From John Ferguson Jr. Stanley Morgan Jersey . to Cliff Fletcher (part II) to Brian Burke to Dave Nonis, the annual free agent frenzy has been nothing short of a recurring nightmare for Maple Leaf general managers (recent) past and present. Each and every July 1st signing has brought with it excitement and all too large expectations only to fizzle into one pricey disappointment after another. Now helming another rebuild in Calgary, Burke often described the day in disastrous terms for the NHLs management community, decrying the slew of exorbitant contracts with "unrealistic values and unrealistic term…that bite you right in the butt at some point". Value, all too important under the confines of a cap system and best found in homegrown products, is never harder to find than on July 1st – a day that sees the contracts get larger and sillier with each passing year. It began in earnest for the Leafs shortly after the outset of the cap era in the summer of 2006. John Ferguson Jr., fighting for a job that would soon run its course, plugged two holes on the Toronto defence that July with a pair of expensive free agent additions. Formerly a member of Tampas Cup winning squad in 2004, Pavel Kubina was inked for four years and $20 million and Hal Gill, once a towering defender in Boston but far less effective under the free-flowing rules of the league post-lockout, raked in more than $6 million for three years. Both were overpaid from the outset – especially in the case of Kubina, one of many to struggle under the weight of an onerous contract – and both were eventually traded. 2007 Jason Blake came next. Scoring more frequently as an Islander in 2006 than at any other point in a 13-year career, Blake – age 33 – signed with the Leafs for five years and $20 million in the last significant move of the Ferguson Jr. era. Blake, predictably, could not live up to the expectations of such a large contract, never coming close to 40 goals again; he was dealt to Anaheim alongside Vesa Toskala for J.S. Giguere in 2010. 2008 Mostly forgotten now, but of considerable damage to the organization during a brief 10-month tenure, Fletcher continued the free agent plight in 2008. Maybe even more stunning now than it was then, Fletcher handed former Avalanche defender Jeff Finger, he of 94 games of NHL experience, four years and $14 million. Finger played 62 forgettable games in a Leaf uniform, was eventually buried in the minors, never to be heard from again. Joining Finger in the free agent trot that day was Niklas Hagman, a Finnish winger who scored 27 goals the year prior in Dallas. Hagman also cashed in under Fletcher, lured for four years at a bloated $12 million. Though he scored 42 goals in two seasons with the Leafs, Hagman was consistently inconsistent, soon to be dealt to Calgary in the famed Dion Phaneuf trade. 2009 Still months from pulling the trigger on the noisiest (and most controversial) move of his busy Toronto tenure – the hotly debated Phil Kessel trade – Burke sought a big and ultimately failed splash in his first summer as the Leafs front man. It was all about truculence then and truculence he got. There were the four years and $4 million pitched to former Rangers heavyweight, Colton Orr; five long years and $22.5 million to Mike Komisarek; three years at just over $11 million for Francois Beauchemin. Orr lingered as a mostly unused tough guy for Ron Wilson before being briefly banished to the minors (he eventually returned to the NHL). Komisarek, a step or two slow for the speedier new game, tumbled quickly under the burden of a deal he could never live up to and was bought out by the organization last summer. Beauchemin eventually found his game, but not in Toronto. He returned to the Ducks in the Jake Gardiner-Joffrey Lupul swap, finishing fourth in the 2013 Norris Trophy voting. 2010 Still trying to fill various holes through free agency, Burke added the veteran grinder Colby Armstrong from Pittsburgh the following summer (three years, $9 million). Armstrong never found much health as a Leaf though and preceded fellow free agent signee, Komisarek, on the buyout line. 2011 Tim Connolly recorded just 42 points in his final go-around in Buffalo, but still landed $9 million for two years in the summer of 2011. Connolly never hit the desired mark of No. 1 centre for the Leafs (he had 36 points in 70 games), was demoted to the Marlies after a year and is now out of the NHL. 2013 And then last summer there was David Clarkson, the first signee of Nonis as Leafs GM. In perhaps the worst deal of the aforementioned bunch, Clarkson landed in his hometown for seven years and more than $36 million on July 1st, 2013. Year 1 was an all-out nightmare and while theres every chance of a bounce-back of some kind in Year 2, his talents are unlikely to ever match the value of an incredibly burdensome contract. Clarkson was just the latest in a line of July 1st blunders. The fundamental flaw in continually swinging big in free agency is the lacking value the process ensures – players are almost always overvalued on Day 1 of the contract. As demonstrated yet again by the L.A. Kings earlier this summer, team building (and sustained success) is best accomplished through successful draft and development, not pricey spending on a mistake-laden day. And so while impending UFAs like Paul Statsny may appear to solve long-standing needs, Nonis (and Brendan Shanahan) would be wise to approach with caution. The answer, especially in Toronto, is almost never found on July 1st. Player Contract End Result Pavel Kubina 4 years, $20M Traded Hal Gill 3 years, $6.25M Traded Jason Blake 5 years, $20M Traded Jeff Finger 4 years, $14M Demoted Niklas Hagman 4 years, $12M Traded Colton Orr 4 years, $4M Demoted * Mike Komisarek 5 years, $22.5M Bought Out Francois Beauchemin 3 years, $11.4M Traded Colby Armstrong 3 years, $9M Bought Out Tim Connolly 2 years, $9M Demoted David Clarkson 7 years, $36.75M N/A Tom Owen Jersey . The Canadian defensive tackle suffered the injury on Monday and had tests done on Tuesday. He was a potential starter on the defensive line but head coach Mike OShea said he wasnt even thinking about the ratio when he got the news. Ty Law Jersey . Kenny Miller scored from the penalty spot and Camilo Sanvezzo came off the bench to add two late goals as the Whitecaps kept their playoff hopes alive with a 3-0 victory over the sagging Impact on Saturday afternoon. http://www.custompatriotsjersey.com/cust...-221f.html . - Zac Leslie scored two goals and assisted on two more, and Justin Nichols made 34 saves as the Guelph Storm blanked the Kitchener Rangers 6-0 in Ontario Hockey League action on Sunday.COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Michael Sam was just another recruit when he left his small Texas hometown and arrived in Missouri. Playing for the Tigers, he turned into a private loquacious leader ready to make a trailblazing announcement. The defensive star wants to become the first openly gay NFL player. "I told him: This is going to be mammoth," coach Gary Pinkel said Monday, a day after Sam came out to the world. "I dont have a word, OK, for how big this is going to be." Its a bigger deal for the older generation. Sams teammates and acquaintances easily made the adjustment, plus he proved himself on the field. "Hes a leader," former 49ers great running back Roger Craig said. "I would definitely welcome him on my team. Id play with him any day. I like people who stand up for themselves." Sam revealed he was gay at one of the football teams get-acquainted dinners last summer hosted by Pinkel and assistant coaches. The next day, Pinkel said, Sam told the entire team. Realizing the enormity of the situation, Pinkel left the next move up to the senior who blossomed into one of the best defensive ends in the country -- and one surrounded by teammates who didnt worry one bit about sexual orientation or reveal his secret until he came out on Sunday. Athletes across the campus approve. "Love is love," basketball guard Jordan Clarkson said. "Thats their personal life." Pinkel, athletic director Mike Alden and other school officials applauded Sams courage Monday at Faurot Field. As a backdrop, the first two letters of Sams last name were etched in snow to join the giant "M" just beyond the north end zone. "Pretty cool," Pinkel said. Coaches and Sam agreed that making an announcement during the season might be a distraction. It was Sams call to skip all the weekly media days and postgame news conferences, too, the better to avoid the risk of the topic coming up. Sam broke his silence prior to the Cotton Bowl and the conversation stayed on football, just like he wanted. Sam was prompted to make his decision to come out after the Senior Bowl, where it became apparent the players sexual orientation was widely known. This meant a declaration just days before the NFL ccombine and shouldering the pressure that goes along with the historic declaration. Steve Spurrier Jersey. "Its very clear that everybody in the NFL knew," said Howard Bragman, a consultant hired by Sams agent to help manage the announcement in the media. The NFL and many others, including the White House, publicly applauded Sams decision. President Barack Obamas spokesman, first lady Michelle Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden all called him a courageous and inspirational athlete. But now, after a few high-profile interviews, its back to silent Sam. The fifth level of the stadium was jammed with dozens of reporters for Mondays news conference but there was no sign of the star attraction. Bragman said Sam was travelling Monday to a camp at an undisclosed location where hell prepare for the combine. Though hes been a most reticent public speaker, Pinkel described Sam as a virtual chatterbox. "He drove me crazy a lot of times, he doesnt shut up sometimes," Pinkel said with a chuckle. "He talks and talks and talks. "You always know hes in with my secretary because I can hear him and I have to close the door -- I cant concentrate." Sam arrived at Missouri without fanfare. Rivals.com gave him just two stars when he was coming out of Hitchcock High School. He had 10 career starts before his breakout senior season. The All-America defensive end led the Southeastern Conference with 11 1/2 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. He was the co-SEC defensive player of the year. But Sam has been projected as a mid-level NFL draft pick, probably because hes a bit undersized at 6-foot-2 and 255 pounds and is likely headed for a transition to outside linebacker. Pinkel doesnt think the announcement will hurt Sams draft status. "Our team was able to move past it and work together," defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski said. "So why shouldnt a bunch of professional football players be able to do the same thing?" There have been a few NFL players who have come out after their playing days, including Kwame Harris and Dave Kopay. "There will be some adjustments that will have to be made, sure," Craig said. "I think it will be a learning curve for the whole league." ' ' '
TORONTO -- When the Toronto Raptors gathered in a timeout huddle with just under six minutes to play Tuesday night, DeMar DeRozan sat forlorn and frustrated at the end of the bench. Tom Myers Jersey . He gazed at the floor, and fought to regain his composure. It could have spelled disaster. Instead, DeRozan -- calm restored -- grabbed the game by the throat in the final three minutes to lead Toronto to a 100-95 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in Game 2 of their playoff series Tuesday. "Its just my competitive spirit," DeRozan explained. "Just calmed myself down. I was a little frustrated that I couldnt be out there with my team at that critical moment. It was just me keeping myself together, not being so frustrated, just staying focused." The Raptors top scorer had just picked up his fifth foul and Dwane Casey had taken him out of the game, despite DeRozan pleading with his coach to keep him in. DeRozan scored 10 of his 30 points in the games final three minutes, hitting two big buckets right after he returned to the game, his second a fadeaway jumper from 18 feet that had him flexing his chest and growling in celebration. The first-game jitters that haunted him in Game 1? Gone. Winning the game for his team down the stretch was "everything you dream about." "Especially when you become a professional athlete at the highest level, and have that trust from your coaching staff and your teammates to have the ball in your hands, and win the game for them," the 24-year-old DeRozan said. "Thats big, and I appreciate all 14 guys in that locker-room and the coaching staff to have that trust in me to take those shots in the fourth quarter." The best-of-seven Eastern Conference series is tied at one game apiece and heads to Brooklyn for Game 3 on Friday and Game 4 on Sunday. Amir Johnson had 16 points and nine rebounds, Jonas Valanciunas had 15 points and 14 boards for his second double-double of the series, while Kyle Lowry had 14 points, nine boards and six assists. Patrick Patterson added 12 points and nine rebounds for the Atlantic Division champions. Joe Johnson topped the Nets with 18 points, while Deron Williams had 15, Mirza Teletovic added 14, and Kevin Garnett finished with 13. Toronto outrebounded Brooklyn 52-30. Casey had predicted a completely different group of players -- especially DeRozan -- would show up for Game 2 after the majority of them looked overwhelmed by the bright lights of the playoffs in Game 1. "The game is about adjustments," DeRozan said. "Im a student of the game. I went back and watched the whole game (Saturdays loss) two or three times, to understand where I could get my shots, opportunities, where I could score and get easy buckets." The Raptors led by as much as 11 in the first half but the Nets got hot in the third quarter and took a 66-64 advantage into the fourth. DeRozan poured in seven points early in the fourth -- including a massive left-handed dunk that had capacity crowd of 20,382 fans at the Air Canada Centre -- that included Mayor Rob Ford, Drake and multimillionaire NBA superfan Jimmy Goldstein -- roaring. DeRozans 17 fourth-quarter points, alone, were two points better than his entire output in Saturdays 94-87 Game 1 loss. The Raptors outscored the Nets 36-29 in the final 12 minutes. The Raptors went up by five with 1:10 to play after Lowry drained a shot then stole the ball, leading to a Patterson free throw. Lowry raised his hands to the crowd like a conductor directs an orchestra, encouraging the fans to cheer louder. "Earlier in the year we wanted to be the Freddy Krueger of the NBA. Not give up, not give in," Casey said. "I think our guys have done that. We won against a very veteran team like Brooklyn, and that is very difficult to do because they seem to find a way to challenge you and keep you on your toes." Paul Pierce, who scorched the Raptors down the stretch in Game 1, missed on a three-point attempt that would have tied the game with about 30 seconds to play. "Yeah, I got some looks," Pierce said. "Sometimes they fall, sometimes they dont. I think tonight it really wasnt about the offence again, we put ourselves in that position. We have to be better in the fourth quarter defensively. "When you go on the road and you are trying to steal two on the other teams home court, you have to be better in the fourth quarter defensively." DeRozan drained two free throws with 20.6 seconds left to seal the victory for Toronto. Johnson then took flight for a massive dunk to the delight of the delirious fans -- the perfect punctuation mark on a solid game by the entire Raptors team. "Just for me and DeMar, weve been through the ups and downs of this team," Johnson said. "This year we broke so many records, and we finally made it to this level. . . it just means a lot to be here for five years and to finally get to this stage. "We were here when people thought you could just come to Toronto and get a win," added DeRozan, seated beside Johnson at the post-game press conference. "Weve been through all that, frustrating seasons. "And we want everybody to know when you play against the Toronto Raptors youre going to have to fight, youre going to have to bring your game, and thats the passion every single guy on this team has." If there was one glaring negative, it was turnovers -- again. The Raptors coughed up 17 points on 21 turnovers. Saturday, they gave up 17 points on 19 turnovers and vowed to clean up the giveaways. Now the series heads to the unfriendly confines of Brooklyns Barclays Center -- likely made more unfriendly by the F-bomb Raptors GM Masai Ujiri dropped in relation to Brooklyn when addressing fans Saturday. "I think we always play well on the road in hostile environments. I think we proved it this year," DeRozan said. "Its really no pressure when we play on the road. Its just us, we dont pay attention to the crowd, the odds being stacked against us, we understand everythings on us and thats how we play." The players at least didnt have to put up with the distraction of Saturdays shot-clock fiasco. The power sources to the clocks were replaced after they were fried in the third quarter of Game 1, leaving announcer Herbie Kuhn to count down the 24 seconds on each possession. As in Game 1, hundreds of fans jammed Maple Leaf Square outside the ACC to watch the game on the giant screen. Valanciunas led the way with eight points in the first quarter punctuated by a circus play that led to a Ross basket -- Valanciunas took a shot and missed while falling down, and grabbed his own rebound while still on his backside, chucking a pass from the seated position. The play was part of a 15-3 run that put the Raptors up by five with about three minutes left in the quarter. Toronto took a 21-19 lead into the second. The Raptors opened the second with a 14-7 run to take an 11-point lead but the Nets fought back to cut Torontos lead to 45-39 heading into the dressing room at halftime. Johnson ran amok for 12 points in the third, and the Nets outscored the Raptors 27-19 in the quarter to lead by two points with a quarter left to play. NOTES: Casey finished fifth in voting for NBA coach of the year announced earlier Tuesday. He received five first-place votes. Mitch Berger Jersey . -- Floridas smothering defence returned to form just in time for the third-ranked Gators to keep their winning streak going. LaRoi Glover Jersey . CSKA received the heavier punishment of playing its next European home game behind closed doors, after its supporters displayed racist and far-right symbols in the Czech Republic during a 2-1 loss to Viktoria Plzen on Dec. http://www.customsaintsjersey.com/custom...-482e.html . The Blue Jackets announced the injury through their official Twitter account Friday afternoon. Gaborik, 31, has scored five goals and six assists in 17 games with the Blue Jackets in 2013-14.DENVER -- Dee Gordon got his team off to a quick start. The rest of the Los Angeles Dodgers followed his lead. Gordon tripled twice among his three hits and drove in three runs as the Dodgers beat Colorado 7-2 on Friday night, handing the Rockies their eighth straight defeat. The three RBIs were a career high for Gordon, who also stole his major league-leading 36th base while tying a career best for hits in a game. "It was just fun getting on base," Gordon said. "Thats it, getting on base, giving us a chance to win." Gordon became the fifth major leaguer to have two triples in a game this season and the first Dodgers player to accomplish the feat since Rafael Furcal did it Sept. 28, 2010, also at Coors Field. Hanley Ramirez had two hits and stole two bases, and Justin Turner also had two of Los Angeles 12 hits. "Our at-bats were good. Dee got us going early," manager Don Mattingly said. "This is a pretty good offensive field. Its good for everybody." The Dodgers had lost six of eight but got healthy against the struggling Rockies. Hyun-Jin Ryu cruised through the first five innings before Drew Stubbs hit a solo homer with one out in the sixth. Ryu (7-2) allowed two runs and eight hits over six innings in winning his fourth straight start. "I could tell right away why a lot of pitchers dont like throwing here," Ryu said. "It was a difficult outing out there. All aspects of gripping the ball was tough today. I just tried to keep the ball low the entire game." Stubbs and Troy Tulowitzki had two hits each for the slumping Rockies, who lost again in starter Eddie Butlers major league debut. Butler was impressive at times, touching 96 mph with his fastball and getting ahead of batters early by staying around the plate. "Opposing hitters were firing early because he was around the zone," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "Hes got the ability to be efficient and get quick outs." Colorado had hoped Butler (0-1) could stop the slide, but he struggled riight from the start. Keith Mitchell Jersey. Gordon ripped Butlers second major league pitch down the right-field line for a leadoff triple and scored on a groundout by Ramirez. Drew Buteras RBI double in the second made it 2-0. Butler then settled down until the fifth, when the Dodgers stretched the lead. After Ryu led off with a double, Gordon tripled again and Ramirez singled to make it 4-0. "Its easy when you have a guy like Dee who can get into scoring position," Ramirez said. "Hes just trying to make it easy for us. I just want to win, I dont care about anything else." Gordon made it 6-0 in the sixth with a two-run single off Butler, who left after issuing a one-out walk to Ramirez. Butler, called up from Double-A Tulsa to take lefty Franklin Morales spot in the rotation, allowed six runs and 10 hits in 5 1-3 innings and learned how tough big league hitters are. "You cant pitch over the middle of the plate. Obviously, Gordon got me pretty good today," Butler said. "Ill just pull different things out of it to learn from." The Rockies didnt generate much against Ryu before the sixth. Their first two batters reached in the fourth but Ryu retired the next three to keep Colorado off the scoreboard. Stubbs fourth homer made it 6-1. Michael McKenry doubled and Charlie Culberson followed with a triple to make it 6-2. Ryu got pinch-hitter Brandon Barnes to fly out to end the inning. Yasiel Puig singled and scored in the ninth to extend his streak of reaching base to 37 consecutive games. That ties Torontos Jose Bautista for the longest in the majors this season. NOTES: Tulowitzki was ejected in the ninth by plate umpire Dan Iassogna for arguing balls and strikes. ... The Dodgers selected the contract of infielder Miguel Rojas from Triple-A Albuquerque and optioned infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena to the Isotopes. Rojas replaced Ramirez at shortstop in the eighth and made an error on his first chance. ... Rockies OF Michael Cuddyer was out of the lineup with a sore left shoulder. ' ' '
The National Hockey League Department of Player Safety will not suspend Minnesota Wild forward Nino Niederreiter for his hit on Vancouver Canucks forward Alex Burrows during Wednesdays game. Junior Fernandez . In a series of tweets, it is explained by the Department of Player Safety that Niederreiter makes full body contact with Burrows and although there is head contact, he does not "pick" the head in the course of making the hit. Burrows immediately left the ice under his own power and went straight to the Canucks dressing room after taking the hit but did return to the bench shortly thereafter. Niederreiter was assessed a minor penalty for interference on the play. Stan Musial . The 17-year-old had four goals and four assists in 38 games for Liberec in the Czech pro league this past season. Zacha had three goals and two assists in seven games at the world mens under-18 championship in April when the Czech Republic took the silver medal. Ozzie Smith .com Tours season-opening Colombia Championship on Sunday, breaking the course record with an 8-under 63 in the completion of the third round before rain washed out play. http://www.custommlbcardinalsjersey.com/...-931q.html . Granato was an assistant for the Pittsburgh Penguins for the last five seasons, and he was also part of Team USAs staff at the 2014 Olympics.CHICAGO -- Canadian Andrew Wiggins soared toward the hoop as Jabari Parker made one last attempt to stop his fellow freshman star. No such luck. Wiggins owned the end of Parkers impressive homecoming. The Kansas star scored 16 of his 22 points in the second half, outplaying Parker down the stretch and helping the fifth-ranked Jayhawks knock off No. 4 Duke 94-83 on Tuesday night. Parker, a former prep star at nearby Simeon High School, had 27 points, nine rebounds and two steals in a spectacular return to his hometown. But it was Wiggins who made the biggest plays in the final minutes of a taut thriller between two storied programs. Wiggins, from Vaughan, Ont., drained a stepback jumper to give the Jayhawks an 85-81 lead with 1:33 to go, and then had a fast-break dunk while being fouled by a trailing Parker. Wiggins held his arms out and yelled after the big dunk, delighting the raucous crowd at the United Center. Parker headed to the bench with his fifth foul. Perry Ellis finished with 24 points and Wayne Selden had 15 for the Jayhawks (2-0), who went 27 for 35 at the foul line, compared to 16 of 28 for the Blue Devils. Wiggins also had eight rebounds despite battling foul trouble for much of the game. Kansas scored 17 of the final 23 points after Rasheed Sulaimon made a jumper for Duke that tied it at 77 with 3:50 left. Amile Jefferson had 17 points for Duke (1-1), which dropped to 7-3 in the all-time series against Kansas. Rodney Hood scored 11 points. The 10th meeting of two of college basketballs most successful programs was an absolute classic, an unbelievably well-played game for mid-November. After No. 2 Michigan State held on for a 788-74 victory over top-ranked Kentucky in the first game of the Champions Classic, the Blue Devils and Jayhawks put on their own show in front of a pro-Kansas crowd filled with breathless NBA personnel drooling over the possibilities for next years draft. Harrison Bader. Billed as Parker versus Wiggins, it was clear from the start there was much more talent on the floor than just the precocious freshmen stars. Jamari Traylor, another Chicago native, had an early block for Kansas and then hustled down to the other end for a trailing dunk. Hood made a jumper and helped set up Jefferson for a layup that made it 26-all. Thats when Parker began to take over. The 6-foot-8 forward scored 12 of Dukes next 14 points, showing off his smooth, versatile game. He had two layups and two free throws before closing the stretch with 3-pointers on consecutive trips down the floor for the Blue Devils, leading to a respectful silence from the vocal Kansas fans. Quinn Cook then made two foul shots with 43 seconds left to give Duke a 42-40 halftime lead. Playing with a new, sleek haircut, Wiggins picked up his second foul with 9:30 left in the first half and spent much of the early going on the sideline. He had six points on 3-of-5 shooting at the break to go along with three rebounds and a blocked shot. He began to pick it up early in the second half, making a jumper on Kansas first possession. He also had a nice fast-break basket off a pass from Frank Mason, tying it at 51 with 15 1/2 minutes left. Parker was only getting started, too. He had a towering one-handed jam off an alley-oop from Cook, looking very much like Grant Hill from his days in Durham. ' ' '
ARLINGTON, Va. Stitched Suns Jerseys . - Minnesota Duluth centre Caleb Herbert signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals. The team announced the deal Friday. The 22-year-old Herbert was a fifth-round draft pick in 2010. He spent the past three seasons in college at Minnesota Duluth, leading the team with 31 points and 85 penalty minutes this season. Herbert will go to Hershey of the American Hockey League. Suns Jerseys China . The 34-year-old averaged 10.1 points and 2.7 rebounds in 82 games played in 2013-14 with the Utah Jazz. Jefferson has averaged 14.5 points, 4. Paul Westphal Jersey . Chief prosecutor Gerrie Nel also accused Pistorius of tailoring his testimony to fit the evidence at the scene. Pistorius denied the accusations. Nel alleged that the Olympic runner changed his aim with his 9 mm pistol to ensure that he hit Steenkamp as she fell back against a magazine rack in a toilet cubicle. https://www.cheapsunsonline.com/369z-den...-suns.html . The punch happened in the fourth quarter of Milwaukees 116-102 loss to the Kings on Wednesday when the two players became entangled while battling for rebounding position. OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Golden State Warriors are banking on Andrew Boguts future in the Bay Area. The Warriors and the often-injured centre agreed to a contract extension Friday, a day after the team finished the preseason. A person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press it was for three years and $36 million and could be worth up to about $42 million with incentives. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the terms had not been publicly disclosed. Boguts contract was set to expire after this season. "We put a lot of money into believing hes going to be healthy," general manager Bob Myers said. "In this business, youre taking risks on players, whether they stay healthy or not. We used all our analysis, all the things we knew, all the information that was at hand with us to make the decision we did. "Size is a scarcity in the NBA, and we felt like this was somebody we needed to have going forward to be a successful NBA basketball team. Hes a big piece of our recent and past success and hopefully future success. So for us, we were willing to take that risk, and we think its a good one." The Warriors acquired Bogut in a trade-deadline deal in March 2012 that sent guard Monta Ellis to Milwaukee. Bogut did not play for Golden State that season while recovering from a fractured left ankle. The 7-footer from Australia missed 50 of 82 games last season, mostly because of soreness in his surgically repaired ankle. He also battled back and knee injuries while averaging a career-low 5.8 points to go with 7.7 rebounds, but he was at his best in the playoffs, making a major difference on defence to help the Warriors get to the second round. Myers, Bogut and Boguts agent, David Bauman, spoke generally in May about an extension and agreed to revisit talks more seriously this October. Bogut said he gave the Warriors a Friday deadline to get a deal done because he didnt want negotiations to drag into the regular season, which begins Wednesday night at home against the Los Angeles Lakers. "I was never a greedy guy that was going to come and say, Pay me X or Im walking or pay me X or Im going to free agency," Bogut said. Boris Diaw Jersey. . "I think Im realistic about the injuries that Ive had and the tough times that Ive had with the organization and the pressure that theyve faced with fans for making the trade. It was one of those things where we came to common ground and I was happy. I couldve easily said, Ill wait till the off-season and easily make more money in the long run and have someone just chasing you. But Im happy with my deal right now." When Bogut has played, he has played well. He has career averages of 12.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.58 blocks in 440 regular-season games over eight seasons. Staying healthy enough to play, though, has been a constant battle since Milwaukee made him the No. 1 overall pick out of Utah in the 2005 draft. Bogut took anti-inflammatory injections just to stay on the court in the playoffs last season, but he showed up in the biggest moments despite his limitations. He had 21 rebounds, 14 points, four blocks and three assists in the Game 6 clincher against Denver in the first round. He also fought through pain until the eventual Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs sent the Warriors home in six games in the second round. Bogut missed the end of the 2009-10 season with Milwaukee when he dislocated his right elbow, sprained his right wrist and broke his right hand in a hard fall to the floor. He also missed significant time with an injured lower back in the 2008-09 season. Bogut has repeatedly called the injuries "freak accidents," but the setbacks have taken a toll, physically and mentally. At one point while rehabbing his ankle most of last season, Bogut said he was in a "dark place" and even considered retirement. Instead, Golden States surprising playoffs -- and his role in it -- left him rejuvenated. He lost about 15 pounds this off-season, showing up in training camp in great shape. "Just kind of surreal," Bogut said. "Just kind of thinking about coming to the NBA as a kid was a dream, it wasnt reality. To be extended now ... its an unbelievable feeling." ' ' '
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Gerrit Cole Jersey . - The rebuilding Jacksonville Jaguars are hoping to get several instant starters in the NFL draft. They could be at just about any position — except quarterback. Although owner Shad Khan said the team would draft as many as two signal callers, general manager Dave Caldwell made it clear that none of the quarterbacks in this years draft is ready to step in and play right away. Not even for Jacksonville, which already has made Chad Henne the starter for 2014. "I think the majority of this (quarterback) class has a ways to go," Caldwell said. The Jaguars have the third overall pick in Thursday nights first round — selecting in the top 10 for the seventh consecutive year — and 10 choices thereafter. With a roster still being overhauled after winning just six games over the last two seasons, Jacksonville would prefer to trade down from No. 3 and garner even more picks. If not, the team likely will address an area of need, possibly selecting versatile Buffalo linebacker/defensive end Khalil Mack or dynamic Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins. Jacksonville signed Seattle defensive ends Chris Clemons and Red Bryant in free agency, and re-signed defensive end Jason Babin, but all of them are at least 30 years old. Mack would fit perfectly in Jacksonvilles hybrid Leo position and give second-year head coach Gus Bradley a young pass rusher to potentially become the centerpiece of his defence. Watkins would provide one of the leagues worst offences a big-time playmaker and help offset the loss of suspended receiver Justin Blackmon. Caldwell said last week he would be surprised if Blackmon, suspended indefinitely for repeated violations of the leagues substance-abuse policy, played next season. The Jaguars are likely to address the quarterback position in later rounds, possibly 39th overall. Caldwell, Bradley and offensive co-ordinator Jedd Fisch had a private workout with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, opting to take a second look at Louisvilles star after his oft-criticized pro day. "We just wanted to make sure on what we were seeing and compare that to tape," Caldwell said. "His (pro day) was a very strict workout and wasnt tailored to what our offence would be, so we did a workout similar to our offence. "I dont know many years where theres a lot that come out and are definitely ready," Caldwell said of the QBs. "Andrew Luck came out and he was ready. Matt Ryan, when Matt came up, he was truly ready and he proved he was. But to say were going to get this guy in and hes going to be ready to go doesnt happen that often." Aside from the quarterback quandary, here are five things to know about Jacksonvilles draft: TRADE TALK: Caldwell said two teams have called to talk about potentially trading for the No. 3 pick. He declined to identify the teams, but said hes more likely to find a trade partner if Houston and St. Louis pick from the top two spots. He didnt rule out Jacksonville moving up, even in the first round. "If somebody we really want is there, we will go after him," Caldwell said. DRAFTING NEEDS: If any team could preach drafting "best player available" in every round, it would be Jacksonville, which has numerous holes. But Bradley acknowledges the draft is more about filling needs. "Is it really best available?" he said. "We say best available, but is it? No, need obviously plays into it. I think its best available if someones there and its like, Are you kidding me? Hes here? Then you have those conversations of, Weve got to take this guy." OBVIOUS HOLES: There are at least two offensive positions the Jaguars are sure to draft, aside from quarterback: centre and receiver. Veteran centre Brad Meester retired after 14 years in Jacksonville, and the team doesnt anticipate having Blackmon next season. Jacksonville signed Pro Bowl centre Alex Mack to an offer sheet, but Cleveland matched the five-year, $42 million deal. ANOTHER OT? After drafting Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel with the No. 2 overall pick last year, could Jacksonville go in the same direction? With Auburns Greg Robinson, Michigans Taylor Lewan and Texas A&Ms Jake Matthews all projected as top 10 picks, the Jaguars are at least trying to make it appear they are interested in adding another offensive tackle at No. 3. "That would be a big step for us in getting better on the offensive line," Bradley said. OFF THE BOARD: The Jaguars have taken 36 players off their draft board because of injury or character concerns. Justin Verlander Jersey . The Canadian Football Leagues all-time passing leader said he has not made a final decision, but he will discuss his future with Montreal Alouettes owner Bob Wetenhall on the weekend. Rogelio Armenteros Jersey . Neither made it that far in 2013. Not even close. Federer lost his second match at the All England Club. Nadal exited in the first round, a year after bowing out in the second. http://www.customastrosjersey.com/custom...-496y.html . Grimes signed a $32 million, four-year contract to remain with Miami. The deal, which includes $16 million guaranteed, rewards Grimes for his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury that forced him to miss almost all of the 2012 season.Alex Hales was Englands standout player on day four of the third Test, hitting a career-best 94, helping England to a 330-run lead heading into the final day at Lords. The Nottnghamshire batsman continued his excellent recent form in a series where he has scored 292 runs at an average of 58.40, including three scores over 50.Im really pleased I think I would have taken that particularly after the tour to South Africa where it didnt quite go exactly to plan, Hales told Sky Sports. Alex Hales scored 94 from 179 balls in Englands second innings against Sri Lanka I had a tough time of it in a country where it is pretty hard to open the batting anyway. I learnt a lot from that tour but this has hopefully given me something to build on for the rest of the summer.The biggest thing I learnt from South Africa is not having any preconceived ideas of how to play.At the top of the order, sometimes you can get off to a good start but other times it can be tough and you have to adapt. Yuli Gurriel Jersey. Hales fell six runs short of his maiden Test century Now Im not necessarily looking at tempo at the start of the innings.The 27-year-old also discussed how he has modified his game to suit the longer form of the game and detailed where he thinks he has improved.Watch the video above to see Hales interview, in which he also discusses Englands chances of winning the third Test against Sri Lanka. Watch live coverage of day two of the third Investec Test from 10.30am on Monday on Sky Sports 2. Also See: Anderson takes 10 in England win WATCH: Players of First Test England fixtures/results Sri Lanka fixtures/results ' ' '
The shots just kept on coming. Craig Anderson Jersey . On the surface, as the game kicked off it looked like a blank canvas where unconventional styles and shapes can come together in a heated battle. In the end it turned out to be a wide-open game full of moments of individual brilliance and incompetence. The Premier League has a lot of things going for it. Tactical versatility is not one of them. So when two traditional powerhouses in Manchester United and Liverpool faced off on Sunday, each starting with back threes, the potential was there for a real classic. We should have known better. Dont misunderstand me. This was a very entertaining match but at the end of it there was much more to pick apart than to admire. It is easy for fans of Manchester United to be very content as another weekend of Premier League action is put to bed. Six straight wins have pushed them comfortably into the top three and thats a position they could hold for the majority of the time between now and the end of May. Their recent memories are still full of nightmare images for such an iconic club and in the buildup to this one they were rehashed aplenty with many showing Liverpools 3-0 thumping of them at Old Trafford last term. An immediate turnaround of that score certainly sent them home from Old Trafford on Sunday very happy, but Louis Van Gaal will know there is still a lot of work to be done. The final score tells a story and we can forgive United fans for only wanting to know about that story right now but more telling was that goalkeeper David De Gea was named man of the match in a game his team won 3-0. The 24-year-old has easily been the teams best player this season and it is clear that Ed Woodward and the upper management feel it is very important to get the Spaniard a new contract as soon as possible. De Gea has made some wonderful saves this season, yet the one on Mario Balotelli in the second half may have been even better than his effort against Evertons Bryan Oviedo earlier this season. It is no coincidence that De Geas form has escalated at a time when the defence in front of him has been shaky. Van Gaal insistence on a back three, with Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young, for now, as wing backs has excited neutrals but has ensured the goalkeeper his busiest time since he came to Manchester. De Gea excels at shot stopping, stands tall and never allows his body to react early. The save against Balotelli was a perfect example of this as Sterling made a vertical run across the defence to get in behind but after he was denied, De Gea saw Balotelli open in the box and looked at him before Sterling passed the ball. His awareness was better than any of his defenders and the moment the Italian forward steadied himself to shoot the goalkeeper moved his foot to prepare to dive across goal. He had done something similar earlier in the half after Jonny Evans turned and hit a misplaced back pass towards the penalty box. Sterling ran on to it, intercepted it and was free on goal, but the moment he touched it, De Gea had sprinted out and was only three yards from the young forward. It was then that he stood still, waited for Sterling to make the move and reacted to deny him. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers can be accused of some hyperbole about his team in his post match assessments this season and there is nothing wrong with publicly backing your players that way but after this one he didnt have to extend the truth at all. We created enough chances. We looked like scoring and we had enough chances to get something from the game, Rodgers said afterwards. Its unusual for a manager to say that when his team have been beaten by three goals but this is what is happening to teams that are playing United at the moment. All three of their wins this month – against Stoke, Southampton and Liverpool – has seen the opposition get many chances to score. That they didnt speaks, in part, to the evolution of De Gea into a true match winner but it should not necessarily speak to the true development of United. There is an undoubted belief about them this season that was lacking last year under David Moyes. A belief that gets them through awkward moments of matches that are not going their way and having such superb finishers in their team has also allowed them to score their way out of trouble also. However, United will still puzzle a perfectionist like Van Gaal. It is right to look at the long list of injuries and wonder if they could be better with some of them back but not one of them looks like the kind of player who could come in and bring an assurance and a presence the team needs to completely control matches. Beating a despised rival like Liverpool is another feather in the cap for the Dutchman but he will know just how poor the Reds are at the moment and how, at times, his team made them look more like the team from last season. This is the ultimate challenge for the manager going forward. Just how good are Uniteds opponents to present a severe test of their qualities? United will play many more games this season against teams far worse than Liverpool and will continue to pick up three points regularly. After all, even under Moyes for most of last season, they won 18 of 26 games against teams not in the top seven of the table. Eleven of their next 13 league fixtures, in the next three months, include such opponents and the other two are against an inconsistent Tottenham team, giving them plenty of opportunities to pick up points while not playing anywhere close to a level Van Gaal and Manchester United expect. It is easy to look at a league table and decide by a teams position whether or not they are having a good season but it is moments, in games that provides the evidence on whether or not a team and players are progressing. United desperately need to finish in the top four this season to regain a place at the lucrative top table of European football, in the Champions League, but based on the standard of quality from many teams in the league this should be a very easy target for them to hit. United need more than just that. In April they face three of the most difficult games you can get in a Premier League campaign with a home derby clash against Man City along with away games at Chelsea and Everton. A glance at the league table at that time will show us that United will be more than on their way to get Champions League football next season, but their performances in those matches will tell us just how far away they really are from getting anywhere close to what they ultimately should be. Chelsea and Manchester City have played a big part in the gap widening between them and the rest of the league but the others are culpable as well, treading water surrounded by mediocrity that isnt close to the standard delivered by the leagues top two. For United to get closer to the upper echelon they need to start dominating matches in more ways than just the scoreline. Robert Svehla Jersey .C. -- Duke sophomore Rodney Hood is entering the NBA draft. Pavel Bure Jersey . Sources tell TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun the international tournament will likely return in September 2016 rather than 2015. https://www.panthersjerseycheap.com/1028...thers.html . Poti played in 824 regular NHL games with four teams in his career; the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, New York Islanders and the Washington Capitals.LONDON, Ont. - After the TOUR Championship of Canada presented by Freedom 55 Financial was captured by Vancouvers Ryan Williams, Joel Dahmen wrapped up PGA TOUR Canada Player of the Year honours at the 2014 seasons final event. The 26-year old Dahmen, who led the Order of Merit wire-to-wire and finished the season with $80,992 in earnings, is one of five players who earned status on the Web.com Tour in 2015. Dahmen, who won two of the first three events on PGA TOUR Canada this season at the PC Financial Open and the Syncrude Boreal Open presented by AECON, finished $20,873 ahead of No. 2 Matt Harmon and will be fully exempt on the Web.com Tour next season. “Its a goal at the beginning of the year but you have to take it one tournament at a time and then set some goals along the way. To finally accomplish it feels great,” said Dahmen. “To win two right off the bat - I had a bullseye on my back for a long time. I had a huge lead most of the year. I had a good finish, second in Calgary, I finished second right after the RBC Canadian Open - and that set me apart. So I had to refocus a few times and gather things. Its a big relief right now.” Williams, a 33-year old in his sixth season on PGA TOUR Canada, carded a final round 68 to reach 14-under par and win by one over fellow British Columbian and travelling roommate Adam Cornelson along with Minnesotan Clayton Rask. The win moves him to No. 6 on the Order of Merit, earning an exemption into the final stage of Web.com Tour Q-School. “I wish there were more tournaments left on this tour,” said Williams. &lldquo;A lot of hard work, Ive been out on this tour for six or seven years, my best finish was last year, second place. Stephen Weiss Jersey. . I had a putt to force a playoff on the last hole (at the Cape Breton Celtic Classic) and thankfully, I had a putt today to win a tournament. A lot of hard work and a lot of people to thank, but this is very rewarding to me. Williams began the day two shots off Rasks 54 hole lead, and after a turning in even par on the front nine, turned on the jets with four birdies coming in. After Cornelson, playing in the group ahead, made bogey following a wayward drive, and Rask couldnt convert a par putt after missing the green long, Williams needed just a two-putt from 35 feet to secure his first PGA TOUR Canada victory. “I was a little in shock. I had to ask my caddie Rob if that was the winning putt,” admitted Williams. “I was trying not to get ahead of myself too much. I was just trying to make the putt and see what happened from there. I knew where I stood, I was just trying to take the pressure off myself.” Joining Dahmen on the Web.com Tour next year will be Harmon, a 29-year old from Grand Haven, Michigan, 25-year old Timothy Madigan of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 33-year old Brock Mackenzie of Seattle, Washington and 22-year old Greg Eason, a rookie from England. “Its been a tremendous season with an incredibly high level of play,” said PGA TOUR Canada President Jeff Monday. “We cant wait to see these players move on to the next level and make an impact there as they continue their journey to the PGA TOUR.” ' ' '
CINCINNATI - Reds outfielder Jay Bruce went on the bereavement list Tuesday before the second game of a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Yeezy Boost 700 Pas Cher . The team did not provide details to honour Bruces privacy. Bruce is eligible to rejoin the team Friday in Miami. The Reds lost nine of their first 10 games since the All-Star break. Their offence has struggled with first baseman Joey Votto and second baseman Brandon Phillips on the disabled list. Votto has a strained muscle above his left knee and is out indefinitely. Phillips is recovering from a torn ligament in his left thumb that is expected to sideline him until the end of August. Bruce is batting .215 with 10 homers and 42 RBIs. The Reds called up reliever Curtis Partch for his fifth stint with Cincinnati. Air Max 270 React Pas Cher . The 57-year-old Tietjens has coached New Zealand to nine IRB World Sevens titles and to four Commonwealth Games gold medals as its only coach in the professional era. New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said the re-signing was made with a focus on 2016 when sevens will be in the Olympics. Air Max 270 Blanche Pas Cher . Louis Cardinals have agreed to a one-year contract. http://www.chaussurepascherchine.fr/gros...solde.html . It all would have been for naught, however, had it not been for some clutch shooting in the fourth quarter by Kobe Bryant and a couple of equally critical hustle plays by Derek Fisher and Pau Gasol in the final minutes.CLEVELAND – What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago Jose Reyes spent part of April on the disabled list with a severely sprained left ankle but there was no clear return date in sight. On Saturday, Reyes was back from a strained left hamstring. There was greater clarity this time around. He didnt expect to be out much longer than the 15 days he was required to spend on the disabled list. Turns out he was right. "Real happy just to be back with my teammates, see my guys again," said Reyes. "More happy that Im going to be on the field, playing and doing what I love to do, just play baseball." The Blue Jays technically went 9-7 in Reyes absence but he was a non-factor on Opening Day, reinjuring the hamstring that gave him trouble during spring training while running to first base in his lead off at-bat. In fact, when Reyes took his shortstop position on Saturday afternoon it was his first time in the field this season. For manager John Gibbons, who been able to field his preferred lineup far too infrequently since the start of last year, the return of Reyes means an opportunity to reset the lineup. "Its the way its supposed to look," said Gibbons. "Hopefully he gets us going a little bit more. He adds a little bit more offence. Its good to have him back." Just as Reyes returns, the Jays formally lose Adam Lind through at least April 30 after he was placed on the disabled list with stiffness in his lower back. In steps Juan Francisco, who hit 18 home runs in 348 bats for the Atlanta Braves and Milwuakee Brewers last season. Like Lind, Francisco will be a designated hitter who can spell Edwin Encarnacion at first base. Hell likely start at first base on Sunday. Francisco can play third base in a pinch, although he didnt get the call up for his defence. Since signing a minor league deal with the Blue Jays on April 2 following his spring release by the Brewers, Francisco has posted a .341/.420/.568 slash line with two home runs and 11 RBI for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. Blue Jays brass wrestled with the decision, Francisco or Dan Johnson, whos also off to a strong sttart with Buffalo (. Air Max 97 Pas Cher Chine. 318/.466/.591, three home runs, 10 RBI). "Francisco worked out, he can hit a little bit," said Gibbons. "Hes got some juice in that bat so hopefully he can add something while Lindys out." Its one of baseballs mysteries as to why a guy like Francisco cant find a permanent home in the major leagues. Hes a left-handed bat and while not a batting average or on-base machine, at 26 years old and with his fourth big league Franciscos been around long enough to be, at the very least, a contributor off the bench. "Ive got no idea," said Gibbons. "Guys that make it in the big leagues and establish themselves, there have got to be some opportunities. I know hes had some opportunities but its got to be in the right organization. Theyve got to like you. Theyve got to throw you out there no matter what. But hes got some talent. Hopefully he shows up." DIAZ READY FOR ANYTHING Now that Jose Reyes has returned, Munenori Kawasaki is back in Buffalo, and with the Blue Jays committed to giving Ryan Goins the majority of playing time at second base, especially against right-handed pitching, Jonathan Diaz settles into a utility role. Diaz hasnt played much outfield in his professional career but hes worked hard on the craft during batting practice. "Ive always loved to shag my entire career ever since I can remember," said Diaz. "Every time Im done my ground balls I go out there and power shag and I enjoy it. I feel like thats prepared me throughout my life to be ready for this opportunity." The Blue Jays transferred Maicer Izturis to the 60-day list, formalizing his protracted absence, and despite his selection over Kawasaki, Diaz lamented the tough decisions that had to be made. "I was just saying earlier, were all buddies, we all wish we could all stick around," said Diaz. "Kawasakis such a great teammate but, you know, thats the way the game goes. Luckily I was able to stick around and Im going to go out there and work hard at every position I can because I know Im going to be that guy filling in a role." ' ' '
DAVIE, Fla. Hurricanes Jerseys China . - Quarterback Brady Quinn says he has been released by the Miami Dolphins. Quinn announced the move himself Tuesday afternoon on Twitter, about an hour before the Dolphins had to meet an NFL deadline and officially pare their roster down to 75 players. They started the day with 88 spots on the roster. Quinn says his time with the Dolphins "was short lived, but I enjoyed every second." He also wished the remaining players and coaches well. The Dolphins signed Quinn on Aug. 12. He completed all four of his pass attempts for 22 yards in his lone preseason appearance for Miami. The move essentially ensures that Matt Moore will be the backup to Ryan Tannehill when the season begins Sept. 7 against the New England Patriots. Carolina Hurricanes Shirts . LOUIS -- The St. Custom Carolina Hurricanes Jerseys . - Titans quarterback Jake Locker will miss the rest of the season with a Lisfranc injury to his right foot, leaving Tennessee trying to rally with Ryan Fitzpatrick. https://www.cheaphurricanes.com/ . The best round belonged to Pat Perez. Tiger Woods didnt come close to claiming either Thursday in the Farmers Insurance Open, where the seven-time champion failed to break par in the opening round for first time in his career.COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Welcome to the Big Ten, Terps. LaQuinton Ross scored 17 of his 20 points in the first half, hitting his first four 3-pointers, to send No. 5 Ohio State to an early lead and a 76-60 victory over Maryland on Wednesday night in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. It was Marylands last appearance in the annual conference matchup -- well, at least as an Atlantic Coast Conference team. Next year, the Terrapins join the Buckeyes in the new 14-team Big Ten. "We didnt talk about it being our last one," coach Mark Turgeon said. "We just talked about Ohio State and obviously we didnt do a good job playing against them. So give them credit." Sam Thompson added 14 points, including four rim-rattling dunks off alley-oop passes, and Lenzelle Smith Jr. had 12. Aaron Craft created havoc on defence and chipped in with 10 points as the Buckeyes (7-0) controlled the game at both ends. "Basketball is basketball," said ex-Xavier guard Dez Wells, who led Maryland with 19 points. "I dont care what conference youre in. That doesnt matter to me." Ohio State blitzed the Terrapins (5-3) on defence -- scoring 25 points off 14 turnovers. The Buckeyes also shot 60 per cent on 3-pointers in the opening half and 52 per cent from the field for the game. The lead never dropped below double digits over the last 24 minutes, and the Buckeyes eased up after going up by 25 points in the second half. Ohio State had struggled shooting in its first four games. But the Buckeyes lit it up for 69 per cent from the field -- the sixth-best mark in school history -- during a 99-64 rout of North Florida on Saturday. "We shot the ball well last game and we wanted to build off it," said Craft, who finished with five steals and six assists. "We just wanted to come out and not have a slow start, come out with our minds right. We were able to do that. Obviously, LLaQuinton helped out a lot coming in and knocking down those early shots. Hurricanes Jerseys 2021. And that kind of relaxes everybody else and gets them going." The Buckeyes led 43-26 at halftime and never really let the game leave their grasp. Ross was the difference early, making those first four shots from behind the arc. After Maryland became more aware of him on the perimeter, Thompson scored on two high-flying, alley-oop dunks that shook the arena. Behind Ross 12 points, the Buckeyes broke out to an 18-9 lead. The Terrapins regrouped to trade baskets and pull to 27-20 before Thompson had five points and Ross the other three in an 8-0 run. Leading 35-26, Ohio State went on another 8-0 run. On the Terps final possession of the half, Craft dived on the floor and stole the ball in a scrum, then passed it out while on the floor. Thompson got the ball, spun in the lane on a breakaway and then banked in a layup just as the buzzer sounded. "We took the timeout," Ohio State coach Thad Matta said. "We said, Hey, theyre going to take one shot, we can get a little risky here in terms of pushing up our pressure. For him to get down on the floor and flick it up like that, it was just a tremendous play." Maryland made a mini-run in the second half, but Thompson ended that by going high over the rim to stuff in back-to-back passes, one from Shannon Scott and the other from Craft. "Shannon and Craft are so good at forcing steals and getting us out in transition," Thompson said. "They draw so much attention in the open floor that I just do the easy part and I finish. Theyve always put the ball right on the money. All I have to do is just dunk it home." Former Michigan swingman Evan Smotrycz scored 15 points and Charles Mitchell added 12 points and 11 rebounds for Maryland, which had won four in a row after losing two of its first three. ' ' '
BEREA, Ohio -- Browns starting running back Ben Tate will miss this weeks home opener against New Orleans with a knee sprain, moving rookies Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell up the depth chart. Rod Woodson Jersey . Cleveland coach Mike Pettine said Tate "will miss some time." He did not provide any details on the injury and only confirmed Tate will miss Sundays game against the Saints. Tate was injured during the first half in the season-opening loss at Pittsburgh. In his absence, West and Crowell performed well in the second half. West, a third-round draft pick from Towson, rushed for 100 yards, and Crowell, an undrafted free agent from Alabama State, scored two touchdowns. Pettine said West will start in Tates spot and their play last week gives the coaching staff some comfort. "It was encouraging, but they need to be able to take the next step, and this is another challenge for them, to go against this type of defence and its nothing that either one of those guys have seen before," Pettine said before Wednesdays practice. "It will be a good test for them." Pettine also said Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron reinjured his right shoulder against the Steelers. Pettine said Cameron and linebacker Barkevious Mingo (shoulder) will both be limited in practice and are day to day. Cameron landed on his shoulder after catching a 47-yard pass. Defensive lineman Desmond Bryant (wrist surgery) and offensive lineman Paul McQuistan (ankle) returned to practice and took part in drills during the period it was open to the media. Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas was not at practice, and the team did not have a reason for him to be missing. Gary Lewis Jersey . Already owning gold from competition in Vancouver in 2010, Loch posted a combined four-run time of 3:27.526. That included a track-record third run of 51. Jeff Garcia Jersey .C. -- Jackson Whistle made 26 saves for his first shutout of the season as the Kelowna Rockets blanked the visiting Lethbridge Hurricanes 5-0 on Saturday in Western Hockey League action. http://www.custompatriotsjersey.com/cust...1081f.html . "Ive still got it," Seattles ace said with a sly grin. Riding that fastball carrying a little more zip, Hernandez took a shutout bid into the ninth inning as the Mariners beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-1 on Wednesday night. On the verge of a brilliant shutout and first complete game since Aug.Charlottesville, VA (SportsNetwork.com) - Ralph Sampson was in attendance for Thursday nights ACC showdown between No. 2 Virginia and Georgia Tech, but mightve had mixed feelings. His alma mater is still undefeated following another splendid defensive effort. His son Robert, meanwhile, felt some of the brunt of that stingy Cavaliers Pack Line defense. Malcom Brogdon had 13 points and four assists as Virginia shut down the Yellow Jackets 57-28 to remain one of two unbeaten teams in the country. Virginia (18-0, 6-0 ACC) held Georgia Tech to just 24.5 percent (12-of-49) shooting from the floor and didnt allow a 3-point basket (0-of-12). The Cavs are off to their best start since 1980-81, when Ralph Sampson helped them win their first 23 games. Marcus Georges-Hunt led the Yellow Jackets (9-9, 0-6) with just seven points. Robert Sampson was 1-of-6 from the field and finished with two points and seven rebounds for Georgia Tech, which is off to its worst start in ACC play since beginning 0-6 during the 2008-09 campaign. Final Score: (8) Notre Dame 85, Virginia Tech 60 Blacksburg, VA (SportsNetwork.com) - Pat Connaughton made five of Notre Dames 12 3-pointers and the eighth-ranked Fighting Irish cruised to an 85-60 road victory over Virginia Tech on Thursdday. Kevin Greene Jersey. Connaughton finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds in the wire-to-wire win for the Irish (18-2, 6-1 ACC), whose only loss in the last 15 games came against No. 2 Virginia. Jerian Grant totaled 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists, Zach Auguste added 16 points and eight boards, and Demetrius Jackson scored 12 in the rout. The Hokies (8-10, 0-5) have been trending the opposite way and dropped their sixth straight overall, though the last three came against ranked opponents. Ahmed Hills 13 points paced Virginia Tech in the absence of leading scorer Justin Bibbs, who sat out a second straight game due to a concussion. Final Score: DePaul 64, (24) Seton Hall 60 Newark, NJ (SportsNetwork.com) - Myke Henry collected 14 points and Billy Garrett posted 13 points and DePaul dispatched No. 24 Seton Hall by a 64-60 count on Thursday. Darrick Wood added 11 points while Rashaun Stimage had 10 points with seven rebounds for the Blue Demons (11-9, 5-2 Big East), who have won two in a row and four of their last six. Angel Delgado poured in 19 points and 19 boards for the Pirates (13-5, 3-3), who have dropped three of four since beating Villanova on Jan. 3. Khadeen Carrington picked up 12 points in a losing cause. ' ' '
SOCHI, Russia – Gabriel Landeskog was a 13-year-old kid in Stockholm standing on his couch and cheering emphatically when Henrik Lundqvist helped secure gold for the Swedes at the 2006 Olympics in Italy. Delvin Williams Jersey . "My dad was kind of yelling at me to sit down and relax," recalled Landeskog, now 21 and a member of the Swedish Olympic squad here in Sochi. "Im like what do you mean, sit down and relax? We just won the Olympics!" Prominent in those memories for the budding Colorado Avalanche captain was the performance of a then-23-year-old Lundqvist, who stopped 25 shots in the final with Finland, preserving the second Olympic gold for Sweden. "He pretty much singlehandedly won that final game," said Landeskog of the 3-2 victory. Hes known as the King and stands as perhaps the biggest obstacle to a gold repeat for Team Canada at these Olympics. Not only the face and cornerstone of the New York Rangers and one of the top goaltenders in the NHL, Lundqvist makes a strong case as one of the best Olympic goaltenders ever and a major obstacle for the Canadians in Sundays 94 gold medal rematch with Sweden. "Hes a tough guy to beat," said Rick Nash, a teammate of Lundqvist with the Rangers, but an opponent with gold on the line. Unbeaten in Russia (5-0-0), Lundqvist enters the afternoon affair at Bolshoy Ice Dome with the second-most career wins by an Olympic goaltender – trailing only the great Vladislav Tretiak with 17 – and the second-best career goals against average (1.71). He made 25 saves Friday, including all eight in the final frame, to preserve victory for the Swedes in their semifinal matchup with Finland. "Hank has been playing unbelievable for us," said Erik Karlsson afterward. "In that part, we feel pretty confident." And in a one game scenario for all the marbles that can be the difference. Sweden may not boast anywhere near the talent of Canada – especially with injuries to Henrik Sedin, Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen – but they might not need it if Lundqvist delivers a masterpiece. "He can stand on his head for us," said captain Nicklas Kronwall. "Thatd be good." Led by Carey Price, who has sizzled in his first test on the Olympic stage, the Canadians have had no trouble defending here in Russia, but scoring has been another matter. They managed (and ultimately needed) just a single marker against Jonathan Quick and the Americans in the semifinal and have scored a mere four goals in the past nine regulation periods. Chances have been aplenty, but few have ended up in the back of the net, a concern when Lundqvist lies on the horizon at the top of his game. "I get to see him every day," said Nash of the soon-to-be 31-year-old, a winner in 12 of 14 Olympic starts. "Hes a guy that plays kind of a different style – deep in his net. Hes a tough guy to figure out even when you shoot on him every day. He doesnt play like regular goalies." And he seemingly doesnt prepare like regular goalies either. Swedish teammates have been struck by the preparation of the 2012 Vezina Trophy winner. "Im really impressed the way he prepares for the games off the ice and how hes mentally prepared for each game," said Niklas Hjalmarsson. "To see his preparation has been pretty impressive and the way hes been playing has obviously helped our team a lot." "You dont want to bother him game-days," Jonathan Ericsson observed. "You see that hes in his own bubble." Ericsson described Lundqvist as "standing, focusing and doing his own thing". Winning 10 of his final 14 starts with the Rangers before the Olympic break with a sparkling .937 save percentage, Lundqvist has picked up right where he left off in Sochi, stopping 117 of 123 shots in a perfect run for Sweden. He is a barrier that Canada will have to overcome to claim a second consecutive gold and third in the past four Olympics. "He makes saves that you think you have an open net and he finds a way to smother that puck," said Patrick Sharp. "Hes definitely a guy thats going to be key for them." Lamar McHan Jersey .com) - The NBA will be on display overseas Thursday with the New York Knicks taking on the Milwaukee Bucks at O2 Arena in London. R. C. Owens Jersey . Fans in the Jets viewing region can watch the game on TSN Jets at 5:30pm ct and listeners can tune in to TSN Radio 1290 Winnipeg. http://www.custom49ersjersey.com/custom-...1528d.html . "Its amazing to do this coming from such a small island, where tennis isnt necessarily recognized as one of the main sports," Puig said. "Im just happy Im able to be here playing tennis not only for myself, but for my country too.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Brandon Morrow gave up four hits over three innings, Jose Bautista drove in a run and a Toronto Blue Jays split squad beat the Canadian junior national team 12-2 Tuesday. Making his second start and third appearance of spring training following a season-ending forearm injury last May, Morrow allowed two runs -- one earned -- walked three and struck out two during a 46-pitch outing. He gave up five runs and six hits in three innings against Pittsburgh on March 5. Bautista went 1 for 2 with a double and a first-inning sacrifice fly off 17-year-old Ben Onyshko. Colby Rasmus returned to the Blue Jays lineup after missing seven games with a stiff neck. He was 0 for 2 with a walk. Blue Jays 3, Tigers 2 (10) LAKELAND, Fla. -- Justin Verlander pitched one-hit ball into the fourth inning of his spring debut for the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, a 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Verlanders spring routine has been postponed by his recovery from core-muscle repair surgery on Jan. 9, and his first scheduled start was rained out last Thursday. "It was a really good sign to get out there on the mound and not worry about it, and worry about getting batters out and (the results) still be pretty good," he said. "I put in a lot of work after surgery to get to this point and be ready for the start of the season. The 2011 MVP and Cy Young Award winner threw 52 pitches, giving up a first-inning single to Melky Cabrera and walking two in 3 2-3 innings. He had two strikeouts, usinng only his fastball and curveball. Scott Bull Jersey. "Im not throwing sliders yet. I threw three in the bullpen, the first three I threw all year and they were good," he said. "I just want to get down to my three main pitches first, and the slider has always been pretty easy for me to throw for strikes. Its pretty similar to throwing my fastball so it doesnt take a big adjustment for me to get that going." Don Kellys two-run home run off Toronto starter Todd Redmond put the Tigers up 2-0 in the second inning. Dan Johnson tied it for the Blue Jays with a two-run shot off Joba Chamberlain in the seventh, Johnsons third home run in 14 at-bats. Redmond gave up five hits and two runs in four innings while striking out three. Bradley Glenns led off the 10th inning with a home run off Melvin Mercedes to win it for the Blue Jays. STARTING TIME Blue Jays: Redmond, a late replacement for Marcus Stroman, has given up four home runs in nine innings. Stroman stayed in Dunedin to pitch against the Canada National Junior Team. Tigers: Verlander went four innings in his first start because of his efficiency. He threw only 52 pitches. "Just because the way he was pitching, we thought it could go to an extra inning," said manager Brad Ausmus. "We consulted him just to make sure he felt OK. He said he did, so we kind of rolled with it." Verlander expects to be ready for opening day, and Ausmus said he is only a few pitches behind the other starters at this point. ' ' '