Monday Postgame: Freakish Week 13

This was Week 13 of the MLS offseason, so maybe we shouldn?t have been surprised that it delivered raging sandstorms, torrential rain and a freak injury to a young star.

There were also some underwhelming preseason results, and a hot-blooded scrimmage that produced nine cards and two apparent injuries.

Source: http://www.dcunited.com/news/2011/02/monday-postgame-freakish-week-13

Booker, Trevor Boozer, Carlos Bosh, Chris Boykins, Earl Brackins, Craig

MLS 2011 Jerseys Unveiled: 'Cleanliness' and Conformity Reign

Filed under: MLS, Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angeles Galaxy, New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake, Philadelphia Union, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Toronto FC, Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Major League Soccer remains haunted by the ghosts of horrible uniforms past.

The men in the photo to the right, which includes World Cup veterans like Tab Ramos, John Harkes and Roy Wegerle, are wearing the clown costumes designed for the league's inaugural campaign in 1996.

The uniforms (except Harkes') looked like the result of a tragic Spin Art accident or the creations of overly eager, soccer ignorant marketers trying to be outrageous. It was totally xtreme.

They were inspired by branding profiles such as these:

Tampa Bay Mutiny: "The...logo system doesn't have any rebellious sailors. No three-masted galleons. No rolling oceans. Just little green winged cyber-mutants from the dark blue depths of space."

San Jose Clash: "The driving spirit of the San Jose Clash is the scorpion. Quick, lethal and mean ... With shapes and colors that reflect the diverse ethnic makeup and heritage of the Bay Area, the logo system is derived from the soil it represents."

Kansas City Wiz: "Breakaways, bicycle kicks and sprawling headers will be the magic potion of the soccer wizards of Kansas City."

Dallas Burn: "The ... logo system starts with the cowboy of the asphalt West: the loners, outsiders and rebels found on cycle jackets and gas tanks."

Only two logos unveiled that day -- the New England Revolution's and Columbus Crew's -- remain untouched. That's progress.

 

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Source: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2011/02/22/mls-2011-uniforms-unveiled-cleanliness-and-conformity-reign/

Afflalo, Arron Ajinca, Alexis Alabi, Solomon Aldrich, Cole Aldridge, LaMarcus

Bahrain F1 Race Canceled Due to Unrest

Filed under: Formula One

MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) -- The crown prince of Bahrain called off Formula One's season-opening race Monday, handing another victory to protesters aiming to break the ruling dynasty's stranglehold on power in the Gulf kingdom.

Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa owns the rights to grand prix and serves as commander of the armed forces in an island country were at least eight protesters have been killed in a week of unrest. Angry protesters, who see the Bahrain GP as particularly meaningful to him, wanted the March 13 race dropped.

Facing more demonstrations around an event that draws a worldwide TV audience of around 100 million in 187 countries, the crown prince told F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone by telephone that the race would not go ahead.

"We felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest and leave the hosting of Bahrain's Formula One race to a later date," Bahrain's crown prince said in a statement.

After launching deadly attacks on protesters at a landmark in the capital city of Manama, the nation's security forces pulled back Saturday under international pressure and allowed demonstrators to occupy Pearl Square. The protesters have now established a tent city there.

 

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Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/02/21/bahrain-formula-one-gp-called-off-due-to-unrest/

Azubuike, Kelenna Babbitt, Luke Balkman, Renaldo Banks, Marcus Barbosa, Leandro

Utah Readies for Transition to Pac-12

Filed under: Utah, Pac 10

It might be hard to believe, but Utah is in an unenviable position as it heads into spring football practice on March 8.

Yes, the Utes are making a much-anticipated move to the Pac-12, becoming the first non-AQ to make the jump to an AQ league since 2005, but they're doing so with no starting running back, no starters returning in the secondary, a new offensive coordinator and system, and a starting quarterback who's on the shelf because of shoulder surgery.

It's not the way coach Kyle Whittingham envisioned his entrance onto the Pac-12 stage.

Utah is 4-3 against the old Pac-10 since Whittingham took over in 2005. But those games were either bowl or non-conference games that were easy to get up for. Preparing the Utes to face the caliber of talent they will see in the Pac-12 game in and game out is going to take some time and some strong recruiting.

"I think depth is probably the factor there," Whittingham said. "When you're talking about playing the physical teams that we'll be playing week in and week out, I think your depth of your squad is going to become even more important than it was in the Mountain West Conference. I think that, really, in my opinion, is what separates conference from conference is the overall talent of your roster from one to 85. In my opinion, the teams in the Pac-12 have more depth on their rosters than what you find in the Mountain West Conference."

Whittingham, his staff and his players have spent countless hours watching film of various Pac-12 members, trying to establish tendencies, trends and see just where the Utes need to get better. One of those areas was offense, so Whittingham brought in former UCLA and USC offensive coordinator Norm Chow. Last season, the Utes went from averaging 45 points per game in the first eight games to just 11 in the final five.

 

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/23/utah-readies-for-transition-to-pac-12/

Carney, Rodney Carroll, DeMarre Carroll, Matt Carter, Anthony Carter, Vince

Ryan Mallett Miffed About Questions Concerning Drug Use Allegations

Filed under: NFL Draft, NFL Quarterbacks, NFL Analysis

INDIANAPOLIS -- Before Cam Newton faced the cameras, microphones, recorders and notebooks, it was Ryan Mallett's turn, and he had the added burden of dealing with drug use allegations that have been raised recently. He chose to sidestep the issue and let it stay between him and the teams interviewing him, other than to say he has laughed them off and hinted that "obviously, somebody did it for a reason, right before the combine, right before the draft."

But just as he seemed to be finding his rhythm in his answers and touted the quality of competition he faced in the Southeastern Conference as another plus, he was pressed a little more on the allegations and how he's dealing with them and he insisted he wasn't going to talk about them anymore. His session came to an abrupt end when another reporter tried to explain that the questions aren't going to go away until he gives a definitive answer as he said he didn't want to and walked off.

At 6-foot-7 and 253 pounds, Mallett is slightly bigger than Newton (6-5, 248) and has perhaps the biggest arm of all of the quarterbacks. Some scouts have been concerned about his accuracy, but he shot back that the fact that he has thrown for more than 7,000 yards and 60 touchdowns in two seasons should speak for itself. He also claimed he can throw the ball more than 80 yards.

Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/26/ryan-mallett-miffed-about-questions-concerning-drug-use-allegati/

Childress, Josh Clark, Earl Collins, Jarron Collins, Jason Collins, Sherron

Charley Rosen: Carmelo Burns LeBron as Knicks Win in Miami

Filed under: Heat, Knicks

No surprise that the marquee matchup in New York's 91-86 win in Miami pitted Carmelo Anthony versus LeBron James. Turned out that Melo won both the battle and the war.

Simply put, Anthony shredded LeBron's paltry attempts to guard him. On several drives hoopwards -- whether resorting to straight power-moves or tricky spins -- Melo left James in the dust. Indeed, at the time Melo was putting the finishing touches on any given layup, James was beaten so badly that he wasn't even posterized.

As ever, LeBron's defensive stance was too upright, and the slightest ball-fake drew him completely off-balance. On one embarrassing sequence, LBJ was so mesmerized by the ball that he was unable to react when Anthony executed a nifty back-door cut, caught a lob pass from Amar'e Stoudemire, and scored on an uncontested dunk.

For sure Carmelo Anthony is the most versatile point-maker in the NBA -- beating James from the low-post to wing isos and pull-ups -- but the game at hand should finally put the lie to all the hype concerning LBJ's being a top-notch defender.

Anthony's numbers: 10-of-22 shooting, two assists, two turnovers, nine rebounds, and 29 points. As is his wont, Melo was most comfortable when put in isolation situations -- his 12 iso opportunities led to his scoring eight points. In grill-to-grill competition, Anthony scorched LeBron for a total of twenty points.

At the other end of the game, Anthony's quick-footed, aggressive defense against LBJ was a revelation. In fact, Melo hasn't played such ornery defense for such long stretches since he locked horns with Kobe Bryant in the fourth game of the 2009 Western Conference finals.

 

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/28/charley-rosen-carmelo-burns-lebron-as-knicks-win-in-miami/

Collison, Darren Collison, Nick Conley, Mike Cook, Brian Cook, Daequan

Mets Reportedly Received $20 Million in Aid From Major League Baseball

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

The New York Mets have received a minimum of $20 million in assistance from Major League Baseball as they continue to fight a lawsuit brought against them by victims of Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme, according to a report in the New York Times.

Irving H. Picard, the trustee of the victims in the suit, is seeking close to $1 billion from the Wilpon family and Saul Katz -- the owners of the Mets -- further straining an ownership group that already is carrying $400 million in debt on the team.

The Times report claims that the Mets have already exhausted MLB's $75 million standard line of credit, which is made available to clubs for a number of reasons over the course of each year, forcing commissioner Bud Selig to step in and provide further aid to fund the team's day-to-day operations.

Selig signed off on $40 million in loans to the Texas Rangers last year as they went through a drawn-out sale of the club from Tom Hicks to a group led by Chuck Greenberg.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/25/mets-reportedly-received-20-million-in-aid-from-major-league-ba/

Barnes, Matt Bass, Brandon Battie, Tony Battier, Shane Batum, Nicolas

Broncos, Cardinals, Redskins Struggled to Pick Up Blitzes

Filed under: NFL Quarterbacks, NFL Analysis

There's nothing scarier for a quarterback than an unblocked pass rusher.

If you were a quarterback for the Broncos, Redskins or Cardinals in 2010, you had plenty of reasons to be frightened.

Denver, Washington and Arizona were the only NFL teams to reach double digits in unblocked sacks.

There are a couple of ways that a blitzer can pick up the easiest of easy sacks. The simplest explanation is that confusion along the offensive line (or among running backs assigned for blitz pickup) lets someone come free even though the blocking scheme should have accounted for him. On other plays, especially if the defense calls a corner blitz, the unblocked blitzer is the responsibility of the quarterback and wide receivers -- the quarterback has to recognize it and the receiver has to break off his route so that the QB can get rid of the ball before the blitzer arrives.

 

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/25/broncos-cardinals-redskins-struggled-to-pick-up-blitzes/

Dudley, Jared Duhon, Chris Duncan, Tim Dunleavy, Mike Durant, Kevin

Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Jamal Crawford React to Hawks' Trade With Wizards

Filed under: Hawks, Wizards, NBA Rumors

PHOENIX -- The five-player trade between the Hawks and the Wizards had been in the works throughout the latter part Wednesday afternoon, and was finalized sometime shortly before the Hawks were set to tip-off in Phoenix against the Suns. Atlanta came back from 14 points down in the third quarter to tie it in the fourth, before eventually falling by a final of 105-97.

For the players in the Hawks locker room afterward, it wasn't about Wednesday's game. It was about realizing that guys they had formed a bond with were suddenly now gone. And even a few hours later, Atlanta's key players were still having a hard time dealing with the sudden shake-up.

"I was a little shocked," Jamal Crawford said. "I knew something could possibly happen but ... you know, those guys, they're like family. You spend so much time with them over the course of the year. Mo, Mike, and Jordan, they're like family. I wish them nothing but the best."

 

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/joe-johnson-josh-smith-jamal-crawford-react-to-hawks-trade-wi/

Bell, Charlie Bell, Raja Bibby, Mike Biedrins, Andris Billups, Chauncey

Leslie Frazier Avoids Word 'Rebuilding' at NFL Combine

Filed under: Vikings, NFC North

INDIANAPOLIS -- Leslie Frazier sees things a bit differently from outsiders.

While many observers see the Minnesota Vikings very much in a rebuilding mode and needing upgrades around the roster, Frazier -- entering his first full season as the Vikings' coach -- might agree with the first part, but not the second.

Sure, Frazier said, there are improvements needed. But rebuilding? Frazier stopped short of saying the Vikings were in such a mode.

Well short.

"We're not that far removed from playing in the NFC Championship Game," Frazier said Friday at a press conference during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine, being held through Tuesday at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis.

"We just need to be right this offseason in certain areas. If we're able to get it done, we can close that gap a lot sooner than most would expect."

The Vikings lost the NFC Championship Game to the New Orleans Saints following the 2009 regular season, and followed that with a disappointing 2010 that featured a 3-7 start and seemingly weekly drama surrounding quarterback Brett Favre.

Frazier replaced Brad Childress as coach with six games remaining in the 2010 season, and his interim tag was removed shortly after the season.

The Vikings finished 6-10, but were 3-3 under Frazier.

"Without question, we have a better feel for our football team after going back and looking at the 2010 season," Frazier said. "We tried to ascertain what pieces we need to fit in order for us to close the gap in the NFC North that are ahead of us."

Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said recent weeks have been spent trying to get personnel and scouts acclimated to Frazier's approach.

"Just working with Leslie over the past four or five weeks, as we've kind of game planned and getting ready to head into our offseason," Spielman said. "Working through our team, working through the UFA meetings, working through our draft process, working with (offensive coordinator) Bill Musgrave and getting to know him and Craig Johnson, our new quarterbacks coach, just identifying what they're looking for and what the characteristics they are looking for in a quarterback -- I have a pretty good idea of what they are looking for.

"Now, we'll start the process of identifying some of the players down here, some of the players that could potentially be in the trade market, some of the players that could potentially be in the UFA market and start honing in on those players."

Frazier said the Vikings will focus in the offseason on upgrading a defensive line that was once a strength. The Vikings finished ninth in the NFL in run defense this past season, allowing 102.2 yards per game. Longtime defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams are in their 15th and ninth seasons, respectively.

"We want to do some things to help our defensive line," Frazier said. "We're aging at one of the spots. We need to do some things to improve. One of our mantras has been, 'Be good against the run.' We've been able to stop the run.

"We slipped a little bit. We have to look at some things to see what we have to do to improve that area."

Frazier also addressed the ongoing issue involving third-year wide receiver Percy Harvin's migraines. The 2009 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, he has missed multiple practices and a game because of the issue.

"We think we have a better feel for where Percy is today from a medical standpoint," Frazier said. "We made some headway, but it's going to be an ongoing process. It's a debilitating occurrence when it does happen.

 

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/25/leslie-frazier-tiptoes-around-word-rebuilding-at-nfl-combine/

Allen, Ray Allen, Tony Aminu, Al-Farouq Amundson, Lou Andersen, Chris

Trevor Bayne Wrecks at Phoenix, Continues Hunting for Sponsors

AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne is still working on finding sponsors for his Sprint Cup and Nationwide cars.

The 20-year-old driver says he'd like to add both races at Talladega, but doesn't have anything lined up. He also says Friday his car would have a lot of open spaces on it this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway because the Wood Brothers are still trying to line up more sponsors.

Bayne is scheduled for 18 Sprint Cup races, but would like a full season. His Nationwide car doesn't have a sponsor.

The youngest driver to win the Daytona 500, Bayne says he's had a chaotic week, including calls from President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, TV appearances and meeting actress Pamela Anderson, who told him he reminded her of her son.

 

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Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/02/25/trevor-bayne-wrecks-at-phoenix-continues-hunting-for-sponsors/

Anderson, James Anderson, Ryan Anthony, Carmelo Anthony, Joel Arenas, Gilbert

Fans Will Blame Players for NFL Lockout

by Clay Travis

Filed under: Sports Business and Media

As the NFL's lockout calendar draws increasingly near, negotiations between the Players Association and the owners is already becoming too complicated for the average fan to follow.

Yesterday, brought news that the owners filed a complaint with the NLRB claiming that the Players Association was engaging in unfair bargaining practices. As part of that complaint, the NFL cited the player union's threat to decertify in the event the owners lock out the players.

The decertification by the NFLPA would mean the NFL would be in danger of antitrust charges because Collective Bargaining Agreements countenance some forms of antitrust activity, the antitrust exemption, so long as that antitrust activity is bargained for by two parties acting in good faith. Remove that exemption and the NFL could face serious issues when 32 teams are acting in concert with one another.

Is your head spinning from that information?

I know it is.

And things are only going to get more complicated from here. That means that fans, who just want the damn games played, are going to tune out the day-to-day babble surrounding the negotiations.
The Other Side

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We expect players to act like inmates. The owners of the asylum are supposed to take the high road, only they seem to have lost the map.
-- David Whitley on why the owners are at fault in the NFL labor dispute
Those details will be significant to a tiny minority of the overall fan base. And the information, misinformation, accusations and counter-accusations are going to be flying so fast and furious from both sides that you'll need a law degree and 20 years of labor relations practice under your belt, to actually be able to parse the significant information. Nope, instead of enmeshing themselves in the details the fans are going to blame someone if come September there are no games.

And I'll tell you who eventually is going to end up being blamed for the impasse by the vast majority of fans -- the players.

 

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/15/fans-will-blame-players-for-nfl-lockout/

Aldrich, Cole Aldridge, LaMarcus Allen, Malik Allen, Ray Allen, Tony

Michael Waltrip Takes Emotional Truck Race Win on Earnhardt Anniversary

Filed under: Elliott Sadler, Michael Waltrip, Daytona Int'l Speedway, SPEED TV, NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- An emotional, out-of-breath Michael Waltrip could barely choke out words of thanks after he made a dramatic last-lap pass to win the NASCAR Camping World Truck series 250-mile race Friday night at Daytona International Speedway.

Waltrip, who usually announces the truck races, swept past Elliott Sadler in a classic Daytona slingshot pass as the trucks sped into the tri-oval toward the checkered flag in a green-white-checkered, two-lap finish after a couple of big wrecks late in the race.

It came on the 10th anniversary of Waltrip's greatest and worst day -- his win in the 2001 Daytona 500 seconds after his car owner Dale Earnhardt's fatal crash in turn four on the last lap.

"I'm just so thankful, Waltrip said Friday night, nearly breathless, with tears and sweat gleaming on his face in the glare of the television lights in victory lane. "I want to thank the fans, man. They keep us going. And they've just been so good to us. It's just very emotional and I didn't know I could push Elliott all the way around there. And I was able to do it.

 

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Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/02/18/michael-waltrip-takes-emotional-truck-race-win-on-earnhardt-anni/

Deng, Luol DeRozan, DeMar Diaw, Boris Diogu, Ike Diop, DeSagana

Hank Steinbrenner's Backtracking Shows He's Not the Boss

Filed under: Yankees

Some of the things the late George Steinbrenner said were absolutely correct. Others were outrageously wrong. Whatever the case, the real "Boss" of the New York Yankees said what he meant, and he never hustled back to first base when he knew he just slammed a shot into the alley by ripping somebody with his tongue.

Are you listening, Hank?

Apparently not.

I mean, everybody knows what (and who) George's oldest son was referring to this week when Hank Steinbrenner said of the Yankees failing to repeat last season after winning the 2009 World Series: "Some of the players are too busy building mansions and not concentrating on winning."

Not coincidentally, the Yankees' current Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle and Jackson -- named Derek Jeter -- is in the final stages of building a multimillion dollar mansion in Tampa.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/25/hank-steinbrenners-backtracking-shows-hes-not-the-boss/

Allen, Malik Allen, Ray Allen, Tony Aminu, Al-Farouq Amundson, Lou

MLS Ticker: Texas derby set for Disney final, Seattle smokes UCF and more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SoccerByIves/~3/Oazp8Ge51IE/mls-ticker-texas-derby-set-for-disney-final-seattle-smokes-ucf-and-more.html

Collison, Darren Collison, Nick Conley, Mike Cook, Brian Cook, Daequan

Phoenix Open Power Rankings: Mickelson Primed for Success

Filed under: Golf Odds and Ends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Mick Elliott: Tournament Preview | Tee Times

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

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

 

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

Belinelli, Marco Bell, Charlie Bell, Raja Bibby, Mike Biedrins, Andris

Watch the Disney Classic live

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SoccerByIves/~3/5HXC-1Ui01U/watch-the-disney-classic-live.html

Arenas, Gilbert Ariza, Trevor Armstrong, Hilton Arroyo, Carlos Artest, Ron

Sam Querrey Shouldn't 'Let' It Go

Filed under: ATP

It was just a play on words, of course, when the Florida newspapers said that Sam Querrey had "let'' Ryan Sweeting win Wednesday. It did involve a disputed let-call. But it's a bad choice of words for Querrey.

Sweeting said it showed "how good of a guy'' Querrey is. The Fort Lauderdale paper called it a classy move on Querrey's part.

I'm not so sure. It's always nice to see examples of good sportsmanship, but is that what we saw when the chair ump said, after match point, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Querrey has conceded the point?"

Or was this just another example of Querrey's fatal flaw. I'm going with the second choice.

Here's what happened: Sweeting won the first set in a tiebreaker. He was up 5-4 in the second set, serving at Ad-in. Match point. So Sweeting hit a first serve into the corner, thought he had an ace, pumped his fist and yelled "YEAH!''

With his own yelling, and with the crowd cheering his victory over Querrey, Sweeting didn't hear the chair umpire calling a let. Sweeting needed to play the point over.

So he got ready to argue, and then Querrey approached and shook his hand and said, "You're good. Good serve."

Source: http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/sam-querrey-shouldnt-let-it-go/

Douglas-Roberts, Chris Dragic, Goran Dudley, Jared Duhon, Chris Duncan, Tim

Monday Movers: Yani Tseng's Dynasty, Mobile Phones

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

Stock Up

Yani Tseng -- A week after taking over the No. 1 ranking, Tseng won her third straight event of the year, this time by five strokes over Michelle Wie at the Honda LPGA Thailand. Obviously the LPGA lacks the popularity of its male counterpart, but it's a shame that Tseng doesn't get more publicity. At just 22 years of age, she's already earned the title of youngest major winner and youngest to reach No. 1 in the world. And how is this for peer approval? Describing her game, Wie said, "Yani played fantastic. She played like a rock star out there. She made every single putt and zero mistakes. Congrats to her."

Aaron Baddeley -- Less than a month before his 30th birthday, the Australian added his third PGA Tour victory to his trophy case at the Northern Trust Open. Badds, as he's nicknamed, overtook crowd favorite Fred Cuples at the top of the leaderboard following the third round and never relinquished the lead. Amazingly, Baddeley started the year ranked 274th in the world and was sitting 224th before this week. That just speaks at how he's struggled since his last win in February of 2007. He'll now head to the Masters for just the third time in his career, and the first since finishing T17 two years ago.

Turn Back the Clock -- A couple of tour veterans almost stole the show at Riviera. Fred Couples and Vijay Singh took fans back a few years when their names showed up at the top of the leaderboard. The smooth-swinging Couples looks to have his game in order much earlier than his yearly appearance on the Masters leaderboard. He led after rounds one and two, but a tender back slowed him down and resulted in a tie for 7th. Singh, on the other hand, maintained his putter all weekend, riding it to a 2nd place finish. The former World No.1 has shown much more consistency in his game thus far, and he called this week his best putting performance ever.

Mobile Phones -- Beginning in March, PGA fans will be able to bring their mobile phones to tournaments going forward. After experimenting with the policy to begin this year, the Tour officially approved the decision last week. Although there will be added disruptions despite prohibiting ringers, it's a good move by the tour. It's not only because of how integral phones have become in our daily lives, but also because it helps promote the Tour. Maybe you'll see interest increase when people's Twitter and Facebook feeds start filling up with PGA updates like they do with other sports.

Barclays to Bethpage? -- According to a report by the Associated Press, The Barclays is trying to take its tournament to Bethpage Black, the Long Island public course that has hosted the U.S. Open twice. The Barclays is the opening event in the FedEx Cup playoff and has previously been played at different locations around New York and New Jersey. There will be a few hurdles to jump before this could happen - mainly approval of state funding to help maintain the course's conditions during and after the competition. If the move happens, the popular location that attracts a blue-collar crowd would make a great location to kick-off the playoff.

 

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Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2011/02/21/tsengs-dynasty-baddeleys-riviera/

Arroyo, Carlos Artest, Ron Arthur, Darrell Asik, Omer Augustin, D.J.

Nuggets Close to Extension on Karl, Want Nene, Smith Back

Filed under: Jazz, Nuggets, NBA Rumors

DENVER -- Carmelo Anthony might be gone, but Nuggets coach George Karl is closing in on a contract extension.

Nuggets president Josh Kroenke said after Thursday night's 89-75 win over Boston that negotiations are nearly complete on bringing Karl back for next season.

"We're pretty close on that,'' Kroenke said in an interview with FanHouse. "We've been doing that throughout the process and we just had to cut it off at times because we had to focus on Melo.''

The Nuggets started negotiations in December on bringing back Karl, in the last year of his contract. There were some delays due to trade talk regarding Carmelo Anthony, the star forward who was dealt Tuesday to New York.

"Hopefully, soon,'' Kroenke said about when a deal on Karl will be announced. "George is somebody we want to keep here and, obviously, you can see him (Thursday), he does a great job with what he has. We'll hopefully get something done. We want George here for a long time.''

Kroenke declined to speculate on the length of Karl's contract extension, but sources previously have said three years is the expected number. FanHouse had reported last month Karl would return to the Nuggets next season, with Anthony being traded not being a factor.

 

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/25/nuggets-talk-about-re-signing-j-r-smith-as-trade-deadline-passe/

Clark, Earl Collins, Jarron Collins, Jason Collins, Sherron Collison, Darren

Charlie Davies Ready to Prove Himself as Player and Person With D.C. United

Filed under: MLS, U.S. Men's National Team, D.C. United

Charlie Davies is ready to be a grown-up. He's ready to be a role model.

The man whose life changed forever when he skipped out on national team curfew (less than 48 hours before a World Cup qualifier) and got into an SUV with a woman who'd been drinking now wants to be the player to whom others turn for guidance.

He's hoping to get that chance with D.C. United, which is trialing the 24-year-old striker in Florida. If Davies can demonstrate that he's able to contribute, the MLS club will acquire him on a year-long loan from Sochaux.

Naturally, he hopes those contributions show up on the scoreboard.

 

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Source: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2011/02/04/charlie-davies-ready-to-prove-himself-as-player-and-person-with/

Daye, Austin Delfino, Carlos Deng, Luol DeRozan, DeMar Diaw, Boris

NBA Players, Owners Set Tone for Negotiations in All-Star Weekend Meeting

by Sam Amick

Filed under: NBA All-Star Game, NBA Rumors, Sports Business and Media, NBA CBA, NBA Business

LOS ANGELES -- The Friday meeting between NBA owners and players to discuss the dire labor situation will never be remembered as a memorable turning point that led to a new collective bargaining agreement.

It was as basic as gatherings go, with both sides speaking in generalities and basic philosophies about how and why their sides and their stances should be understood. There were, by numerous first-hand accounts, very few details discussed and no issues resolved as the clock continues to tick toward the June 30 expiration and the extended lockout that is expected to follow.

But the very reasons that the meeting was considered a step forward by all involved said everything about the sad state of affairs going in. There was no rhetoric, no contentious tones, no hyper focus on the respective agendas.

With the 15 All-Stars on hand (25 players in all) joined by most of the league's owners in the Beverly Hills meeting that lasted approximately two hours, there was finally the acknowledgment that both sides must be willing to discuss their disagreements no matter how vehement they might be. And that, believe it or not, marked a significant step forward in setting the tone for these crucial discussions.

 

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/19/nba-players-owners-set-tone-for-negotiations-in-all-star-weeken/

Blake, Steve Blatche, Andray Bledsoe, Eric Bogans, Keith Bogut, Andrew

Tennessee Receives NCAA Notice of Allegations; Lane Kiffin Cited

Filed under: Tennessee, SEC

The NCAA has cited former Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin with a failure to monitor charge in a Notice of Allegations letter released by the University of Tennessee on Wednesday. Overall, the school was charged with 9 major violations, two in football -- both tied to Kiffin -- and seven in basketball.

The story was first reported here by FanHouse earlier this month.

Kiffin has also been hit with a failure to promote an atmosphere of compliance charge. The levying of these two charges against the former coach rather than the Vol program represents a last-minute appeal by Tennessee to avoid the saddling of the program itself with the penalties. Instead, Tennessee deftly stepped aside and served up the head of Kiffin to the NCAA.

Meanwhile Bruce Pearl, head basketball coach of the University of Tennessee was cited by the NCAA for, per the UT release, "impermissible contact with prospective student-athletes during an unofficial visit, acting contrary to the principles of ethical conduct, failure to promote an atmosphere of compliance, and failure to monitor the activities regarding compliance of all assistant coaches within the men's basketball program."

The majority of these charges stem from Pearl's lying about having junior recruits over to his house for a barbeque. Hosting juniors at the home of a head coach is a secondary violation, but Pearl's lie made the matter a major violation that led to a dock in pay, an eight-game SEC suspension, and more punishment to come, potentially, from the NCAA.

While Tennessee declined comment other than posting the letter, Pat Haden, the athletic director at USC, released this statement in support of Kiffin:

"We have received from the NCAA a notice of allegations against Lane Kiffin pertaining to his tenure as the head football coach at Tennessee. The NCAA enforcement process provides for Tennessee and Lane to address those charges. Until that process is completed, it would be unfair and premature for me or USC to comment on this matter."

"However, I will say this: Since his return to USC last year as our head football coach, Lane has been vigilant in making sure he and the football program follow the NCAA's rules and compete the right way. Lane has my support as our head football coach."

For his part, Kiffin, who declined comment when FanHouse broke this story, released the following statement: "On the advice of my legal counsel, we cannot comment other than to say we look forward to working through the process with the NCAA."

Tennessee will have 90 days to respond to the NCAA's notice of allegations and then will appear before the Committee on Infractions in early June.

Follow Clay Travis on Twitter here. With All That and a Bag of Mail back on a weekly basis, you can e-mail him questions at Clay.Travis@gmail.com.

 

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/23/tennessee-receives-ncaa-notice-of-allegations-lane-kiffin-cited/

Beasley, Michael Beaubois, Rodrigue Belinelli, Marco Bell, Charlie Bell, Raja

AUDIO: Charlie Davies with Glenn Davis's radio show

Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis delves in to all things soccer covering the game at all levels. Davis has interviewed top stars in the game including David Beckham, Landon Donovan, Brandi Chastain, Freddy Adu among others. Listen online at sports790.com

Source: http://www.dcunited.com/news/2011/02/audio-charlie-davies-with-glenn-daviss-radio-show

Crawford, Jamal Crawford, Jordan Cunningham, Dante Curry, Eddy Curry, Stephen

Miami Heat Blow Out Sacramento Kings in Return Home

Filed under: Heat, Kings

MIAMI -- Picking up where they left off before the All-Star break, the Miami Heat easily cruised by the overmatched Sacramento Kings, 117-97, for their 12th victory in their last 14 games. With 76 combined points from the Big 3, the All-Star trio stormed out of the gates and had their way against a lifeless team that put up little resistance as the Heat's lead kept getting bigger.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra had little to complain about afterward.

"For the most part tonight, it was a very good energy game, a focused game and played the right way," he said. "LeBron really had a different look in his eye at the start of the game. It set the tone on both ends of the court."

With Tyreke Evans out for at least three weeks to receive foot treatment and Carl Landry held out of the game because of a possible trade to the New Orleans Hornets, the Kings didn't have the firepower or talent to keep up.

Kings coach Paul Westphal summed it up rather easily: "They started fast in the first quarter and took care of business."

 

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/23/miami-heat-blow-out-sacramento-kings-in-return-home/

Curry, Stephen Dalembert, Samuel Dampier, Erick Daniels, Marquis Davis, Baron

Fight of the Century: Muhammad Ali's Legacy Grows in Defeat

Just outside of Madison Square Garden's 7th Avenue doors are soaring, decorated, celebratory columns of Garden historical splendor. A center one is plastered with a photograph and these words of a transcending boxing event that soon reaches 40 years old:

``THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY _ MARCH 8, 1971.''

Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier.

It was the first of their trilogy of blazing boxing dances, a Garden bash with the nation plus corners of the world all bopping too, transfixed. Ali vs. Frazier. The Greatest vs. Smokin' Joe. Louisville's lip vs. Philadelphia's pride. Peace vs. war. The anti-establishment vs. the establishment.

Ali lost.

But he would win both rematches -- "Ali-Frazier II'' in 1974 and the "Thrilla in Manila'' in 1975.

In losing, Ali gained droplets of mercy and understanding. In losing, he became more than a light of hope. This loss would continue the comeback narrative that marked his heavyweight boxing career, the comeback narrative that has served as the brushstroke of his life. He was knocked down. He got up. He flew.

The Fight of the Century, approaching anniversary 40, proved a grand essential in the larger, more blazing footprints of Muhammad Ali.

Source: http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/fight-of-the-century-muhammad-alis-legacy-grows-in-defeat/

Bargnani, Andrea Barnes, Matt Bass, Brandon Battie, Tony Battier, Shane

Sam Querrey Shouldn't 'Let' It Go

Filed under: ATP

It was just a play on words, of course, when the Florida newspapers said that Sam Querrey had "let'' Ryan Sweeting win Wednesday. It did involve a disputed let-call. But it's a bad choice of words for Querrey.

Sweeting said it showed "how good of a guy'' Querrey is. The Fort Lauderdale paper called it a classy move on Querrey's part.

I'm not so sure. It's always nice to see examples of good sportsmanship, but is that what we saw when the chair ump said, after match point, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Querrey has conceded the point?"

Or was this just another example of Querrey's fatal flaw. I'm going with the second choice.

Here's what happened: Sweeting won the first set in a tiebreaker. He was up 5-4 in the second set, serving at Ad-in. Match point. So Sweeting hit a first serve into the corner, thought he had an ace, pumped his fist and yelled "YEAH!''

With his own yelling, and with the crowd cheering his victory over Querrey, Sweeting didn't hear the chair umpire calling a let. Sweeting needed to play the point over.

So he got ready to argue, and then Querrey approached and shook his hand and said, "You're good. Good serve."

Source: http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/sam-querrey-shouldnt-let-it-go/

Deng, Luol DeRozan, DeMar Diaw, Boris Diogu, Ike Diop, DeSagana

Big Penalties for Broken Spoiler on Michael Waltrip's Winning Daytona Truck

Filed under: Elliott Sadler, Michael Waltrip, Daytona Int'l Speedway, Camping World Truck Series, SPEED TV, NASCAR

When MIchael Waltrip crossed the finish line a winner in the Camping World truck series race at Daytona International Speedway Friday night with only half a spoiler to retard his progress, you knew NASCAR wouldn't stand for that, at least to a degree.

Despite the broken spoiler (above), it was an emotional, stirring victory for Waltrip, coming as it did 10 years to the day of his first Daytona 500 victory in 2001 in the race that took the life of his car owner and friend, Dale Earnhardt.

In the announcing booth after the truck race, Michael's brother, Darrell, confidently predicted that the victory would stand, but NASCAR would fine the team for the broken piece.

Darrell Waltrip's prediction was spot on, as NASCAR levied hefty penalties for the spoiler, which "did not meet specifications in post-race inspection," the sanctioning body announced Wednesday.

"As a result, crew chief Doug Howe has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Owner Billy Ballew has been penalized with the loss of 25 championship owner points," NASCAR's statement said.

 

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Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/02/23/big-penalties-for-broken-spoiler-on-michael-waltrips-winning-da/

Barnes, Matt Bass, Brandon Battie, Tony Battier, Shane Batum, Nicolas

Arian Foster Undergoes Knee Surgery

Filed under: Texans, AFC South

The NFL's leading rusher has undergone surgery on his right knee.

Arian Foster, a second-year running back for the Houston Texans, underwent minor arthroscopic surgery on Wednesday to repair cartilage damaged sustained in the Pro Bowl last month, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reported Wednesday.

McClain reported that if the surgery had taken place during the regular season Foster would have been ready to play in three weeks.

Also for the Texans, defensive assistant John Butler -- who was hired from the University of Minnesota this month to assist with special teams -- will join the University of South Carolina as special teams coordinator.

 

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/23/arian-foster-undergoes-knee-surgery/

Durant, Kevin Ebanks, Devin Ellington, Wayne Ellis, Monta Elson, Francisco

Tennessee Makes Special Delivery to NCAA: Lane Kiffin

Filed under: Tennessee, USC

For the past several months the University of Tennessee and the NCAA have been feverishly negotiating the notice of allegations that UT released Wednesday. The damage to the Volunteer athletic program was significant, but it wasn't crippling. Why? Because Tennessee handled the NCAA, a bureaucratic agency that answers to its own regulations and precedent as it sees fit, just about as well as a university can.

By that I mean that Tennessee immediately retained heavyweight attorney Mike Glazier, who specializes in these investigations and is worth his weight in gold. Whatever legal fees the Vols paid him in 2010 and '11, Tennessee got the best bargain for its money in college football this side of Cam Newton. They ought to retire his gavel on the ring of honor at Neyland Stadium.

In earlier drafts of the notice of allegations the Volunteer football program was set to take a hit for a major violation, a failure to monitor, alongside Lane Kiffin. Then, voila, Glazier worked his magic in the last two weeks and not only managed to avoid a direct hit to the football program, but he delivered Lane Kiffin's head on a silver platter to the NCAA.

Throughout this investigation, according to multiple sources, the goal of Tennessee was to isolate the football violations and place them squarely upon Lane Kiffin and his staff. Ultimately the Vols succeeded in going state's evidence and making Lane Kiffin football's fall guy.

A few months ago, Bruce Pearl said he missed Lane Kiffin being in Knoxville because Kiffin would always put his foot in his mouth and get the attention off Pearl. Well, Pearl got his wish. For one last time, Kiffin delivered the Volunteer basketball coach the ultimate gift, on a day that Pearl got slammed with seven major violations, a great deal of attention has shifted to the only real surprise from the notice, Kiffin's being hit with two major violations of his own.

Let's dive in and consider six other major takeaways from the notice of allegations arriving.

 

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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2011/02/23/tennessee-makes-special-delivery-to-ncaa-lane-kiffin/

Deng, Luol DeRozan, DeMar Diaw, Boris Diogu, Ike Diop, DeSagana