey Pines, Phil heads to another course that he loves. With two wins and nine top-10s at this tournament, he is the favorite to win this week. The former Arizona State player will need to tighten up his game off the tee, but his short game looks to be in order.

2. Dustin Johnson -- Any personal issues that Johnson might have been experiencing when he withdrew a few weeks ago are not affecting him. He was near the top in every major statistical category last week and finished with a final-round 66, which included no bogeys. With top-10s in both starts this year, it would be a surprise if he didn't make it three.

3. Hunter Mahan -- Last year's winner should be primed for a title defense. Mahan entered Sunday's final round last week in the last group, but a double bogey on the opening hole set the tone for day and he finished the Farmers T6. His win in Phoenix a year ago was highlighted by only 12 missed greens the entire week. If he can continue to hit his driver well, expect him to have a lot of birdie opportunities.

---

Mick Elliott: Tournament Preview | Tee Times

---

4. Rickie Fowler -- He came within one shot of winning here in just the sixth tournament of his rookie year. Fast-forward one year and the young star continues to look for that first Tour victory. Fowler didn't play as well as his T20 finish last week would indicate. Following his 65 on the easier of the two Torrey Pines courses, Fowler shot 2 over for the remainder of the tournament, but he should feel pretty comfortable this week.

5. Jhonattan Vegas -- It's probably a bit premature to be including Vegas in the short list of favorites, but the rookie has earned it. The Venezuelan entered the 72nd hole last week just one stroke out of the lead and a realistic opportunity for back-to-back wins. The most impressive aspect of his performance was his calm and confidence in a high-pressure home stretch. The FedEx Cup points leader looks like he belongs.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2011/02/02/phoenix-open-power-rankings-mickelson-primed-for-success/

Calgary Flames Colorado Avalanche Edmonton Oilers

Bedoya to train with Birmingham City

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SoccerByIves/~3/_JOhnQ1vNJ0/bedoya-to-train-with-birmingham-city.html

Phoenix Coyotes San Jose Sharks Boston Celtics

Tomas Kaberle Traded to Boston; Bruins Trade Blake Wheeler to Atlanta

Filed under: Bruins, Maple Leafs, Thrashers, Trade Deadline

The annual Tomas Kaberle trade circus has finally come to an end. After nearly three years of rumors, near trades, almost trades and no trades, the Maple Leafs have finally sent him to the Boston Bruins. In return, Toronto will get Boston's first round pick, prospect Joe Colborne and a conditional draft pick. According to TSN's Bob McKenzie, Toronto will get Boston's 2012 second-round selection if the Bruins make the Stanley Cup Final this year or re-sign Kaberle after this season.

As recently as a week ago the Maple Leafs were without a first-round pick in this year's draft, having sent their pick to Boston two years ago in the Phil Kessel trade. And now, after a series moves over the past couple of days, general manager Brian Burke has given his team two first-rounders thanks to this deal and the trade that sent Kris Versteeg to the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Leafs have been active in recent weeks trading Francois Beauchemin, Versteeg and Kaberle, netting them a return of Joffrey Lupul, Jake Gardiner, Colborne and a number of draft picks.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/18/report-tomas-kaberle-traded-to-boston-bruins-trading-blake-whe/

Tennessee Titans * Denver Broncos Kansas City Chiefs *

Eugene Wilson Among Five Released by Texans on Friday

Filed under: Texans, AFC South

The Houston Texans on Friday release five players, including safety Eugene Wilson.

Wilson, a starter from 2008-2010, was the only starter among a group that also included wide receiver Andre Davis, linebacker Isaiah Greenhouse, linebacker Darnell Bing and defensive tackle DeMario Pressley.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/18/eugene-wilson-among-five-released-by-texans-on-friday/

Boston Celtics New Jersey Nets New York Knicks

Eric Brewer Traded to Tampa Bay

Filed under: Blues, Lightning, Trade Deadline

After narrowly missing the postseason last year the St. Louis Blues went out this past summer and acquired goaltender Jaroslav Halak, fresh off his spectacular playoff run with the Montreal Canadiens. At the time, it looked like it was going to give the Blues an opportunity to return to the playoffs for just the second time since the lockout.

It hasn't exactly gone as planned for the Blues after a promising start, as they've dropped down to 13th place in the Western Conference. On Friday, they officially became sellers when they traded their captain, defenseman Eric Brewer, to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a third-round draft pick and prospect Brock Beukeboom, via TSN.

In 54 games this season Brewer has already matched his career high with eight goals to go with six assists. He's spent the past six seasons in St. Louis after playing the early years of his career with the New York Islanders and Edmonton Oilers. Solid player, but durability has been a concern over the years as he's played more than 60 games just twice in the past five seasons.

Tampa Bay has, surprisingly, climbed to the top of the Southeast Division and is in the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference with 74 points. This despite being outscored by its opponents over the course of the season. The Lightning boast an explosive offense that's anchored by Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis (No's 1 and 4 respectively in the NHL scoring race). The problem, however, has been preventing goals as they're allowing the sixth most goals per game (3.09) in the NHL.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/18/eric-brewer-traded-to-tampa-bay/

Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers

Keith Moreland Takes Over for Ron Santo in Cubs' Radio Booth

by FanHouse Staff

Filed under: Cubs, Sports Business and Media

Keith Moreland will take Ron Santo's place on the Cubs' radio broadcast team, and he knows exactly what he's getting into as he steps in for the beloved announcer.

"I'm not a replacement for Ron Santo -- he's impossible to replace," Moreland said in a statement released Wednesday. "All I can do is be me and strive to connect and build a relationship with Cubs fans everywhere."

Santo, who died in December after years of battling various illnesses, spent 20 years in the Cubs' broadcast booth.

Though not quite as entrenched in Cubdom as his predecessor, Wrigley Field fans already are familiar with Moreland. He spent 1982-87 with the Cubs, playing mostly in the outfield but also seeing time at first base, third base and catcher. He also played for the Phillies (who originally drafted him), Padres, Tigers and Orioles.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/16/keith-moreland-takes-over-for-ron-santo-in-cubs-radio-booth/

Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns

Video: John Wall's High Bounce Alley-Oop to Blake Griffin

Filed under: NBA All-Star Game

LOS ANGELES -- As you might expect, defense was fairly non-existent in the 2011 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge. There were plenty of highlight dunks of course, but the one that clearly stood out among the rest was this ridiculous jam from Blake Griffin, off a high, hard bounce pass from the Wizards John Wall.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/18/video-john-walls-high-bounce-alley-oop-to-blake-griffin/

New York Red Bulls Philadelphia Union Toronto FC

NFL, Players Wrap Third Day of Talks, Stay Mum on Any Progress

Filed under: NFL Labor Negotiations

WASHINGTON (AP) - Mediated negotiations toward a new NFL labor deal have broken up for the day after about eight hours of talks.

NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith didn't stop for questions as he left the Washington office of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, a U.S. government agency, shortly after 6 p.m. He and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell both arrived at about 10 a.m.

Sunday is the third consecutive day of face-to-face communication after months of slow and sometimes contentious bargaining.

Because mediator George Cohen asked both sides not to comment publicly on these negotiations, it's not clear what, if any, progress is being made.

The NFL's labor deal expires at the end of the day March 3.

Various lawyers and other members of both negotiating teams showed up earlier at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service office building. George Cohen, the director of that U.S. government agency, has been mediating the talks.

"We are working hard, and we're following the director's playbook, and we'll see what we come up with," said Jeff Pash, the NFL's lead labor negotiator.

He walked in with Bob Batterman, an outside lawyer for the NFL who was working for the NHL when it lost its entire 2004-05 season to a lockout.

Lawyers Jeffrey Kessler and Richard Berthelsen, current players Tony Richardson of the New York Jets and Charlie Batch of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and former player Pete Kendall were among those representing the union Sunday. They began arriving before 9 a.m.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/20/nfl-players-wrap-third-day-of-talks-stay-mum-on-any-progress/

C.D. Chivas USA Colorado Rapids FC Dallas

NFL, Players Wrap Third Day of Talks, Stay Mum on Any Progress

Filed under: NFL Labor Negotiations

WASHINGTON (AP) - Mediated negotiations toward a new NFL labor deal have broken up for the day after about eight hours of talks.

NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith didn't stop for questions as he left the Washington office of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, a U.S. government agency, shortly after 6 p.m. He and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell both arrived at about 10 a.m.

Sunday is the third consecutive day of face-to-face communication after months of slow and sometimes contentious bargaining.

Because mediator George Cohen asked both sides not to comment publicly on these negotiations, it's not clear what, if any, progress is being made.

The NFL's labor deal expires at the end of the day March 3.

Various lawyers and other members of both negotiating teams showed up earlier at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service office building. George Cohen, the director of that U.S. government agency, has been mediating the talks.

"We are working hard, and we're following the director's playbook, and we'll see what we come up with," said Jeff Pash, the NFL's lead labor negotiator.

He walked in with Bob Batterman, an outside lawyer for the NFL who was working for the NHL when it lost its entire 2004-05 season to a lockout.

Lawyers Jeffrey Kessler and Richard Berthelsen, current players Tony Richardson of the New York Jets and Charlie Batch of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and former player Pete Kendall were among those representing the union Sunday. They began arriving before 9 a.m.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/20/nfl-players-wrap-third-day-of-talks-stay-mum-on-any-progress/

New York Rangers Philadelphia Flyers Pittsburgh Penguins

Top Offensive Tackle Prospect Cyrus Kouandjio Finally Signs -- With Alabama

Filed under: Recruiting, Prospects

Three days after spinning the already-wacky world of college football recruiting off its axis by committing on national television/not signing/decommitting -- Cyrus Kouandjio finally stopped the madness Saturday afternoon.

The massive DeMatha Catholic High School offensive tackle actually put pen to paper and signed his national letter-of-intent with Alabama, ending a wild ride that had him announcing he would sign with arch-rival Auburn on ESPNU on Wednesday and then waffling within the span of minutes.

"He said he wanted to respect his friends -- and fans," Jean Claude Kouandjio, the player's father, told Tidesports.com. "He wanted to respect the advice of his friends, people who admire him. That's what he wanted to do.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/05/top-offensive-tackle-prosect-cyrus-kouandjio-finally-signs-wi/

Portland Trail Blazers Utah Jazz Golden State Warriors

Joel Quenneville Hospitalized, Will Miss Wednesday's Game

Filed under: Blackhawks, Wild, Western, NHL Coaching

Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville will miss Wednesday's home game against Minnesota. The team announced Wednesday morning that Quenneville was hospitalized Tuesday night.

The statement doesn't specifically identify Quenneville's ailment, but head team physician Dr. Michael Terry said it was not cardiac in nature.

"Joel presented severe discomfort late last night at his home in suburban Chicago," Terry said. "He went to the emergency room and was admitted early this morning. He is currently in stable condition and is being treated for an undisclosed health concern today."

Terry noted that Quenneville is still undergoing tests, and the team will provide more information once it's available.

Assistant coach Mike Haviland will coach the Blackhawks in Wednesday's game.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/16/joel-quenneville-hospitalized-will-miss-wednesdays-game/

New York Islanders New York Rangers Philadelphia Flyers

College Basketball Power Rankings: Hooked on the 'Horns

Filed under: Duke, Ohio State, Texas

Texas, it's time to get your due.

After a season of stifling defense that would do Buddy Ryan proud and make Alan Dershowitz jealous, the Longhorns are finally No. 1 in our power rankings.

Meanwhile, the rest of the rankings continue to sort themselves out. The SEC and ACC continue to boast a pair of teams, as does the Mountain West. The Big Ten's usual compliment of top teams appear and the Big East remains the most popular party at the adults' table.

Ballots were tallied from college basketball editor Ray Holloman, editor Matt Snyder, national college basketball writer Terrance Harris and blogger Evan Hilbert. Points, listed in parentheses, were given in reverse order of rankings (16 points for a first place vote, 15 for second, etc.).

Source: http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/19/college-basketball-power-rankings-hooked-on-the-horns/

New York Red Bulls Philadelphia Union Toronto FC

E'Twaun Moore, Purdue Top Ohio State

Filed under: Ohio State, Purdue, Big Ten

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) -- E'Twaun Moore seemingly toyed with Ohio State.

Whether he was knocking down one of his seven 3-pointers, making an acrobatic layup or draining a jumper in the closing seconds of the first half, the senior guard seemed at ease. He scored a career-high 38 points to help No. 11 Purdue beat No. 2 Ohio State 76-63 on Sunday.

His teammates saw it coming.

"I know once he gets that rhythm going and steps back and hits a 3 and once he smiles, you know he has it going," guard Lewis Jackson said. "E'Twaun, he may put his fingers up and tell you he hit a 3-pointer, but he rarely smiles. Once he smiles, he's in a zone, and you probably won't stop him that night."

Purdue (22-5, 11-3 Big Ten) has had much to smile about in the past week. The Boilermakers defeated No. 10 Wisconsin on Wednesday, and their two wins over Top 10 teams brought them within a game of the Buckeyes (25-2, 12-2) for the conference lead with four games to play.

Purdue's win capped a week that saw the top four teams in the AP Top 25 lose a game. With losses in the past week by No. 1 Kansas, No. 3 Texas and No. 4 Pittsburgh, the Buckeyes entered the game in line to reclaim the No. 1 ranking they dropped after losing at Wisconsin on Feb. 12.

Ohio State coach Thad Matta knew his team was playing in a rough stretch, and he expected challenges.

"We've got to continue to keep our focus," he said. "Our guys know we have to play better basketball and we have to get them ready to do that."

Ohio State center Jared Sullinger, who scored 25 points, said this game was nothing like Ohio State's 87-64 win over Purdue on Jan. 25.

Source: http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/20/etwaun-moore-purdue-knock-off-ohio-state/

Toronto FC C.D. Chivas USA Colorado Rapids

United in California: Day One

PHASE TWO BEGINS

The Black-and-Red are on the ground in Oxnard, California following three days off in the Nation?s Capital. Much has changed over the course of those three days, with several roster moves impacting Ben Olsen?s team. To begin, yesterday United unveiled U.S. National Team forward Charlie Davies as the club?s newest signing.

Source: http://www.dcunited.com/news/2011/02/united-in-california-day-one

New Orleans Hornets San Antonio Spurs Chicago Fire

Need a Job? The Yankees Are Hiring

Filed under: Yankees, AL East

TAMPA, Fla. -- Welcome to the Land of Opportunity, formerly known as George M. Steinbrenner Field.

"I felt like it was a good chance for me," Mark Prior said Friday.

"I think I picked the right spot, man," Freddy Garcia said a few minutes later.

"They gave me the opportunity to pitch again," Bartolo Colon said.

It didn't used to be this way. When a veteran player had to go to camp as a non-roster invitee, Tampa was usually the last place he would want to be. The big-money Yankees would have superstars penciled in at every position and almost no roster spots up for grabs -- at least, not significant ones.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/18/need-a-job-the-yankees-are-hiring/

Dallas Cowboys New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles

Dave Duerson's Shooting Death Reportedly Ruled a Suicide

Filed under: Chicago Bears

CHICAGO (AP) -- Former Bears safety Dave Duerson died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, according to The Chicago Tribune, and the co-director of a medical school program told The Associated Press on Saturday night that his family has agreed to donate his brain for research.

The Tribune, citing an unidentified person with knowledge of the situation, reported on its website that Duerson's death has been ruled a suicide. His body was found Thursday in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla.

Dr. Bruce Hyma, the chief medical examiner for Miami-Dade County, declined to comment on the case in an e-mailed response to questions from the AP. He referred inquiries to the police department. A Miami-Dade police supervisor said the department had no information to release Saturday regarding the cause of Duerson's death.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/19/dave-duersons-shooting-death-reportedly-ruled-a-suicide/

Seattle Sounders FC Portland Timbers Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Tomas Kaberle Traded to Boston; Bruins Trade Blake Wheeler to Atlanta

Filed under: Bruins, Maple Leafs, Thrashers, Trade Deadline

The annual Tomas Kaberle trade circus has finally come to an end. After nearly three years of rumors, near trades, almost trades and no trades, the Maple Leafs have finally sent him to the Boston Bruins. In return, Toronto will get Boston's first round pick, prospect Joe Colborne and a conditional draft pick. According to TSN's Bob McKenzie, Toronto will get Boston's 2012 second-round selection if the Bruins make the Stanley Cup Final this year or re-sign Kaberle after this season.

As recently as a week ago the Maple Leafs were without a first-round pick in this year's draft, having sent their pick to Boston two years ago in the Phil Kessel trade. And now, after a series moves over the past couple of days, general manager Brian Burke has given his team two first-rounders thanks to this deal and the trade that sent Kris Versteeg to the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Leafs have been active in recent weeks trading Francois Beauchemin, Versteeg and Kaberle, netting them a return of Joffrey Lupul, Jake Gardiner, Colborne and a number of draft picks.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/18/report-tomas-kaberle-traded-to-boston-bruins-trading-blake-whe/

New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Washington Redskins *

3-D Photo Gallery From Daytona International Speedway

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Reed Sorenson, Daytona Int'l Speedway, NASCAR Fans, Sprint Cup, NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Here's a 3-D photo gallery from Speedweeks here at Daytona International Speedway, as well as several photos from the Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour in January.

To see these photos in 3-D, use common red-cyan 3-D glasses. Remember, left eye red.

Except as noted, all 3-D photos were taken by FanHouse motorsports editor Bob Zeller using a Fuji W3 3-D camera.


Jeff Gordon answers questions from fans in a live chat with FanHouse senior motorsports writer Holly Cain from the media center at Daytona on Friday afternoon.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/02/19/3-d-photo-gallery-from-daytona-international-speedway/

Dallas Stars Los Angeles Kings Phoenix Coyotes

Replacing the Legends -- Schools Follow a Very Predictable Pattern

Filed under: Coaching

Brady Hoke says if his first year at Michigan doesn't end with a Big Ten title, he'll consider it a failure. That's pretty strong language, and it's fair to wonder why a coach would expect so much in his first season. Yet the pressure of living up to that expectation is nothing compared to the pressure of following a legend.

No, not Rich Rodriguez.

Bo Schembechler.

Hoke is Michigan's fourth coach since Schembechler retired. He'll report to work every day in a building which bears the name of the Michigan legend. He has to shoulder Michigan's post-Schembechlerian legacy that includes Gary Moeller, who was forced out after an ugly non-football incident, Lloyd Carr, who won a national title but couldn't beat Jim Tressel, and then Rodriguez. Now he comes in with a career 47-50 record and losing marks in five of his eight seasons at Ball State and San Diego State.

You know what? I like his chances, and here's why:

I've been following the coaching carousel for years and I've noticed a pattern. When a legendary coach steps down, the process of determining who coaches next nearly always follows an orderly procession. There are a few exceptions but generally speaking this is what happens when a school has to replace a larger-than-life coach.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/11/replacing-the-legends-schools-follow-a-very-predictable-patte/

Boston Bruins Buffalo Sabres Montreal Canadiens

Ten Years After: Dale Earnhardt's Mother, Martha, Shares Memories

Filed under: Daytona Int'l Speedway, NASCAR Crashes, Sprint Cup, FanHouse Exclusive, NASCAR

To live in Kannapolis, N.C., during the 20th century was to live in a company town, and if folks there didn't exactly sell their soul to the company store, everyone lived by the pulse of the massive Cannon Mills, provider of fluffy cotton towels and washcloths to a increasingly cleanliness-conscious nation.

"They had three shifts there -- first, second and third," recalled Martha Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt's mother. "When it came time for a shift change at Cannon Mills, a mile or so away, "they had a horn that blew," she said in a 2007 interview with this writer for Racing Milestones magazine. "You could hear it."

Ralph Earnhardt, her husband, started his adult life in the mills, but didn't stick around. He was too independent-minded for that. "He definitely didn't like being shut up in there," she said.

"When he and I got married, he was working on the third shift in the mill. He worked in the weave room. That was in '47. I was 17 when we got married and he was 19. He left the mill not too long after we got married and went to work for a gentleman down here on (U.S.) 29 in a garage. That's where he learned about building motors and all that.

"But then some of the local guys that raced around here came down, and Ralph worked on their cars. That's how he got into racing. He didn't like the mill anyway. It was a place to get out of."

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/02/14/ten-years-after-dale-earnhardts-mother-martha-shares-memorie/

New York Knicks Philadelphia 76ers Toronto Raptors

Chris Kelly Traded to Boston For Draft Pick

Filed under: Bruins, Senators, Trade Deadline

There was talk on Tuesday evening that the Boston Bruins could be making a move for Toronto's Tomas Kaberle. They did end up making a deal, but it wasn't for Kaberle, instead sending a 2011 second-round draft pick to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for veteran forward Chris Kelly.

It's the second move for the Senators in the past week, having also sent Mike Fisher to Nashville for a first-round pick, as they continue to stockpile draft picks and sell off players in a season that has quickly spiraled out of control. The Senators lost to the Islanders, 4-3, on Tuesday, losing for the 18th time in their past 20 games and are now the worst team in the Eastern Conference. It's a good bet this won't be the last move before the Feb. 28 deadline, not with veterans Alex Kovalev and Jarkko Ruutu set to become unrestricted free agents this summer and perhaps having no future in Ottawa. And there's also the matter of defenseman Chris Phillips and his no-trade clause.

For the Bruins, Kelly brings some additional grit and penalty killing prowess to the lineup and also gives them another center that's strong in the faceoff circle (over 50 percent on draws this season).

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/15/chris-kelly-traded-to-boston-for-draft-pick/

Detroit Red Wings Nashville Predators St. Louis Blues

Fallout From Tragic Car Accident Lingers as Charlie Davies Returns to D.C.

WASHINGTON -- The siren from a passing emergency vehicle could be heard as D.C. United general manager Dave Kasper introduced Charlie Davies to the media at RFK Stadium on Wednesday, the sort of blare that surrounded the striker as he lay critically injured after a single-car accident not far from here in October 2009.

Not that Davies recalls much about that tragic night that left a fellow passenger dead and derailed his soccer career.

"The only thing I remember was getting in the car, eventually putting on my seat belt and waking up in the hospital," Davies said. "I didn't know how I got there. The only thing I could do was panic. I started taking the staples out of my stomach until a nurse ran over and stopped me."

Davies broke curfew to meet up with Maria Espinoza and Ashley Roberta, college friends from the University of Maryland that Davies met on a prior trip to the Washington area. The three were headed back to the hotel where the U.S. national team was staying in advance of a World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica, when Espinoza lost control of her Infiniti SUV on the George Washington Parkway in Arlington, Va.

The high-speed wreck split the vehicle in half, killing Roberta instantly. Davies suffered multiple injuries, including bleeding on the brain, a ruptured bladder, breaks to his femur, tibia and elbow and several facial fractures. Espinoza, who was not seriously injured, eventually pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and driving while intoxicated. She isn't scheduled to be sentenced until March 23, but was ordered to court next week after federal probation officials issued an order that alleged she had violated terms of her pretrial release by consuming alcohol.

"I think it's a good thing I don't remember too much from the accident," Davies said. "That's maybe why I'm not too emotional about the whole thing."

Davies, in fact, wasn't hesitant about visiting the site of the crash a couple months afterward with U.S. teammate Oguchi Onyewu, who's from Washington.

"He wanted to see his father who was having back surgery in the same hospital I was in," Davies said. "He said, 'Do you want to come?' I said I wanted to. He asked if I wanted to go down the GW Parkway. I said, 'Yeah, I do.' He drove down and showed me. As weird as it sounds, it was interesting to see all of it again from a different perspective. I felt so thankful for my life. I felt relieved."

Those around Davies said the near-death experience and the months of grueling rehab changed the 24-year-old Boston College product.

"This experience has made him mature," Nina Stavris, Davies' fiancée, told FanHouse. "He's a better person now. He's more compassionate. He's more sensitive. The (crash) has had an impact on him, but in a good way."

Not unusual for somebody attempting to come back from such serious injuries, there were setbacks.

"There was time in rehab when a shard (of his femur) would puncture his muscle every time he tried to do something," said Stavris, whom Davies credited as being vital to his comeback effort. "He never knew if that would go away. It's totally rounded off now and doesn't affect him anymore."

Then there was the emotional torment of being left off the U.S. roster for last summer's World Cup.

"That was the first big low point," said Lyle Yorks, Davies' agent and a former D.C. United player. "Emotionally, that was very difficult for him for about a 24-hour period. Then it was on to having the best season he could with (his French club) Sochaux."

Davies, however, languished as a reserve at Sochaux, and Yorks began to explore Davies' options stateside. After weeks of negotiations, United acquired Davies on a one-season loan.

Even though he will be only a few miles away from the Alexandria, Va., courtroom where Espinoza will be sentenced next month, Davies has declined to participate in person. He had the option to give a victim impact statement in court, but his lawyer, Jon Pels, told FanHouse that Davies has opted to instead submit a written statement. Peter Carr, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office, declined to comment on Davies' decision not to participate more in the penalty phase of the case.

"We just made the decision that it was best to focus on soccer," Davies said. "I want to leave that to the (U.S.) Attorney and the lawyers. My focus now is getting back to where I was and help (D.C. United) win games."

As Davies moves on, Espinoza faces as many as 13 years in prison and the Roberta family -- some members of which were still nearly inconsolable during Espinoza's plea hearing in November -- still haven't fully come to terms with the loss of a daughter and a sister.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2011/02/16/fallout-from-tragic-car-accident-lingers-as-charlie-davies-retur/

Dallas Mavericks Houston Rockets Memphis Grizzlies