Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel left Sundays game and is doubtful to return. Keisel exited late in the third quarter with what the club has termed a left triceps issue. Air Force 1 Herre Norge . With the results, North America claimed 2.5 of the three available points, opening up a 17.5-12.5 lead in the overall standings. A total of 60 points are available, meaning the first team to 30.5 points will win the Continental Cup. Air Force 1 Just Do It Norge . -- John Senden never imagined it would take more than seven years to win again. http://www.airforce1norge.com/nike-roshe-one-norge.html . Nathan Beaulieu, Tomas Jurco, Danick Gauthier and Jonathan Huberdeau had a goal and an assist each as the Sea Dogs extended the longest streak in the Canadian Hockey League this season. Nike Tanjun Norge . It was the most lopsided loss in Lakers history. Darren Collison had a team-high 24 points while starting at shooting guard for the injured Jamal Crawford. Chris Paul added 13 points and 11 assists for the Clippers, who apparently are trying to make up for decades of humiliation at the hands of the Lakers all in one season; theyve won the last two meetings by a combined 84 points. Nike Air Force 1 Salg . - For years William Gay kept quiet.Russia have been handed a suspended disqualification from Euro 2016 by UEFA and fined following violent scenes in Marseille. The Russians will remain in the competition, but have been warned that further serious violence inside stadiums will see them kicked out.Russian hooligans charged England fans inside the ground after the two teams drew 1-1 on Saturday night.There were also three days of violence in the old port area of Marseille, which resulted in dozens of injuries - mostly to Englishmen. Flares were set off before the game had concluded Charges relating to crowd disturbances, use of fireworks and racist behaviour had been brought against the RFU (Russian Football Union), UEFA, which fined the Russians £118,000, said in a statement.Such suspension will be lifted if incidents of a similar nature (crowd disturbances) happen inside the stadium at any of the remaining matches of the Russian team during the tournament. The decision only relates to incidents which occurred inside the stadium and are therefore under the jurisdiction of the UEFA disciplinary bodies. The decision is open to appeal but the Russians have confirmed they will not do so, though they say the punishment is excessive. Fights broke out between Russian and England fans after the match in Marseille Russias sports minister Vitaly Mutko said: A disciplinary decision has been made and we are waiting for an official notification.We will be following the decision of UEFA and there must be no other stance from thee RFU (Russian FA).dddddddddddd. The punishment is excessive, but we cannot influence it. The fine is enormous as the Russian Football Union is a non-commercial organisation. There is no sense in appealing. French police have stopped a bus carrying Russian fans as they being a crackdown on potential troublemakers at Euro 2016 If Russia are expelled from Euro 2016, UEFA has confirmed that their results will be null and void.Reacting to the warning, Russia coach Leonid Slutsky said: We are sure that our supporters will not do the same and will not give any reasons to disqualify our team. We are sure that we are not going to be kicked (out) - there is not going to be any injustice. Also See: Police target Russian hooligans Dyke criticises Euro stewarding Russian fans defended honour Russians trained to fight ' ' '
CLEVELAND -- With his team in trouble, DeMar DeRozan flashed his All-Star form at the finish. DeRozan scored 16 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter, and the Toronto Raptors won for the sixth time in seven games with a 99-93 victory over the injury-riddled Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. "DeMar was huge down the stretch," Toronto coach Dwane Casey said. "He made shots, he made plays, he made some free throws." DeRozan also made a key defensive play with the Raptors leading 94-91 and 32 seconds remaining. He stole a pass from Spencer Hawes by knocking Tyler Zeller to the floor and then made two free throws for a five-point lead. "I dont have too many of those left in me," DeRozan said of the hard hit. "I kind of anticipated that." Terrence Ross hit a 3-pointer with 3:02 remaining to put Toronto ahead 90-89. DeRozan dunked on a baseline drive and added two free throws to give the Raptors a 94-91 lead with 1:23 remaining. Kyrie Irving, who played 45 minutes and the entire second half because of Clevelands depleted roster, scored 25 points and had nine assists. Cleveland has lost three straight after winning six in a row and fell 5 1/2 games out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Irving had no problem with coach Mike Browns decision to leave him in the game. "I told Coach Im willing to do whatever it takes for us to get a win," Irving said after playing a career high in a 48-minute game. The Cavaliers again played without centre Anderson Varejao (sore back) and guards Dion Waiters (hyperextended left knee) and C.J. Miles (sprained left ankle). Ross scored 19 points while Greivis Vasquez added 15 for the Raptors, who beat the Cavaliers 98-91 in Toronto on Friday and have won three in a row. Toronto leads the Atlantic Division and is in third place in the Eastern Conference. Hawes, making his first start for Cleveland since being acquired from Philadelphia last week, scored 15 points. Cleveland took its last lead at 89-87 with 3:11 to play on Zellers two free throws, but Ross 3-pointer put Toronto ahead for good. Irving, the MVP of the All-Star game, was called for charging into Kyle Lowry in the final minute. The call was upheld after officials viewed a replay. Irving was bumped on his way to the basket on Clevelands next possession but no call was made. "Its part of the game," he said of the officiating. "The refs are going to make their call. Thats their job. You move on to the next play and the next game. Im going to pick myself up and get ready for Oklahoma City (Wednesday night)." The Raptors went on a 15-0 run over a span of 6:46 in the first and second quarters to take a 14-point lead, but Casey was displeased his team let the Cavaliers get back in the game. "Were nowhere near where we can walk in a game and expect to win," he said. "All of our games are grind it out. Were going to see everyones best haymaker. They threw their best haymaker at us, they played desperate. Give credit to them." The early offensive struggles were a major reason Brown didnt take Irving out in the second half. "When I pulled him in the first half we had a little trouble scoring," Brown said. "I thought he was in a little bit of a groove. Hes our best player so I wanted to leave him on the floor and see if he could help the second unit generate some easy baskets." Toronto had a five-point possession in the second quarter that began when Vasquez hit a 3-pointer. Hawes was called for a foul when he and Tyler Hansbrough went to the floor. Hawes was then given a technical for arguing the call, and DeRozan and Hansbrough each made a free throw. Hansbrough completed another three-point play after DeRozans basket. Jarrett Jack was called for a foul after Hansbrough was knocked to the floor. Jack was also hit with a technical. Toronto built a 36-22 lead but Cleveland cut the margin to 47-41 at halftime and scored the first seven points of the third quarter to take a one-point lead. NOTES: Brown said it was unlikely that Varejao, Waiters and Miles would make the trip to Oklahoma City. Varejao has missed the last seven games while Waiters has been out four straight and Miles three in a row. Brown said Varejao and Waiters have begun some on-court work. ... Raptors C Jonas Valanciunas had two points in 17 minutes and played only seven minutes in the second half. ... Zeller started the first six games Varejao missed. Justin Morneau Jersey .28 for a combined time of 1:14.70, also an Olympic record. Lee won the gold medal, defending her title from the Vancouver Games. Willians Astudillo Twins Jersey . But defending champion Elena Vesnina of Russia held off a strong challenge to beat Shuai Peng of China 6-3, 6-4, and there was another hard-fought victory for 2012 runner-up Angelique Kerber of Germany, who defeated Alison Riske of the United States 7-6 (6), 6-4. http://www.twinssale.com/twins-nelson-cruz-jersey/ . This week they discuss Russias mens hockey team, the ineptitude of the IOC handling the Nicklas Backstrom situation, John Tortorellas many apologies, and Canadas strong showing in curling. Jonathan Schoop Twins Jersey . You can catch all of the action LIVE on TSN2 at 6pm et/3pm pt. The Heat reached that mark Saturday night when they ruined the Philadelphia 76ers home opener. Jorge Polanco Twins Jersey . With the results, North America claimed 2.5 of the three available points, opening up a 17.5-12.5 lead in the overall standings. A total of 60 points are available, meaning the first team to 30.5 points will win the Continental Cup.PARIS - Despite being one of the smallest players on the Tour, Kei Nishikoris performances are not going unnoticed at home.Nishikori, who is bidding to become the first Asian-born player to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals, is enjoying a breakthrough season in which he claimed four titles and reached the U.S. Open final.Although he lost in straight sets to Marin Cilic at Flushing Meadows, the 5-foot-10 players popularity reached new heights following his excellent run in New York.Its been big change, especially in Japan, Nishikori said after beating local favourite and former champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 at the Paris Masters on Thursday. It was a little bit crazy when I went back Japan. There were a lot of people that showed up in airport. But its a really exciting thing for me.The 24-year-old Nishikori is in sixth position in the race for the season finale and is now just one match away from booking his spot att the O2 from Nov.dddddddddddd 9-16.Three spots are still up for grabs in the race to London, with Nishikori among those hoping to join the already qualified Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka, Andy Murray and Marin Cilic.Nishikori, who saved five of the six break points he faced against Tsonga, needs to beat fourth-seeded David Ferrer in the quarterfinals to be guaranteed of flying to London.I think its great that Im enjoying this moment, for the first time I have the chance to go London, he said. Even if I lose this chance, I did really well this year.What he is lacking in height, Nishikori said he is making up for in good positioning.Sometimes its not easy to play big guys like Milos (Raonic) and John Isner, but I have something that they dont have, Nishikori said. I have speed and good footwork, and I think thats tennis. Everybody plays different way, and I think thats the fun thing, also for the crowd. ' ' '
PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle has coined a phrase for where star centre fielder Andrew McCutchen is at the moment. "(Hes) McHot," Hurdle said. For once, it might be an understatement. The reigning National League MVP had two doubles and two RBIs to lift the Pirates to a 4-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday night. McCutchen is batting .428 (18 of 42) this month, with 15 of his hits going for extra bases. "Im seeing the ball and I get a pitch to hit and I hit it and its finding the gaps and thats basically whats happening right now for me," said McCutchen, a career .324 hitter in June. "Things are just working out right now and I want to continue to stay where Im at." Russell Martin also doubled twice for the Pirates and rookie Gregory Polanco got a hit in the third straight game since his call-up. Edinson Volquez (4-5) pitched seven effective innings to win for the third time in his last five starts. Volquez struck out five and walked two while outpitching Chicago ace Jeff Samardzija (2-6). It helped the Cubs could do little when given the chance. Chicago went 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position. "He was commanding the zone like he does when he is in a good place and we were on the other side of it," Cubs manager Rick Renteria said of Volquez. McCutchen broke it open with a two-run double in the fifth. The Pirates had seven doubles in all, their highest total since a win over Houston in July 2010. "The next team that comes in here is probably better off pitching around him and letting him go to first base," Samardzija said. Luis Valbuena had two doubles for the Cubs, who went 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position to fall for the fourth time in five games. The Cubs have scored two runs or fewer in nine of Samardzijas 14 starts. Chicagos troubles werent just on offence on a night the worst road team in baseball fell to 0-9-3 in series played away from Wrigley Field this year. Samardzija struggled against a team that seems to be rounding into form behind its star centre fielder. McCutchen extended his hitting streak to eight straight by doubling with one out in the fourth before coming around to score when Martin smacked a ball off the wall in right field. Ike Davis scored two batters later on a sacrifice fly by Jordy Mercer to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead. Pittsburgh made it 4-0 in the fifth when Polanco -- batting leadoff for the first time -- and Starling Marte hit consecutive singles followed by drive by McCutchen to the notch in left-centre. McCutchen slid into the third on the play before making a rare mental miscue when he stepped off the base, allowing him to get tagged out in the process. "I guess thats why they say stay humble in this game, because crazy stuff like that will happen," McCutchen said. "Popping up, getting all excited and next thing you know Im floating all over the bag and his glove is right there so thats why you stay humble." It hardly mattered. The Cubs were too busy wasting chances to get to Volquez, who has suddenly emerged as a constant on Pittsburghs injury muddled pitching staff. After a bumpy patch in early May, Volquez is 3-1 with a 2.48 ERA in his last five starts. NOTES: The Pirates called up INF Michael Martinez from Triple-A Indianapolis before the game and optioned RHP Casey Sandler back to Indianapolis. ... Chicago CF Emilio Bonifacio left in the first inning with a rib injury and did not return. ... Chicago signed free agent C Yorvit Torrealba to a minor league deal Thursday. Torrealba, who played for Colorado last season, will report to Chicagos training complex in Mesa, Arizona. ... The Pirates begin a three-game set in Miami on Friday night against the Marlins. Jeff Locke (0-1) starts for Pittsburgh against Nathan Eovaldi (4-2, 3.27). ... The Cubs continue a 10-game road trip on Friday in Philadelphia. Jake Arrieta (1-1, 2.50) starts for the Cubs against Roberto Hernandez (2-4, 4.35). DaRon Payne Jersey . Team officials travelled to Los Angeles on Thursday night to meet with the free agent, a person with knowledge of the plans said. Clinton Portis Womens Jersey . Hoffman, the former star closer, will evaluate and help co-ordinate all pitchers at Double-A, Triple-A and the big league team. Byrnes says Hoffman "will be a key part of finishing the development of our younger pitchers. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/Redskins-Joe-Theismann-Jersey/ . Canada will host Japan in a World Group first-round match in 2015. It will be a rematch of their first-round clash last year when Japan defeated Canada 4-1 to reach the World Group quarter-finals for the first time in its history. DaRon Payne Womens Jersey . FIFA said the suspension was requested by ethics prosecutor Michael Garcia, making Beckenbauer the first person to be punished as a result of the case. Beckenbauer refused "repeated requests for his assistance, including requests that he provide information during an in-person interview or in response to written questions provided in both English and German," FIFA said in a statement. Dexter Manley Youth Jersey . Although head coach Randy Carlyle jokingly wondered how much actual training Bolland got done while in London. "I dont know how much training goes on when you go back to the junior team that you played for so I wouldnt read too much into that," laughed Carlyle after the Maple Leafs were put through an up-tempo practice that concluded with a 10-minute bag skate on Thursday.The Dallas Mavericks have made a move at small forward, with restricted free agent Chandler Parsons signing a three-year offer sheet worth more than $45 million. Houston will now have to decide whether to match the offer. Several photos of Parsons signing an offer sheet were posted on a Cyber Dust account controlled by Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and the team early Thursday, when the NBAs moratorium on signing free agents ended. The photos, including one of Cuban posing with Parsons, appeared briefly just after midnight Dallas time. The Rockets have three days to match the offer, though it wasnt immediately clear if they would do so for the 25-year-old forward who has played for them the past three seasons. Parsons was a second-round pick out of Florida in the 2011 draft. Dallas got an agreement in place with Parsons even before small forwards Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James announced where they will play, a signal thatt the Mavericks are most likely out on the two most prominent free agents.dddddddddddd Anthony visited the Mavericks at the start of the free agency period, but Dallas owner Mark Cuban has acknowledged that he couldnt offer the forward a max contract. Parsons averaged 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists last season for the Rockets. He has played 213 games, starting 207 of them, while averaging 14.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists. In Dallas, he would be in a frontcourt with Dirk Nowitzki and recently reacquired Tyson Chandler. Nowitzki and point guard Devin Harris have already agreed on new contracts that will be able to be signed as early as Thursday. Chandler, part of the Mavericks only NBA title in 2011, rejoined Dallas in a trade from the New York Knicks. Shawn Marion, the primary small forward for Dallas the past five seasons, is a defensive specialist and unrestricted free agent. ' ' '
EDMONTON -- The San Jose Sharks have learned the value of jumping on a team early, especially when it is a squad that is floundering as badly as the Edmonton Oilers. Patrick Marleau had a goal and an assist and Joe Thornton had three helpers as the Sharks won their third straight on a five-game road trip, defeating the last-place Oilers 3-1 on Friday. "Coming off back-to-back nights, you want to get off to a good lead and we were able to do that with two early first ones," Thornton said. "We just kind of rolled on after that. It is always nice to get a 2-0 lead like that when you are playing back-to-back." Its been a positive trip for the Sharks who were 0-1-4 in their previous five games before winning three straight. "We feel good," Thornton said. "We werent playing bad, even if we had a few extra-time losses. Weve got points in nine of our 10 last games. We have a good team in here." Sharks head coach Todd McLellan said that Thornton continues to play a major role in determining the teams direction. "We know he can make plays and run the offence and all of that type of stuff, but it is the back check, the tracking, the defensive play, the face-offs and shot blocking that really fulfills his game," he said. "It is not always about the score sheet, it is about all the little things he does. "When he is doing them properly everybody seems to fall in line and follow." Joe Pavelski and Tomas Hertl also scored for the Sharks (13-2-5) who moved one point back of the Anaheim Ducks for the Pacific Division lead. Nail Yakupov responded for the Oilers (4-15-2), who have lost six games in a row at home and have gone 1-9-1 in their last 11 games. Edmonton has been outscored 23-3 in their last six contests at home. The Oilers are a distressing 1-7-0 on home ice this season and have fallen into dead last place in the NHL, with the Buffalo Sabres defeating Toronto 3-1 on the night. "Im so tired of coming in here after games and giving a reason why we lost," said Oilers forward Taylor Hall. "You have to win. It doesnt matter how you win, if youre goalie stands on his head or you get lucky, you just have to win games. "Its been tough to do that this year. Were all trying really hard but were not winning games. Something is not clicking for us and we have to figure out what that is." Oilers forward David Perron added his frustration. "No one is going to feel sorry for us, its the NHL and were lucky to be in this position," he said. "If we cant get up to battle, we dont belong in this league. We have to find a way to come out flying like we did in the second and third, that was a lot better." Edmonton had a bit of foreshadowing of what was to come to start the game when Logan Couture rang a shot off the post just 10 seconds in. The Sharks got on the scoreboard with four minutes to play in the first period on a power-play goal. Edmonton goalie Devan Dubnyk got knocked out of position by Oilers defenceman Andrew Ference, allowing Pavelski to shoot his seventh of the season into the vacant cage. San Jose struck again just over a minute later as Thornton won a battle for the puck behind the net and fed it through the crease to Hertl, who was able to redirect it into the Edmonton net for his team-leading 12th goal of the season. The Sharks had 14 first period shots, while Edmonton only put six on San Jose backup goalie Alex Stalock. San Jose took a 3-0 lead four minutes into the second frame as a poor pass back to the point by Oiler Luke Gazdic led to a three-on-two opportunity that Marleau converted with a shot to beat Dubnyk glove side for his 10th of the season. Edmonton had a glorious chance to end its lengthy home-scoring drought seven minutes into the second period as Ryan Smyth had Stalock cleanly beat on a wraparound attempt, but sent the puck through the crease and off the post. Oilers defenceman Philip Larsen hit a post on the next shift. The Oilers finally got a goal after being shutout in three consecutive home games -- and going 214 minutes and 52 seconds without a goal at Rexall Place -- with a power-play marker at the 12:48 of the second period. A big rebound came out to Yakupov, who wasted no time drilling a one-timer into the net for his third of the season. With the goal, the Oilers were able to avoid becoming the first team in 84 years to get shut out in four straight home games, a feat dubiously accomplished by the Chicago Blackhawks, who went an NHL record six straight from Feb. 10-28, 1929. The 1927 Montreal Maroons were the only other team to be blanked in four consecutive games at home. "Its always good when you score and you get points, but we only have four wins and weve played 21 games," Yakupov said. "I dont know whats going on, were a little frustrated about it. Were trying to get the two points, but we cant." San Jose almost scored another early in the third period when Couture was snake-bitten again, this time having a shot ring off the crossbar and then the post. "I think I had three posts tonight," Couture said. "I just couldnt buy a goal. It was a little frustrating, but it is nice to be getting the chances like that." The Sharks hit two more posts in the third. The Oilers make a quick one-game trip to play the Flames in Calgary on Saturday. The Sharks wrap up a five-game trip on Sunday in Chicago. Notes: It was the first of five games this season between the Pacific Division foes. The Sharks swept their three-game series with the Oilers in the strike-shortened 2012-13 campaign and came into the game having won five of six and nine of their last 11 in Rexall Place in Edmontona The Oilers made a couple of roster moves before the game, calling up young defender Oscar Klefbom and sending rookie forward Mark Arcobello to their AHL affiliate in Oklahoma City. Arcobello is tied for second in NHL rookie scoring with 12 points this seasona The rookie overall points leader is Sharks forward Tomas Hertl, who now has 12 goals and 18 points in 20 gamesa San Jose winger Brent Burns missed the game with an undisclosed injury and is listed as day-to-day. Out long term for San Jose are Adam Burish (back surgery) and Raffi Torres (knee)a The Oilers are inching their way back from a long list of early season injuries, now only without defenceman Justin Schultz (groin), forward Tyler Pitlick (knee) and goaltender Richard Bachman (groin). John Brooks USA Jersey .500 ball against teams with winning records, so they needed a huge lift from somebody Tuesday night in a matchup of division leaders. Juan Agudelo Jersey . And fellow Leaf, Jake Gardiner, hiking in Whistler. http://www.usasoccerauthority.com/omar-gonzalez-usa-jersey/ . As future stars prepare to make the big leap to the professional ranks, TSNs Draft Week delivers wall-to-wall coverage of both the NHL and NBA Entry Drafts, highlighted by exclusive live coverage of both events. Bobby Wood USA Jersey . (January 11, 2014) – Once again Kevin Martin proved why he is the all-time TSN skins leader, winning $11,500 in prize money and a spot in the Travelers All-Star Curling Skins Game presented by Pintys final following a semifinal victory over Brad Jacobs earlier this evening at the Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre in Banff, Alta. Geoff Cameron Jersey . -- Canadas Nicole Vandermade won the Four Winds Invitational on Sunday for her first Symetra Tour title, closing with a 4-under 68 for a one-stroke victory.BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Michigan State guard Garry Harris shouldnt be on the court for more than 30 minutes a game right now, according to Spartans coach Tom Izzo. The sophomore is still trying to find his way back from an ankle injury thats kept him out of the lineup three times this season and Izzo said he isnt fit or on top of his game. "I swear hes not what hes going to be," Izzo said. Tell that to Indiana. Harris scored 26 points, including 17 in the first half, to lead No. 5 Michigan State to a 73-56 victory over the Hoosiers on Saturday. Harris played 37 minutes for the Spartans (13-1, 2-0 Big Ten), spending most of them picking apart Indiana (10-5, 0-2). "Once we see some shots go down early, it can be a long day for the other team," Harris said, conceding that Izzo may be right about his fitness. "I was dead tired at the end of the game." Hoosiers coach Tom Crean, who said his team fell to a potential national champion, called Harris lethal and efficient. "Gary was an assassin today," Crean said. The win ended a run of three straight Indiana wins over the Spartans. Michigan State turned 13 Indiana turnovers into 20 points -- with Harris the finisher on several of the plays -- capitalizing on a problem that has plagued the Hoosiers all season. They are averaging 16.4 turnovers a game, more than any other team in the conference. Branden Dawson added 13 points for the Spartans. Yogi Ferrell led Indiana with 17 points while Will Sheehey added 13. After falling behind by as many as 15 points early in the second half the Hoosiers made a run, using freshman guard Stanford Robinson to clamp down on Harris and finding points from someone other than Ferrell. "I wish we would have got him on Harris in the first half," Crean said of Robinson. Sheehey buried a 3-pointer with 8:54 left in the game to close the gap to 50-41, turning and sprrinting back down court as the shot went through and the crowd erupted.dddddddddddd. But at the other end of the court, Indiana couldnt come up with a rebound off a series of Spartan misses, finally watching Harris come back to life for what would become a 5-point play. Harris hit a 3-pointer and drew a foul from Robinson. And as Harris pumped his first in front of the celebrating Spartans bench, Robinson was hit with a technical foul. Harris made two of the three free throws and the Spartans were up 55-41. Without Ferrells 10 first-half points, the Hoosiers might have been all but out of the game by halftime. Michigan State turned Indianas eight turnovers into 13 first-half points and a 33-24 lead. The Hoosiers had no answer for Harris, not even Ferrell. Harris had 17 points by the half, including a 3-pointer with 45 seconds left that he hit over Ferrell, who fell as he scrambled to get to him and was sprawled on the court at his feet. Indiana went up 9-5 in the opening 4 minutes on a 3-pointer by Ferrell. But the Spartans shut down the Hoosiers momentum in a hurry, going on a 10-0 run that was capped by a layup and free throw from Harris with 11:35 left. Harris entered the game averaging a team-high 17.4 points a game. But he still hasnt been the player he or Izzo expected this season. So he spent part of the morning, he and Izzo said, watching video of his play from last season and said it helped. Now Izzo, who said he apologized to Harris for leaving him on the court too long, hopes he can build on this game. "Youve got to have guys who make plays," Izzo said. "I think Gary Harris is going to be that guy for us this year." Michigan State is 7-0 on the road this season but plays its next two games, against No. 3 Ohio State on Tuesday and Minnesota on Jan. 11, at home. The Hoosiers will try for their first Big Ten win at Penn State on Jan. 11. ' ' '
INDIANAPOLIS - IndyCar announced a multi-year agreement with Verizon on Friday that will make the telecommunications giant the title sponsor of the series. Verizon replaces former title sponsor Izod. Its sponsorship of what will now be known as the Verizon IndyCar Series launches with the March 30 season opening race. The partnership announced Friday includes network coverage upgrades to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as well as enhancements to IndyCars race control and new pit lane monitors. New York-based Verizon, the largest U.S. cellphone carrier, also plans to enhance connectivity for spectators at domestic races. "Verizon is delighted to become the title sponsor of the IndyCar series and to bring even more of our innovative technology to the fans, to the teams and to the entire motorsports community," said Dan Mead, president and CEO of Verizon Wireless. "The intersection of racing and technology has never been more relevant, and our expanded partnership with INDYCAR provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate that synergy, integrate new services like LTE Multicast and help propel the sport forward." Verizon has been an "official partner" of IndyCar for the past four years, and is the primary sponsor of Will Powers car with Team Penske. Verizon will also sponsor Juan Pablo Montoya in at least eight races this year, and sponsor all three of Team Penskes cars at the inaugural road course race at Indianapolis. As part of the deal with IndyCar, Verizon will use its LTE Multicast solution at race tracks in the future. It will also complement the Verizon IndyCar 14 app and indycar.com, the series website. "Verizon is the perfect partner for us to showcase the high level of innovation and technology that is inherent in our sport," said Mark Miles, CEO, Hulman & Co., the parent of IndyCar and IMS. "IndyCar will provide a large audience of tech-savvy consumers who are eager for the latest technology to further enhance their experience." Verizon joins rival Sprint as sponsor of a major auto racing series. Sprint is the title sponsor for NASCARs top Sprint Cup Series. Dwayne Haskins Jersey . -- Each time the Utah Jazz threatened Memphis lead, the Grizzlies responded with defensive stops. Joe Theismann Redskins Jersey . LOUIS -- David Ross never expected to be on a World Series podium. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/Redskins-Landon-Collins-Jersey/ . The Irish golfer, whose father Patrick died from cancer, says he underwent surgery for sun spots. The 42-year-old Harrington told Irish radio station Today FM: "Ive had a number of skin cancers removed off my face. Charley Taylor Jersey . Algeria led 3-0 at halftime, but withstood a stronger South Korean second half performance to claim its first World Cup win since 1982 and move into second place in Group H with one match left to play. Defeat for South Korea means it must now beat already-qualified Belgium to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stages. Alex Smith Redskins Jersey . Both had to wait out a rain interruption lasting nearly five hours before taking comprehensive third-round victories to join Carling Bassett-Seguso (1983, 1986), Patricia Hy-Boulais (1996-97) and Daniel Nestor (1999) as Canadians who made it into the second week of a major.PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Sidney Crosby understands the price of disappointment. And while others — namely Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Bylsma — will likely face the consequences following another early playoff exit, the NHLs brightest star isnt shirking his share of the blame. The way Crosby sees it, Pittsburghs failings lie with the guys who pull the sweaters over their heads. "At the end of the day we feel responsible," Crosby said Thursday. "We are the guys that go out there and want to perform and want to win and we have that expectation." Ones that werent met for a fifth straight spring after the Penguins frittered a 3-1 series lead in an eventual seven-game loss to the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. A half-decade after hoisting the Stanley Cup in Detroit at age 21, Crosby and the franchise he represents are still searching for a bookend. "Its difficult to win and I dont think theres been any lack of effort from players, coaches, anybody in the conversation," Crosby said. "I dont think its been a lack of trying." There has, however, been a lack of doing. The Penguins have been a marvel during the regular season under Bylsma, who is 252-117-32 since taking over for Michel Therrien in the late stages of the 2008-09 season. Yet all those regular-season triumphs havent prevented Pittsburgh from being knocked out of the playoffs by a lower-seeded team five straight times. Pressed on what needs to change, Crosby didnt point to the coaching staff but instead a shift in mindset, particularly when the post-season begins. "Maybe we need to adjust the way we play a little bit better and play more physical," Crosby said. Its a challenge the Penguins have faced relentlessly during the Crosby era. The leagues leading scorer and likely MVP scored just once in 13 playoff games — a career low — and spent plenty a month on the receiving end of punishment from Columbus centre Brandon Dubinsky and New York defenceman Marc Staal. Crosby insists he wasnt rattled, even if at one point in Game 6 against the Rangers he found himself on the bottom of a dog pile with New York goaltender Henrik Lundqvist squirting him with a water bottle. Not exactly the best position to ward off a comeback. "Im not saying I cant be better," Crosby said.dddddddddddd "I dont think my focus was lost. ... You can go back to the years we won and youre not going to see anything different but we won and thats a big thing." And it will be the focus going forward regardless of who is in the front office or behind the bench. While Crosby and Evgeni Malkin will have their numbers hanging in the dressing room when the club reconvenes in September, there could be plenty of new ones hanging alongside them. Forward Jussi Jokinen — whose seven playoff goals led the Penguins — is an unrestricted free agent. So is Lee Stempniak, who never quite meshed with Crosby after being brought in near the trading deadline. Defenceman Brooks Orpik, the teams longest tenured player, may be done in Pittsburgh after 11 seasons. Matt Niskanen, arguably the teams best defenceman all season, will hit the open market and may command too high a price to stick around. Then theres goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, who played steadily throughout the playoffs but knows he could be expendable with one year left on his current deal. "I really hope I stay," Fleury said. "Its my team here. Its where I want to play." Its a sentiment echoed throughout the locker room. For all the misery that accompanied the stunning fall against New York, Pittsburghs talented core remains in the midst of their primes. Crosby is 26. Malkin is 27. So is defenceman Kris Letang. Fleury is still months away from turning 30 and bounced back from a miserable 2013 post-season by holding the Rangers to just 15 goals in seven games. "I dont know if theres many problems," forward Brandon Sutter said. "I think its more little things that arent really huge. Maybe fresh ideas can change that. I dont think theres much that needs to be fixed, maybe a few things shaken up. Theres a few different ways. It doesnt necessarily mean anyone has to leave." In theory, perhaps. The Penguins know they are constructed to raise championship banners, not flame out in the post-season. Yet it keeps happening. "Expectations are high," Crosby said. "If you dont deliver you have to own up to that as players and as an organization. We all understand that. Well see what happens from here." ' ' '
Sochi Olympic organizers say the Russian worker struck by a speeding bobsled has undergone surgery and is conscious and in stable condition. A forerunning sled crashed into the worker Thursday at the Sanki Sliding Center. The unidentified worker broke both legs and was airlifted to a nearby hospital. Sochi organizing committee spokeswoman Alexandra Kosterina says Friday the injured worker is Russian. She says the operation went "successfully" and "hes conscious, hes stable and hes good right now." IOC spokesman Mark Adams says "we all wish him a speedy recovery." Earnest Byner Redskins Jersey . -- Michigan coach John Beilein is willing to give Nik Stauskas a little leeway when it comes to shot selection. Sammy Baugh Jersey .com) - Bradley Beal deposited a season-high 33 points and John Wall posted another double-double as the Washington Wizards went on the road and beat the Houston Rockets, 104-103. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/Redskins-Russ-Grimm-Jersey/ . He was 26. Edwards, the Supercup Championship leader, was in the passenger seat as an instructor for a private training session at Queensland Raceway at Willowbank, outside Brisbane, Porsche Motorsport said. Charley Taylor Womens Jersey . The team announced that it exercised the options on 15 players including goalkeepers Evan Bush, Maxime Crepeau and Troy Perkins, defenders Matteo Ferrari, Karl W. Charley Taylor Youth Jersey . Others describe it as taking the parrot for a walk. DETROIT -- A picture of Jim Leylands face stared out from the video board at an empty Comerica Park, next to that familiar Olde English "D" and a message that said simply: "Thank You Jim." After eight seasons managing the Tigers, including three division titles and two American League pennants, Leyland stepped down Monday. His voice cracking at times, his hands wiping away tears at others, he announced his departure two days after Detroit was eliminated by Boston in the AL championship series. "Its been a thrill," the 68-year-old Leyland said during a news conference at the ballpark. "I came here to change talent to team, and I think with the help of this entire organization, I think weve done that. Weve won quite a bit. Im very grateful to have been a small part of that." Leyland made his managerial debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986, and from Barry Bonds to Miguel Cabrera, hes managed some of the sports biggest stars and been involved in some of baseballs most memorable games over the past quarter-century. In 1992, his Pirates lost Game 7 of the NLCS when Atlanta rallied in the bottom of the ninth inning. Five years later, Leyland won his only World Series title as manager when his Florida Marlins beat Cleveland in an 11-inning thriller in Game 7. Hes experienced some of the highest highs the game has to offer, but also endured difficult rebuilding periods in both Pittsburgh and Florida. After one season with the Colorado Rockies, Leyland didnt manage at all from 2000-05 before Detroit hired him. Leyland led the Tigers to the World Series immediately after taking over in 2006, losing to St. Louis in five games. The Tigers went to the World Series again in 2012 but were swept by San Francisco. Leyland worked under one-year contracts the last couple of years, saying he was content to wait until after the season to address his status. He was reflective late this season, mentioning to reporters that he had already managed the Tigers longer than he had expected they would keep him, but he also said in September that he still loved the atmosphere, the competition and his team. In fact, hed actually told general manager Dave Dombrowski in early September that he didnt want to return as manager. He expects to remain with the organization in some capacity after going 700-597 as Tigers manager. "Im not totally retiring today, Im just not going to be in the dugout anymore," Leyland said. "I hope and pray that you give the next manager the same respect and the same chance that you gave me." Leyland says his health is fine, but its time to stop managing. He said he started weighing his decision around June. "I started thinking this was getting a little rough. I thought that the fuel was getting a little low," Leyland said. "I knew that Id get through it because I knew wed be playing for something." The Tigers figure to contend again next year, which may lead Dombrowski to look for a proven commodity who can come in and manage. Kirk Gibson, who led Detroit to the 1984 World Series title as a player, is now managing in Arizona, but Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall tried to quash any speculation that Gibson would return to the Tigers.dddddddddddd. "We would not grant permission (to the Tigers to talk to Gibson) if asked because we want him here, and he told me this morning he has no interest in leaving," Hall said. Detroits players found out about Leylands departure after Saturday nights game in Boston, where the Red Sox won Game 6 to take the series. "Youve got your head down, you lost and the seasons over, and then Jim dropped that bomb on us," outfielder Torii Hunter said. "I just had a feeling that it could have been his last year. All year, he was kind of emotional, and I just felt it." Leyland said there was no announcement Saturday because he wanted the focus to be on the victorious Red Sox. However, he was honest about how much this defeat hurt. "With all due respect to the Boston Red Sox -- who earned it, they won it, they deserve to be where they are -- I truly believe the Detroit Tigers should be playing here tomorrow," Leyland said. "This is one thats going to stick with me, this is one that really hurts, because I really felt like we let it get away." When Leyland arrived at the Tigers spring training camp this year, it marked 50 seasons since he first showed up there as an 18-year-old prospect. His playing career never amounted to much, but his accomplishments as a manager over more than two decades have been impressive. He is 1,769-1,728 overall during stints with the Tigers, Pirates, Marlins and Rockies. "I had sent him a text yesterday morning, just to congratulate he and the organization," Boston manager John Farrell said. "Not only on a great team and a great year, and express the respect we have for him and certainly personally have for him throughout his career. To see the announcement today, and listen to him and know that early September this was clearly in his mind, that surprised me." When Leyland took over the Tigers, they had gone 12 years without a winning season. During his tenure, they finished under .500 only once. Detroit has become one of baseballs glamour teams of late, with stars like Cabrera, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer helping the team win games and draw fans. Cabrera won the Triple Crown and MVP award last year. Verlander won the MVP and Cy Young Award the previous season. "Its been as much fun for me to manage Ramon Santiago as it has Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander," Leyland said. "Now in saying that, it was also an honour to manage the Triple Crown winner, an MVP, a Cy Young winner." The Tigers should be able to keep their core of players mostly together for next season, but now theyll need to find a new manager to replace Leyland, who always earned high marks for his ability to keep his veterans focused. "He really cares deeply about his players," utility man Don Kelly said. "When you go out there, the way he treats you, you want to run through a wall for him, go out there and get a win. Thats the way he treated me. He treated everybody like that." ' ' '
Pat Coyle and Chris Hall have been voted into the National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame as inductees of the Class of 2014. Coyle becomes the first defenseman in league history to win induction while Hall was elected in his first year of eligibility. Coyle played 12 seasons in the league including seven seasons with the Toronto Rock from 1998-2004 and four years with the Colorado Mammoth from 2005-2008. The defender played in 156 career regular season games, recording 940 loose balls and 133 points. The Orangeville, Ontario native won the leagues Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2002, the first year in which the award was given. Coyles teams made it to the playoffs in 11 of his 12 seasons where he posted 12 points along with 116 loose balls in 18 games played and won five championships (Toronto 1999-2000, 2002-2003 and Colorado 2006) in six Championship Game appearances. Coyle currently serves as an associate head coach with the Mammoth. Hall served as a head coach in the league for 12 seasons, first with the Calgary Roughnecks from 2002-2007 before finishing his coaching career with the Vancouver Stealth franchise from 2009-2014. Halls 85 regular-season wins ranks third all-time behind Darris Kilgour (121) and Les Bartley (93). With an 11-6 career record in the postseason, Halls 11 playoff wins rank fourth all-time behind Bartley (22), Troy Cordingley (12) and Kilgour (12). In 2010, Hall became just the second coach in NLL history to win the Champions Cup with two different teams as he led the Stealth to its first-ever title after winning it all with Calgary in 2004. The Stealth reached the championship game in three of four seasons from 2010-2013 and Hall was a co-recipient of the 2010 NLL Head Coach of the Year award. Following his retirement from coaching at the end of the 2014 season, Hall enters his first year as Senior Advisor to the President with the Stealth. The five finalists for the Class of 2014 were selected last month by the leagues Hall of Fame Committee. The other three finalists included Jake Bergey and two automatically returning from last years ballot in Pat McCready and Kaleb Toth. Fake Custom Jerseys Online . Replay backed him up. Adeiny Hechavarria immediately followed the ruling with a go-ahead sacrifice fly for the Miami Marlins, who held on to beat the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Sunday completing a three-game sweep. Cheap Custom Jerseys . Felton was in court as the Manhattan district attorneys office outlined the agreement, which would resolve a gun case that arose amid the breakup of his marriage. Hes expected to admit June 30 to at least one charge, attempted criminal possession of a weapon -- he wont have to come to court to do so -- and get a $5,000 fine and 500 hours of community service. http://www.jerseyscustom.us/ . The Australian is competing in his final season in Formula One and still looking for his first win this year. He will look to end Vettels run of six straight race wins on Sunday. Webber, who is fifth in the championship, earned his second pole from the past three races and 13th of his career. Custom Arizona Cardinals Jerseys . - Considering where Jeff Gordon was after Richmond, left out of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship in part due to some late-race shenanigans, he couldnt have been happier on Sunday. Custom Jerseys From China . It was a move of some time in the making. “He hasnt thrown well, clearly some guys are being used more than him right now and the only way to get out of this funk is to pitch,” said general manager Alex Anthopoulos.BOSTON -- Brandon Bass couldnt hide his smile after his timely blocked shot for the Boston Celtics. Jeff Green and Jordan Crawford each scored 19 points, Bass added 15 points and had a game-saving block in the closing seconds Saturday, and the Celtics held on for a 103-100 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Early in the third quarter, Bass made a 3-pointer for only the second time in 18 career attempts, but it was timely play against Dion Waiters that made his day. "The block," he said, with a wide grin coming across his face when asked what play he enjoyed more. "The block was huge, man. The 3-pointer was cool, but the block was huge." The Cavaliers were playing soon after suspending centre Andrew Bynum indefinitely for "conduct detrimental to the team" and banning him from all team-related activities. Bynum, who signed a two-year, $24 million contract with the Cavaliers in July, did not travel with the team to Boston and its likely he has played his final game for Cleveland. Avery Bradley added 18 points and eight rebounds to help Boston snap a three-game losing streak. Bass also had eight rebounds. Kyrie Irving led the Cavaliers with 32 points, the eighth time in his last 10 games he has scored 20 or more. Waiters added 17 points, and Jarrett Jack had 14 for Cleveland, which lost its fourth straight. The Celtics led by 19 points entering the final quarter and held a 10-point edge with 4 1/2 minutes to play. Boston had blown big leads in its last two home games. "You know, I was telling (team President) Rich Gotham it should have been promoted as part of our holiday package," Celtics coach Brad Stevens said.dddddddddddd "Every game is an adventure." It looked as if Boston would coast to the win before Jack hit consecutive 3-pointers, the second to cut it to 98-94 with 2:38 left. Cleveland had it down to four points twice again before Waiters two free throws made it 102-100 with 43.3 seconds left. After Jared Sullinger shot an air ball on a 3-point attempt from the right wing that went out of bounds with 19.3 seconds left, Bass blocked Waiters shot in the lane and Bradley made a free throw with 1.4 seconds left. "I tried to drive by and get the layup," Waiters said. "I thought I got the (foul). I didnt. They didnt call it." After a timeout, Cleveland inbounded the ball to Earl Clark, who threw up an air ball as the horn sounded. "I was just supposed to set a pick for Kyrie," Clark said. "He wasnt open. They just kept switching." Irving felt a slow start cost them. "Dion tried to make a crucial play at a crucial time and came up a little short," he said. "But this could have been avoided in quarters previous to this. Like I said, we just have to get off to better starts throughout the game so we dont put ourselves in a big hole like that." NOTES: Boston next plays Tuesday afternoon when it hosts Atlanta in the opener of a day/night NBA/NHL doubleheader. The Bruins face the New York Islanders at night. ... The Cavaliers said the Bynum Fathead Tradeable that was to be given away Sunday at their game against Golden State would no longer be available. ' ' '
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Jim Boeheim had no concerns when No. 12 Virginia pounded the ball inside to Akil Mitchell and Mike Tobey in the first half against Syracuses zone. "That was fine. They had 27 points. We were fine with that," Boeheim said. What the Hall of Fame coach was worried about happened in the second half on Saturday, when Virginia started connecting from outside, making 7 of 11 3-point tries to hand the No. 4 Orange their third loss in four games, 75-56. Malcolm Brogdon did much of the damage, scoring 17 of his career-high 19 points after the intermission, and London Perrantes and Justin Anderson each hit a pair from behind the arc. Brogdon (12.4) and Harris (11.5) came into the game leading the Cavaliers in scoring, but were combined 1 for 8 with three points at halftime. They got untracked in the second half, finding openings in the Orange defence. "I just thought we allowed Brogdon to shoot and we started the game for the whole first half not allowing him to shoot," Boeheim said. The Orange also were hampered by the second-half absence of Jerami Grant, their leading rebounder and No. 3 scorer, who played 13 minutes in the first half before an aching back forced him to the bench. He did not score, missing three shots, and grabbed just one rebound. It all meant the Orange, in close games all year, couldnt stay in this one. "This is the first game all year that we have been out of the game," Boeheim said. Brogdon scored eight points during a decisive second-half run and Virginia won its 13th consecutive game and clinched the top seed in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament. Mitchell added 12 points and nine rebounds and Tobey and Anderson scored 11 each for the Cavaliers (25-5, 16-1 ACC), who won their only other outright ACC regular-season title 33 years ago -- 1980-81 -- when Ralph Sampson was a sophomore. The final buzzer brought hundreds streaming onto the court. Tyler Ennis and C.J. Fair scored 13 each for the Orange (26-3, 13-3). Syracuse allowed Virginia to shoot 50 per cent (27-54) while shooting just 35.7 per cent (20-56). Brogdon broke a 42-all tie with two free throws, and then hit a jumper from the foul line. After a turnover by the Orange, Perrantes hit a deep 3-pointer that gave the Cavaliers a 49-42 lead. Rakeem Christmas dunk after a Syracuse timeout quieted the crowd, but only for a minute because Anderson made a 3-pointer from the right side, Brogdon followed an Orange miss with a jumper and then followed another miss with a jumper. The lead was 56-45 with 5:15 remaining and fans sensed that the Cavaliers were in the process of putting the game away. Ennis, playing with four fouls, hit a pair of free throws to slow the run, but Joe Harris hit a free throw, and then followed a Syracuse miss with a 3-pointer, his first basket in nine tries, causing the crowd to erupt in appreciation for the four-year starter. Harris was removed with 38.9 seconds left to a deafening cheer at Jones Paul Jones Arena. Virginia had first-half runs on 9-0 and 8-2 in building a 22-15 lead, but a jumper by Fair and Ennis 3-pointer -- the first of the game -- with 5:14 left in the half sparked 13-2 burst for the Orange. Trevor Cooney, who had missed 22 of his last 27 3-point shots, and Richmond native Michael Gbinije then connected back-to-back from beyond the arc for Syracuse, and Christmas dunk made it 28-24. Justin Anderson hit a 3, Virginias first, with 47 seconds left and it was 28-27 at the half. Greg Olsen Youth Jersey . Lineup news, Fantasy tips and more in Scott Cullen’s Statistically Speaking. HEROES Blake Comeau – The Penguins winger had a hat trick in a 4-3 overtime win against Toronto. Christian McCaffrey Womens Jersey . Azarenka needed exactly one hour in a 6-1, 6-0 rout of Austrian Yvonne Meusburger to start the night session at Laver Arena. Sharapova had a much easier time earlier in the day with cooler conditions and took full advantage in 6-1, 7-6 (8-6) win over Frenchwoman Alize Cornet, while Radwanska had to rally for a 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. http://www.thepanthersofficialstore.com/authentic-sam-mills-panthers-jersey/ . The Bruins forward has been fined $5,000 by the National Hockey League for spearing Red Wings defenceman Danny DeKeyser in the groin. DJ Moore Womens Jersey .S. routed Sweden 7-0 Sunday to win its fourth straight title and seventh overall under-18 world championship. Olson earned his third shutout of the tournament and the Americans allowed only four goals in six games to set an International Ice Hockey Federation under-18 record. Carolina Panthers Jerseys . Julien coached the Bruins to the Stanley Cup championship in 2010-11 and is the longest serving coach in consecutive seasons in the teams history. Claude is one of the top coaches in the NHL and has consistently shown a passion for winning, general manager Peter Chiarelli said Sunday in announcing the signing.GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Aroldis Chapman, with two black eyes, has returned to the Cincinnati Reds clubhouse four days after being hit in the face by a line drive. The 26-year old left-hander had surgery Thursday to repair a broken bone above his left eye at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. A night earlier, he was hit by a ball off the bat of Kansas Citys Salvador Pereez.dddddddddddd. Chapman will begin cardio and throwing off flat ground in eight to 10 days. Chapman is expected to be out six to eight weeks. The Reds are using the last week of spring training to find a closer to replace Chapman, who will be one of six Reds players to start the season on the disabled list. The Reds were playing host to Milwaukee on Sunday. ' ' '
With less than a week until the NHL Trade Deadline, check out the latest trade-related reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. And follow TSN.ca right through Deadline Day for all the updates. Flip it and Reverse It? The Buffalo Sabres made the first big move of the pre-trade deadline season by dealing Ryan Miller and Steve Ott for Chris Stewart, Jaroslav Halak and draft picks, but they are probably far from done dealing. TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun believes the Sabres could look to flip Stewart before Wednesday. LeBrun believes the Sabres may consider Stewart as a possible fit for the teams rebuilding core, given that he has one year remaining on his contract and is still only 26. However, LeBrun countered, the offers on Stewart could also be enticing to the Sabres with the Ottawa Senators believed to be interested in the forward dating back to before Fridays blockbuster. Meanwhile, LeBrun tweeted Saturday afternoon that the Minnesota Wild are kicking the tires on goaltenders available via trade, including Halak. Pitt Stop? While Ryan Keslers availability via trade remains a contentious issue around the Canucks, the Pittsburgh Penguins might be leading the charge to try to pry the 29-year-old loose. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Reviews Rob Rossi tweeted early Saturday that the Pens are "very interested and [it] sounds like theyre on his list." Kesler has two years remaining on his current contract at an average annual value of $5 million. Rossi expanded on his tweet in an article on Saturday, reporting that the Penguins would offer Brandon Sutter, two 2014 draft picks and the Canucks choice of defensemen Simon Despres or Brian Dumoulin Out of Oil If this is Ales Hemskys last week in an Oiler uniform, the Czech forward appears ready for whatever comes next. "It could be my last two games in this locker-room, so I better enjoy it,” the 30-year-old winger said after practice on Friday. “I want to enjoy every moment Ill spend with the guys, with my friends, with the people I know." “Im ready for it. Im excited.” With a provincial showdown with the Flames on tap for Saturday it could provide one last battle-ground for the winger, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Strictly Business Cory Schneider doesnt want to see his crease-mate Martin Brodeur traded, but understands that if the 41-year-old does get moved its just part of the business of being an NHL player. “Marty is big part of this team and has been forever. Im not sure there is any player as synonymous with the franchise as Marty has been or is. So it wouldnt be just anybody leaving this team. It would be the most important player in the franchises history,” the 27-year-old netminder told The Star-Ledger. Schneider, of course, is no stranger to speculation, having endured years of rumours in Vancouver playing alongside Roberto Luongo. The way that situation played out this off-season – resulting in his relocation to New Jersey – has shown Schneider that anything is possible. “It would be difficult for everybody, but thats kind of what happens. I didnt think I was going to get traded and I did. It happens. It could happen to anybody.” Custom Carolina Panthers Jerseys . Ronaldo failed to connect on an ample number of opportunities at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. But Karim Benzema and Jese Rodriguez scored in each half for Madrid to come out of the first leg with the firm advantage. Christian Miller Womens Jersey . Or take a relaxing vacation somewhere warm. Brayden Schenn and Scott Hartnell scored, Ray Emery stopped 32 shots and the Flyers beat the Calgary Flames 2-1 on Saturday for their fourth straight victory. http://www.shoppanthersonline.us/panthers-sam-mills-blue-jersey/ . - Ryan Spooner scored twice to lead the Boston Bruins to a 6-1 victory over the New York Islanders in a preseason game Friday night. Greg Olsen Youth Jersey . Mohamed Diame put West Ham ahead in the 47th minute before goals by substitutes Carlton Cole and Joe Cole condemned Fulham to a fifth straight defeat, keeping the visitors in the bottom three. Greg Little Panthers Jersey . Mladenovics quick hands at the net made the difference while Bencics inexperience in doubles showed. "We took a lot of pleasure," Mladenovic told Sport Plus television. "Its extremely difficult to play in such conditions, but our doubles team showed a lot of quality.The Calgary Flames are learning their lessons in truculence at training camp. In a rare sight for an NHL club, the team devoted part of Thursdays practice to fighting, showing several players from their group of non-regulars about technique, how to engage an opponent and what to do when engaged in a fight. As we did in the past years, were just trying to teach the kids to defend themselves, head coach Bob Hartley explained after practice. Thats what were trying to teach our young players. The players - which included centres Paul Byron and Corbin Knight, right wingeer Ben Hanowski and left winger Trevor Gillies - paired up and sparred under the watch of an outside instructor and threw punches without the intent to connect.dddddddddddd Hartley added that the purpose of the instruction wasnt to use them as an aggressor or fight instigator. If youa€?re going to drop your gloves you have to know the dangers,a€? he said. The Flames regular roster already includes enforcers like wingers Brian McGrattan and Brandon Bollig and defenceman Deryk Engelland who signed a three-year, $8.7 million contract over the summer. ' ' '
TORONTO - First things first: Episode 3 of The Baseball Podcast is up for your listening pleasure. Toronto Star baseball columnist and TSN contributor Richard Griffin joins me for a half-hour of talk on manager John Gibbons strategy when it comes to his starting pitching and struggling bullpen, whether Brett Lawrie will see increased action at second base and Jose Bautistas great start to the season. Give it a listen here. GIBBONS LIKES HIS OFFENCE The Blue Jays entered Thursdays action with 166 runs scored in 34 games. Thats an average of almost 4.9 runs per game, good for fourth in the majors. Manager John Gibbons is in his seventh season, over two tenures skipping the Blue Jays. He believes this is the strongest offence hes had. "I would think this is probably the top," said Gibbons. "My last go around here we were really strong in the pitching department. We had some good offences but I dont think it equaled what we have here now. You need that in the American League. You need to be able to slug it out." Toronto boasts the league leader in on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) and walks. Hes Jose Bautista. Bautista and Colby Rasmus, with nine home runs each, are amongst the league leaders. Melky Cabreras 48 hits are the most in the sport this season. As a team, the Blue Jays rank second in home runs (44); second in slugging percentage (.432) and third in on-base plus slugging percentage (.761). ENCARNACION DISCUSSES FRANCISCO General manager Alex Anthopoulos has credited Edwin Encarnacion with helping to lure Juan Francisco to the Blue Jays. "Ive known Juan from a long time ago, he was playing with me in Cincinnati," said Encarnacion. "When he was young, I was older in here and hes one of my best friends. He had a couple of more (options) to go so I called him and asked him to come here because they can give him the opportunity to play here at this level." Francisco, 26, hit 18 home runs last season while playing with the Braves and Brewers but was cut by Milwaukee late in spring training. He signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays on April 2 and began the year at Triple-A Buffalo. His contract was selected on April 20 to replace Adam Lind, who went on the disabled list with a back injury. Aside from the opportunity the Blue Jays could afford him, Encarnacion was pressed Francisco to come to Toronto out of fear he would sign with another American League East team. The division, specifically the ballparks in the division, are friendly to power-hitting left-handed bats. "Thats why I dont want him to go to another team, like Tampa or another team," said Encarnacion. SANTOS STARTING FROM SCRATCH Sergio Santos pitched a scoreless eighth inning in Wednesdays 10-0 win over the Phillies. Thanks to the big lead it was a pressure-free inning. After two-straight outings featuring blown saves and three on the season, Santos is in the process of rebuilding his confidence. "It was nice to execute on the things that I wanted to do as far as locating my fastball, moving it in and out," said Santos. "It was nice. Its a nice first step, hopefully in the right direction." His stuff is good. Santos has struck out 18 hitters in 10 1/3 innings. The problem is hes walked nine and of the 12 hits hes allowed, three have been home runs. Santos expects more of himself. "Hopefully I can build off what happened (Wednesday) night and never look back again," he said. LAWRIE UPDATE Brett Lawrie took part in batting practice and fielded ground balls before Thursdays game. He left the fourth inning of Monday nights game in Philadelphia with lingering tightness in his right hamstring. Fridays game against the Angels may be more hopeful than reality. Lawries more likely to return on the weekend. Jerry Rice Jersey . QUARTERBACKS Carson Palmer (vs Colts)Last week: 30/42, 419 yards, 2 TDsWinners of their last three and now tied for the final wild card spot in the NFC, the Cardinals are worth keeping an eye on. Antonio Brown Youth Jersey . So they rushed to re-sign the first baseman who general manager Ben Cherington described Friday as "a unique player." The World Series champions finalized a $32 million, two-year agreement Thursday with the slugging former catcher who turned into a surprisingly good defender. http://www.shoptheraidersonline.com/Elite-Fred-Biletnikoff-Raiders-Jersey/ . Right-hander Ricky Nolasco and the Twins agreed to terms on a free-agent contract Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. Jim Otto Youth Jersey . The 17-time Grand Slam champion, who lose three straight finals in Monte Carlo to Rafael Nadal from 2006-08, has not played in the tournament since 2011, when he lost to Jurgen Melzer in the quarterfinals. Oakland Raiders Jerseys . - Even with a new coach, the Denver Nuggets still love to push the basketball.Toronto, ON (SportsNetwork.com) - Lou Williams 18 points and a strong second half enabled the Toronto Raptors to pull away for a 95-82 victory over the Orlando Magic at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors stepped up on the defensive end to overcome a 52-44 halftime deficit, holding Orlando to a mere 30 points while forcing 12 turnovers over the final two quarters to earn their 10th straight win over the Magic. Orlando shot just 37.1 percent in the second half after hitting at a 59 percent clip prior to the break. Youre not going to win too many games scoring 30 points in a half, Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn said. Williams and Kyle Lowry each made big impacts as well, with the latter tallying 11 of his 17 points after intermission in addition to dishing out eight assists. Tobias Harris led Orlando with 18 points but had only four in the second half. Ben Gordon finished with 16 points in the loss, with Nikola Vucevic posting 13 points and nine rebounds. Despite their second-half struggles, the Magic had the score knotted at 63-63 entering the latter stages of the third quarter. The Raptors then got hot from the perimeter, putting together an 11-2 run to take control. Lowry began the surge with a 3-pointer and Patrick Patterson buried two more to cap the stretch, which staked the Raptors to a 74-65 lead 1:37 into the fourth quarter. We came out more aggressive, Lowry said. We had to keep our intensity up. Threes from Evan Fournier and Channing Frye highlighted a 7-0 stretch that cut the margin to two, but the Magic then failed to score for nearly four minutes as Toronto put the game away with a 12-0 swing. Thhe tone of the first half changed after Fournier temporarily exited midway through the second quarter, the result of an inadvertent elbow to the nose from the Raptors Tyler Hansbrough as the two battled for a rebound underneath the basket.dddddddddddd. Hansbrough scored on the play to give Toronto a 42-36 lead, but the Magic recorded the next 10 points and ended the half on a 16-2 run to take a 52-44 advantage at the break. Harris accounted for the first eight points of the surge, with Gordon netting the next six. Toronto regrouped following the break and hit four of its first five shots of the third quarter, starting a 12-4 flurry that evened the score at 56-56. Five straight points from Landry Fields shortly afterward had the Raptors up 63-58 with 4 1/2 minutes left in the frame, but a Gordon three and a Harris jumper quickly deadlocked things once again. The Raptors were up by as many as 10 points early on, building a 24-14 lead late in the first quarter on the strength of a 14-2 spurt. Orlando then countered with a 13-4 push to close within one on Gordons driving layup to begin the second period. Game Notes Fournier received several stitches for a lacerated lip but returned to the game with 5:29 left in the third quarter. He finished with 11 points ... The Raptors improved to 11-0 this season when holding their opponent under 100 points ... Toronto went 11-of-30 from beyond the arc, compared to a 4-of-15 display for the Magic ... With Williams and Patterson (10 points) leading the way, the Raptors bench outscored Orlandos reserves by a 44-25 margin. ' ' '
TAUPLITZ, Austria - A World Cup ski flying event was cancelled Sunday after fierce winds made jumping from the 200-meter hill too dangerous.Increasing winds of up to 80 kph (50 mph) started an hour before the scheduled start, prompting organizers to call off the event.The International Ski Federation didnt immediately announce a replacement.Severin Freund of Germany won Saturdays opening competition on the reconstructed Kulm hill.The next World Cup ski jumping event is in Wisla, Poland, on Thursday. Los Angeles Chargers Jerseys . He insists hes not counting. "If youre thinking hits, youre not paying attention to wins," Altuve said Sunday after leading the Houston Astros past the Texas Rangers 3-2. Melvin Gordon III Jersey . The moves were the first punitive steps taken by the Dolphins since a report on the NFLs investigation of the case was released last week. Investigators found that guard Richie Incognito and two teammates engaged in persistent harassment directed at tackle Jonathan Martin, another offensive lineman and an assistant trainer. http://www.prochargersteamstore.com/Youth-Melvin-Gordon-Elite-Jersey/ . The Brewers finalized a US$36 million, three-year contract with free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez on Wednesday, adding a much-needed bat to their lineup. Doug Flutie Jersey . Although head coach Randy Carlyle jokingly wondered how much actual training Bolland got done while in London. "I dont know how much training goes on when you go back to the junior team that you played for so I wouldnt read too much into that," laughed Carlyle after the Maple Leafs were put through an up-tempo practice that concluded with a 10-minute bag skate on Thursday. Lance Alworth Womens Jersey . Two weeks after suffering a concussion, Foles will start in place of Michael Vick, who is out for the second time this season with a hamstring injury.CHICAGO -- Gordon Beckham homered, Conor Gillaspie singled home another run and the Chicago White Sox outlasted the Cleveland Indians 2-1 despite the departure of ace Chris Sale after just three innings in a game twice delayed by rain Tuesday night. Beckham finished 2 for 4, adding a double in the first inning. Chicago has won eight of 12 to get back to .500 (27-27). The White Sox are 6-3 against Cleveland this season after losing 17 of 19 to their American League Central rival in 2013. Mike Aviles went 1 for 2 with a walk and drove in Clevelands run. Scott Carroll (2-3) worked three scoreless innings in relief to get the win. Ronald Belisario worked a perfect ninth for his third save in five chances. The anticipated matchup between Sale and Justin Masterson was cut short. The game began 41 minutes late because of rain and then was stopped again after the third inning. That delay lasted 1:58 and neither starter was able to continue. Sale, in his second start following a month on the disabled list with a flexor strain, seemed headed for another special outing after allowing just one hit in six scoreless innings last week against the Yankees. He was nearly perfect in his three innings, with the only blemish a one-out walk to Aviles in the third inning. The ace left-hander needed just 40 pitches record nine outs..dddddddddddd His potential pitch count was a topic of conversation in the pregame media session when manager Robin Ventura was asked for a number. "Somewhere between 127 and where he was at last time," Ventura joked. Sale threw 127 pitches April 17 in his last start before going on the DL. He threw 86 pitches against the Yankees last week. Masterson (2-4) was able to get out of a bases-loaded jam in the first. The White Sox then touched him up for a run in the third inning when Gillaspie drove in Adam Eaton with a single to centre. Beckham made it 2-0 after the rain delay when he cranked solo homer leading off the fifth. Cleveland got on the board in the seventh when Aviles hit into a fielders choice to score Lonnie Chisenhall. NOTES: INF Jason Kipnis (strained right oblique) ended his rehab assignment Monday and rejoined the Indians before Tuesdays game. He could have played, but the decision was made not to activate him until Wednesday. . White Sox RHP Felipe Paulino, who has been on the DL since April 19, was pulled off from his rehab assignment at Class AAA Charlotte because of shoulder soreness. . Indians OF Michael Brantley singled in the fourth to extend his hitting streak to 13 games . Clevelands T.J. House (0-1) takes on Hector Noesi (0-4) in the series finale Wednesday. ' ' '
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Mike Trout has his first seven-figure contract. Up ahead is what figures to be a nine-figure deal. "It feels good," Trout said Wednesday after agreeing to a $1 million, one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels. The salary is the highest for a one-year major league contract for a player not yet eligible for arbitration who wasnt coming to the big leagues from Japan or Cuba or wasnt required to have a larger amount because of the maximum cut rule. Ryan Howard earned $900,000 with Philadelphia in 2007 and Albert Pujols with St. Louis in 2003. Trout will become eligible for arbitration after this season and could become a free agent after the 2017 World Series. The sides are thought to be discussing an agreement through 2020 in the $150 million range. Trout wouldnt talk about the possibility of a multiyear contract. "I just go out there to play the game," he said. "If the money is where its at, thats where its going to be." By agreeing to a one-year contract now with the 22-year-old, the Angels avoid having a long-term deal count toward their 2014 luxury tax payroll. "Its a landmark to do a $1 million with a two-plus player," Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "I think its fitting and Mikes earned that and were glad to provide that for him." Trout was voted AL Rookie of the Year and finished second in MVP voting in 2012, when he hit .326 with 30 homers and 83 RBIs, and led the majors with 129 runs and 49 steals. He was second again to Detroits Miguel Cabrera in MVP voting last year, when he batted .323 with a .432 on-base percentage, 27 homers, 97 RBIs and 33 steals. "We thought his performance was exceptional," Dipoto said. "There are players that force you to break rules. What he did for two consecutive years forced us to break our own rule. His performance certainly merited us to do differently than any of the others." Trout had a $482,500 salary as a rookie and earned a $10,000 bonus for winning Rookie of the Year. The Angels renewed his contract last year for $510,000 -- just $20,000 above the major league minimum at the time. "The Angels could have easily just done the same thing that they did last year," Trout said. "It makes you feel good inside. It makes you feel like they really want you here. It means a lot to me." NOTES: Because of the maximum cut rule, some players not eligible for arbitration have had higher salaries. Shortstop Jose Iglesias agreed to a deal with Detroit in January that pays $1.65 million while in the major leagues and $1,237,500 while in the minors. The major league base represents the maximum 20 per cent cut from the average of the $8.25 million, four-year deal he completed. Morten Andersen Youth Jersey . However, Jim Popp isnt sure how long hell be able to admire wide receiver Duron Carter. TreQuan Smith Youth Jersey . As if he had been rehearsing it, Vasquez looked around with a grimacing stare as he clinched two fists and flexed his muscles. What do you think of DeMar DeRozans face after he hits a big shot, he was asked moments earlier. http://www.shoptheofficialsaints.com/Elite-Ryan-Ramczyk-Saints-Jersey/ . THE MICHAEL JORDAN FLU GAME First this famous basketball moment. The story goes like this. “Game 5, known as "The Flu Game", was one of Michael Jordans most memorable. Marshon Lattimore Jersey . - Robert Griffin III has a sprained throwing shoulder that limited him in practice Wednesday as the Washington Redskins prepared for their season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. Michael Thomas Jersey . -- Canadas Justin Shin shot an 8-under 64 on Thursday on PGA Wests Nicklaus Tournament Course to take the first-round lead in the Web.While reading this week that two very good players - Lance Berkman and Michael Young - had decided to retire, I started to wonder about the perfect way to go out. Berkman and Young both could have kept on playing, but decided the time was right. Ive alway been fascinated by Ted Williams final at-bat for the Red Sox. He homered off Jack Fisher of the Orioles in the bottom of the 8th at Fenway Park on September 28, 1960. "The Spendid Splinter" trotted out to left field for the start of the 9th, whereby his manager Mike Higgins took him out of the game so he could get one last ovation from the fans in the Bosox final home game of the season. Boston rallied for two in the bottom of the 9th to win 5-4. Williams opted to retire immediately and did not go to New York for the final series of the season against the pennant-winning Yankees. So Williams, arguably the best hitter of all time, ended his career with a home run. What I was surprised to discover is this isnt nearly as rare as I thought it would be. Twenty-three American League players have homered in their final at-bat and 22 have done it in the National League. The last to do it was Jim Edmonds on September 21, 2010. A couple of others who accomplished the feat had Blue Jays connections. Wille Mays Aikens slugged his final homer in a Jays uniform on April 27, 1985, and Tony Kubek, star shortstop with the Yankees who later worked on Blue Jays telecasts, homered in his final big league at-bat on October 3, 1965. The saddest of all though was the home run hit by Hall of Fame catcher Mickey Cochrane on May 25, 1937 off the Yankees Bump Hadley. Next time up in the game, Hadley nailed the Tigers player-manager in the head with a pitch. His skull was fractured, and it was weeks before Cochrane recovered. He never played again so for the record, his final official at-bat was also a home run. Mickey - for whom Mickey Mantle was named - returned and finished out the 1937 season as manager only of the Tigers before calling it quits at the end of that season. Cochranes .320 career batting average for a catcher was the all-time record, until the Twins Joe Mauer broke it in 2009. Hitting a home run in your first Major League at-bat is far more common. It has been accomplished 113 times - 47 in the American League and 66 in the National. Twenty-eight were hit on the very first pitch the batter saw. Four were grand slams and 19 of those who homered in their first Major League at-bats never hit another one in their entire careers. Three Blue Jays homered in their first at-bats. Al Woods hit a pinch homer in the Blue Jays first-ever game on April 7, 1977. Junior Felix followed that up nearly a dozen years later on May 4, 1989. J.P. Arencibia, the last in the trio, did it more than 11 years after Felix on August 7, 2010. All three homered on the first pitches they saw. This is the real rarity though, and I didnt even realize it had ever happened before. There are actually two players inn Major League history who slugged homers in their first and last Major League at-bats.dddddddddddd John Miller, a journeyman first baseman who later played five years in Japan, played parts of two seasons in the Majors back in the 60s. His first was with the Yankees where he hit a homer in his first Major League at-bat and then on September 23, 1969, he connected in his final Major League at-bat for the Dodgers. Oddly enough these were also his only two Major League homers. The first to accomplish the feat was a catcher by the name of Paul Gillespie who was a back-up catcher with the Chicago Cubs during the Second World War in 1942, 44 and 45. He connected for his first in 1942 and then belted his final home run in his final regular season at-bat on September 29, 1945. If you want to add a caveat to Gillespies mark, he did play in the World Series for the Cubs in 1945 - their last World Series appearance - and went hitless in the three games he played. I started with Ted Williams, so let me add this personal footnote. Im not old enough to have seen Ted Williams play in person, however there is a bit of a connection. The first Major League game(s) I ever saw was a doubleheader at old Tiger Stadium in August of 1968 against the Chicago White Sox. Pitching for Chicago in that first game was the man who gave up that final home run to Williams, Jack Fisher. He was nearing the end of his career which would wind up the following season in Cincinnati. This particular night in Detroit wasnt good for Fisher. He only lasted four innings and wound up taking the loss. Strangely enough he gave up a home run to the Tigers Gates Brown. Brown, a veteran by this time, is one of the 47 American Leaguers to homer in their first bat and so it comes full circle. Dud of a Deal Michael Youngs retirement re-ignites the debate over the worst trade in Blue Jays history. This one just might be it. The Jays sent third base prospect Young to Texas along with swing reliever Darwin Cubillan for right-hander Esteban Loaiza. Esteban was supposed to help round out the rotation when he was picked up on July 17, 2000 for a Blue Jays playoff push under manager Jim Fregosi. Instead Loaiza went 5-7 the rest of the way and was basically a non-factor. Adding on the next two seasons with the Jays, he went 25-28 with a 4.96 ERA. Then in 1993, he had the best year of career after signing with the White Sox, winning 21 games and coming close to winning the Cy Young Award. Young, meanwhile, played 14 seasons, was versatile enough to play all four infield positions and wound up with a career .300 batting average. Hes not a Hall of Famer by any means but was a classy talented player who would have been of far greater value to the Blue Jays than Loaiza was. Michael Youngs best friend in his early years in the Jays organiztion was Vernon Wells. Still not sure yet if Vernon is going to try to play out the final year of his contract or like Young, call it a career. ' ' '
The NHLs Olympic roster freeze has been lifted and the countdown to the Mar. 5 Trade Deadline is on. As NHL teams return to business and team decide on whether to buy or sell, check out todays trade-related reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. And follow TSN.ca right through Deadline Day for all the updates. St. Louis In Play? Larry Brooks of the New York Post writes that Martin St. Louis name has been in trade speculation and that the New York Rangers have inquired about a possible deal that would bring him to The Big Apple for captain Ryan Callahan. Brooks, however, adds that Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman has no interest in dealing away the Olympic gold medallist and two-time Art Ross Trophy winner for a player considered to be a rental. The Post also says Callahans asking price of seven years at about $6.75 million per year is believed to be beyond what the Lightning would be willing to pay to keep him from hitting the open market this summer. Wanting To Stay His name has been in trade rumours, but Colorado Avalanche forward P-A Parenteau has made it clear he wants to stay in Denver. "You try not to think about it, but its not easy, especially when you have a family," Parenteau told The Denver Post. "I love it here. I want to stay here. You dont want to leave a place you love, and you dont want to leave a really good team too, which is what we have here. So, I know this is a really big chance for me now, and Im planning on making it happen." Adam Henrique Jersey . The Goldeyes (10-7) lost 4-1 to the Saltdogs (8-9) Sunday afternoon before 5,834 sizzling fans at Shaw Park. The loss drops Winnipegs record to 3-4 during this past weeks seven-game homestand. Ondrej Kase Jersey . Jim Leyland, in his eighth playoffs, has never had a starting rotation he trusts as much as the grouping of Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Anibal Sanchez and Doug Fister. http://www.authenticduckspro.com/Ryan-miller-ducks-jersey/ .Y. - Lou Williams scored 21 points and the Toronto Raptors beat New York 81-76 on Monday night in the Knicks preseason home opener. John Gibson Ducks Jersey . And follow TSN.ca right through Deadline Day for all the updates. From Pierre LeBrun While Anaheim GM Bob Murray said earlier this season he was not going to trade Jonas Hiller despite the fact hes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, some sources have told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun that Murray might be willing to move another goalie. Jakob Silfverberg Jersey . "Today was a very great day for me. It was always my dream to be good in GS," Wierather said. "I took quite a long time to get there. It feels awesome to have my first win (in GS)." Wierather leads overall with 595 points from Lara Gut (568), who finished second, and Maria Hoefl-Riesch of Germany (535).SEATTLE -- Obafemi Martins scored his team-leading fifth and sixth goals of the season, and Michael Gspurning earned the shutout as the Seattle Sounders beat struggling D.C. United 2-0 on Wednesday night. Martins first goal came at the end of the 19th minute. Eddie Johnson connected with Brad Evans on a give-and-go down the middle of the field, and Evans sent a long through ball toward the top of the penalty area restraining arc. Martins got behind United defender Ethan White, caught up with the ball, and sent a shot past goalkeeper Joe Willis to the back left corner. His second came midway through second-half stoppage time, a 10-yarder from straight in front of the net. Gspurnings shutout was his sixth of the season for the Sounders (7-5-3), who have at least one game in hand on every team in the MLS West as they try to move up the conferrence standings with a stretch of three games in 10 days.dddddddddddd. They have lost just once in seven home games this season. United (2-13-3) remained winless in eight road games this season (0-6-2), and was blanked for the 11th time. D.C. has not scored from the run of play in seven matches since May 19, with its only two goals since then coming on penalty kicks. Martins nearly had another goal midway through the 63rd minute when he and Eddie Johnson worked a give-and-go with Johnson having a 10-yard shot straight in front of the net. But Willis came sliding out to block it. That turned into a counterattack which led to D.C.s most dangerous opportunity of the night. Perry Kitchen launched one from 25 yards that was about to dip under the crossbar on the left side when Gspurning leaped to one-hand it over the goal line. ' ' '
ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Hawks are slowly picking up the ball-movement lessons Mike Budenholzer learned as a longtime assistant with the Spurs. Those lessons were more than enough to overwhelm the Utah Jazz. Lou Williams scored 25 points and the Hawks continued their offensive upswing as they rolled to an easy 118-85 victory over the Jazz on Friday night, winning their third straight and for the fourth time in five games. The Hawks had 32 assists, adding to their NBA lead and bringing a smile to the face of their first-year coach. "Its an indication theyre just getting a better and better understanding of the ball movement and how we want to play," Budenholzer said. "Passing and hitting the open guy just becomes something thats expected." Atlanta set a scoring high with its 124-107 win over Sacramento on Wednesday night and has topped 110 points in three straight games. Al Horford, who had 23 points, has been a key in the recent flurry of high-scoring games. He has averaged 23.6 points in his last five games. Williams, who has played in only 14 games in his return from knee surgery, took extra shooting practice after scoring only two points in 20 minutes in Wednesday nights win over Sacramento. "Im glad it paid off," Williams said. "It was one of the nights we had everything clicking." The Hawks never trailed and pushed their lead to double digits for good in the opening period. They kept up the pressure, outscoring Utah in every period and making 52.3 per cent of their shots (45 of 86) from the field. Budenholzer said the most encouraging sign was "not so much putting them away, but just continuing to play the way we play, just doing the things we did to establish a lead. Tonight was a step forward in that direction." Jeff Teague had nine points and eight assists. Horford was resting when the Hawks took an 85-58 lead into the final period. "Our energy was the difference," Horford said. The Jazz agreed. "Its a mental thing," said Utahs Derrick Favours. "Weve just got to come out with the energy and the attitude like they had against us tonight." It was a letdown for Utah coach Tyrone Corbin following a win at Orlando on Wednesday night. "I thought we didnt come out with the sense of urgency wed been seeing," Corbin said. "I thought wed turned the corner, I felt like, the way we played in Orlando the other night. I was looking for that effort. We just didnt have it from the beginning tonight." Enes Kanter had 13 points and 13 rebounds for Utah (7-22). Alec Burks also had 13 points. Trey Burke, who scored a career-high 30 points against Orlando, made only 1 of 8 shots for two points. Atlantas Paul Millsap had 14 points and 10 rebounds against his former Utah teammates. The Hawks took their largest halftime lead of the season, pulling ahead by 21 points to lead 55-34 at the break. Horford had 14 points in the half. Kyle Korver extended his NBA record by making a 3-pointer in his 96th consecutive game. His made the first of his two 3s with 4:24 remaining in the first period. Utah had a scare midway through the third quarter when Gordon Hayward was slow to return to his feet following a collision with Teague as the two were reaching for a loose ball. Hayward remained in the game following a timeout and finished with 11 points. Jeremy Evans, the 2012 slam-dunk competition champion, missed a dunk and then landed hard on his back with 7:53 remaining, giving the Jazz another scare. Following a brief delay, Evans remained in the game and had 10 points. NOTES: The Jazz are 0-11 on the road and 1-13 overall when trailing at halftime. ... Atlanta leads the NBA with its average of 25.3 assists per game. ... Hawks G Cartier Martin (sprained left ankle) and F Gustavo Ayon (left ankle) have missed five straight games. ... Williams was 6 of 10 from 3-point range. Buy Nike Vapormax Nz . It was the quickest three-goal sequence in Olympic history, with the latter two coming just eight seconds apart. Kessel, Lamoureux and Kendall Coyne all scored twice for the Americans, and Molly Schaus made 10 saves in her Sochi debut. Air Max Plus 97 Nz .J. -- The New York Jets have promoted Tony Sparano Jr. http://www.airvapormaxnz.com/vapormax-2019-sale-nz.html .Y. - The New York Islanders are brimming with confidence these days, thanks to a standout goalie and a newfound winning attitude. Nike Air Max Plus Tn Ultra Nz . - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to meet with Richie Incognito to determine if one of the central figures in the Miami Dolphins bullying scandal can help their struggling offensive line. Air Vapormax 97 Mens . - Considering where Jeff Gordon was after Richmond, left out of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship in part due to some late-race shenanigans, he couldnt have been happier on Sunday.While Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri and Montreal Canadiens defenceman PK Subban are competitors in one of the biggest rivalries in professional sports, the two put the rivalry aside for a photograph at this years Much Music Video Awards.Heres the two posing for a great pic.Kadri also arrived in ridiculous style, pulling in to the award show in a Lamborghini. Nazem knows how to come to a red carpet #MMVAS2014 #mmvaredcarpet @43_Kadri ???? pic.twitter.com/kUjxpPGB9Q — Karen (@RemarkableJB) June 16, 2014Heres Kadri pulling out of his Lamborghini (note the girl on the left, who might not be his biiggest fan).dddddddddddd Subban is no slouch either, as he arrived in a Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Driving up to the red carpet at the #MMVA s with @PKSubban1 in the #Hyundai Genesis Coupe pic.twitter.com/QBuM1CGTPR — Hyundai Canada (@HyundaiCanada) June 16, 2014Heres Subban walking the red carpet. Heres another #MMVA selfie.Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe also arrived in style, as he posed with a TFC fan while walking the red carpet.Heres a little more from Cabbies night with the stars.Here he is with Kadri.Here is with Subban and Defoe.Here he is with Raptors point guard Greivis Vasquez. ' ' '
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson and tight end Jace Amaro will not play against the Miami Dolphins on Monday night because of injuries.Wilkerson (turf toe) and Amaro (concussion) were both injured in the Jets 38-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Detroit last Monday night. Neither practiced during the week, and the team ruled out both on Saturday.Wilkerson still needs a walking boot and his left big toe was heavily taped Friday. Amaro, who leads rookie tight ends in catches and yards receiving, is going through the NFLs protocol for head injuries.Backup quarterback Michael Vick was a full participant Saturday after missing practice Friday with an illness. Sheldon Richardson (back) and fullback John Conner (groin) were also full after being limited during the week.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFLJason Castro Twins Jersey . Toronto dropped a 7-2 decision to the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday afternoon, with only a pair of late runs preventing a second straight shutout loss. Josh Willingham belted a two-run homer in the first inning and Kendrys Morales hit a bases-clearing double in the seventh as the Twins took the rubber game of the three-game series. Jorge Polanco Jersey . Kevin Martin and Kevin Love paced the Timberwolves like they do so often. Martin had 27 points with some key baskets down the stretch, Love had his usual double-double, and the Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 112-106 victory Saturday night over the suddenly slipping Dallas Mavericks. http://www.twinssale.com/twins-rod-carew-jersey/ . -- Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera has a broken bone below his right eye after being struck by a bad-hop grounder, sidelining the star slugger for at least a week with opening day on deck. Martin Perez Twins Jersey . -- John Senden never imagined it would take more than seven years to win again. Kirby Puckett Twins Jersey . Lawrie was hit on the hand by Cincinnati pitcher Johnny Cueto in the second inning of Sundays 4-3 loss to the Reds.West Bromwich, England (SportsNetwork.com) - West Bromwich Albion have appointed Tony Pulis as manager to replace Alan Irvine, who was relieved of his duties on Dec. 30. Pulis, 56, agreed to a 2 1/2 year contract with the struggling side and the former Stoke City and Crystal Palace boss will be tasked with trying to keep the club from relegation. Every successful club is built on unity and that is what I shall strive to help bring to Albion. Pulis, who is Albions fourth head coach in the past 12 months, managed Stoke City from 2006-2013 and steered Crystal Palace away from relegation last season. A strong second half of the campaign saw the Eagles finish 11th, while Pulis won the Premier League manager of the year award, but he quit two days before the start of the current season.dddddddddddd We need everyone together from top to bottom - the supporters, all the staff, the players, everyone who has an interest in the clubs welfare. With that, we can go forward together and hopefully take this club up the Premier League. Its nice to be back in and Im looking forward to really getting going. Its the right club at the right time in lots of respects. Ive got a decent record of going to places and helping them turn around. I think the fact the club has struggled, someone just told me theyve only won four games at The Hawthorns in 2014, so theres got to be something wrong that has to be sorted out. I was with the players yesterday and today, theyre a very, very decent group of lads and I just cant wait to get going. ' ' '
Nassau, Bahamas (SportsNetwork.com) - Brandon Doughty threw for 486 yards and five first-half touchdowns as Western Kentucky rolled out to a huge lead then shook off a shocking final series of plays to a 49-48 victory over Central Michigan in the inaugural Bahamas Bowl. Doughty completed 31 of his 42 tries for the Hilltoppers (8-5), with Anthony Wales and Leon Allen adding a rushing score apiece. Willie McNeal led his club with 155 yards and a touchdown on five receptions, while Jared Dangerfield, Mitchell Henry, Antwane Grant and Joel German each contributed a TD grab for Western Kentucky, which was outscored 34-0 in the final quarter. Cooper Rush tossed seven TDs -- four of them to Titus Davis including an improbable score with no time left -- and 485 yards on 28-of-45 attempts for the Chippewas (7-6). Davis ended up with six catches for a game-high 142 yards, Courtney Williams recorded touchdowns on two of his three receptions and Anthony Garland added a scoring grab. Martez Walker totaled 76 yards on nine carries. Western Kentucky failed to move the ball beyond its opponents 41-yard line with seconds to go, and the subsequent punt pinned Central Michigan at its own 20. An illegal procedure penalty pushed the ball up five yards before bedlam ensued. Rush let a pass fly from his own 25. Jesse Kroll made the initial catch, and rumbled to the WKU 30 before losing control. Deon Butler advanced the ball two more yards, then lateraled to Williams for eight more. Davis finally received the ball at the 20 and managed to outrace several tacklers before diving for the right pylon to pull CMU within 49-48. However, the two-point conversion pass to Kroll in the back-right corner of the end zone fell incomplete and the Hilltoppers could breathe a massive sigh of relief. Its the Nassau City Miracle, almost, Central Michigan coach Dan Enos said. Our team is never going to quit while Im the head football coach. Weve got blue collar guys. They work. Theyve got great character. Football mirrors life. Theres adversity. Theres ups and downs. You get your butt kicked and you got to bounce back. Thats what these guys did. They battled back. Enos said at first his team was going to just kick the extra point and force overtime. We sent the PAT field goal team out and then somebody said something about going for two and it clicked, Enos said. I went Whoa. Good. And then I looked at the players and said what do you got? And they said Lets do it. Lets win the game. We had Courtney Williams on one side and Jesse Kroll on the other side, and weve got little read routes that we run. Both of those guys are great fade runners and slant runners. Cooper had thrown seven touchdown passes already so he was pretty hot. We didnt want to go overtime because we had trouble stopping them all day. Titus was hurt too. We just thought we had momentum and we were going to try and win the game. A spirited opening quarter saw Western Kentucky emerge with a 21-7 edge thanks to TD passes from Doughty to Dangerfield, German and Grant around a 22-yard connection from Rush to Davis. Doughty found Henry for 16 yards and WKU led 28-7 early in the second, but CMU responded on a 30-yard strike from Rush to Williams. A fifth touchdown pass from Doughty went to McNeal for 55 yards and a 35-14 game inside of two minutes left in the first half. Allen capped the opening 30 minutes on a one-yard run to make it 42-14. Anthony Wales burst through for a 21-yard rushing score and Western Kentucky was up by 35 in the early stages of the third quarter. I thought we kind of got a little conservative and got relaxed on offense in the second half, Doughty admitted. They did a really good job of hitting our run game up, and it was just one of those grind-out halves. And weve got to fix that going into the future because we let a few go earlier in the season doing that. Im just excited that we got the win. Central Michigan began its comeback when Davis posted his second touchdown of the contest roughly 3 1/2 minutes into the fourth -- a 12-yard strike from Rush -- then his 23-yard TD catch-and-run pulled the Chippewas to 49-28 with 8:03 to play. Williams capped a 64-yard series on the seventh play by hauling in a 10-yard pass with 3:04 to play and CMU pulled within two scores. The Chippewas defense then held Western Kentucky to a three-and-out, and a fair catch from Davis on a short punt set them up on their own 45. Four plays later, Rush and Garland combined for a 7-yard strike to make it a seven-point contest. Game Notes Wednesdays contest was the first FBS postseason game played outside of the US and Canada since the 1937 Bacardi Bowl in Havana ... The schools combined for 1,254 yards of total offense, 647 by Western Kentucky ... Wales picked up 95 yards on 14 carries ... Kroll totaled 107 yards on four catches. Cheap Custom Shirts . Charlottetown scored four times in the third period en route to a 5-2 win over the defending champion Halifax Mooseheads on Friday. Custom Shirts Cheap .com) - Jenny Boucek is the new head coach of the Seattle Storm. http://www.shirtscustom.us/ . The Calgary Stampeders running back received the West Division nomination for the CFLs top individual award Thursday in voting by the Football Reporters of Canada and leagues eight head coaches. Wholesale Custom Shirts . -- Valentin Zykov scored in overtime as the Baie-Comeau Drakkar rallied to a 3-2 victory over the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada on Sunday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoff action. Custom Shirts Fast . -- Miguel Angel Jimenez quickly shifted his focus back to the Ryder Cup after winning his first Champions Tour event.MALABO, Equatorial Guinea - Didier Drogba is gone, and he might soon be forgotten when it comes to Ivory Coasts national soccer team.Wilfried Bony, the newest exceptional striker from the country that also produced Yaya Toure, scored a pair of goals Sunday to put his team into the semifinals of the African Cup of Nations.The Ivorians beat Algeria 3-1 at Malabo Stadium, and it was Bony who twice gave his team the lead with headers.I think the Ivory Coast team is very lucky, Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard said. He was the best scorer in England in 2014. I think when you just said that, you can explain everything.The soon-to-be Manchester City forward first headed in a cross from Max Gradel in the 26th minute after being left completely alone at the far post. Bony scored another in the 68th by nodding in a free kick taken by Toure, his new club teammate at City.The Ivorians, who won their only African Cup title in 1992, will next face Congo on Wednesday in Bata. Four-time champion Ghana, which beat Guinea 3-0 in the other quarterfinal match, will play tournament host Equatorial Guinea in the semifinals on Thursday in Malabo.With Drogba in the team, the Ivorians twice reached the African Cup final, but both times lost on penalties. The last time was in 2012, when Renard led Zambia to a surprising victory.If Didier Drogba is not there, its not because of us, Renard said. Its because he decided to stop his international career.The Ivory Coasts other goal came from Gervinho, the Roma forward who returned from a two-match suspension after getting a straight red card in the opening match.Hilal Soudani scored Algerias goal in the 51st, beating goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo after taking a pass from Riyad Mahrez that trickled through a weak Ivory Coast defence.In the earlier match, Christian Atsu scored two goals and Kwesi Appiah added the other to put Ghana into the African Cup semifinals for the fifth straight time.Atsu, who plays in Englland for Everton, gave the Black Stars the lead in the fourth minute by scoring after a backheel pass from Andre Ayew.dddddddddddd He added another in the 61st, whipping in a shot from the right side.Appiah scored the second goal of the match in the 44th, controlling a horrible defensive mistake from Baissama Sankoh and beating Guinea goalkeeper Naby Yattara.For us, I think we had a winning mentality, Atsu said. We went for a win and we worked hard for it. Thats why we won the game. Not because they are a bad team. We went for a win. Thats all.Guinea finished the match with 10 men after Yattara was given a red card in injury time for a foul on Asamoah Gyan. Abdoulaye Cisse then played in goal for the final seconds.Ghana came into the match as the favourite, and needed only a few minutes to take the lead. Appiah took the ball down the left side before passing to Ayew in the area, and the Marseille forward then used his heel to slide the ball to Atsu for the goal.The match slowed for most of the next 40 minutes, with Guinea captain Ibrahima Traore doing his best to create chances for his team.We lost a goal almost from kickoff, which hurt our confidence, and then lost another goal just before break, Guinea coach Michel Dussuyer said. It makes things complicated against a team with the talent of Ghana.Guinea needed a touch of luck just to make it this far. The team finished tied with Mali after both teams drew 1-1 in all three Group D matches. But Guinea advanced after winning a drawing of lots on Thursday.Just qualifying for the 2015 tournament was a surprise for many, however. Guinea is one of the three worst affected countries of the Ebola outbreak and the national team was forced to play its home qualifying matches outside its borders.We need to put things into perspective, Ghana are a great team, Dussuyer said. We go out with regrets in this match but must not forget the road we have come down before today. ' ' '
TORONTO - James Hinchcliffe awoke from a 20-minute nap between Sundays two races at Torontos Honda Indy and thought for a moment hed slept through his alarm. He said his nap briefly turned into a nightmare. What he didnt know was that the nightmare was yet to come. Race 2 of the IndyCar Series event was marred by several cautions, rain and contact with another driver, which would leave Hinchcliffe in 18th when the 80-minute race concluded. The Oakville, Ont., native finished Race 1 Sunday morning in eighth place, matching his personal best at Torontos Exhibition Place. "At least we have two races because before that, it was the one race that was a nightmare," said Hinchcliffe. "I think here we were in for a strong result, maybe a top five, who knows, but it wasnt meant to be today." The 27-year-old set his career-best eighth place finish in Race 1 of the 2013 event before finishing and 21st in Race 2. Hinchcliffe finished 22nd in the 2012 event while posting a 14th place finish during his rookie season in 2011. On Sunday, in Race 2, Hinchcliffes problems began on Lap 12. After Juan Pablo Montoya hit the tires in Turn 8. Hinchcliffe was unable to avoid the Colombians No. 2 car, clipping it. "The rain had just started, Juan Pablo was already in the tires there. I slowed down a lot because I saw him," explained Hinchcliffe. "(Sebastien) Bourdais had already started to go wide so I actually turned in a little early to try and give him room to get back on track. "As soon as I hit the concrete, with a little bit of rain, the thing was just backwards before I knew it. Just so annoying and disappointing." Once he was back on track, Hinchcliffe found himself four laps behind the leader. "It was so tough not racing with those guys at the end," he said. "Its just such a bummer because I think we had a really strong car. To see how the carnage played out, if we had kept our nose clean, we wouldve been up there." Hinchcliffe finished third at Exhibition Place in his first season in the Indy Lights developmental series, but it has been downhill since for him on the 11-turn, 2.8-kilometre track. Earlier in the week, Hinchcliffe joked that it couldnt possibly get worse for him at the lone Canadian stop on the IndyCar schedule. "Its one of those things, were sitting up here, talking, saying what do we have to do to catch a break, here or anywhere this season?" said Hinchcliffe. "The guys did a really good job on the car. I was having so much fun out there. Even in the wet, we wouldve been quick in the wet; we wouldve been quick in anything. "The guys gave me a solid car, Im just sorry we couldnt turn it into a result." Hinchcliffe has gotten used to doing a plethora of appearances to promote the event leading up to race day at his home stop. Hinchcliffe wasnt ready to blame the hectic week for his poor performances in Toronto. Still, he said he worked with Ryann Rigsby, Andretti Autosports Director of Communications, to arrange an optimal schedule. "Ryann here helped a lot in making sure that it was no more than a normal race weekend," Hinchcliffe said. "In a lot of ways, from a time commitment point of view, it felt very much like a normal race weekend. "In years past, I think weve tried to cram in a little more than maybe we shouldve and this year we didnt." Hinchcliffe struggled with tire strategy in Race 1, which saw him start and finish in the eighth spot while dropping from 11th in the point standings to 12th. He earned 36 points total from the two races. Entering the weekends event, Hinchcliffe had started 5-of-12 races in second spot, but hasnt found the podium once in 2014. "I was probably more confident this week more than ever coming here just based on the results weve had in Detroit and Houston," he said. "You cant buy a break, it seems like right now, if youre driving a blue 27 car." Alisson Becker Jersey . - Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte sees the commitment to the handoff and cant help but come away impressed. Andrew Robertson Jersey . The 23-year-old Neustaedter will move at the end of the season when his contract with Moenchengladbach expires. He signed a four-year deal with Schalke. http://www.footballliverpoolstore.com/Women-Fabinho-Liverpool-Jersey/ .ca presents its latest weekly power rankings for the 2013-14 Barclays Premier League season. Adam Lallana Liverpool Jersey . The hard-serving 22-year-old from Thornhill, Ont., became the first Canadian to be ranked in the Top 10 on the ATP World Tour thanks to his runner-up performance at Rogers Cup in Montreal. Dejan Lovren Liverpool Jersey . - The Mavericks built a 12-point lead with 2:50 to play, gave away all but two points of it, and still managed to hang on.CANASTOTA, N.Y. -- Capping a career that included 10 titles in six weight divisions, an Olympic gold medal and 10 world titles, the Golden Boy found a permanent home. Oscar De La Hoya was inducted Sunday into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. "Today marks an incredible personal achievement," said De La Hoya, who had an amateur record of 223-5 with 153 knockouts. "But it is only the latest milestone that never would have been possible without my family, my friends and, most of all, my fans." The Hall of Fames 25th class also included two of De La Hoyas contemporaries in the modern era -- Puerto Rican star Felix "Tito" Trinidad and Joe Calzaghe of Wales. Also inducted were: George Chaney, Charles Ledoux and Mike ODowd in the old-timer category; Tom Allen in the pioneer category; and promoter Barry Hearn, referees Richard Steele and Eugene Corri, journalist Graham Houston; and Sports Illustrated photographer Neil Leifer in the non-participant and observer categories. Inductees were selected by the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians. De La Hoya won the lightweight gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. He turned pro later that year and captured his first world title, the WBO super-featherweight crown, in only his 12th bout. De La Hoya also won titles as a lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, light middleweight and middleweight. His 2007 bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. was one of the richest in boxing history, attracting nearly 2.5 million pay-per-view fans. He retired after a 2008 loss to Manny Pacquiao with a professional record of 39-6 with 30 knockouts and in 2002 established Golden Boy Promotions. De La Hoya touched on numerous topics during his speech, including the future of the sport. "We must put aside the egos that have damaged our brannd and sullied our reputation," he said.dddddddddddd"We, the promoters, must stop carrying petty grudges that serve no purpose but to divide our sport. And most important, we must give the fans the fights that they want." The fame hasnt come without some of the bad. De La Hoya admitted himself to a treatment facility in September as he continues to fight substance abuse. The move came on the eve of the biggest fight of the year for his promotion company between Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez. De La Hoya first admitted two years ago that he was an alcoholic and drug user and had been in treatment. Trained by his father, Trinidad began boxing at age 10 in his native Puerto Rico and became one of its most accomplished fighters, posting a 51-6 amateur record before turning pro. He stopped Maurice Blocker in two rounds to capture the IBF welterweight crown in his 20th pro bout and defended his title 15 times, one of those a controversial 12-round majority decision over De La Hoya. Trinidad moved up in weight to win the WBA light middleweight title from David Reid in March 2000 and later that year unified titles with a 12th-round knockout against IBF champ Fernando Vargas. In 2001, he became a three-division champion with a fifth-round knockout of William Joppy for the WBA middleweight title. The three-time world champ was a fan favourite because of his big-punching style and devastating left hook. "This is a great honour for me, my father, my family and my whole team," Trinidad, who retired in 2009 with a record of 42-3 with 35 knockouts, said in December when he learned of his selection. "This is the biggest triumph of my career." Calzaghe was the Rocky Marciano of his division -- nobody beat him in 46 professional bouts, which included a division-record 21 defences of his super middleweight title. ' ' '
CHICAGO -- Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer will miss Tuesday nights game against the Atlanta Hawks with a left calf strain. Boozer was hurt before the Bulls game Thursday night at Golden State and also sat out Chicagos game Sunday in Los Angeles against the Lakers. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said Boozer is still day to day with the injury. Boozer is averaging 14.8 points and 8.6 rebounds this season. He has played in 45 games. Forward Taj Gibson is expected to make his eighth start of the season. Mostly coming off the bench, Gibson is averaging 12.6 points and 6.5 rebounds. Christian Okoye Jersey . He never mentioned anything about his hitting. The 33-year-old right-hander had success with both Sunday, pitching six solid innings and helping the offence-starved Mets with an RBI single as New York salvaged a doubleheader split with a 4-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Larry Johnson Womens Jersey . Even if he is shooting 38 per cent from the field overall this season, the Utah Jazz rookie always feels like his final shot is going in. http://www.thechiefsshoponline.com/Youth-Derrick-Thomas-Chiefs-Jersey/ . The 23-year-old Poland international is back as first choice at Arsenal after losing his regular spot in the team on occasions over the last three seasons. Tyreek Hill Womens Jersey . Listen to the Raptors vs. Jazz live tonight on TSN Radio 1050 at 9pm et/6pm pt. The Raptors are 1-1 so far on the five-game junket after defeating Denver and losing to Portland. Tyrann Mathieu Youth Jersey . The CFL unveiled its 2014 schedule Wednesday and the Redblacks will play their first-ever regular-season game in Winnipeg against the Blue Bombers on July 3.As a former gymnast and cheerleader, Alexa Bliss is no stranger to jumping around. Her biggest leap, though, came in July when she was drafted from WWEs talent-laden NXT brand to the bright blue lights of Smackdown Live.The move has paid off handsomely and the Ohio-born 25-year-old will challenge Smackdown Womens Champion, Becky Lynch, at Sundays No Mercy pay-per-view. WWE No Mercy: How to book Find out how to order Sundays pay-per-view Ahead of that title tussle and during Womens Sports Week, Bliss told Sky Sports about her WWE career to date, the hard work she has put in to achieve it - and why she is torn over what to wear at No Mercy…Did you expect to be wrestling for the Womens Title so soon?No - but I am what the new era should look like. Becky [and WWE Raw Superstars] Charlotte, Sasha Banks and Bayley paved the way for the Womens Revolution but I am the evolution of the Revolution. I am here to take it further - I want to show that if you want something in life you have to go for it and take opportunities.What sort of test will Becky pose?I have wrestled Becky in NXT for years and I have seen her evolve and change and her skills develop so I am looking forward to putting her to the test. My skills have developed as well and she hasnt seen as much of me as Ive seen of her. Bliss will challenge Becky Lynch for the Womens Title on Sunday How do your styles compare?The difference between me and Becky is that she is a submission specialist and I like to hit hard, while she also believes in playing fair whereas I believe there is no fair in fighting and you do whatever you have to do to win the title.How did you get into wrestling?I was a gymnast for 12 to 13 years and then transitioned into all-star cheerleading and competitive bodybuilding, but after I got my pro card I wanted to do something new. I had heard WWE was having try-outs so I went online and clicked on a link that said Do you want to be a WWE Superstar? I sent in a video application, had a try-out and thankfully made it, although it was the hardest thing I have ever done. Bliss signed for WWE in 2013 Did your sporting pedigree make it easier for you to transition into the ring?Gymnastics taught me about body awareness, bodybuilding helped me with my strength and cheerleading gave me the aerobic side of it, but nothing can physically prepare you for what your body goes through in the ring. You build the tolerance by keeping doing it - you can do as much working out as you want but as soon as you are in a wrestling match its a new challenge.You were very emotional when you were assigned to the Smackdown brand during Julys WWE Draft - did you expect it?I was really shocked as we had no idea we were being drafted. We were just sat at the Performance Center in Orlando waiting to see whose picture would appear on the show and when mine appeared I just dropped and started crying - until I realised I was being filmed and had to stand up! It was an emotional experience and I was just so overwhelmed. Bliss welled up after being drafted to Smackdown What made you so teary?I had been in NXT for over three years having started from square one with no prior wrestling experience - I basically went in blindfolded without knowing anything, so when I got drafted it made me feel like all that hard work had paid off. I now cant wait to continue progressing on the main roster and push myself to my limits.How much did you take from your time in NXT?I wouldnt be where I am today without all the coaches in NXT and all the other women building and helping each other out.dddddddddddd As a roster we were all really close - it had a real family feel, so my move to Smackdown is a bit like leaving for college in that you dont get to see your family as much. Hopefully people will come up from NXT and well all be one happy family again! I love country music but the sound of a banjo sometimes rubs me up the wrong way! Alexa Bliss on her pet hate There is a funny story when it comes to your family and wrestling, isnt there…When the Atitude Era came along I wasnt allowed to watch wrestling at home because my mum once told me to clean my room and I told her I had two words for her - D-Generation Xs Suck It chant - so I got grounded! So I went over to watch at my grandmothers house, where me and my cousins would play in an inflatable paddling pool - it had no water in it so became our wrestling ring!Who are your biggest inspirations inside and outside of the ring?In wrestling it would be Trish Stratus and Rey Mysterio - the gymnastic element of what Mysterio would do captivated me straight away. Away from the ring, it would be [Olympic gold-medal gymnast] Shannon Miller, as well as my parents - that may sound a bit cheesy but they sacrificed a lot to make sure I had every opportunity in life. They pushed me every day to succeed. Rey Mysterio is one of Alexas inspirations You dressed up as Suicide Squads Harley Quinn at Backlash - what have you got planned for No Mercy? Will your love of Disney come into play?I am stuck between doing the pigtails and tutu look or, as its close to Halloween, bringing back the Halloween outfit that I used to wear in NXT. I am still debating on that. If I were to do any Disney character, though, I would love to do a Maleficent outfit - I love how it is so dark and intricate.And finally, how much are you looking forward to this autumns UK tour?When we went to the UK with NXT the crowds were amazing. We were thinking: I wonder if they will know who we are but not only did they know who we are but they would sing - one person would start a chant and it would be contagious! I love being among crowds and seeing how different ones react, so it will be really fun.WWE No Mercy is live on Sky Sports Box Office at 1am on Sunday night (Monday morning). Are you ready for No Mercy? Sunday Night at 1am on Sky Sports Box Office You can watch Englands tour of Bangladesh, plus Premier League football and the Japan Grand Prix on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy three months at half price! Also See: WWE on Sky Sports Womens Sports Week 2016 WWE No Mercy: How to book Follow @SkySportsWWE ' ' '
HOUSTON -- Oaklands offence went cold after the As jumped out to an early lead against Houston on Friday night. When they finally rediscovered it in the ninth inning, almost everybody got in on the action. Daric Barton and Josh Donaldson had two RBIs apiece in a seven-run ninth inning during which 12 As batted to help Oakland to a 12-5 win over the Astros. The game was tied at 5 when Josh Fields (0-2) plunked Brandon Moss before back-to-back singles by Alberto Callaspo and Craig Gentry loaded the bases. Bartons sharply hit grounder bounced off Jose Altuves glove and into right field to send two home. Rookie right fielder George Springers error on that play allowed a third run to score, sending the few fans left filing to the exits. "It was awesome to finish the way we did," Gentry said. "I thought Mossy getting hit by that pitch and Callaspo with that nice single, I think that really got us going. Once we got a couple of runs across, we were kind of relaxed and were able to let it go." Donaldson, who homered twice on Thursday night, connected again on Friday with a shot off Anthony Bass to the Crawford Boxes in left field to make it 12-5. Moss was hit by a pitch for a second time in that inning after the home run to become the first player in the majors to be hit twice in the same inning since David DeJesus on June 18, 2012. Jed Lowrie had two hits and two RBIs to help the As improve to 5-0 against Houston this season and 25-5 against the Astros all-time. Altuve had three hits and drove in a run for Houston, which has lost 10 of its last 12 games and allowed 22 runs in the first two games of this four-game series. Chris Carter hit a leadoff double in the eighth inning, but Luke Gregerson (1-1) retired the next three Astros to end the threat. Former Astro Fernando Abad hit Jason Castro on the backside with a pitch with one out in the ninth inning. Castro jawed with catcher Derek Norris before heading to first base. Houston manager Bo Porter darted out of the dugout and began yelling at plate umpire Jordan Baker and was ejected. "If youre going to toss our guy (Thursday), it looked pretty intentional to me," Porter said. "Its a judgment call on the umpires part, and he didnt think it was intentional. I said my piece and what I thought, and he threw me out of the game." Castros plunking came after Lowrie accused Houston of intentionally hitting him with a pitch Thursday night for an incident in the last series between these teams when the Astros were miffed after he attempted a bunt with a seven-run lead in the first inning. Moss didnt think he was hit on purpose, but he parroted what Porter said a night before when Lowrie was hit. "Theyve hit us a few times this series and we hit one of their guys," Moss said. "I think Bo said it (Thursday), the game of baseball takes care of itself and thats what happened tonight. Some people may not like it, Castro might not like it but you stand behind your words." The As put up four runs in the second inning and extended the lead to 5-1 in the fourth. Houston answered with four runs in the bottom of the inning to tie it up. Jesse Chavez had his first tough outing of the season, allowing a career-high eight hits with five runs -- four earned -- in five innings. He entered having allowed just one earned run in each of his four starts and had a 1.38 ERA. Houston starter Brad Peacock yielded five hits and five runs, including three earned, with a career-most six walks in five innings. NOTES: As left fielder Yoenis Cespedes sat out Friday after straining his left hamstring a night before. Manager Bob Melvin said he expects him to be out a couple of days. ... Houston right-handed reliever Jesse Crain, who has been on the disabled list all season after biceps surgery during spring training has been shut down after developing bursitis in his shoulder. General manager Jeff Luhnow said the current problem is not related to his surgery. He was scheduled to return in early May, but Luhnow said he will not be ready then and he should have a updated timetable for his return in about 10 days. ... RHP Mark Appel, the first overall pick by the Astros in 2013, has been sent to extended spring training after starting the season at Single-A Lancaster. Luhnow said he is not injured but was behind after missing most of spring training after an emergency appendectomy and needed more games to get "more used to the pro routine." Drew Doughty Jersey .During the week, McCoy told reporters he respected Hoyer for his intelligence, athleticism and how he conducts himself on and off the field. This wasnt an act, some attempt at psyching out Hoyer. Rob Blake Jersey . The Grizzlies erased most of a 25-point deficit before Durant, the leagues scoring champion, got hot. http://www.kingsauthentic.com/authentic-dave-taylor-kings-jersey/ . Keenum will make his first appearance in a regular-season game against the rugged defence of the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, where the fans just set a Guinness record as the noisiest outdoor stadium in the world. Alex Iafallo Jersey .com) - Maria Sharapova rallied for a three- set win over Ana Ivanovic on Saturday to capture the season-opening Brisbane International tennis tournament. Anze Kopitar Jersey . LOUIS -- Known for his game-managing and defensive skills, Yadier Molina made another statement with his bat.NEW YORK, N.Y. - Toronto Rock forward Garrett Billings was named a finalist for the 2014 National Lacrosse League most valuable player award on Thursday. He was joined on the ballot by forward Cody Jamieson and goaltender Matt Vinc of the Rochester Knighthawks. Billings, a native of Langley, B.C., led the NLL in points-per-game average (6.73) and finished third in the league with 101 points (32 goals, 69 assists). He was runner-up for the NLL MVP award in 20122 and 2013.dddddddddddd Jamieson, from Six Nations, Ont., won the scoring title with 108 points. He was tied for second in the league in assists (72) and tied for sixth overall with 36 goals. Vinc, a native of St. Catharines, Ont., finished second in the league in save percentage (.798), tied for second in wins (12), and third in goals-against average (9.56), saves (595) and minutes played (947:43). The award winner will be announced Sept. 21. ' ' '
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. -- Hee Young Park topped the leaderboard at 8 under Friday in the suspended second round of the Kingsmill Championship. The South Korean player, fighting a lingering wrist injury, shot a 3-under 68 to take a one-stroke lead over Stacy Lewis, Brittany Lang, Lexi Thompson, Azahara Munoz and Lizette Salas. "Last week I rested like whole week, so I can I think more focus on the course and Im ready," said Park, a two-time winner on the LPGA Tour. "Yesterday more hard ground, so a bit tough to hit solid, hit the ball. But today more soft fairway, everything, so it helped a lot. So more comfortable today. A lot of ice, good food, good sleep." The second-ranked Lewis, in position to take the top spot in the world ranking from Inbee Park, had a 65. "Definitely have a better feeling coming off the course today," Lewis said. "Just feel like I played a lot more solid, hit the ball better, definitely had more control going into the greens. I think less wind helped there. Just stayed really patient and made a few putts, and added up to a pretty good score." Lang finished with a 68. "Ive been playing really well and working really hard just trying to be confident out there and committed to my shots," Lang said. "Working on a few things, so good first two days." Thompson, Munoz and Salas were unable to finish the round because of darkness after the start of play was delayed 3 1/2 hours because of overnight rain. Thompson, the Kraft Nabisco winner, and Munoz had five holes left, and Salas had seven remaining. Coming off a victory two weeks ago in the North Texas LPGA Shootout, Lewis would jump to No. 1 with a victory or a solo second-place finish, as long as third-ranked Lydia Ko doesnt win. Ko, 2 under with six holes left in the round, needs a victory to move to No. 1. Inbee Park is skipping the tournament. "Im excited," Lewis said about her lofty spot on the leaderboard. "This is a position I love to be in. I love giving myself a chance to win. Im right where I need to be. I just got to keep staying patient and get a few putts to fall." Defending champion Cristie Kerr was tied for 12th at 4 under after a 71. She also won the Michelob Ultra at the course in 2005 and 2009. Kenny Stabler Womens Jersey . Tottenham claimed top spot in Group K by winning 2-0 at Tromso after defender Adnan Causevic scored an own goal before Mousa Dembele put the result beyond doubt. Valencia made sure it will finish first in Group A with a 1-0 win at Swansea thanks to an early goal from Dani Parejo. Isaiah Johnson Raiders Jersey . -- At the beginning of training camp, Andrew Bogut set a goal to play all 82 regular-season games and regain his place among the NBAs best centres. http://www.shoptheraidersonline.com/Elite-Isaiah-Johnson-Raiders-Jersey/ . They actually finished with a better record in ‘07 than they did in ‘06 but only marginally, going from 61 victories to 66. Jim Plunkett Raiders Jersey . Moments after scoring and setting off another wild celebration at Minsk arena, Platt leapt into the arms of Belarusian captain Alexei Kalyuzhny. Josh Jacobs Jersey . - This is just the warm-up act for 18-year-old William Nylander.SUNRISE, Fla. - The Florida Panthers acquired defenceman Jesse Blacker from the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday for defenceman Colby Robak.Florida also will get the Ducks fourth-round pick in 2016 or their sixth-round pick in 2017, depending on how many games Robak plays for Anaheim.Blacker made his NHL debut last week with the Ducks before being sent back to the teams AHL affiliate in Norfolk. He has five assists in 15 AHL games this season and was Torontos second-round pick in the 2009 draft.Robak had three assists and 25 penalty minutes in 42 games with the Panthers over the past four seasons.dddddddddddd He spent most of the previous four seasons in the AHL.Robak will join the Ducks in Minnesota for Fridays game against the Wild. If he suits up, Robak will become the 13th defenceman to play already this season for injury-riddled Anaheim.Just two games after the Ducks acquired Eric Brewer from Tampa Bay last week, they lost the veteran for four to six weeks with a broken foot. Defencemen Ben Lovejoy and Francois Beauchemin also are out for several weeks with broken fingers. ' ' '