MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell understands errors happen. Baserunning blunders shouldnt.Archie Bradley pitched seven solid innings, Yasmany Tomas hit two home runs and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Brewers 8-1 on Wednesday night.The Brewers looked like they had something going in the first.Jonathan Villar led off with a double over the head of left fielder Michael Bourn, Scooter Gennett followed with a walk and then Ryan Braun lined out to Tomas in right. Gennett hustled back to the bag trying to beat Tomas throw, but after a 1:55 review, the safe call was overturned.With two outs and Jonathan Lucroy up to bat, Villar tried to steal third, but Welington Castillo nailed him with a perfect throw.Counsell let Villar, who leads the majors with 36 stolen bases, go out for the second inning, but then pulled him when the Diamondbacks came to bat in the third.It was due to the baserunning situation, Counsell said. Thats just something he has to improve on. He understands he made a mistake. Well just move forward from it.Villar owned up to his mistake and said he apologized to the team before the clubhouse opened up for the media.I understand, Villar said. My bad. Im playing for the team.The Brewers season-high five errors -- three by right fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis and two by shortstop Villar -- contributed to the defeat.I think Nieuwy will tell you he had a bad night, Counsell said. He had a weird night. It wasnt carelessness. The two plays Johnny makes are tough shortstop plays you have to make. It was odd, certainly. But not carelessness.After Villars double, Bradley didnt allow another hit until Hernan Perez knocked a soft liner to right with two outs in the fifth. Perezs sacrifice fly in the seventh spoiled the shutout.After capping a five-run first inning with a three-run shot, Tomas produced his fifth multihomer game this season when he sliced an 0-2 pitch from starter Jimmy Nelson (6-9) over the wall in right for a two-run homer in the fifth that put the game out of reach.Every time he takes a swing, its dangerous, Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale said. He swings with bad intentions. He looks confident. Hes getting pitches to hit late in the count and hes using the whole field.Nelson left two batters after Tomas shot in his shortest start since going 3 2/3 innings on June 15th against San Francisco.Nelson matched his career high of eight runs for the third time. He walked two, struck out seven and slipped to 1-6 over his last 10 starts.Bradley (4-6) allowed one run on four hits, walked three and struck out six in his longest start since going 7 1/3 innings in a 6-3 win over the San Diego Padres on May 29.Randall Delgado took over for Bradley and pitched two scoreless innings of relief.STREAK SNAPPEDRyan Braun had his 11-game hitting streak snapped.TRAINERS ROOMBrewers: RHP Jacob Barnes was placed on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow soreness. ... RHP Michael Blazek was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs.UP NEXTDiamondbacks: LHP Robbie Ray (5-9, 4.93 ERA) makes his first career start and appearance against the Brewers. Hes struck out five or more in 19 consecutive starts, tied with Miamis Jose Fernandez for the longest streak in the majors this season.Brewers: RHP Zach Davies (7-4, 3.64) looks for his 10th quality start facing the Diamondbacks for the first time. Wilbert Montgomery Eagles Jersey . LUCIE, Fla. Harold Carmichael Youth Jersey .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. http://www.theeaglesshoponline.com/Youth-Nick-Foles-Eagles-Jersey/ . -- Aaron Murray threw for 408 yards and three touchdowns, ran for another score, and led No. JJ Arcega-Whiteside Eagles Jersey . White came in fourth place in the event. He was the two-time defending gold medallist. The gold medal went to Swiss snowboarder Iouri Podladtchikov. Seth Joyner Eagles Jersey . White came in fourth place in the event. He was the two-time defending gold medallist. The gold medal went to Swiss snowboarder Iouri Podladtchikov.Sunderland manager David Moyes is hoping his willingness to give youngsters a chance in his first team will attract some of the best young talent in the game to Wearside. In a bid to inject energy into his ageing squad, Moyes has fielded 10 Under-23 players this season, including defenders Paddy McNair, Donald Love and Jason Denayer, and midfielders Didier Ndong and Adnan Januzaj. Six months half price Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch Man Utd v Arsenal on Saturday and get the first six months half price Everton had an academy which produced young players, Manchester United had an academy which produced young players, and Sunderland have an academy which has produced, Moyes said. I want it to inspire young players to think, If I go to Sunderland, the manager might put me in the team there. Maybe its better than going to one of the big clubs where maybe the manager wont put me in the team.WWell have to use that as a motivation to the parents and the young players out there to say, Come to Sunderland.dddddddddddd Donald Love (R) and Paddy McNair have been given their chance by Moyes Sunderlands academy have produced several prospects in recent years, including goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, winger Duncan Watmore and midfielder Lynden Gooch, as well as Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.Sunderland, who are bottom of the Premier League, will look to pick up back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they host third-bottom Hull City on Saturday.Upgrade to Sky Sports now to watch Man Utd v Arsenal this Saturday and get the first six months half price! Also See: Moyes looking for progress Which boss was the best player? Trasnfer Centre Sunderland news ' ' '
LOS ANGELES -- Kings goalie Jeff Zatkoff, who just stepped into the starting role after?Jonathan Quick?was injured in the season opener,?was been placed on injured reserve Saturday after hurting his groin during a morning skate.Zatkoff had to be helped off the ice after getting hurt several hours before the Kings home game against Vancouver. The veteran backup became the Kings top goalie when Quick injured his groin in the first period of the season opener.Peter Budaj is likely to start against the Canucks. He was recalled from the AHLs Ontario Reign after Quicks injury.The Kings also recalled goalie Jack Campbell from Ontario, which was forced to get creative to fill their net for their game against San Jose on Saturday night.The Reigns starter will be 22-year-old prospect Jonah Imoo, and his backup will be his 46-year-old father, Dusty, the Kings development goaltending coach.Dusty Imoo played 15 seasons of pro hockey in the North American minor leagues and Japan. The British Columbia native also played for Japan at the Nagano Olympics in 1998.Campbell is the Dallas Stars former first-round pick. He is 2-0 with a shutout in his first two starts for Ontario. Nike Air More Uptempo Australia . Booth picked up 65 caps after making her national team debut in 2002 at the age of 17. She most recently played for Sky Blue FC of the National Womens Soccer League. "It just felt like it was my time to move on," she said in a phone interview from her hometown of Burlington, Ont. Nike React Presto Cheap .com) - The Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks both take aim at their first wins of the season on Saturday, as the Canucks open their home slate at Rogers Arena. http://www.airforce1shoesaustralia.com/air-force-1-low-australia.html . Dukurs winning time was 1 minute, 45.76 seconds, a quarter-second better than Russias Alexander Tretiakov. Lativas Tomass Dukurs was third, 1.41 seconds off the pace. Jon Montgomery of Eckville, Alta. Air Force 1 Low Sale . Vaives lawyer Trevor Whiffen claims the former 50-goal man wasnt provided with a copy of the claim beforehand and that he would not have agreed to the allegations made against the NHL had he been asked to review its contents. Air Force 1 Australia Cheap . Peter Gammons, an analyst for Major League Baseballs network and website, drew the ire of hockey fans on Sunday when he criticized the two NHL teams on Twitter for their physical game the night before. CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Nic Batum had 24 points and 10 rebounds, Cody Zeller matched his career high with 23 points and the Charlotte Hornets came from behind to snap the Atlanta Hawks six-game winning streak with a 100-96 victory Friday night.Zeller was 9 of 10 from the field. Kemba Walker overcame a slow start and scored 19 of his 21 points in the second half for his 10th straight 20-point game.The Hornets improved to 8-3 with their first victory against one of the upper-echelon teams in the Eastern Conference.Paul Millsap led the Hawks with 22 points and 13 rebounds, and Kent Bazemore had 19 points.Dwight Howard had 10 points and 18 rebounds before being ejected in the fourth quarter.The game turned with 5:38 left when Howard delivered an intentional elbow to Zellers face. Howard had been a key factor up until that point, but the Hawks seemed to collapse without him. He appeared to get frustrated with Zeller at the other end of the court when he got boxed out on a free throw.The ejection revved up the crowd -- and apparently Walker, too.A few minutes later, the 6-foot point guard drove baseline and made a reverse layup to give the Hornets the lead for good at 90--89.dddddddddddd Walker added another layup off a hesitation dribble and then connected on a 3-pointer from the top of the arc to push the lead to six.The Hawks cut it to one on a 3 by Kyle Korver with about a minute to play, but Zeller came streaming down the lane for a dunk and drew a foul.Walker, who came in averaging 25.8 points per game -- the third-best mark in the Eastern Conference -- missed all seven of his shots from the field in the first half but was 8 of 13 the rest of the way.TIP-INSHawks: Howard had 11 rebounds at halftime, while the rest of the starting lineup had two combined. ... The Hawks shot just 3 of 17 from the field in the fourth quarter.Hornets: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist did a nice job guarding Korver, limiting him to two points through the first three quarters. ... Jeremy Lamb was close to returning to the lineup but is still bothered by a hamstring injury.UP NEXTHawks: Travel to New York to face the Knicks on Sunday afternoon.Hornets: Head out on the road to New Orleans to face the Pelicans on Saturday night. ' ' '
Its 25 years to the day since Sky Sports launched the UKs first dedicated sports channel. April 20, 1991 was a landmark day in sports broadcasting, and we sent Gary Cotterill to mark the anniversary with some famous folk who hold the date dear.Our one and only roving reporter caught up with former chart-topper Chesney Hawkes and the sole Football League player who shares our birthday. And theres an interview with the man who, with Sky Sports assistance, became the most famous No 25 of the Premier League era...Hit the video link to see the celebrations for yourself! Deion Sanders Womens Jersey . -- Anaheim Ducks defenceman Luca Sbisa will be out at least six weeks with a torn tendon in his right hand. Deebo Samuel 49ers Jersey . - Chris Tierney snapped a tie with a power-play goal late in the third period as the London Knights rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Erie Otters 5-3 in Ontario Hockey League action on Wednesday. http://www.thesf49ersshoponline.com/Youth-Ya-Tittle-49ers-Jersey/ . Philadelphia is 2-0 against the Senators this season and scored five goals in each victory. The Flyers recorded a 5-0 win in Ottawa on Nov. 12 and then earned a 5-2 home decision on Nov. 19. The Flyers have claimed three straight and four of the last five encounters with the Sens overall and Philly has won two in a row and three of its past four tests in Canadas capital city. Mike McGlinchey Youth Jersey .C. -- Todd Fiddler scored a hat trick, including the overtime goal, as the Prince George Cougars survived an 8-7 win against the Kamloops Blazers in Western Hockey League play Sunday. Terrell Owens 49ers Jersey . Kuznetsov, who was selected by the Capitals in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, has been playing for his hometown team Chelyabinsk Traktor of the KHL. ARCALIS, Andorra -- Diminished by a fever and still reeling from crashes on the opening two days of the race, two-time champion Alberto Contador pulled out of the Tour de France during the toughest Pyrenean stage on Sunday.Slightly more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the end of Stage 9 from the Spanish town of Vielha to the ski resort of Arcalis in Andorra, the 33-year-old Spaniard stopped at the side of the road, hopped off his bike and got into the passenger seat of his team car.I could not keep going, Contador later said at his team hotel. This morning I had a fever. And I did not feel good since I crashed on the first day.Contador crashed in each of the opening stages -- damaging his right shoulder, elbow and hip -- and had already lost time on the other overall favorites.He was in 20th position at the end of Saturdays eighth stage -- 3 minutes, 12 seconds behind leader Chris Froome, who said Contadors departure from the race was a big loss for the Tour de France.We are not going to have to chase his attacks 100 kilometers out anymore, its one of the less things for us to worry about, but its maybe a shame of the race, Froome said.During Sundays stage, Contador dropped back to his team car four times before finally withdrawing.He had started the stage in a bright fashion, though, attacking alongside fellow Spaniard Alejandro Valverde to catch a grooup of early breakaway riders on the first climb.ddddddddddddut Contador could not continue his effort and was quickly brought back by the pack before he pulled out in the Port del Canto climb. He then handed his bike to a mechanic and waved to TV cameras as he exited the race that made him famous.The withdrawal occurred on Contadors home roads near the town of Vilamur in Spain.Its bad news for me, said Tinkoff team owner Oleg Tinkov, who is planning to leave the sport. It was my last try to win the Tour de France. But who knows, maybe Ill come back in a few years.Contador, who won cyclings showpiece race in 2007 and 2009, had made the Tour de France his main goal of the season, skipping the Giro to focus on the Tour.If he recovers, Contador is still expected to compete in the road race at the Rio Olympics last month.I will undergo tests to find out what is going wrong, Contador said.Contador was stripped of the 2010 Tour title and suspended for two years after testing positive for the banned steroid clenbuterol in the final week of the race.He was among the three pre-race favorites this year alongside defending champion Chris Froome and Colombian climber Nairo Quintana.---AP Sports Writer Andrew Dampf contributed to this report. ' ' '
Oklahoma City Thunder handed Golden State a more complete beating than anything the Warriors had experienced during their record-setting season, winning 133-105 on Sunday. Kevin Durant scored 33 points and Russell Westbrook claimed 30 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds as Thunder took a 2-1 lead in the NBA Western Conference finals.Suddenly, a second straight title that for so long seemed certain for Golden State is in jeopardy, and Oklahoma firmly have the upper hand. The Warriors, who set an NBA record with 73 victories in the regular season, trailed by 41 points at one stage - their largest deficit this season.We got what we deserved, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. Russell Westbrook takes a shot for Oklahoma Durant scored 10 from 15 shots and Westbrook 10 from 19. It was the first time this post-season that both have shot better than 50 per cent from the field.Were not going to win that way, Golden State guard Klay Thompson said. One of those guys has got to have an off night.Serge Ibaka added 14 points and eight rebounds for Thunder, who matched a franchise record for most points scored in a play-off game.Oklahoma dominated the rebounds 52-38, continuing the pattern of the series that the team that wins the boards wins the game.Thats one thing we slipped up on in Game 2, and tonight we did a good job of getting loose balls and finding ways to get 50/50 basketballs and give ourselves extra possessions, Westbrook said.Golden State will be in an uncomfortable position heading into game four of the best-of-seven series on Tuesday in Oklahoma, but the Warriors remain confident.They trailed Memphis and Cleveland 2-1 in play-off series last year and won both on their way to claiming the NBA title.Both times, we got blown out in game three, and we responded well, so we have that memory, Kerr said.Im confident were going to come out and play a really good game in game four, and well see what happens.The last time Golden States Stephen Curry played in Oklahoma City, he scored 46 points, tied an NBA record with 12 three-pointers and hit a game-winning 37-footer.This time, the league MVP finished with a relatively modest 24 points, with Thompson adding 18 points.Golden States Draymond Green, who kicked Oklahoma Citys Steven Adams in the groin and has become Thunder fans No 1 target because of some questionable tactics, struggled on both ends of the floor and finished with six points.The Warriors were outscored by 43 points when he was in the game.Green, who will be hoping he can avoid suspension after he picked up a flagrant foul for the kick, said he wasnt trying to hurt Adams.I thought it would probably get rescinded, he said.I followed through on a shot. Im not trying to kick somebody in the midsection. Somebody wants to have kids someday. Im not trying to end that on the basketball court.Seemingly energised after Greens foul, Thunder outscored Warriors 24-7 in the rest of the half, with many of the baskets coming against Green. Also See: Magic appoint coach Vogel Westbrook inspires Oklahoma Raptors put out Heat Durant puts Thunder in finals Sam Huff Womens Jersey . - Blake Griffin had 30 points and 12 rebounds, J. Art Monk Youth Jersey . Its 1987 and a Brazilian playmaker, known as Mirandinha, is being paraded around St James Park to the passionate Newcastle fans. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/Redskins-Earnest-Byner-Jersey/ . A statement from the worlds top-ranked player says all checks "were satisfactory and showed positive evolution" regarding the injury, which contributed to his loss to Stanislas Wawrinka in the final in Melbourne. Derrius Guice Womens Jersey . - Connor McDavid scored 53 seconds into overtime as the Erie Otters came from behind to defeat the visiting Guelph Storm 4-3 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. Derrius Guice Youth Jersey .C. -- Kemba Walker and the Charlotte Bobcats got off to a fast start, and the Sacramento Kings were never quite able to catch up. It will be a classic confrontation between No. 23 Texas youthful balance and Northwesterns experience when the two teams square off Monday in the semifinals of the 10th annual Legends Classic at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.The contest follows the first semifinal game between Notre Dame and Colorado. The losers of Mondays games square off at 2:30 p.m. CST Tuesday while the winners meet at 5 p.m.The Longhorns are off to a 3-0 start, most recently defeating Eastern Washington 89-52 on Thursday. Sophomore swingman Tevin Mack paced five Texas players in double figures with 19 points off the bench.No Texas player saw more than 28 minutes of action during the contest (28 by freshman center Jarrett Allen and senior guard Kendal Yancy). Eight UT players saw at least 19 minutes of action.At this point last season we had played better competition than weve played this year so everythings relative, Texas coach Shaka Smart said after Thursdays win. Now the question is: Can we go on the road? The competition level will go up in New York. We will see better athletes. We will see more size. We will see better teams. How do we respond to that?In his two games, Mack paces Texas with an average of 16.5 points per contest. He leads six different Texas players who are averaging double figures in scoring through their first three games. Five Longhorns are averaging at least 5.0 rebounds per game.Texas has excellent on the defensive end as well, especially at running shooters off the 3-point line. Opponents are shooting just 33.5 percent from the field against the Longhorns. Texas has limited its first three opponents to 21.8 percent (17-of- 78) shooting from 3-point range and held Eastern Washington to 14.3 percent (3-21) from beyond the arc in Thursdays victory.Through the Longhorns first three contests, Yancy ranks second on the squad in scoring (13.7 ppg), leads the team in steals (5) and is tied for the team lead in minutes (29.3 mpg). He has converted 54.2 percent (13-24) from the floor and 84.6 percent (11-13) free throws this season.Were pretty confident right now and we are in a good place, Yancy said. We just have to keep improving. We have a lot of young guys who aare willing to give it their all, willing to improve and grow every day.dddddddddddd Just the energy they bring is good for the team in general.Northwestern (2-1) heads to the Big Apple off a buzzer-beating 70-68 loss at Butler on Wednesday.We went into that game expecting to win, so it hurt, Northwestern coach Chris Collins said. In the past, maybe it was okay to go to Butler and play them to the last shot of the game. To us, thats not what we were looking for. I sensed an anger in the team last night, which I liked. They know it was a game we very well could have got. We just didnt close the deal.Sophomore forward Vic Law led four Wildcats in double figures with 17 points, including hitting 5 of 6 3-point attempts. The contest featured 17 ties and 16 lead changes.Im confident in how our teams going to be, Law said. But Im angry that we let it slip away. We have to win games like (the loss to Butler). Its as simple as that.Law has enjoyed a solid return to the Northwestern attack after missing all of the 2015-16 campaign due to shoulder injury. Hes the teams leading scorer at 20.3 points per game, has paced the Wildcats in scoring in all three games and tallied at least 17 points in each contest, including a career-high 26 vs. Eastern Washington on Nov. 14. Through three games he is shooting 64.5 percent from the field (20-of-31).Northwestern returns 61.4 percent of its scoring and 71.4 percent of its rebounding from a year ago. The Wildcats welcome back three starters and 10 letter winners overall from a team that won 20 regular-season games for the first time in school history.Its been 42 years since Texas and Northwestern have played on the basketball court, and the teams have split two previous meetings. The Wildcats won 73-71 on Dec. 21, 1965 in Memphis, Tenn., while the Longhorns won 63-59 on Dec. 23, 1974 in Austin.The Wildcats and Longhorns already have one common opponent this season: Eastern Washington. Northwestern beat the Eagles 86-72 on Nov. 14 in Evanston while Texas rumbled past EWU 85-52 three nights later in Austin. ' ' '
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Even with one of the nations best players on the floor, Ohio State was taken down in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament last season because the Buckeyes couldnt compete in the paint with Tennessees towering rebounders.This season, not only do the Buckeyes have All-American Kelsey Mitchell returning to anchor the lineup, theyve got some new bigs -- namely 6-foot-3 North Carolina transfer Stephanie Mavunga and 6-foot-4 freshman Tori McCoy, a five-star recruit and McDonalds All-American.Coach Kevin McGuff hopes they are among the missing pieces that will get No. 7 Ohio State deeper into the postseason.The chemistry is very good, the work ethic has been excellent, McGuff said. Its really nice to have the amount of players we have out there, and right now if we stay healthy -- knock on wood -- looks like we could have a deep team.Besides Mitchell, a 5-foot-8 junior guard who averaged 26 points a game last year, Ohio State returns two other starters, forward Alexa Hart (10.8 points per game, 7.8 rebounds) and guard Asia Doss (7 points, 2 rebounds). Shayla Cooper, a 6-foot-2 forward (13.3 points, 8.1 rebounds) and the teams lone senior, also provides experience inside. Mitchells twin sister, Chelsea, also returns as a bit player; their father, Mark, is an Ohio State assistant coach.Lost were Ohio States second-leading scorer last year, guard Ameryst Alston (18.3, 3.4), now a rookie with the WNBAs New York Liberty, as well as guard Cait Craft, a defensive stalwart and team leader.The Buckeyes open the season Nov. 11 against Duquesne.LOTS OF NEW FACESAdding to Ohio States depth are three transfers, who all sat out last year, and three freshmen who collected buckets of prep accolades.Mavunga transferred from North Carolina, where she averaged 12.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game and earned All-ACC honors as a sophomore. Shell likely slot in at center.Guard Sierra Calhoun came from Duke and is expected to contribute immediately. Linnae Harper, a 5-foot-8 guard, transferred from Kentucky, where she was the only player under 6 feet among the top 10 rebounders in the Southeastern Conference in 2014-15.The three freshmen are five-star recruits that include guard Jensen Caretti, who was Ohios Miss Basketball; guard and Chicago native Kiara Lewis, who was the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year last season; and McCoy, who was ranked in the top 10 of the 2016 class. McGuff said all will see important minutes this season.Practice is very good for us because were very competitive, Harper said. With all of the talent from point guard to post, I think were going to have a full team this year, a lethal weapon.Mitchell said all the newcomers are meshing well -- and they all like to run.Everybody who talks about Ohio State talks about how fast we play, Mitchell said. All the people we brought onboard with us and the people who are on our bench are also players who love to get up and down the floor.MITCHELL URGED TO LEADMcGuff said Mitchell is the best player hes ever coached -- but she says shes not a natural leader. With the loss of Craft to graduation, McGuff is pushing Mitchell to step into that role, even getting her to take a leadership course at OSU.On the court, I think Ive become vocal with my teammates and helping them, leading by example and giving constructive criticism, Mitchell said. Im not one of those people that like to tell people what to do, but coach McGuff has put me in that role.McGuff said he can see the difference already.Shes talking more, shes more engaged, he said. Shes obviously a great kid and one of the hardest workers Ive ever been around. And shes a fierce competitor, but shes also got a good feel for the game and you see her sharing that more with her teammates.---Follow Mitch Stacy at http://twitter.com/mitchstacyMartin Jones Jersey .com) - The women will also have a new champion at the Australian Open. Antti Suomela Sharks Jersey . -- Linebacker Myles Jack ran for four touchdowns, defensive end Cassius Marsh caught a scoring pass, and No. http://www.officialsharksnhlshop.com/marcus-sorensen-jersey/ . The incident occurred at 19:56 of the second period of the Kings 4-2 road win over Edmonton on Sunday. Nolan punched Oilers forward Jesse Joensuu in the jaw in front of the Kings goal during a scrum. Evander Kane Sharks Jersey . But what about the officials? Every sport has officials and they also have stories about hard work and sacrifice but their accomplishments are seldom recognized by anyone outside their inner circle. Timo Meier Jersey .com) - Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Roger Federer were easy first-round winners Tuesday at the Australian Open. (STATS) -- Theres a hole in North Dakota States vaunted defense, right smack in the middle.Standout middle linebacker Nick DeLuca is scheduled to have season-ending shoulder surgery on a torn labrum this week, Bison coach Chris Klieman said Monday.The 6-foot-3, 245-pound DeLuca, a senior nominated for STATS FCS Defensive Player of the Year, will apply for a medical hardship with the hope of returning next season, Klieman said. DeLuca played as a true freshman in 2013.DeLuca was injured in the top-ranked Bisons season opener against Charleston Southern. After missing over a week of practice, he has played in the last two games against Eastern Washington and Iowa. He earned Missouri Vallley Football Conference defensive player of the week honors following the Eastern Washington game.ddddddddddddHe led the team in tackles last season and was doing so again with 26 through three games.Hes an unbelievably tough physical kid that wanted to give it a shot, Klieman said. You work so hard for it every year, but you work so hard for your senior year and to have it taken away like that is a tough pill to swallow.Redshirt junior Matt Plank will take over the starters role.NDSU (3-0) is on a bye this week and will next host Illinois State on Oct. 1. ' ' '
BOSTON -- Jerome Robinson found his shooting spot in the first half, sending Boston College on its way to a strong start. That was enough to carry the Eagles to the victory.Robinson scored 15 of his career-high 22 points in the opening half and Boston College held off a late charge for an 82-75 win over Stony Brook on Sunday.Hes our most creative player, BC coach Jim Christian said. He understands when he gets in the lane he usually makes good decisions with the ball.Robinson was 6 for 10 from the floor in the opening half and finished 8 of 17 in the game.Mid-range, its something I just grew up doing, he said of his shooting.Nik Popovic scored 13 points and A.J. Turner had 12 for the Eagles (2-1). Robinson added eight rebounds.Tyrell Sturdivant led Stony Brook (0-2) with a career-high 26 points and seven rebounds.The Eagles opened big leads in both halves, but struggled in the closing minutes.Our team doesnt have a big margin for error, Stony Brook first-year coach Jeff Boals said. Every possession has to matter.Stony Brook trailed by 18 with 7 1/2 minutes to play, but closed it to 74-70 on Sturdivants 3-point play with 54 seconds to play.Robinson had two key free throws, making it 78-72 with 38.3 seconds left.BC shot 65.4 percent and led 46-30 at halftime.Leading 20-14 midway into the opening half, BC took charge by going on 15-4 spree over the next 3:27. Robinson triggered the run with a 3-point play and scored the first five points before Turner had the last five, closing with a 3-pointer from the left corner.The Eagles pushed it to 44-21 on Robinsons alley-oop dunk before Stony Brook scored the final seven points of the half.BIG PICTUREStony Brook: The Seawolves are working in five newcomers and two redshirt freshman before America East play. Last season, they won the conference tournament and earned their first-ever NCAA tourney berth as a Division 1 team.Boston College: The Eagles looked like a much more confident team at the beginning after getting their first victory since last December. They went deep into the bench in the opening half and had a number of players make contributions.QUOTE OF THE DAYIn the first half we looked like the Mannequin Challenge, Boals said of his teams defense. We were just stationary. They got what they wanted, whenever they wanted it.POUND IT INSIDEBC seemed intent on driving to the basket most of the opening half, collecting 24 points in the paint. Robinson did most of the work, driving into the lane for three consecutive baskets, one that led to a 3-point play.They finished the game outscoring Stony Brook, 34-20 in the paint.We were getting a lot of stops in the first half so we had transition opportunities, Christian said. In the second half we played poor defense so we didnt get a lot of transition opportunities.UP NEXTStony Brook: The Seawolves are at Maryland on Tuesday in the second of three straight on the road to open the season.Boston College: Closes out a season-opening four-game homestand against Towson on Tuesday. Oshane Ximines Giants Jersey . "It doesnt get any better than that," Giambi said. "Im speechless." The Indians are roaring toward October. Giambi belted a two-run, pinch-hit homer with two outs in the ninth inning to give Cleveland a shocking 5-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night, keeping the Indians up with the lead pack in the AL wild-card race. New York Giants Jerseys . U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield in Manhattan agreed that lawyers on both sides could make their formal requests by Nov. 8. A hearing is scheduled for a day earlier. Jordan Siev, a lawyer for Rodriguez, wrote in a joint letter to the judge from lawyers on both sides that MLB lawyers planned to ask that the lawsuit be dismissed. http://www.authenticnygiantspro.com/Oshane-ximines-giants-jersey/ . The International Olympic Committee released the official list of bid cities on Friday after the deadline for applications had passed. The candidates -- all previously announced in their own countries -- are: Almaty, Kazakhstan; Beijing; Krakow, Poland; Lviv, Ukraine; Oslo, Norway; and Stockholm. Darius Slayton Youth Jersey .C. -- After a listless first half, the Washington Wizards used a big third quarter run to beat the Charlotte Bobcats Bradley Beal scored 21 points and the Wizards used a 17-0 run in the third quarter to take control of what had been a close game and beat the Bobcats 97-83 on Tuesday night. Evan Engram Jersey . -- Jakob Silfverberg is making himself right at home with the Anaheim Ducks, scoring four goals in his first four games. PARIS -- Kristina Mladenovic and Caroline Garcia can play for France in the Fed Cup final against the Czech Republic after the French tennis federation lifted their ban on Saturday.The pair had been provisionally suspended for damaging the federations image at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where the players criticized the FTT over a clothing mix-up after their defeat in the first round of the doubles.Mladenovic and Garcia said they were not informed that, as doubles partners, they had to wear the same colors.The players were told just before going on court that they could lose by default if they did not change their clothing, and Mladenovic had to lend Garcia some spare gear.The FFT said the players expressed regrets for remarks they made following a terrible disappointment and frustration.France hosts two-time defending champion Czech Republic in the Fed Cup final from Nov. 12-13 in Strasbourg. The Czechs are bidding for a fifth title in six years while France plays its first final since 2005.ddddddddddddWe wanted to move on, France captain Amelie Mauresmo said on the federations Twitter account. There was this unfortunate episode in Rio, now we need to move forward. I wanted a defusing of the situation, that everyone took a step forward. Im only interested in focusing on that final.In a statement on Saturday, the FFT accepted its share of responsibility in the problems that occurred at the Rio Olympics but upheld the suspension of Benoit Paire. Seeded 16th at the Rio Games, Paire was sent home after being kicked off Frances team.He was accused of breaking team rules after he reportedly sometimes stayed away from the village, or came back late. He also made dismissive comments about the importance of the games because there are no ranking points.The FFT said Saturday that Paire will remain suspended until the end of February 2017. ' ' '
DALLAS -- Semi Ojeleye had 18 points and eight rebounds, Jarrey Foster also put in 18 points, and SMU rolled past Eastern Michigan 91-64 on Sunday.Shake Milton and Sterling Brown added 12 points apiece with Milton passing out five assists and Brown grabbing seven boards. Ben Moore had 11 points and six rebounds as the Mustangs shot 52.7 percent and dominated the boards 44-26.Brown made a 3-pointer and Jarrey Foster added a 3-point play to give the Mustangs (2-0) a 20-point lead to start the second half. The margin never dipped below that, reaching a high of 29.The Eagles (0-2), coming off a 93-90 double-overtime loss to Pitt on Friday, hung around for a while in the first half before SMU gradually built 14-point halftime lead. Ray Lee, making 14 of 15 free throws, scored 26 points for EMU, which shot 34 percent. Willie Mangum IV added 16 points. Eddie George Youth Jersey .B. - Sebastien Auger made 44 saves as the Saint John Sea Dogs edged the visiting Acadie-Bathurst Titan 2-1 on Saturday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. Derrick Henry Womens Jersey . Halifax beat the Saint John Sea Dogs 7-5 on the strength of two goals apiece from Nikolaj Ehlers, Matt Murphy and Brent Andrews. Jonathan Drouin also scored and had three assists while Zachary Fucale made 17 saves for the Mooseheads (16-8-0), who led 6-1 after two periods. http://www.titansstoreonline.com/Black-9-Steve-Mcnair-Womens-Jersey/ . -- Most satisfying to Russ Smith about No. Warren Moon Youth Jersey . - The Oakland Raiders re-signed offensive lineman Khalif Barnes on Friday. Jeffery Simmons Womens Jersey . -- For the first time in two months, an opponent was standing up to Alabama. LONDON -- The head of WADAs athlete commission contends the global anti-doping system is not broken and laments that politics surrounding the Russian doping scandal has sown discord in the fight against performance-enhancing drugs.Beckie Scott, who chairs the World Anti-Doping Agency athlete committee, urged all sides on Wednesday to put aside their differences and work together to combat an undeniable threat to the integrity of sport today.In an op-ed released by the Montreal-based agency, the former Olympic cross-country skier from Canada noted that WADA has come under intense criticism and scrutiny in the wake of the allegations of state-backed doping in Russia.`Why? Scott said. For successfully fulfilling their mandate and taking the necessary decisions.To be clear, `the system is not broken, she added. If it were, the exposure of systematic and state-controlled doping in Russia by WADA would never have happened.Several IOC members have blasted WADA, accusing the agency of failing to act sooner on the Russian doping problems. They also criticized WADA for releasing investigator Richard McLarens report on systematic Russian doping just weeks before the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.McLarens report led WADA to call for the exclusion of the entire Russian team from the Rio Games. The IOC rejected the recommendation, instead asking individual sports federations to determine which Russian athletes could compete.It is unacceptable that when it comes to clean, fair sport, there is a sense of discord when there should be harmony, Scott said. Almost every day someone new from the Olympic family takes to the media with the critical claim that the global anti-doping `system is broken.International Olympic Committee members Juan Antonnio Samaranch Jr.dddddddddddd Sergei Bubka and Gerardo Werthein have all issued highly critical assessments of WADA in recent weeks.The issue has become so deeply divisive and conflicted among stakeholders that it seems athletes have another competitor in the ring -- politics, Scott said. Cynicism alone will not win the fight.Scotts comments were released three days before an Olympic summit in Lausanne, Switzerland, that the IOC says will focus on developing a more robust, more efficient and more independent worldwide anti-doping system. IOC President Thomas Bach has called for the entire testing system to be independent from sports organizations.We have to be solution focused and can no longer afford to become subject to the politics, conflicted interests and game-playing that has held us back for so long, Scott said.With WADAs future role and status under scrutiny, Scott said the agency should be given the autonomy to effectively monitor compliance with global anti-doping rules, apply sanctions and serve as the regulatory body for anti-doping efforts around the world.Scott also said WADA needs better funding. The agencys annual budget, covered 50-50 by the Olympic movement and national governments, is about $27 million.We need to ask ourselves, what is the cost? she wrote. What price are we willing to pay for clean, legitimate sport? We must find new ways of funding the quest for a level playing field.Scott originally finished third in the 5-kilometer pursuit at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, but was eventually bumped up to the gold medal after the two other medalists were caught for doping. ' ' '
The United States womens soccer team arrived in Brazil this week ahead of the Olympics, and it seems the players have already settled in quite nicely to their temporary home.Hope Solo took to Twitter on Friday to rave about the accommodations, food and people, and even pointed out just how comfortable Carli Lloyd already is in her hotel room.Solo shared a photo of her teammate and longtime pal lounging in bed, with a poster of Solo above her. Its pretty hilarious.Teamwork makes the dream work, right?See something entertaining on social media that you think deserves to be shared? Let me know on Twitter, @darcymaine_espn. Drue Tranquill Womens Jersey . Fred Couples, captain of the U.S. side, put it all into perspective. "We know whos in charge," he said. Junior Seau Chargers Jersey . Durant finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds, Jackson matched his career high with 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting and Lamb scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, lifting the Thunder to a 94-88 win over San Antonio and snapping the Spurs 11-game winning streak. http://www.prochargersteamstore.com/Youth-Melvin-Gordon-Elite-Jersey/ . The Oilers come in having lost five in a row (0-4-1) and 16 of their last 20 games, dropping a 2-1 decision to the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday. Lance Alworth Youth Jersey . -- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks was fined $15,570 by the NFL on Wednesday for his hit on Saints quarterback Drew Brees last Sunday. Dan Fouts Jersey . Clarke was injured while practicing on the Doha Golf Club range after the pro-am on Tuesday. The Northern Irishman arrived at the course on Wednesday hoping to start, but after hitting a few balls on the practice putting green Clarke advised officials he was not fit to play. CLEVELAND -- What the King wants, the King gets.So thanks to LeBron James, ice cream will be on the dessert menu for Clevelands big night.James and his Cavaliers teammates are to receive their championship rings Tuesday night and raise a title banner in Quicken Loans Arena at about the same time the Indians Corey Kluber throws the first pitch in Game 1 of the World Series next door at Progressive Field.James was asked last week if there was anything that could make this better. He said: I dont know, having an ice creeam truck outside both arenas at the same time as well -- icing on the cake.ddddddddddddOn Monday, Blue Bunny Ice Cream granted King James wish. It announced it will have a truck outside the arena to hand out free ice cream to fans.Last week, the NBA said the Cavs home opener against the New York Knicks will start 30 minutes earlier to make it easier for fans who want to enjoy both events. ' ' '
NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks spent $72 million to make Joakim Noah the anchor of their defense.On Monday, they sat him down and turned around a game.Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis each scored 24 points, and the Knicks rolled after a halftime lineup change and beat the short-handed Dallas Mavericks 93-77.The Knicks benched Noah, their big free-agent signing, starting guard Justin Holiday and moving Porzingis to center in a small lineup. They responded by scoring 31 points in the third quarter after managing just 36 in an ugly first half.Second half was really good. Coach made the decision to play small, Noah said. I didnt get to play, everybody wants to play, but its good that we won. We found a way. It was much-needed.Anthony scored 17 in the third quarter and 20 in the second half after shooting 1 for 6 in the first half. Porzingis finished with 11 rebounds, though coach Jeff Hornacek doesnt think his move to starting center is going to be permanent.Just because it was good in the second half doesnt mean were going to change it, Hornacek said.Harrison Barnes scored 20 points and J.J. Barea had 17 for the Mavericks, who are still without Dirk Nowitzki and Deron Williams.The remaining lineup was good enough to take a 39-36 halftime lead but got run off the floor once the Knicks returned with a different look.This is where everybody has got to be totally together, help each other out, really focus on doing the little things at a high level, Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. I thought the first half we did that. In the second half we had breakdowns.Anthony made a 3-pointer to open the half and later had six straight points in the midst of the Knicks 19-6 run that Holiday capped with a 3-pointer that made it 55-45. New York outscored Dallas 31-12 in the period as the Mavs shot 5 for 20, and it was 67-51 headed to the fourth.Porzingis and Anthony made consecutive 3-pointers that pushed it to 82-64 midway through the period and soon both were on the bench for good.Noah, a defensive-minded center who battled injuries in his final season in Chicago, grabbed six rebounds in 16 scoreless minutes. He didnt play in the second half, while Holiday finished with 16 points.TIP-INSMavericks: Dallas had won five straight and 24 of the last 29 meetings. ... Barnes had scored 25 or more in a career-best three straight games.Knicks: The Knicks snapped a two-game losing streak. ... New York won for the first time in five games this season when scoring fewer than 100 points.DIRK WORKSNowitzki had a lengthy pregame workout on the court, but by then the Mavs had already determined that he would miss his fourth straight game with a sore right Achilles.I think hes really close. Hes feeling a lot better and we just dont want to rush anything, owner Mark Cuban said. Theres no reason to rush anything with him.TAKE TIMEDallas was twice called for technical fouls in the fourth quarter for calling timeout when it had no timeouts remaining.HELPING HANDHornacek asked Carlisle if Nowitzki would work out with Porzingis in September. They couldnt get anything scheduled but both sides hope they can eventually.Dirks a giver, he would love to see every international guy have the same opportunities hes had, Carlisle said. Its something that didnt work out because I think at the time in September Dirks travel schedule and Kristaps health situation didnt match up, but maybe sometime in the future. I know that Dirk would look forward to spending time with him and vice versa.UP NEXTMavericks: Visit Boston on Wednesday to finish four-game, coast-to-coast road trip that began at the Los Angeles Lakers. Dallas has won seven straight against the Celtics.Knicks: Host Detroit on Wednesday. The Pistons beat the Knicks 102-89 earlier this season.---This story has been corrected to show that Nowitzki has missed four straight games. Corey Davis Titans Jersey . The Hall of Fame defenceman told Landsberg that he believes fighting still has a place in todays game, but thinks staged fighting needs be outlawed. Curley Culp Youth Jersey . General manager Jarmo Kekalainen told Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch on Friday that he wants to see Gaboriks contributions go beyond the scoresheet before considering a long-term deal for the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent. http://www.authentictitanspro.com/Warren-moon-titans-jersey/ .H. -- Matt Kenseth made it 2 for 2 in the Chase, holding off teammate Kyle Busch to win Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Bruce Matthews Youth Jersey . -- The Bishops Gaiters are showing they belong among the countrys top varsity football teams. Kevin Byard Jersey .com) - The women will also have a new champion at the Australian Open. BROWNSBURG, Ind. -- Matt Hagan took the Funny Car qualifying lead Friday in the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway.Hagan had a track-record time of 3.858 seconds at 330.80 mph in his Dodge Charger R/T.Were grateful for what we got, Hagan said. It was a crazy run. The car washes out really hard, and Im over near the wall and I think, Man, I should really click this thing off. But then it starts to come around and it settles back down in the groove. It was digging and running good. We got some more night runs tomorrow and Im sure everyone is going to be pressing hard and we got a lot to do, but it was a wild run and itll be one that Ill always remember.dddddddddddd.Steve Torrence led in Top Fuel, Vincent Nobile in Pro Stock, and Jerry Savoie in Pro Stock Motorcycle in the NHRA regular-season finale. Torrence pushed his dragster to a track-record time of 3.702 at 328.06, Nobile had a 6.582 at 209.79 in a Chevy Camaro, and Savoie rode his Suzuki to a 6.848 at 195.28. ' ' '
In his first column for Sky Sports, Birmingham Bears batsman Laurie Evans gets set for the start of the 2016 NatWest T20 Blast on Friday, by talking about the Bears new captain, big-hitting Baz, and the World T20 winners... There is no doubt that us players are eagerly awaiting the return of the Friday night lights of the T20 Blast.The cold of April and early May seems to have disappeared, and fans too will be excited for the start of the T20, but for players and coaches, our planning began way back in the winter months. The T20 Blast is back this Friday as the Essex Eagles takes on Surrey live on Sky Sports 2 from 7pm Cricket is transforming at a serious pace and getting ahead is what everybody is working hard for. If you sit still in this form of the game, you get left behind.Ive been fortunate enough to make back-to-back finals-day appearances for the Birmingham Bears, being part of a winning team in 2014.Some are expecting similar success this year, but our new skipper Ian Bell certainly isnt letting us rest on our laurels. Ian Bell has made his mark as Warwickshire captain So far in four-day cricket, he has encouraged method, hard work and graft, but I know for sure hell be looking for us to attack from ball one in our first game on Friday at Nottinghamshire.He wants the guys to express themselves, and he made that clear from the start by telling everyone on our pre-season tour, you dont find anything out by sticking to what you know.True to his word, he gave me a chance to captain against the big-hitting might of the West Indies ahead of their World T20 win, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a great honour. West Indies World T20 big-hitters posed a big test in pre-season Personally, I reflected on last years T20 campaign with mixed feelings and have really worked over the winter to push myself and my game forward.Hitting sixes is a skill, and is great fun to work on, but theres a perfect world which exists as a batsman in T20 cricket, a nice blend of effortless boundary hitting with relative low risk.The reality is though that striving for consistent match-winning performances without the risk of losing a wicket is a difficult thing to do. Brendon McCullum offered some invaluable advice during his spell at Birmingham last year When Brendon McCullum was with the Bears, he said to me, I look to come off maybe once every seven games.Hes one of the worlds best and even he knows its not going to happen every time he runs down the wicket.Remaining calm and moving on when it hasnt been your day are important. Play with a smile, he also always said.This year, we have another Black Cap in Luke Ronchi with us at the Bears. Having had Jeetan Patel for such a long time now, as well as Baz last year, I certainly feel there is something honest about the Kiwis. The brand of cricket they play is all about putting the team first and getting the win. Thats something I certainly try and emulate. Winning games is all that matters.Hopefully we get off to a winning start on Friday at Notts and in our first home game against Worcestershire the following Friday, May 27, a game which is live on Sky Sports.Theres no doubt this game is the most fun to play, and the crowds are a big part of that. Edgbaston really does seem to create a unique atmosphere, and hopefully we get a full house in for that first home game. Watch the first live game of the 2016 T20 Blast between Essex and Surrey from 7pm on Sky Sports 2 on Friday. Then catch Laurie Evans in action for the Birmingham Bears against Worcestershire Rapids on Friday, May 27, also on Sky Sports 2 from 6.45pm. Also See: WATCH: The Blast is back! WATCH: Top Blast moments Live cricket on Sky Get Sky Sports Christian Miller Panthers Jersey .com) - The Montreal Canadiens will try to halt their longest losing streak of the season when they host the struggling New York Islanders in tonights clash at the Bell Centre. DJ Moore Womens Jersey . -- The Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake played to a 0-0 tie Saturday night that left the top of the Western Conference standings unchanged. http://www.shoppanthersonline.us/panthers-greg-olsen-blue-jersey/ . He said Tuesday thats a big reason why he is now the new coach of the Tennessee Titans. Whisenhunt said he hit it off quickly with Ruston Webster when interviewing for the job Friday night. Sam Mills Womens Jersey . The 19-year-old Olsen played 34 games with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL this season. In that time, hes recorded 17 goals and 17 assists with 36 penalty minutes. Will Grier Youth Jersey . Kuznetsov, who was selected by the Capitals in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, has been playing for his hometown team Chelyabinsk Traktor of the KHL. Putting up a disappointing show, Indian women shooters Apurvi Chandela and Ayonika Paul failed to qualify for the final of the 10m air rifle event at the Rio Olympics on Saturday.This certainly isnt good news for India considering that shooting forms the countrys biggest medal hope. Apurvi finished with a total score of 411.6 (104.2, 102.7, 103.3 and 101.4) finishing 34th, while Ayonika could only manage 407 (102, 104.5, 102.5, 94), ending in the 47th position.?Chinas Li Du finished first, setting a new Olympic record with a score of 420.7.Getting off to a decent start, Apurvi finished her first series with 104.2 points in the ninth position.Four series of shots are fired witth the top eight making it to the final.ddddddddddddApurvi, however, dropped to 21st soon after with 165.5 points while Ayonika with 165.2 languished in the 27th position. Recovering in the second series, Ayonika shot 104.5 to move up by a spot. It couldnt last too long as by the fag end of the qualifying event, with just three shots left, she found herself lying in the 40th position.Both Apurvi and Ayonika have had some creditable international performances, finishing with a gold and silver respectively at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014. ' ' '
When Kim Pegula and her husband, Terry, purchased the Buffalo Bills in 2014, she became one of a handful of female owners in the NFL. The Pegulas also own the Buffalo Sabres.We talked to Kim about her perspective on the challenges women face in a male-dominated industry, and what women can do to position themselves for future inclusion and success. We also asked her about the Bills?hiring of Kathryn Smith, who is the first full-time female coach in the NFL.This interview has been edited for length.espnW: What are some of the challenges youve faced being a woman in the male-dominated sports ownership world? Are you treated any differently than your husband?Kim Pegula: Football is itself is so male-dominated because all of the scouts, coaches and even the general manager played football, so theyve been around it all of their lives. Its hard coming into an organization when, as a female, you dont have that experience. Thats the hardest part for me. The business side of things came easier. And I was pleasantly surprised, coming into the NFL, to see quite a few women involved either at the league level or higher up, or even just ownership.As for Terry and I, all of the other owners and the league itself treat us both equally. They encourage me to be more active and to get involved in committees. [Laughs] Actually, they ask me more than they ask Terry.espnW: Is there a pipeline of women for coaching roles??KP: I dont know of a pipeline offhand, but I think the NFL and every team is a little bit more conscious now because of Jen Welter being the first assistant coach for Arizona, and now with Kathryn [Smith] being hired here in Buffalo. I think theres more awareness of that now.When Rex brought up hiring Kathryn, we said, OK. Not because she was a female, but because she already had the knowledge and the experience, and she was a good fit. She put herself in a position to advance, and Rex wasnt afraid to go that way. I think were going to see more of that as the league continues to evolve.Kathryn just seemed like the obvious choice. It didnt dawn on me, because as far as I was concerned, Rex was hiring her because she was the best qualified and someone he thought would be the best fit for the job -- not because she was a woman. But then my phone started blowing up and thats when I realized that, yeah, she was a female coach and the first official one. And its great. Shes handling it like a champ and thats all we can ask of her.espnW: Will the recent Rooney Rule announcement help elevate women in coaching roles (as opposed to front-office roles)? How can women get into more operational roles?KP: I think the Rooney Rule is great because in sports, we get stuck in the tradition of what weve always done. So, the Rooney Rule made people open up to diversity. I do think it will help. But at the end of the day, its about production. Those types of initiatives are great for opening doors, but its going to be up the individual to produce and maintain those positions.Like any industry, its about networking and who you know and putting yourself into situations where you can create an opportunity. The more women can do to build experience and a skill set in a particular area, the better their chances. I dont think it does anyone any good just to hire someone because they are a female. They have to have the qualifications and skill set to substantiate the hire, and make the gender a non-factor -- thats the best thing women can do.espnW: Whats the biggest thing holding women back in the NFL, in team offices, at the league level, or in coaching?KP: I think its lack of experience. Women dont have the same access to experience as men do growing up. Theres flag football for girls, or you hear a story about a girl playing youth football, but in general we dont have the experience to qualify us to get in the coaching door or top-level management. Its going to be hard to climb that ladder because of that. I cant speak for Kathryn, but she took advantage of her opportunities, focused on a particular area, and she knows her football. It didnt happen overnight for her.Do I think were going to have a female head coach someday? Its going to take a while to get to that point.espnW: Is the state of women in the NFL on your radar, or something you think about? If so, what kind of difference do you try to make in your day-to-day life?KP: From a league perspective, the female market is a growing one. As a business, you are always focused on where your growth is and where you can have the biggest impact. I think the league and every team is looking to grow that market and sustain it.As far as saying, Hey, this is what I want to do for women, and thats my calling card, I have not focused on that because Im still so new to this. But I do think its important. Theres a lot more access now that allows women to get involved in sports that we didnt have back when I was growing up. Sonny Jurgensen Womens Jersey . Coach Mike Munchak says Fokou stretched ligaments in his left knee Oct. 13 against Seattle, which could keep out up to five weeks even though the linebacker didnt need surgery. Derrius Guice Womens Jersey .C. -- Glenn Howard needed an extra end to move into the Masters Grand Slam of Curling final. https://www.redskinssportsgoods.com/Womens-Terry-Mclaurin-Inverted-Jersey/ .com) - The red-hot Los Angeles Kings will try to extend their winning streak to a season-high seven games when they visit the Edmonton Oilers for Sundays clash at Rexall Place. Sean Taylor Redskins Jersey . The third-ranked Ivanovic, who won the event in 2008 and 10, served five aces and broke Wickmayer, also a former winner in 2009, five times. "The result looked easier than it really was," Ivanovic said. Terry McLaurin Redskins Jersey . Halifax beat the Saint John Sea Dogs 7-5 on the strength of two goals apiece from Nikolaj Ehlers, Matt Murphy and Brent Andrews. Jonathan Drouin also scored and had three assists while Zachary Fucale made 17 saves for the Mooseheads (16-8-0), who led 6-1 after two periods. WASHINGTON -- After working out of the bullpen the last month, Baltimores Ubaldo Jimenez was given a spot start Thursday night against Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer.He held up his end of the matchup.Jimenez surrendered just one run over six innings, but Scherzer allowed only two hits in eight innings and the Nationals tacked on three late runs against the Orioles bullpen for a 4-0 victory.With Chris Tillman on the disabled list with right shoulder bursitis, Jimenez stepped in and gave Baltimore a chance to sweep the four-game home-and-home set, allowing five hits and striking out four batters without a walk.He was great, manager Buck Showalter said. Almost took him out after the fifth, but he said he felt good and wanted to go there. We needed those six innings.Jimenez (5-11) made his last start on July 28 and since then has worked three times in relief. His only blemish Thursday night was Jayson Werths homer leading off the fourth.I was able to command the fastball, throw the breaking balls behind in the count, Jimenez said. So everything was good.Bryce Harpers two-run double capped a three-run eighth for Washington, one night after they struck for a five-run ninth.Were still having trouble pitching that last inning. Its been a challenge for us, Showalter said. Ubaldo kept us in the game. Theres a game there to be won if we can keep it at 1-0.Scherzer (14-7) struck out 10 and did not walk a batter. He retired 12 straight after Adam Joness fourth-inning double and 21 of 22 before Mark Trumbos leadoff single in the eighth.Daniel Murphys RBI double in the eighth came before Harpers second hit helped Washington pull away.The Nationals had lost four straight including three in a row to the Orioles, who won twice in Baltimore before the teams shifted to Washington.Trumbo stole second base with two outs in the eighth, but J.J. Hardy flied out to deep center field on Scherzers 95th and final pitch. Mark Melancon allowed one hit in the ninth.ddddddddddddGood series for us, Jones said. We took it to a good team. Tonight they took it to us, but I think overall it was a good series.Scherzer won his second straight start, but was far more dominant than in each of his two previous outings when he allowed eight runs and struck out nine.The right-hander retired the first nine batters and struck out two in each of the first three innings. Scherzer recorded his 47th game -- 11th this season -- with at least 10 strikeouts.Hes one of the best pitchers in baseball, especially attacking the strike zone, getting strike one, Jones said. And once he gets two strikes he knows how to put you away.Scherzer helped his own cause defensively in the fifth without seeing the ball. With his back facing home plate, Scherzer fielded a comebacker hit by Jonathan Schoop between his legs and threw him out at first base.After Jones was left stranded, Werth hammered the first pitch of the fourth over the wall in center field for his 17th homer.Harper singled in the fourth and stole his 18th base, matching his career-high.SUFFERING AGAINST SCHERZERManny Machado went hitless in four at-bats and 0 for 3 against Scherzer, falling to 1 of 18 all-time in the head-to-head matchup. Machado struck out with Jones on third and one out in the fourth.TRAINERS ROOMOrioles: Jones left after eight innings with a hamstring cramp, but said hell be in the lineup Friday night against the Yankees. ... Showalter said Tillman will throw on flat ground Monday or Tuesday.UP NEXTOrioles: Yovani Gallardo (4-5, 5.08) and Yankees RHP Luis Cessa (3-0, 4.01 ERA) open the three-game series in New York.Nationals: LHP Gio Gonzalez (8-9, 4.30) faces Rockies RHP Jeff Hoffman (0-1, 13.50) in the first of three games against Colorado. ' ' '
MONZA, Italy -- Fernando Alonso says Jenson Buttons ability to develop an F1 car makes him probably the best teammate he has worked with.Alonso and Button are in their second season together at McLaren and have spent all of that time developing a car hampered by a Honda power unit a long way off the pace. There are doubts whether the pair will remain a pair next year, with speculation McLaren will drop Button in favour of Stoffel Vandoorne.Alonso, whose former teammates include Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa, thinks Button is the complete package and ranks as his toughest.Asked if Button was pushing him harder than any other teammate, Alonso replied: Yes...He is a very experienced driver and he is helping the team a lot with feedback and developing the car. As a driver he is very complete and is probably the best I have worked with.On Thursday another from that list, Massa, announced he will retire at the end of the coming season. Alonso was unsure what the Brazilian driver, who was his teammate between 2010 and 2013 at Ferrari, was going to do after this season.A little bit [surprised]... I didnt know for sure what he was doing next year but even if he was retiring I was expecting the announcement later in the season. His decision, he is a great man, I was teammate with him for four years and I know him very well, so I wish him the best for the future and for his family.Asked seeing Massa retire made him feel old, 35-year-old Alonso quipped: I dont need to see Felipe going to feel older! Dawson Knox Jersey . Meanwhile, there were huge victories for Sunderland and West Ham over fellow relegation rivals, leaving the battle to avoid the drop up for grabs with the bottom 11 teams separated by just six points. Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres scored second-half goals to seal a fourth straight victory for Chelsea, which climbed above Arsenal and Manchester City in the standings ahead of their games on Monday and Sunday respectively. Thurman Thomas Womens Jersey . The scientists believe the small earthquake during a Marshawn Lynch touchdown was likely greater than Lynchs famous "beast quake" touchdown run three years ago, which also came against New Orleans during a playoff game. http://www.authenticbillsfanaticfootball.com/authentic-doug-flutie-bills-jersey/ . Bjorn, who had a 36-hole total of 8-under 134, made a testing six-foot putt to save par on the 16th and a birdie on the 17th before bogeying the final hole after a misjudged approach shot. American Kevin Streelman was in second place after shooting a 69. Jim Kelly Youth Jersey . The winner Saturday will remain in the elite 10-team field next year. "We talked about wanting to be disciplined and stick with our game plan and good things will come," Draisaitl said, who had two goals for the victors. Thurman Thomas Jersey . -- Kyrie Irvings last-minute 3-pointer helped seal another victory for Cleveland -- and the Cavaliers longest winning streak since LeBron James left. GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals have reached a contract agreement with first-round draft pick Jonathan Cooper. The four-year deal is worth about $14.5 million, the maximum allowed under the NFL collective bargaining agreement for Cooper as the seventh pick overall. The 6-foot-2, 311-pound guard from North Carolina missed the first two days of training camp, when the team worked out in shorts. He was en route to Arizona and also missed Sundays practice, the teams first in pads. He was expected to practice Monday. Cooper had worked out at left guard with the starting unit through the off-season. The agreement leaves two first-round picks unsigned -- cornerback Dee Milliner of the New York Jets (ninth pick overall) and guard Chance Warmack of the Tennessee Titans (10th). Arizona coach Bruce Arians got word of the contract agreement when a note was passed to him during his daily briefing with reporters on Sunday. "Just got word that Jonathan Cooper is done and is on his way," Arians said. "He still missed time, but Im a lot happier now. Were excited to have him in and watch him run the conditioning test -- in front of the whole team." Although Cooper did miss a bit of training camp, his off-season work leaves him familiar with whats expected of him. "He got a zillion reps," Arians said. He joins an offensive unit that was calledd out for poor play by its coach on Sunday.dddddddddddd. "Thats the disappointing thing to me right now," Arians said. "Its not like our guys didnt have plenty of reps, because we had two practices going on during all of OTAs. Theres no excuses right now for making the mental errors that were making on offence." The coach has declared competition for the two starting tackle jobs -- Levi Brown and Nate Potter on the left side, newcomer Eric Winston and Bobby Massie on the right. Daryn Colledge has moved from left to right guard with Lyle Sendlein at centre. "Im very disappointed right now with the play up front," he said. "Way too many mental errors. The physical part well start seeing this afternoon. Weve got to get better. I think that theyve got enough pride that theyre going to fix it. I think theyre anxious to get pads on. Of all the people that get hurt playing in shorts, its the big guys." Cooper, a first-team Associated Press All-American, started a school-record 48 games at left guard for North Carolina and earned the 2012 Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the best lineman in the SEC. He is the first guard taken in the top eight of the draft since 1982, when Mike Munchak was selected by the Houston Oilers as the eighth overall pick. In a draft loaded with players up front, Cooper was the fifth lineman selected. ' ' '
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Seton Hall no longer has star Isaiah Whitehead to lean on.The Pirates have depth and balance though -- and that was enough for them to pass their first road test of 2016-17.Myles Powell scored 26 points off the bench, Desi Rodriguez had 25 and Seton Hall beat Iowa 91-83 on Thursday night.Khadeen Carrington added 20 points for the Pirates (3-0), who shot 51 percent from the floor with eight 3s and outscored the Hawkeyes 50-24 in the paint.Our team will be much more balanced this year, said Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard after Whitehead left for the NBA.Powell buried a 3 and followed by a layup to put Seton Hall up 82-74 with 3:15 to go -- and then drilled another long 3 to make it a 10-point game a minute later. Rodriguez followed with a 3 that sent the fans to the exits.Iowa made a few late 3s to make it close before falling for the first time in 2016-17.Senior Peter Jok had 30 points and 11 rebounds for his first career double-double, and freshman Tyler Cook scored a career-high 24 points for the Hawkeyes (2-1).I would have liked to have seen us play better defense over the duration, especially in the second half. We tried defenses, we changed defenses; press, we went to zone. We just didnt perform to the level thats necessary, Iowa coach Fran McCaffery said.BIG PICTURESeton Hall: The Pirates should be a factor in the Big East. They started five upperclassmen who were unfazed by their first road game -- although a 9 p.m. ET tip-off time on a week night kept the crowd down a bit. Seton Hall forced Iowa to commit 17 turnovers.Iowa: Win or lose, a matchup against a tough, veteran team halfway through November was exactly what the Hawkeyes needed. McCaffery is still trying to find a rotation that can win in the Big Ten, using 11 players in the first half alone. But it looks like Jok has found a more than capable sidekick in Cook, who can seemingly do everything but knock down free throws.NOT-SO FREE THROWSCook was a mess at the free-throw line, going just 5 of 12. But neither team could covert its freebies, as Seton Hall was 17 of 31 and Iowa was 19 of 32.SMOKE SHOWIowa brought out two sets of pyrotechnics during its player introductions. The smoke lingered in the air for roughly half of the first half. But Iowas other new wrinkles, including a new court, lighting and a massive new scoreboard over center court, has vastly improved the game-day experience at Carver-Hawkeye Arena -- which had begun to show its age until recent renovations.HE SAID ITTheres not a time where he shoots the ball where I think its not going in. He plays with a lot of confidence. He plays like I think all kids should play, just having fun, Willard said of Powell.UP NEXTSeton Halls schedule doesnt let up much. The Pirates play Florida next Thursday and, if they win, likely Gonzaga on Thanksgiving.Iowa gets another cupcake in Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Sunday. But the Hawkeyes will face No. 8 Virginia next Friday in Florida.---More college basketball at www.collegebasketball.ap.orgChristian McCaffrey Panthers Jersey . Uniteds eighth defeat of a wretched campaign means Liverpool, which currently occupies the fourth and final Champions League place, could go nine points clear of its fierce rival by beating West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. Charlie Adam scored both of Stokes goals at Britannia Stadium either side of Robin van Persies equalizer, with a miserable day for seventh-place United capped by first-half injuries to centre halves Jonny Evans and Phil Jones that forced them off. Luke Kuechly Jersey . Newcastle dominated in the early stages but City weathered the storm and then raised its game in extra time. Negredo broke the deadlock from close range after a simple move in the 99th minute before Dzeko took the ball round goalkeeper Tim Krul to seal the victory in the 105th. http://www.thepanthersofficialstore.com/authentic-jordan-scarlett-panthers-jersey/ . Dallas hasnt ruled out the star quarterback for Sunday nights game against Philadelphia, but all signs point to Romos back injury pushing Kyle Orton into the starting role after two years of limited play as the backup. Surely Ortons name isnt the first that comes to mind for fans wanting a change after years of damaging interceptions, fumbles or, most infamously, the field goal flub when Romo dropped the snap on a kick that could have won his first playoff game in 2006. Curtis Samuel Youth Jersey . They reached the 100-point plateau for the fourth time in five games, bested the visiting Trail Blazers by 34 in the paint and scored 19 of the final 25 points in regulation. Brian Burns Womens Jersey . The next step is a better finish. Bae played bogey-free Friday on another gorgeous day at Riviera for a 5-under 66, giving him a one-shot lead over Aaron Baddeley and Robert Garrigus going into the weekend.Celtics Leigh Griffiths, Aberdeens Jonny Hayes and Dundee duo Kane Hemmings and Greg Stewart have been nominated for PFA Scotland Player of the Year 2015/16. Jason Cummings, John McGinn, Barrie McKay and Kieran Tierney are up for Scotlands Young Player of the Year gong. We take a closer look at all the nominees for this years top prizes. PFA Scotland Player of the Year nominationsLeigh Griffiths - Celtic (striker) Celtics Leigh Griffiths is targeting 40 goals for the season after being nominated for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award The 25-year-old Edinburgh born striker continued the form he picked up in the second half of last season and has blown the competition out the water in this campaigns scoring charts. Griffiths has scored 38 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions, 29 of them in the Scottish Premiership. He is just six goals off equalling the record tally by a Celtic player in one league season with four games left to play. Brian McClair and Henrik Larsson hold the accolade with 35 goals in a top-flight season in Scotland. Griffiths would have to score 15 times in his final four ties of the season to match Larssons club record of 53 goals in all competitions in one season.Jonny Hayes - Aberdeen (winger) Jonny Hayes gave Aberdeen the lead in their top-of-the-table clash with Celtic Aberdeens Premiership title challenge may have ebbed away in recent weeks, but the consistent performances of Jonny Hayes has certainly been a key factor in their push up until now.The Republic of Ireland born winger has laid on 10 assists and scored 5 goals this campaign, including a stunning opener in Aberdeens win over Celtic in February.At 28 Hayes made his international debut as a substitute in Irelands friendly win over Switzerland in March. He then came off the bench again just days later in his countrys draw with Slovakia.Having been a constant in Derek McInnes team he has a real chance of being selected in Martin ONeills squad for the Euros.Kane Hemmings - Dundee (striker) Kane Hemmings netted twice as Dundee eased to a 2-0 victory over St Johnstone The former Rangers front-man is the first half of Dundees representation on this years awards list. For a club who failed in their primary goal (finishing in the top-6 of the Premiership) to get two nominations is an indication of how well these players have performed throughout 2015/16.The link-up shown between Hemmings and fellow nominee Greg Stewart has drawn particular praise.Scoring over twenty goals in any league is enough to spark interest from admiring clubs, but to notch 25 goals and seven assists for a side in the lower half of the Premiership is a great effort. Still only 24, Hemmings joined Dundee for a free from Barnsley after a spell with Cowdenbeath where he and Stewart began their striking relationship.Greg Stewart - Dundee (striker) Greg Stewart (left) holds off Gavin Gunning during Dundee v Dundee Utd Stewart is the only of this years candidates to have been up for the award at last years ceremony. A team-mate of Kane Hemmings at Cowdenbeath, the 26-year-old forward was signed for free by Paul Hartley at the start of last season. With the amount both Stewart and Hemmings have contributed to Dundee, getting both strikers in for free shows Hartley has an eye for a bargain. In his 38 appearances in all competitions this campaign Stewart has scored 11 goals and contributed 14 assists.dddddddddddd His trademark cut in from the right on to his favoured left foot has caused defenders problems all season.PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year NominationsJason Cummings - Hibernian (Striker) Hibernians Jason Cummings celebrates after scoring the winning penalty Hibs have failed to win automatic promotion from the Scottish Championship in two attempts, but thats certainly not down to a lack of goals from their main striker. The 20-year-old scored 21 goals and laid on 10 more in all competitions in 2014/15, and has already netted 24 times this term. He went on a scoring spree in October and November, where he notched a goal in seven consecutive games. He has contributed at vital times in Hibs season, most notably against city rivals Hearts on their way to the Scottish Cup final. He may have missed when he attempted to replicate Antonín Panenkas famous penalty in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Dundee United, but thats simply a measure of the confidence he has in his own ability. John McGinn - Hibernian (Midfielder) John McGinn (left) against Christian Eriksen in McGinns debut for Scotland Around the time of last years PFA Scotland awards, the 21-year-old was involved in a training ground accident that saw Steven Thompson throw a spear into his thigh while at St Mirren.Instead of taking crutches to this seasons ceremony, McGinn could be picking up an award.He has thrived at Hibs under Alan Stubbs this season after leaving St Mirren. He has made 45 appearances in all competitions, scoring 4 times and laying on 9 assists. He has been a stalwart in the Scotland Under-21 squad in recent times which, along with his Hibs form, has earned him a senior debut for Gordon Strachan whilst playing in Scotland second division. That night he won the man of the match award for his display against Denmark.While his club have failed to win automatic promotion, McGinn has played his part in getting them to a League Cup final and has a Scottish Cup final against Rangers to look forward to.Barrie McKay - Rangers (Winger) Rangers Barrie McKay scored a great goal for Mark Warburtons side against Celtic As a 21-year-old Rangers fans have known about McKay for a few seasons. He first made his breakthrough in the first team when the club was playing in Scotlands lowest tier.He scored the first league goal for Rangers in the Old Third Division but fell out of favour in the following seasons.After spells on loan at Greenock Morton and Raith Rovers McKay has found a new lease of life under Mark Warburton, nine goals and 12 assists as part of a front three would attest to that.He has helped Rangers win the Championship title convincingly, lifted the Petrofac Training Cup and scored the goal of his life against Old Firm rivals Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final win. Kieran Tierney - Celtic (Defender) Kieran Tierney says his nomination for PFA Scotlands Young Player of the Year award tops off a great season Having only made his senior Celtic debut at the end of the 2014/15 season, the 18-year-old has had a crazy year by his own estimation. His career has progressed since coming on for the last 10 minutes against Dundee on 22 April, 2015 and replacing Emilio Izaguirre as Celtics first choice left-back.A Scotland debut at 18 and being an ever-present in Ronny Deilas ever-changing back-four are just a couple of instances of how he has developed in a short space of time. He may not have scored a senior goal yet but he has eight assists and 13 clean sheets in 30 appearances for club and country. The PFA Scotland Player of the Year is voted for by fellow Premiership professionals. The Young Player of the Year nominees are voted for by players from all four of Scotlands divisions. Hear from all the nominees of Sky Sports News HQ this afternoon. Also See: Glasgow derby for Wembley? McIntyre heads award shortlist PFA Scotland Goal of the Season 2016 Petrov plans football comeback ' ' '
MIAMI -- Barry Bonds was very impressed with Jose Fernandezs performance.Bonds, the Marlins hitting coach, was among those in the dugout congratulating Fernandez at the end of his outing, grabbing him with both hands and kissing him repeatedly on both cheeks.I love you! Bonds shouted as Fernandez grinned.Fernandez pitched eight innings and struck out 12 to help the Miami Marlins to a 1-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night that took just 2 hours, 11 minutes.That goes way back, its a long story, Fernandez said with a smile about his connection with Bonds. Its impressive. Everybody knows who he is and what he has done in this game. When I was walking in here now he told me, `It was the best that I have seen you pitch. Im impressed. To get that from probably one of the best hitters in the history of the game means the world.Fernandez (16-8) allowed three hits without a walk to outduel Washingtons Tanner Roark (15-9) who pitched seven innings and allowed one run.I thought it was the best game he has thrown all year, Marlins manager Don Mattingly said of Fernandez. He used his changeup early in the game and that was a weapon for him all day to keep them off-balanced.Roark went at least seven innings while allowing one run or fewer for the 12th time this season in his battle against Fernandez, who improved to 29-2 in his career at home.I know Jose is good here at home so it was me versus him, not me versus the hitters, Roark said.David Phelps pitched the ninth for the Marlins and recorded his fourth save in 10 chances as Miami won its third straight.In the situation were in what you would really like to do is win every game and force whoever were behind to win every game -- to have to win theirselves in, Mattingly said.The Nationals were held to four hits in their fourth consecutive loss.Bryce Harper returned to the starting lineup for Washington after getting the day off on Monday and went 0 for 4.We had a couple times when Bryce hit the ball a ton, Nationals manager Dusty Baker said. Thats a good sign when he hits the ball on a line like that. Its tough to stay with him and stuff but hes right there, right around the corner. Hes frustrated, were all frustrated especially when youre not scoring runs.Stantons 27th home run broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth inning. Stanton also homered in Mondays 4-3 win.It was just a good swing, good contact-type ball, Stanton said. It wasnt like a hard drive or anything. Just a good bat path to a ball out over the plate.Stephen Drew smacked a double off the top of the right field fence over Stantons head in the first inning before Fernandez retired the next 21 batters.Wilson Ramos broke through in the top of the eighth with a soft liner to center and Brian Goodwin followed with a single to right.Fernandez struck out Danny Espinosa and got pinch-hitter Daniel Murphy to ground out to get out of the jam and cap his outing.He was good, he was feeling it, Stanton said. He knows how important each and every game is and he wanted to make sure he put it away today.TRAINERS ROOMNationals: Baker denied a report about Harper dealing with a shoulder injury. The story was inaccurate, Baker said. They asked me about the shoulder problem before and I said we gave him four or five days off. I dont even know how long ago that was, six weeks ago or something like that? And to say hes playing shallow because he couldnt throw the ball is totally inaccurate. I dont know where they got that from. I know they got some quotes from me, but I was talking about the past. I wasnt talking about the present. I dont know how it came out because I dont read much, but that was inaccurate reporting. Nobody knows where it came from because hes not on the injury report and we treated that already in the past. ... 2B Murphy (left leg soreness) was held out of the starting lineup for the third consecutive game.Marlins: RHP Bryan Morris (lumbar disc herniation) was reinstated from the 60-day DL and was designated for assignment.UP NEXTNationals: RHP Max Scherzer (17-7, 2.78 ERA) will start Wednesdays series finale with the Marlins. Scherzer is 4-0 with a 1.47 ERA in his last five starts.Marlins: RHP Tom Koehler (9-11, 3.96) takes the mound looking for his first win since Aug. 9 against San Francisco. Roger Staubach Youth Jersey . If ever they start actually putting pictures beside words in the dictionary, the Blue Jays left-handers mug will appear beside “Consistency. Trysten Hill Cowboys Jersey . The showiest items on Calgarys lot were forwards Mike Cammalleri and Lee Stempniak. Both will be unrestricted free agents this summer. http://www.shoptheofficialcowboys.com/Elite-Connor-Mcgovern-Cowboys-Jersey/ . You can watch the game live on TSN at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt. The Flyers had won seven of eight before dropping their last two outings on consecutive days over the weekend. Philadelphia was handed a 6-3 loss by the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday afternoon before dropping a 4-1 decision to the Rangers the following night in New York City. Custom Dallas Cowboys Jerseys .Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres have recalled forward Kevin Porter and defenceman Chad Ruhwedel from the minors as part of a five-player roster shuffle made by the NHLs worst team. Larry Allen Womens Jersey . Ryan Garbutt had a goal and two assists as Dallas snapped a six-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. Dwyane Wade grabbed the headlines when he signed with Chicago in the summer, but Jimmy Butler is reminding everyone that hes a force for the Bulls.The 6-foot-7 Butler has put Chicago on his shoulder the past week. The Bulls have won five of their last six games overall, and they are 3-1 on their current road trip, which continues Tuesday night in Denver against the Nuggets.Butler continued his strong play with 40 points, seven rebounds and six assists in Sundays 118-110 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. It capped a week in which he averaged 27.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists.It earned him NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors.Overall, Butler is averaging 25.1, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists this season and has blossomed with the departure of Derrick Rose as well as the addition of Wade.Hes playing with a tremendous amount of confidence, Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg told The Chicago Sun-Times. He feels like every time he steps on the floor that hes the best player out there. More often than not hes right.Butler has helped Chicago (9-5) dig out of an early hole this season to provide a challenge to the world champion Cleveland Cavaliers in the Central Division. He has taken to his expanded role and is learning from his new teammate and three-time world champion with Miami.Im talking to D-Wade before the game and hes just telling me how I have to approach the game, Butler told CBSSports.com. You go out there with a killer instinct every night. Make them adjust to you. Go out with a full head of steam and show theem why you are one of the best players on the floor.dddddddddddd Thats what I try to do every single night. If its coming from him, there has to be some truth to it.The Bulls have a chance to finish 5-1 on their road trip that wraps up in Philadelphia on Friday. First theyll have to get past the Nuggets (5-8), who have won two of their last three and are getting strong play off the bench from Wilson Chandler.Chandler, who missed all of last season following hip surgery, is averaging 22 points and eight rebounds over the last four games. The Nuggets have also started to get good production from rookie guard Jamal Murray. He had a team-high 18 points in the win over Utah on Sunday and is starting to feel more comfortable after a tough start.He just continues to grow in front of our eyes, Denver coach Michael Malone said. When he gets confident and he puts that ball up I think its going in every time he shoots it.The Nuggets are getting healthier, too. Guard Will Barton returned against the Jazz after missing nine games with a sprained left ankle. He had seven points in 19 minutes and is still feeling his way after missing so much time.I knew going in he wasnt going to be the Will Barton we love and want back because hes been out for so long, Malone said.Bartons presence will be needed against the Bulls, who rested Wade against the Lakers. The key to winning might be to stop Butler from having another great game. ' ' '
ATLANTA -- One day after he was the game-winning hero as a pinch-hitter, Jose Fernandez was humbled by one of the worst starts of his career.Fernandez gave up two homers and a career-high nine runs and the Atlanta Braves beat the Miami Marlins 9-1 on Saturday.Freddie Freeman hit a two-run homer in the first inning and Jace Peterson hit a three-run homer in Atlantas seven-run sixth that knocked Fernandez out of the game.Six of Atlantas nine runs off Fernandez were earned, matching the right-handers career high. He allowed eight hits and a walk over 5 2/3 innings.The six earned runs allowed equaled the six he allowed in five starts in June, when he had a 1.67 ERA.Rough day, man, Fernandez said. I just have to put it behind me.Asked about allowing nine runs, Fernandez said, I know its not going to be the last time, Im sure.Fernandez (10-4) drove in the decisive runs as a pinch-hitter in Miamis 7-5 12-inning win over Atlanta on Friday night. Manager Don Mattingly thought about sending Fernandez home early during the extra-inning game -- a common practice in the majors for pitchers before scheduled starts -- but kept him around for his bat.The lopsided loss put a quick end to the feel-good victory from the night before.This game always finds a way to remind you how tough it is, Fernandez said.Mattingly said he thought Fernandez got a little bit winded in the Braves seven-run sixth.It wasnt typical Jose, but I thought he threw the ball good enough, Mattingly said.Lucas Harrell (1-0), recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett before the game, allowed only one run on three hits in six innings as he made his first start in the majors in two years.The Marlins, who began the day third in the NL wild-card standings, fell to 3-8 against the last-place Braves.The four-game series will conclude on Sunday at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in a salute-the-troops game at the military installation.Peterson doubled to left field in the first, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on Freemans 14th homer, a high shot caught by a fan on the front row of the center-field seats.Harrell, 31, made his first start since April 15, 2014 with Houston against Kansas City. He made his major league debut with the White Sox in 2010 -- when current Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski was behind the plate.Having Pierzynski added to Harrells sense of comfort.It has been a long road to get back here, Harrell said. I felt like Ive worked real hard. Ive been up and had a little success before. It was just nice because A.J. was with me in Chicago and he knew my stuff and we were on the same page all game.Braves rookie left-hander Dario Alvarez gave up singles to Chris Johnson and Jeff Mathis in the ninth before hitting Dietrich with a pitch to load the bases. Alvarez struck out pinch-hitter Giancarlo Stanton and Ichiro Suzuki to end the game.11 TO GOSuzukis triple to center field in the third inning drove in Derek Dietrich, who had a leadoff single, for Miamis only run. Suzuki has 2,989 hits in the majors -- 11 from reaching 3,000.LUCKY 13Petersons first-inning double gave him a career-best 13-game hitting streak. He is the only Braves player to have a streak as long as 10 games this season.TRAINERS ROOMMarlins: 1B Justin Bour left the game in the sixth inning with a right ankle sprain. He was limping slightly after fielding Chase dArnauds grounder and barely beating dArnaud to the bag -- a call that stood following a review. He remained in the game for two batters before walking slowly off the field. Johnson took over at first base. Bour said his status is day to day.Braves: OF Ender Inciarte was held out with what he says is a minor right groin strain. He left Friday nights game in the sixth inning with the injury. He said Saturday he hopes to play on Sunday.UP NEXTMarlins: LHP Adam Conley (4-5, 3.90 ERA) will look for his second win of the season against the Braves on Sunday at Fort Bragg. He threw eight scoreless innings in a 3-0 win on June 22 in Miami.Braves: RHP Matt Wisler (3-7, 4.14) has a 7.11 ERA in two career games, including one start, against the Marlins. Michael Strahan Giants Jersey . The deal is pending a physical, assistant general manager Bobby Evans said. Traded from Seattle to Baltimore on Aug. 30, Morse also can play first base and right field to give manager Bruce Bochy some flexibility in writing his lineup. Michael Strahan Womens Jersey . Their experience showed Tuesday as the No. 10 Badgers blunted a Saint Louis surge to win 63-57 and advance to face West Virginia in Wednesdays finals of the Cancun Challenge. http://www.nygiantsfanaticshop.com/Black-Saquon-Barkley-Giants-Jersey.html?cat=938 . LOUIS -- Lance Lynn was one of the more enthusiastic participants as the St. Julian Love Womens Jersey . According to a report from the Winnipeg Free Press, the Bombers will name Acting GM Kyle Walters to the post full time. Saquon Barkley Giants Jersey . Both players have lower body injuries that will keep them out of the lineup until at least January 31, which is the first game they can be activated from IR.Its been 14 games and 98 days since Toronto FC fullback Richard Eckersley hurt his hamstring. Somewhat embarrassingly, he suffered the injury celebrating teammate Darel Russells tying goal March 6 against FC Dallas. "Ive learned my lesson," the 24-year-old English defender said with a sheepish smirk. "When other people score then Ill just relax a little bit. But it was the 92nd minute. I think emotions got the better of me. . . . Its happened. I cant really do much about it." Finally healthy - he aggravated the injury during convalescence - Eckersley should see action Saturday as Toronto (2-8-7) visits Sporting Kansas City (8-5-6). Kansas City, which has a 17-point edge over Toronto in the standings, won 2-1 in Chicago last weekend and is undefeated in its last four league outings and in seven of its last eight. Toronto is coming off a bye weekend. Its last outing was July 3 when it blew a 3-1 lead and had to settle for a 3-3 tie with the visiting Montreal Impact. In 2011 and 2012, Eckersley was almost a club constant seeing action in 56 games. This season, the number is just five. Suspensions, international call-ups and injuries have not helped the Toronto backline in recent weeks. Manager Ryan Nelsen has been forced to shift centre back Darren ODea to left fullback and has been playing Ryan Richter at right back in Eckersleys absence. Eckersleys return is welcome for all those reasons. And because he is a tireless runner and a gritty defender who helps drive Toronto. But in the longer run, while the club has said nothing publicly, Eckersleys salary is a problem in a league where the salary cap is a tight US$2.95 million. Listed at $310,000 (and it may be bigger if Toronto has used allocation money to reduce the amount listed against the salary cap), the red-headed Brit makes more than the high-priced defenders voted into the Fan XI for the 2013 all-star game: Kansas Citys Matt Besler ($200,000) and Aurelien Collin ($256,250), and Los Angeles Omar Gonzalez ($282,000). According to the MLS Players Union TFC salary list, Eckersley is the teams third highest-paid player after Dutch striker Danny Koevermans (a designated player with a $1.663-million salary) and defender-captain Darren ODea (whose $465,250 is also problematic). And Eckersleys contract is guaranteed forr next season.dddddddddddd Spending $300,000-plus on a fullback in MLS is like buying a Prada toilet brush. Its handy and nice to have. But can you justify buying it? Richter, Eckersleys replacement, makes $35,125. The injury has not helped matters, since Eckersley has been reduced to an expensive spectator. Toronto president Kevin Payne, however, admits the club could have handled Eckersleys injury better. "Players, especially younger players like Richard, their enthusiasm sometimes get the better of them," Payne told reporters this week. "And we probably rushed Richard back a little bit or allowed him to rush himself back a little bit. So I think we learned something from that one." Said Eckersley: "I never really rested it the first time round. Obviously I was trying to get back as soon as possible. So I think we didnt give it time to rest and repair itself." He says the injury took a mental toll, "because youre paid to play football and you cant do it." "So you take it out on other members of your family. But they understand. There were times when I was a little bit down but like I say its injuries and youre a footballer, youre a professional athlete and youve got to learn how to deal with them." While Eckersley has been a regular in the TFC lineup, he is no stranger to long-term injury. The former Manchester United youth product had a back injury when he was 17. Striker Danny Koevermans in unavailable Saturday with a calf issue but Robert Earnshaw is healthy again. Toronto is short in midfield with Jonathan Osorio at the Gold Cup with Canada and Luis Silva traded to D.C. United. Still Kansas City manager Peter Vermes calls Toronto an athletic side not to be underestimated. "I think theyre better than they were last year," he told a news conference this week. "I say it all the time. I dont think that record is a good indicator of what kind of team youre playing in this league because theres so much parity." Toronto defeated Kansas City 2-1 at the Rogers Centre in March in the second game of the season for both teams. "I dont think were going to forget that," said Vermes, referring to "soft goals" his team gave away that day. NOTES — Torontos career record in Kansas City is 1-6-1 ' ' '
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- With the New York Giants having lost three games in a row, every part of the team has been scrutinized. And no one has been spared, not even two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Eli Manning.His teammates defended him at practice Wednesday, insisting that Manning is still a top-flight quarterback and saying everyone on the team needs to play better, not just Manning.I think when things go wrong, everyone needs something to point at, and its easy to point the finger here and there, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. said. But internally, between all of us, we all need to play better; we all need to do things to make it easier on (Manning), make it easier on ourselves -- everybody needs to step it up.Elis a tremendous quarterback, running back Rashad Jennings said. He understands the position; a lot of times, the success and failures, the most critics go to the quarterback. But quarterback ratings, and stats, are collectively attained stats, so we have to play better. Its not all on one person, at all -- especially Eli.Manning has completed 63.6 percent of his passes on the season, for 1,385 yards, with five touchdowns, four interceptions and a quarterback rating of 86.0. No one was wondering whether he was over the hill after the Giants opened up the season winning their first two games, of course. But the chatter started to pick up after the Green Bay loss, when he completed 18 of 35 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown. At 35, some wondered if he may be a quarterback in decline.His teammates dont want to hear that, though.Listen man, whoever says that... its just an immature statement, Jennings said. Hes not on the decline at all. Elis a tremendous quarterback, and well continue to win with him. And so, obviously, weve had losses; he has big shoulders, and being in a locker beside him for three years, he always takes on (stuff), and look at himself in the mirror first. But we cant do that to him. No. Its definitely the team. The offensive side of the ball needs to step it up.Wide receiver Victor Cruz said he doesnt see the end in sight for Manning.I hope he plays until hes 55, Cruz said. Timo Meier Sharks Jersey . The winner Saturday will remain in the elite 10-team field next year. "We talked about wanting to be disciplined and stick with our game plan and good things will come," Draisaitl said, who had two goals for the victors. Barclay Goodrow Sharks Jersey .C. -- Al Jefferson joked that he feels he can score from anywhere on the court. http://www.officialsharksnhlshop.com/marcus-sorensen-jersey/ . Meanwhile, there were huge victories for Sunderland and West Ham over fellow relegation rivals, leaving the battle to avoid the drop up for grabs with the bottom 11 teams separated by just six points. Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres scored second-half goals to seal a fourth straight victory for Chelsea, which climbed above Arsenal and Manchester City in the standings ahead of their games on Monday and Sunday respectively. Logan Couture Sharks Jersey . -- Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Alrdridge were again the go-to duo for the Trail Blazers against the Kings. Marc-Edouard Vlasic Sharks Jersey . From filmmaker Nanette Burstein (On the Ropes), The Price of Gold revisits the saga that rocked the figure skating world ahead of the 1994 Lillehammer Olympic Winter Games: the assault on Nancy Kerrigan, and the plot that led its way back to her rival Tonya Harding. MADISON, Wis. -- Corey Clement ran for two fourth-quarter touchdowns, a big-play defense pitched a second-half shutout, and No. 5 Wisconsin beat Minnesota 31-17 on Saturday for its 13th straight win in the annual border rivalry.The Badgers triumphantly lifted Paul Bunyans Axe again, the trophy that goes to the victor in the most-played rivalry in major college football.Wisconsin (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten, No. 6 CFP) turned in a stalwart defensive effort in the second half after getting outplayed in the first and falling behind by 10 points at halftime.In the fourth quarter we just kind of just locked in, cornerback Sojourn Shelton said after a team postgame ceremony with the axe. You know what, no more. The rest speaks for itself.The comeback served as an exclamation point for an already momentous weekend. Wisconsin wrapped up the Big Ten West and a trip to next weeks league title game after Nebraska lost to Iowa on Friday night. The Badgers will face Penn State in Indianapolis.Mitch Leidner threw four interceptions in the second half for Minnesota (8-4, 5-4). The protection around him crumbled as the Badgers mixed up their defensive pressures.On offense, Wisconsins running game finally caught up in the fourth quarter.Jazz Peavy went 71 yards on a jet sweep down the right sideline to the Minnesota 11. Two plays later, Clement bowled into the end zone from 2 yards to give Wisconsin the lead for good, 24-17, with 6:42 left.Shelton, a four-year starter playing in his last home game, had two interceptions. Shelton had an entertaining 40-yard, across-the-field return to the Minnesota 19 after his first interception with about 13 minutes left.Clement scored his first touchdown of the game three plays later to tie it at 17.Certainly the takeaways were huge, and the ability of our offense to finish in the second half, coach Paul Chryst said.Backup quarterback Bart Houston played the entire second half for Wisconsin because of an injury to starter Alex Hornibroook.dddddddddddd Houston finished 9 of 14 for 123 yards.For Minnesota, Drew Wolitarsky had four catches for 76 yards, including a 35-yard reception after tipping the ball to himself and advancing to the Wisconsin 22 late it the second quarter. It set up Leidners 3-yard touchdown run with 53 seconds left for a 17-7 halftime lead.In the second half with the ... turnovers, you cant do that versus a real good team on the road. They took advantage us, coach Tracy Claeys said.It was the 126th meeting in a series that dates to 1890.THE TAKEAWAYMinnesota: The rough fourth quarter overshadowed a terrific first half for Minnesota. Leidner threw off the Badgers active defense early with keepers around the edges, including his scoring run late in the first half. He finished 9 of 26 for 158 yards and a score, with 46 yards rushing on 16 carries.A five-win season in the Big Ten, even with a softer schedule, is a confidence builder for the future. But the Gophers still cant catch up to their biggest measuring stick.Wisconsin: The Badgers had perhaps their worst first half of the season, with Minnesota following Wisconsins blueprint for success. The defense missed key tackles, and the running game couldnt get going. The left-handed Hornibrook departed after taking a shot to his right shoulder after throwing an incompletion near the sideline late in the second quarter. Hornibrook then fell to the turf, with the back of his helmet slamming hard into the ground.UP NEXT:Minnesota: Awaits its bowl destination. The Gophers will play in its fifth consecutive bowl game, tied for longest streak in program history.Wisconsin: Plays No. 7 Penn State in the Big Ten championship game Dec. 3 in Indianapolis.---More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25---Follow Genaro Armas at: https://twitter.com/GArmasAP ' ' '
Mitchell Johnson at the WACA. For the better part of a decade, this was one of the most watchable parts of Australias home summer. Johnson was quick anywhere, but something about Perth brought his threat to a new level, even in the years when the WACAs typical pace and bounce suffered a lull. Nowhere did he take more Test wickets than the 45 at 22.77 he claimed in Perth, and his best work there came against South Africa.Johnson was back at the WACA on Wednesday, 50 days out from the ground hosting South Africa for the first Test of the Australian summer. But this year, South Africas batsmen will not have to worry about the threat of Johnson running in on a zippy pitch with a breeze to help him swing the ball. And yet another left-arm danger could be just as effective, if not more, when the home summer begins: Mitchell Starc.Johnsons retirement during last season stripped 313 wickets from Australias Test attack, but the transition to a post-Johnson era has been smooth. That is largely thanks to Starc, whose swing, pace and mastery of the yorker have made him one of the most challenging fast bowlers in world cricket at the moment. If Australias recent series in Sri Lanka was a disaster it was not because of Starc, who topped Australias wicket list with 24 at 15.16.It was the highest series tally ever by a visiting fast bowler in Sri Lanka, and it was followed, in the one-day series, by Starc breaking the world record for reaching 100 ODI wickets in the fewest matches. Australia will be greatly looking forward to seeing what Starc can achieve during the six home Tests this summer, after he missed the second half of last season due to an ankle injury that required surgery and a long recovery.It was really exciting to see Mitch Starc perform well, Johnson said in Perth on Wednesday. I thought he was really close when we went over to England for that last Ashes series, and wasnt quite there. But hes shown that after his injury hes really committed to working really hard and did all the work. Ive kept in touch with him and he was really positive going into that series. To be the leading wicket-taker in Sri Lanka in those conditions was a real positive and a good step forward.He can dominate again [at home] on wickets that are going to provide bounce, and with his height, its going to be very difficult. He bowls the fuller ball, gets the ball up there, and especially on a wicket like the WACA where it can get good bounce, its really vital to be up there. Hell swing the ball when he pitches the ball up.That yorker hes got is very dangerous. Hes always working to improve his game. Hes still pretty fresh in Test cricket. Hes only going to get better. Hes going to keep breaking records, I think, as well. Its really exciting to see him play really well.The first Test against South Africa will be Australias first in Perth since Johnson farewelled Test cricket there last November. The three bowlers who rounded out Australias attack alongside Johnson in that match - Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon - have continued to steer Australias Test bowling with success since then.Its nice to be able to finish and have him performing in the line-up that Australia have, Johnson said of Starc. Its a pretty inexperienced bowling line-up. Theyve got Nathan Lyon there, whos got plenty of experience spin-bowling, and Josh Hazlewood is still trying to find his feet. Theres always going to be pressure on him to be like a [Glenn] McGrath.But I think weve got a really good bowling line-up at the moment, and its really well-balanced. Those guys are really tall as well, so in these conditions theyre going to be really difficult to play. Coming up against South Africa at the start is really going to test Australia. But the bowling is really good at the moment. Im really happy where its placed.Johnson, like the current Australians, is less happy with where the team is placed on the Test rankings - No.3 after losing top spot in Sri Lanka - but it is also a time of change for South Africa, who are currently ranked fifth.South Africa are going through a bit of a change at the moment but there are a few guys that have just come into really good form, Johnson said. Dale Steyns back in form, Morne [Morkel] is floating around there as well, and theyve got a great batting line-up as always. Australia have always competed very hard against them. Tedy Bruschi Patriots Jersey . 10 Texas A&Ms offence dominated as usual against SMU. Steve Grogan Patriots Jersey . -- Ryan Blaney provided more evidence that Penske Racings No. http://www.patriotsjerseysauthentic.com/Stephon-Gilmore-Super-Bowl-Jersey/ . White came in fourth place in the event. He was the two-time defending gold medallist. The gold medal went to Swiss snowboarder Iouri Podladtchikov. Irving Fryar Jersey .Y. -- Canadas Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse have another World Cup gold medal after winning the two-women bobsled race on Saturday in Lake Placid, N. Irving Fryar Youth Jersey . The Clippers were angry about blowing a big lead; the Kings didnt like being in that kind of hole and nearly digging themselves out only to lose. The voting panel for our third annual NFL QB Tier Rankings consisted of 42 league insiders -- 10 general managers, five head coaches, seven offensive coordinators, five defensive coordinators, eight personnel evaluators and seven other position coaches/executives.?I polled coaches and evaluators on 33 QBs, asking them to place each player into one of five tiers, with Tier 1 reserved for the very best and Tier 5 reserved for the very worst:Tier 1: Can carry his team each week. Team wins because of him. Tier 2: Can carry team sometimes but not as consistently. Tier 3: Legit starter but needs heavy run game/defense to win. Tier 4: Might not want this guy starting all 16 games. Tier 5: Do not think this guy should be starting.In the end, we averaged the tier rankings for each quarterback to produce a 1-33 ranking across four tiers (no starting QBs received enough Tier 5 votes to fall into the fifth tier), and gave the insiders anonymity so they could speak candidly.?Here are the 2016 NFL QB Tier Rankings, with a full voting breakdown at the bottom of the article. We start with two players who received unanimous Tier 1 status for the second consecutive year.Tier 1 | Tier 2?| Tier 3 | Tier 4TIER 1 (3 QBs TOTAL)T-1. Tom Brady | New England PatriotsAvg. rating: 1.00 | Change in rating:?0% |?2015 rank: T-1Brady opened last season with 22 TD passes and only two interceptions during the Patriots 8-0 start. The TD-INT ratio dipped to 14-5 the resst of the way as New England lost top wide receiver Julian Edelman while becoming desperate enough at running back to bring Steven Jackson out of semi-retirement at age 32.dddddddddddd Its tough finding league insiders who see significant decline in Brady, but speak to enough of them and youll run across a few.He is going to be a 2 probably this year, but Id say right now he is a 1, an offensive coordinator said. I see him starting to slide a little bit physically. The thing that stands out to me is, the accuracy of his throws has really decreased. [Rob] Gronkowski and his receivers are making these unbelievable catches, ones that are low, that are outside, to make these plays.Others thought Brady was actually improving by leveraging a growing knowledge base, finding new ways to beat defenses. A different offensive coordinator said he thought Brady worked through issues that affected him a couple years ago as he modified his throwing motion. This coordinator thought Brady had regained accuracy as a result.Yeah, he is pretty old, but does he look old to you when he plays? one GM asked. He is in complete and utter control of everything, and that is a 1 to me. And he can still throw the hell out of the ball. When he starts throwing like Peyton Manning threw last season, then Ill say, Well, he should be lower. ' ' '
Smart three-year-old Flying Artie is being backed like the good thing of good things to land the cash in the Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield today.UBET installed the classy colt as the $2.40 race favourite on Monday, before punters stepped in and smashed him into his current quote, $1.70.Hes been hammered at every turn, said UBET spokesperson Nick Curry, adding relentless would be the best way to sum up the interest this horse.We havent seen him at the races in four months, but he has form around Star Turn, Extreme Choice, Capitalist and Yankee Rose and the plunge suggests hes come back in winning shape.Hes the best backed runner around the country with UBET today.Outside of the incredibly popular Mick Price runner, Kens Dream and Derryn have also been well found at $5.50 and $7.00 respectively.Odds for the entire Caulfield card can be found here. Kurt Rambis Lakers Jersey . The 43-year-old closer, in his 19th and final big league season, has said hed like to play the outfield. Yankees manager Joe Girardi says hes thinking about allowing Rivera to do it this weekend, when the Yankees finish their season with a three-game series at the Houston Astros. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jersey . They hope to persuade the other team owners and commissioner Roger Goodell to put pressure on Redskins owner Daniel Snyder to drop the nickname they find offensive. "Given the way the meeting transpired," Ray Halbritter, an Oneida representative and leader of the "Change the Mascot Campaign," said Wednesday, "it became somewhat evident they were defending the continued use of the name. http://www.lakersteamofficial.com/Lebron-James-Lakers-Jersey/ .J. -- New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz will miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left knee. Vlade Divac Lakers Jersey . -- Matt Ryan needed one of the best games of his career to lead the Falcons and their depleted offence out of their three-game losing streak last week. Magic Johnson Lakers Jersey . Its 1987 and a Brazilian playmaker, known as Mirandinha, is being paraded around St James Park to the passionate Newcastle fans. BOSTON -- Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak has put up big numbers this season. His 18 goals through Monday are the most in the league behind only the Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby.Even bigger? Pastrnaks personality, both on and off the ice.Its infectious. The fans love it. His teammates feed off his energy.Hes been great all year long, said Pastrnaks linemate Brad Marchand. Hes is able to make something out of nothing and hes able to turn the game around in a single play.And the best part? Pastrnak is only 20 years old.The wingers personality has seemingly surfaced on a nightly basis for the Bruins this season -- and not just because an errant stick to the face in October took a chunk out of his front teeth and left him looking like Lloyd Christmas from Dumb and Dumber.Case in point: As Boston battled the Florida Panthers in overtime on Monday, Bruins center David Krejci took control of the puck deep in the offensive zone. The Panthers were playing man-to-man defense during the 3-on-3 OT when Pastrnak purposely skated back into the neutral zone. He quickly cut back, leaving his stunned defender flat-footed. Krejci fed a quick pass to Pastrnak, who pumped in his second goal of the game for the winner.It was an uncanny move by Pastrnak, to create so much time and space. Not many players would deliberately take themselves out of the play before jumping back in with a game-changing, jaw-dropping move like he did -- and it generated the game-winning goal. Pastrnak admitted after the game that he had exited the zone on purpose.I saw Krech had a lot of time, so I wanted to pick up speed outside the zone, he said with a shrug. He said he saw me outside the zone, so he held onto it and he made a good play.After he scored, Pastrnak celebrated -- as he usually does -- by kissing his hand and pointing to the sky to honor his late father, Milan. ?When he was 15, Pastrnak left his parents and his native Czech Republic to play in Sweden. Because his goal was to play professional hockey in North America -- and ultimately, in the NHL -- Pastrnak decided it would help to learn English while he honed his skills on the ice.He became more fluent both on and off the ice during his second season in Sweden, but just four days before his 17th birthday, Milan -- who had coached Pastrnaks junior team -- died after a long illness. A little more than a year later, on June 27, 2014, the Bruins drafted Pastrnak in the first round (25th overall). As he walked up to the Wells Fargo Center stage in Philadelphia that night, he kissed his hand and pointed to the sky.Pastrnak split time between the AHL and NHL during the 2014-15 season as an 18-year-old. He played only 46 games for the Bruins and quickly learned that finding his footing in the NHL wasnt going to be easy -- especially without his father to lean on. While with Bostons AHL affiliate in Providence, coach Bruce Cassidy and former NHLer?Jay Pandolfo?worked closely with him. Cassidy and Pandolfo are both now assistant coaches for the Bruins and have witnessed firsthannd how Pastrnak has developed.ddddddddddddPando and Butch [Cassidy] did a great job when I was in Providence, Pastrnak said. Ive been around those guys for three years and theyve helped me work and get better every day. He credited Bruins assistant Joe Sacco and Bruins head coach Claude Julien as well.Theres this silly myth in the hockey world that Julien doesnt trust -- or like dealing with -- younger, inexperienced players. But Julien was a successful junior and AHL coach before moving to the NHL. And, during his 10-year tenure in the Bruins organization, he has helped develop players such as Pastrnak, Marchand, Krejci, Milan Lucic, Tuukka Rask and Torey Krug, just to name a few.While at times Julien limits his young players playing time, he believes its simply part of the learning curve and development process. That plan has clearly worked with Pastrnak.Hes been our best forward since the beginning of the year, Julien said. Hes coming into his own. [His confidence] is at its highest right now, and rightfully so.Managing the puck to reduce turnovers was one major thing Pastrnak needed to work on, but teaching that kind of discipline without stripping a player of his imaginative impulses can be a challenge.When a guy is creative like that, every once in a while the plays arent going to work and youre going to get those [turnovers], Julien said. But more often, hes making the great plays, so you work with that. Its more about him growing into the player everybody anticipated him to be.Pastrnak has a nose for the game. He wins puck battles. He controls the play and possession. He routinely uses his game-changing speed to catch defensemen off guard. And his ability to dominate one-on-one is a perfect example of his high-end skill.?I love him, said one Western Conference coach of Pastrnak. He has great offensive instincts. Hes a natural goal scorer with great release, and he gets his nose dirty. Hes got a little bite to him. And hes a perfect fit for Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.Pastrnak has also worked on his two-way game, and he has made strides there too, this season. He has become a dangerous, dynamic player who has made the Bruins a better team.?It helps that hes on a line with Bergeron and Marchand, who are considered among the best two-way players in the game.Its great to see how he has developed. Hes such a great kid, said Marchand of Pastrnak. Hes going to continue to grow, and hes going to be a great player for us.Pastrnak will be a restricted free agent at the end of this season. Theres no doubt Boston needs to sign him to a long-term deal, but he might need to settle for a bridge deal to stay with the Bruins because of their salary-cap constraints.His goalie, for one, hopes he sticks around.Hes very creative, said Rask. Hes been a talent, a young talent, for several years and hes finally taken the last step and is kind of making a little name for himself. ' ' '
RIO DE JANEIRO -- The Luik triplets have already encountered some strange looks at the Olympics.The Estonian sisters, who will compete in the womens marathon, say they have gotten some funny faces from security guards who believe they have already waved one of them into the athletes village.On Sunday, Olympic spectators will face the challenge of trying to tell the 30-year-old blonde-haired, blue-eyed sisters apart from afar.Their coach, Harry Lemberg, had some advice for those who cant read the bibs.I think the first part of the race, Leila and Lily run together, Lemberg said. After 25-30 kilometers they follow together or see who is (to) go in front ... I think Liina (will be) a little bit behind.While the Olympics have seen twins competing together, triplets are a first, according to Olympic historian Bill Mallon, who keeps a database of athletes.According to Lily, it is Leila who is maybe the toughest of the trio.But Liina is the easiest to spot when her arms arent covered because she has a three-swan tattoo which, naturally, symbolizes the three of them.Its an amazing feeling, I think its better to run with sisters, Liina said. I feel good support, a mentally good vibe and good energy from my sisters also.I think I have two supporters in the race. We are supporting each other very much and I think we feel that kind of energy with each other.The Luiks, from the medieval city of Tartu, only turned pro at the relatively late age of 24.We saw that we cant now ... do the shorter distances, to do so much speed work, Leila said. We love to be (with) nature or do the long training and we love running. Because of (that) we decided to do marathon running.The dream would be finishing on the podium together in Rio de Janeiro but they know that is unlikely.We are happy, Leila said, if we finish together. Wholesale Football Jerseys Throwback . -- The proud fathers huddled near the Dallas Stars dressing room, smiling, laughing and telling stories while wearing replica green sweaters of their sons team. Stitched Football Jerseys Throwback . -- Jacksonville wide receiver Cecil Shorts will likely be a game-time decision whether hell play Sunday in the Jaguars home game against the San Diego Chargers. http://www.cheapfootballthrowback.com/ .Y. - Rob Manfred was promoted Monday to Major League Baseballs chief operating officer, which may make him a candidate to succeed Bud Selig as commissioner. Clearance Football Jerseys Throwback . -- Arizona raced out to a big lead and did not back off, hitting the accelerator instead. Custom Football Jerseys Throwback . Coach Tom Thibodeau says the former MVP will probably start travelling with the team in the next few weeks. Rose tore the meniscus in his right knee at Portland in November and was ruled out for the remainder of the season by the Bulls. BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke will meet the Lodha Committee members on August 9 in Delhi. It is understood that the meeting was requested by the BCCI, which finds itself in a spot after the Supreme Court accepted most of the recommendations made by the Lodha Committee, which suggested wholesale changes to the governance structure of the board and the state associations.Since the court pronounced the judgement on Monday, the BCCI is yet to formally make any public announcement about how it intends to deal with the transition. The two-judge bench of the court, comprising Chief Justice of India TS Thakur and Justice Ibrahim Kaliffula, whose last day in office was Friday, had asked the BCCI and the states to put in the new measures within six months, under the supervision of the Lodha Committee.The state associations are confused and have been looking to the BCCI for direction. The BCCI, in turn, is waiting to hear from its legal committee, which, it is learned, is likely to meet next week to discuss the court order.The Lodha Committee already set the ball rolling and asked the BCCI to tell the states to stall their scheduled elections till further notice. Failing to adhere to the instructions, the committee has made it clear, will only make the election results null and void.Post the court order on July 18, only Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association decided to hold its electiions and even elected a serving minister in the state government as its president.dddddddddddd The Lodha Committee had made it clear that no serving minister could serve as an administrator. It only means the election of Imran Raza Ansari as JKCA president stands disqualified.That the Lodha Committee had already started wielding its power was evident when both Cricket Association of Bengal and the Karnataka State Cricket Association postponed their scheduled elections, after they were put on hold. The CAB polls were supposed to take place on July 31 while KSCAs were scheduled for August 7.KSCA secretary Brijesh Patel said the decision to defer the elections was taken once the communique from Lodha Committee arrived. We had an emergent managing committee meeting and have unanimously decided to postpone the elections as per the directions of the Supreme Court. They will tells us about the constitution of the [managing] committee as per the Lodha recommendations.Patel also said he was seeking more clarity from the BCCI on the composition of the managing committee and how the recommendations would be implemented. Let them come out with, if there will be a president, three vice-presidents, or one vice-president or will there be an apex council. There is no clarity on that. ' ' '
Australias recent failings have raised questions over the effectiveness of Cricket Australias highly-proclaimed high-performance system. Steven Smith, writes Mike Coward in Fox Sports, now needs to ensure that the game returns to the dressing room, because even the very best need timely reminders of how to occupy the crease and build an innings.How did it come to this? Of course, there are other factors at play. There is the hypocrisy of administrators who speak of the primacy of Test match cricket while busily devaluing Sheffield Shield cricket and devoting all their time and energy to short-form tournaments most notably the crudely but aptly named Big Bash League. There is the naked avarice of the same administrators who pay scant regard to the physical and mental welfare of their finest players by planning much too much cricket. And now there is this mad obsession with the need for day-night Test cricket with a pink ball. Good luck to any newbies who must begin their Test careers under lights at Adelaide and Brisbane over the next few weeks. Tremaine Edmunds Womens Jersey . Siddikur, whose previous win on the circuit came in Brunei three years ago, finished his bogey-free round with a birdie on the 18th for a total of 17-under 199. Indias Shiv Chowrasia, who has finished runner-up in this tournament twice, was in second place after a 66. Matt Milano Bills Jersey . The mixed zone is not a place to make friends. http://www.shoptheofficialbills.com/ . Michell Burger, a woman who lives on an estate next to Pistorius gated community, said she and her husband were awoken by the screams in the pre-dawn hours of Feb. 14 last year, when Pistorius killed Reeva Steenkamp by shooting four times through a door in his bathroom. Zay Jones Bills Jersey . The lawyers filed a 33-page amended complaint Tuesday in federal court in Manhattan, expanding on the suit originally filed Oct. 3 in New York Supreme Court. Arbitrator Fredric Horowitz last week refused to compel Selig to testify in the grievance, and Rodriguez then walked out of the hearing without testifying. Zay Jones Womens Jersey . Gather a group of friends, or find a league to join online, draft your team, set your lineup and compete in a number of different formats. SPARTA, Ky. -- Kyle Busch led 185 laps and caught a huge break before surviving a final restart to win Friday nights 300-mile NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Kentucky Speedway.The defending Sprint Cup Series champion needed overtime to win in his No. 18 Toyota, with the race going one circuit past its scheduled 200 laps after a late caution. Busch then outdueled Daniel Suarez and Austin Dillon in a three-wide restart to earn his first series win at Kentucky since 2004.Busch benefited from a late mistake by Erik Jones. He passed Busch for the lead after a lap 174 restart just before the fourth yellow, but inadvertently shut off his car and fell to third as a penalty for failing to keep up with the pace car.Dillon was second in a Chevy, with Suarez third in a Toyota and Jones fourth in a Toyota.One night after his Camping World Truck Series team became that series winningest outfit, the Xfinityy career wins leader earned his fifth victory and ninth top-10 this season.dddddddddddd. For a while the question was whether anybody would get close to Busch, who led six times.Busch claimed the pole with a speed of 187.318 mph that edged out Suarez (187.298). He set his own groove and pace on the resurfaced, reconfigured track and had all the grip he needed after a full day of practice on the premier Cup level.Only on that one restart did Busch show vulnerability as Jones made a gutsy pass on the outside. Jones never got the chance to put room between him and Busch as Ray Black Jr. quickly spun out to draw the yellow flag.Jones No. 20 car then appeared to stall during the caution, creating the penalty and a turn of events that handed the lead to Busch for good. ' ' '