MANCHESTER, England - Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov will be out for at least a month after hurting his calf last weekend while warming up for the match against Manchester United.Manager Manuel Pellegrini made the announcement on Tuesday.Kolarov could miss all three of Citys remaining Champions League group matches. As well as facing CSKA Moscow on Wednesday, the Premier League champion has fixtures against Roma and Bayern Munich as it attempts to qualify for the knockout stages.Kolarov was replaced by Gael Clichy for Citys 1-0 victory over United. Air Max 90 Destockage . Patty Mills had 20 points, Tim Duncan had 11 points and 13 rebounds in limited action, and San Antonio rolled to a 110-82 victory over Milwaukee that kept the Bucks winless in the new year. Air Max 97 Destockage .Bacca took advantage of Cristian Alvarezs hesitation to head a lobbed pass over the goalkeeper and then used his feet to roll the ball into an empty net in the eighth minute. The Colombia strikers 10th goal pulled him level with Lionel Messi as the leagues third-leading scorers, far behind Cristiano Ronaldos runaway tally of 23 goals. http://www.pascherbasketairmax.fr/air-ma...-cher.html. Not that Durant cared. The only streak he cares about is still intact. Pas Cher Air Max 270 Homme . DeGrom outpitched Jake Peavy in a tantalizing hitless duel that carried into the seventh inning Saturday night before the New York Mets broke loose and beat the San Francisco Giants 4-2. Air Max Pas Cher Chine . Colton Sissons also scored for Milwaukee (19-12-8), which went ahead with a two-goal third period. Wade MacLeod and Greg McKegg replied for Toronto (23-12-4).BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Orioles traditionally thrust a pie in the face of a successful teammate while hes being interviewed after a game at Camden Yards, and Nick Markakis was poised to be the recipient. On Saturday night, however, his teammates thought Markakis deserved better. He had played out of position for the sake of the team and singled in the winning run in the 10th inning after two throwing errors by pitcher Danny Duffy laid the groundwork for a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals. So J.J. Hardy handed Markakis the pie and a fork, and he happily took a bite. Markakis, a Gold Glove right fielder, played first base for the first time since 2011. He was there because slugger Chris Davis was sidelined with a strained left oblique, an injury that will put the major leagues reigning home run king on the 15-day disabled list Sunday. Not only did Markakis play the position flawlessly, but he drove in two runs and ended the game with a deft opposite-field single to left. "It was an interesting day. Long day," Markakis said. "Get to the ballpark, Hey, you are playing first base. All right, strap it up and lets go. Its always fun. Its a different view of the game, a different look. It definitely goes a lot quicker in the infield than the outfield." The Orioles went eight straight innings without scoring before facing Duffy, who had pitched 8 1-3 scoreless innings on the season. After Duffy (1-1) hit Jonathan Schoop to begin the 10th, the left-hander threw wildly to second base after fielding a bunt by David Lough. Jemile Weeks followed with another bunt, and on this one Duffys throw went high and wide to first, loading the bases. "The boys battled their butts off all game and I came in and just wasnt sharp," Duffy said. "I got ahead of the first guy. I tried to go up-and-in on him. I thought it was a good pitch and the ball got away from me. Pitchers fielding practice, man. Its a simple game and I just wasnt sharp. I didnt do my job tonight." Louis Coleman replaced Duffy and struck out Nelson Cruz before Markakis delivered the game-winner. Zach Britton (3-0), the sixth Baltimore pitcher, struck out Jarrod Dyson with two outs and a runner on second in the top of the 10th. Kansas City fell to 0-12 when failing to score at least four runs. The Royals -- who stranded 11 and went 3 for 11 with runners in scoring posittion -- are 11-0 when scoring four or more runs.dddddddddddd Knowing they would be without Davis, the Orioles recalled Weeks from Triple-A Norfolk to provide an extra bat. Markakis, meanwhile, played his fourth career game at first base. "He didnt bat an eye," manager Buck Showalter said. "He looks at it as a way to make a contribution. Theres a lot of Gold Glove right fielders who would have broke out in hives if you asked them to play first base." Jeremy Guthrie started for Kansas City and gave up two runs before getting two outs, and then blanked his former team over the next six innings before leaving with the game tied. The right-hander finished up by getting David Lough to hit into a double play with runners on the corners and one out in the seventh. "We did a nice job of getting back in that game after Guthrie gave up two runs in the first," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "He settled down unbelievably. He did a great job of pitching out of a jam in the seventh inning." Baltimore starter Wei-Yin Chen allowed two runs, nine hits and two walks over a season-high seven innings. The left-hander ended his outing with his sixth strikeout, against Alex Gordon with two on and two outs. The Orioles took a 2-0 lead in the first. Weeks hit a leadoff single in his first at-bat with Baltimore, Cruz walked and Markakis delivered an RBI single before Adam Jones drove in a run by hitting into a fielders choice. The Royals used doubles by Alcides Escobar and Eric Hosmer to get a run in the third. Chen avoided further damage by retiring Gordon on a grounder with the bases loaded and two outs. After Weeks tripled with two outs in the fifth and Cruz looked at a third strike, Kansas City pulled even in the sixth. Gordon singled and Danny Valencia beat out a chopper to third before Justin Maxwell blooped a two-out RBI single to centre. NOTES: Orioles C Matt Wieters went hitless after getting at least two hits in four straight games. ... Miguel Gonzalez will pitch for the Orioles in Sundays series finale against James Shields, whos 9-7 in 24 career starts against Baltimore. ... Guthrie is 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA in three career starts against the Orioles. ... Escobar hurt his knee in the 10th inning on Schoops slide into second base, but he stayed in the game and Yost said, "I think hes going to be all right." ' ' '
HAYWARD, Calif. -- Fabian Gomez shot a 10-under 60 on Friday night in the Web.com Tours Stonebrae Classic, leaving a 25-foot birdie putt short on the final hole at TPC Stonebrae. "I wasnt nervous at all," Gomez said. "If its to win, maybe. I was just trying to make a putt. "Its the closest Ive been and so its a little disappointing. I had the opportunity to make that putt. Its not very often you find yourself in a spot like to shoot 59. I could have hit a better iron shot from the fairway. I just didnt hit it that good." The 36-year-old Argentine player had 10 birdies in his bogey-free round. He played the front nine in 7-under 28 and added birdies on Nos. 13, 14 and 17. "I was definitely aware of it (59), but I was just trying to stay in the moment, hit good shots and make good putts," Gomez said through an interpreter. "I never relaxed. I stayed focused on what I was doing." Five players have shot 59 on the tour. Notah Begay III did it in the 1998 Dominion Open, Doug Dunakey in the 1998 Miami Valley Open, Jason Gore in the 2005 Cox Classic, Will Wilcox in the 2013 Utah Championship and Russell Knox in the 2013 Boise Open. Gomez had a 14-under 126 total for a one-stroke lead over Blayne Barber. Tracy McGrady Jersey . Finlands Kari Lehtonen made 26 saves to lead Dallas over the Phoenix Coyotes 2-1 Saturday night. He received plenty of help from the Stars defence and got goals from Ray Whitney and Russias Valeri Nichushkin. PJ Tucker Jersey . -- Miami Dolphins defensive co-ordinator Kevin Coyle defended the management style of coach Joe Philbin in the wake of the teams bullying scandal. http://www.therocketsofficial.com/. Warren made six birdies and a bogey for a 5-under total of 139 to sit one shot ahead of Felipe Aguilar of Chile, who carded a 69. David Horsey of England was also on 5 under through 15 holes to join Warren atop the leaderboard before play was stopped. Robert Horry Jersey . The result was a game-winning, power-play goal. Chiasson snapped a third-period tie and lifted the Dallas Stars to a 3-2 victory on Monday night. Tracy McGrady Rockets Jersey . The Canucks figured to be active prior to Wednesdays trade deadline, getting a jump on things the previous day when they dealt goaltender Roberto Luongo to the Florida Panthers for netminder Jacob Markstrom and forward Shawn Matthias.Philadelphia, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - The irony is almost too good The unbalanced schedule in the 10-team Missouri Valley Football Conference prevented its co-champions, Illinois State and North Dakota State, from facing each other during the regular season. They will be dance partners in the end, however. The two Missouri Valley teams will square off Jan. 10 in the FCS championship game at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. North Dakota State is the pre-eminent FCS program and will try to win an unprecedented fourth straight title with its stifling defense. But Illinois State, in NDSUs shadow all season, has the size and athleticism to make this perhaps the Bisons toughest opponent in Frisco. The Bison beat Sam Houston State from the Southland Conference in 2011 and 12, and Towson from CAA Football to end last season. North Dakota State has won the last three meetings, including 28-10 last season. Its probably the matchup both teams wanted when the 24-team playoffs began Thanksgiving Weekend. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- No. 5 seed Illinois State (13-1) 21, No. 1 seed New Hampshire (12-2) 18 Durham, NH - If ever there was doubt about the Missouri Valley Football Conference being the top conference in the FCS, Illinois State provided a reminder on Saturday. The Redbirds rallied past top-seeded New Hampshire, 21-18, with two fourth- quarter touchdowns in the FCS semifinals and gave the Missouri Valley both national finalists. The Jan. 10 title game in Frisco, Texas, will be a fitting end to the 24-team playoffs as it matches fifth-seeded Illinois State (13-1) against second-seeded North Dakota State (14-1), which will try to win an unprecedented fourth straight FCS title. The two teams were crowned Missouri Valley co-champions after not facing each other in the regular season. Illinois State qualified for the championship game for the first time with a clutch fourth-quarter performance after being limited by UNH to only two field goals in the first three quarters. Running back Marshaun Coprich scored on a 2-yard run in the first minute of the fourth quarter to pull the Redbirds within 18-13. Quarterback Tre Roberson then capped their next possession with a go-ahead 47-yard touchdown run with 7:55 left. When Jon-Marc Anderson ran in the two-point conversion, they had a 21-18 lead. New Hampshire (12-2), the CAA Football champion, reached Illinois State territory on its next drive, but was stopped on downs with 4:08 remaining. Coach Brock Spacks Redbirds then converted two first downs to run out the clock. The Redbirds lived dangerously in their first-ever meeting with New Hampshire after having come into the game with a 40.5-point average. Roberson, a junior transfer from Indiana, had accounted for 36 total touchdowns in their first 13 games, but was limited to one touchdown run while totaling 373 yards (278 passing, 95 rushing). Coprich had rushed for over 100 yards in each game and entered with an FCS-high 2,089 yards and 26 touchdowns, but he was held to 79 yards on 24 carries. Under Sean McDonnell, who won the Eddie Robinson Award for the second time in his 16th season at UNH, the Wildcats had a 14-game winning streak and appeared to be in control of the game until Illinois State began to wear them down with bigger size and Robersons dual-threat skills. Their two touchdown drives went for 84 and 89 yards. Lechein Neblett was Robersons favorite target with eight receptions for 147 yards. Defensive end Teddy Corwin led the defense with a career-best 12 tackles, while defensive tackle Collin Keoshian added six stops, a sack, a tackle for loss and an interception of UNH quarterback Sean Goldrich. Goldrich was 19-for-33 for 214 yards, adding 17 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Nico Steriti rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, while All-American wide receiver R.J. Harris had six receptions for 68 yards, but was helped off the field twice during the game. New Hampshire, appearing in the playoffs for the 11th straight season - the current active high - took a 15-6 lead into halftime after Illinois State was plagued by missed opportunities in the first half. The Redbirds reached the UNH red zone four times yet came away with only two field goals by Nick Aussieker, who also missed an attempt. The big mistake came late in the first quarter when at the end of an 8-yard run Roberson fumbled the ball away to UNH cornerback Dougie Moss while spinning into linebacker Akil Anderson at the 1-yard line. The Wildcats went on a 96-yard scoring drive from there and Steriti reachedd the Illinois State end zone on a 6-yard draw up the middle early in the second quarter.dddddddddddd Andy Vailas then ran in the two-point conversion to put the Wildcats ahead 15-3. Earlier in the first quarter, New Hampshire took a 7-3 lead when Goldrich scrambled into the Redbirds end zone for a 3-yard score. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday Night No. 2 seed North Dakota State (14-1) 35, Sam Houston State (11-5) 3 Fargo, ND - Sam Houston State might have won a national title or two and be headed back to the FCS championship game for more. If, that is, the Bearkats success in the postseason hadnt been occurring during North Dakota States four-year dynasty. The Bison did it again to Sam Houston Friday night as senior running back John Crockett totaled 232 yards from scrimmage and scored three touchdowns in eliminating the Bearkats, 35-3, in the FCS semifinals at the Fargodome. Next up for the second-seeded Bison (14-1) is a return to the national championship game in Frisco, Texas, where on Jan. 10 they will try to win an unprecedented fourth straight FCS title against fellow Missouri Valley Conference co-champion Illinois State (13-1). The first two of North Dakota States three straight wins in the national final came against Sam Houston. The Bison are a combined 57-3 over the last four seasons, and their senior class has the chance to finish with more national championships than losses in their career. Only two other FCS programs, Eastern Kentucky (1979-1982) and Youngstown State (1991-1994), have advanced to four straight title games. The visiting Bearkats (11-5) from the Southland Conference had hoped for a different result under their first-year coach K.C. Keeler, who had led Delaware to the FCS title in 2003 as well as two other championship appearances. But the Bison, after playing poorly on offense in first half, ran away from the Bearkats behind Crockett (166 rushing yards, 66 receiving) and their powerful offensive line as well as a defense that slowed down Sam Houstons speed in the skills positions. The Bison extended their playoff winning streak to 15 games and their home winning streak to 23. North Dakota State managed only 99 yards in the first half while taking a 7-3 halftime lead, but the Bison nearly matched that total on their second drive of the third quarter when they began to take control of the game. On the third play, Crockett went undefended coming out of the backfield for a 35-yard reception from quarterback Carson Wentz. On the next play, Crocketts backup, King Frazier, sliced through the Sam Houston defensive line for a 33- yard touchdown run which put the Bison ahead 14-3 midway the quarter. On the first play of North Dakota States next drive, Crockett went around left end to explode for a 55-yard touchdown run which extended the lead to 21-3 with 6:52 remaining in the quarter. That margin is usually insurmountable for North Dakota State, but for good measure, Crockett scored on a 10-yard run early in the fourth quarter before Wentz connected with R.J. Urzendowski for a 14-yard touchdown pass with 3:18 left to play. In the statement performance by coach Chris Kliemans squad, the Bison outgained Sam Houston by a decisive 217 yards to 49 in the third quarter and 398-338 overall to end the Bearkats eight-game winning streak. The Bisons improved offensive success in the second half was welcomed after they clung to the 7-3 halftime lead. After the first three Sam Houston possessions didnt produce a first down in the first quarter, the Bison ran off a nine-play, 68-yard scoring drive for a 7-0 lead. Crockett caught a 31-yard reception on the drive and then went off right tackle to ease into the Sam Houston end zone from 3 yards out with 3:52 left. Sam Houston quarterback Jared Johnsons 39-yard pass to Gerald Thomas to the Bison 11 on the first play of the second quarter set up the Bearkats for their only score, Luc Swimberghes 22-yard field goal which completed a 15-play, 82- yard drive and pulled them within 7-3 with 13:37 left in the first half. Johnson, facing great pressure by Bison pass rushers, was 20-for-31 for 227 yards and was picked off in the fourth quarter by linebacker Nick DeLuca (13 tackles), and he added another 66 yards on 25 carries. Wentz was 13-for-19 for 179 yards and one interception in the win. Bison defensive end Kyle Emanuel, the 2014 Buck Buchanan Award winner, had a career-high 11 tackles with 2 1/2 sacks, tying the schools career record of 41 sacks set in 1974 by Jerry Dahl and tied in 1990 by Phil Hansen. ' ' '
MOSCOW -- Dmitry Chudinov of Russia maintained his unbeaten record by outpointing Denmarks Patrick Nielsen on Sunday to retain his interim WBA world middleweight title. Chudinov won a unanimous decision over 12 rounds in the town of Mytishchi just outside Moscow, ending Nielsens unbeaten record in the process. Chudinov dominated the fight from start to finish but Nielsen managed to hang on until the end, with the Russian fighter winning 116-112, 117-111 and 115-113 on the scorecards. The Siberia-born Chudinov, nicknamed "Night Wolf," improved to a 13-0-2 record with eight knockouts, while Nielsen is now 22-1. The Russian won his interim belt in December when he stopped Colombian Juan Camilo Novoa in the sixth round in Moscow. Kazakhstans Gennady Golovkin holds the full WBA world middleweight title. Hydro Flask Gul . The Nevada Athletic Commission voted unanimously in Las Vegas to quit granting therapeutic use exemptions for fighters undergoing the so-called TRT. Hydro Flask Vit . There is no argument that the line of Pacioretty, David Desharnais and Thomas Vanek was one of the hottest in the NHL leading into the post-season, and they did combine for three goals and seven points, but it was the depth of all four lines that helped propel Montreal. http://www.sverigehydroflask.com/. Western and the second-ranked Laval Rouge et Or (7-0) once again received 20 and 10 first-place votes from the Football Reporters of Canada panel, respectively. Rounding out the Top 10 are the Calgary Dinos (7-0), Queens Gaels (7-1), Guelph Gryphons (7-1), Montreal Carabins (5-2), Bishops Gaiters (5-2), McMaster Marauders (5-3), Manitoba Bisons (4-3) and the Saskatchewan Huskies (4-3) Western crushed York 50-10 last Saturday in its league finale to secure first place in the OUA standings and a bye in the first round of the conference playoffs. Hydro Flask Vattenflaska . Lack replaced an injured Roberto Luongo late in the first period then watched defenceman Chris Tanev score the winning goal midway through the third as the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Jets 2-1 in a tight NHL game. Hydro Flask Rea . -- Darrelle Revis says at least 26 teams called after he was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.MILWAUKEE -- Chase Utley hit a two-run homer, and Cole Hamels allowed one earned run in 6 2-3 innings for his first victory in a month as the Philadelphia Phillies edged the slumping Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 on Monday night. Hamels (3-5) allowed two runs and seven hits, struck out seven and walked two for his first victory since June 6 -- a span of six starts. Ken Giles finished the seventh and worked the eighth. Jonathan Papelbon pitched a perfect ninth inning for his 20th save in 22 chances. Philadelphia rebounded after falling a season-high 14 games below .500 on Sunday when Pittsburgh completed a series sweep. Utley, the starting National League All-Star second baseman, staked the Phillies to a 2-0 lead in the first with his seventh homer, driving an 0-1 pitch from Marco Estrada (7-6) over the right-field wall. It was the 27th home run allowed by Estrada, the most in the majors. It was the sixth loss in seven games for the Brewers, who have had sole possession of first place in the NL Central since April 9. The Phillies extended the lead to 3-0 in the third when Utley singled with two outs. He then scored from first on Ryan Howards single to right-centre.dddddddddddd Jeff Bianchis pinch-single pulled the Brewers within 3-2 in the fifth. Milwaukee loaded the bases with no outs on a single by Khris Davis, Mark Reynolds reaching on an error by third baseman Cody Asche, and a single by Jean Segura. Bianchi then lined an opposite-field, two-run single just over the glove of first baseman Howard. Right fielder Marlon Byrd helped limit the damage by throwing out Segura at third on the play. Hamels then enticed Rickie Weeks to bounce into a force out and retired Ryan Braun on a ground out. Hamels also escaped in the seventh inning when Davis drew a leadoff walk and Reynolds launched a towering drive down the left-field line that narrowly hooked foul. NOTES: Braun, who missed Sundays game in Cincinnati after leaving in the second inning on Saturday because of lower-back spasms, started in right field. He was removed for a pinch-runner after doubling to open the eighth. . New Marquette mens basketball coach Steve Wojciechowski threw out the first pitch. ' ' '
MESA, Ariz. - Former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb was released Thursday from an Arizona jail after serving a one-day sentence for a DUI arrest late last year. Records released by West Mesa Justice Court show McNabb served his time Wednesday and was released about 1:30 a.m. Thursday. McNabb, 37, was arrested Dec. 15 in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community east of Phoenix, according to court records. A copy of the citation shows McNabb was stopped on the Loop 101 freeway just after 3 a.m. and radar clocked his Range Rover at 81 mph in a 65-mph zone. He also was cited for DUI, but no information about blood-alcohol level was on the citation. McNabb pleaded guilty on March 27 and nine days of his sentence was suspended. Court documents show McNabb was ordered to pay a nearly $1,500 fine and enter an outpatient treatment program in Scottsdale from April 10 to July 8. The Maricopa County Sheriffs Office released McNabbs mug shot Thursday morning, starting a media frenzy about his arrest, which hadnt been previously reported. The agency later said in a statement that McNabb was booked into a detention facility on Wednesday by order of the West Mesa Justice Court and released after serving one day for a misdemeanour DUI charge. McNabbs Phoenix-based attorney Stephen Benedetto didnt immediately return a call Thursday seeking comment on the case. McNabb played 13 years in the NFL after being drafted with the second overall pick in 1999. He led the Philadelphia Eagles to four straight NFC championship games from 2001 to 2004 and one Super Bowl berth that ended in a 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots in 2005. McNabb played for the Washington Redskins in 2010 and Minnesota Vikings in 2011 before retiring. He currently co-hosts a sports talk radio show and has a home in the Phoenix area. Orlando Cepeda Jersey . Top-ranked Rafael Nadal was also taken to three sets but emerged with a 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-3 win over Tobias Kamke of Germany, while second-seeded David Ferrer joined Murray in making an early exit after a 6-4, 7-5 loss to Daniel Brands of Germany. Sean Newcomb Jersey . The South Africa international, who rejoined the club last month on loan from Tottenham, opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a powerful shot into the roof of the net. http://www.baseballbravesproshop.com/ron...es-jersey/. Formula One Teams Association secretary general Oliver Weingarten says the organization collapsed over unpaid subscription fees and a failure to strike an agreement for 2014 with all 11 teams. Josh Donaldson Jersey . The 27-year-old forward has informed the Leafs that he will be unable to play in Monday nights home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Josh Tomlin Jersey . The Asheville, N.C. native, who signed as a free agent with the CFL club last May, didnt see any action with Edmonton this season after opening the year on the injured list.ASHBURN, Va. - Many ifs and maybes and buts surround Robert Griffin IIIs status for the Washington Redskins game Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys. There is so much uncertainty, he has been declared a wild card by coach Jay Gruden even though Colt McCoy is the announced starter.Gruden said Wednesday that McCoy remains the starter as of right now. He also said Griffin has yet to be cleared for full contact, and that hed like to see Griffin go through a couple of days of rigorous practice once the OK comes from the doctors.Gruden went on to say that, for the benefit of the team and the coaches game-planning, hed like to make a definitive decision by the end of Thursdays practice as to whether McCoy or Griffin will start. He added that Griffin will likely start or be inactive — and not in uniform as a backup.Thats a lot to digest, and the timeline outlined by the coach doesnt seem to work in Griffins favour. Or, as Gruden put: Theres a lot of variances as to whether or not we think hell be ready for Monday night.Griffin, recovering from a dislocated left ankle injury from Week 2, worked in individual and one-on-one drills during the portion of practice open to reporters Wednesday, usually leading off ahead of McCoy and Kirk Cousins. Griffin appeared fired up by his performance, clapping hard one time after a long completion to Jordan Reed down the left sideline. Another long pass to Logan Paulsen was worth four claps.Once practice was closed, all three quarterbacks worked with the starters, according to Gruden, who could afford to experiment a little because of the extra day of practice ahead of a Monday night game.He did a little bit of everythinng.ddddddddddddFirst team, second team, third team, he did it all. So did Kirk. So did Colt, Gruden said. We were alternating. It was just a bonus day for us. ... Well find out from the trainers how he feels right now, and then tomorrow morning will be the big thing, and another days work tomorrow. Well see how he progresses.Griffins thoughts on his progress remain unknown. The Redskins have repeatedly declined to make him available to reporters since his injury, including again on Wednesday. A team spokesman said Griffin will make a statement on Friday unless he is named the starter before then.Some of Grudens statements are likewise as clear as mud. McCoy is the starter. Or maybe Griffin is.Ive already made the decision. Ive said its going to be Colt, Gruden said. Ive said Robert will be the wild card, possibly, if hes ready to go, and that still hasnt been decided yet.Furthermore, said Gruden, Griffins return date might not be until Nov. 16, following the teams week off.If we have to wait for another week, or another two weeks, or after the bye week, then so be it, the coach said.The incidental — but important — player in the Griffin yes-or-no saga is McCoy, who is eager to make his first since 2011. McCoy entered the game at halftime after Cousins was benched on Sunday and led the Redskins (2-5) to a 19-17 win over the Tennessee Titans, breaking the teams four-game losing streak.My focus is Im just going to prepare as the starter, McCoy said. Theres nothing else that I can do. The decision is not up to me.___AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL___Follow Joseph White on Twitter: http://twitter.com/JGWhiteAP ' ' '
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Juan Roman Riquelme, who made 51 appearances for Argentinas national team and also played in Spain for Villarreal and Barcelona, has announced his retirement.The 36-year-old Riquelme, who returned to Argentina in 2008 to join his former team Boca Juniors, played primarily as an attacking midfielder and scored 17 goals for the national team.A great passer and long-range shooter, he played in the 2006 World Cup in Germany and led Argentina to gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.Its a special day for me, Riquelme said. Because I have decided to no longer play football.Riquelme left Boca Juniors in June of 2014 and played a few matches with second-division Argentinos Juniors. That club was promoted back to the first division at the end of last year, and Riquelme said part of his retirement hinged on not wanting to face his beloved Boca.I cant play against Boca, he said. I have a special feeling. In this country, I cant wear another shirt.In his career with Boca, the Xeneize — as the team is known — won 11 titles including three Copa Libertadores titles, the top club trophy in Latin America.Riquelme moved to Barcelona in 2002, but had limited success there. He was eventually loaned to smaller Spanish club Villarreal, where he lifted the team in 2006 to the final four of the Champions League.Riquelme seemed to move effortlessly on the field, often coming up with a clever pass. He was also lethal on set pieces from all over the pitch.I tried to give my all to the clubs I played for, to the national team, he said. Im happy when I look back for all I have accomplished. Now that football is over, Ill have to learn some new things. Alvin Kamara Saints Jersey . The Blueshirts hope to stay alive once again when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins in Sundays Game 6 battle at Madison Square Garden. Cameron Jordan Youth Jersey . -- Victor Bernardez tied the game with his second goal in the 95th minute and the San Jose Earthquakes drew 3-3 with Real Salt Lake on Saturday night. http://www.shoptheofficialsaints.com/Eli...-Jersey/.C. - Canadian ice dancing, it seems, is in good hands. Ryan Ramczyk 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. Bobby Hebert Womens Jersey . CHAUNCEY BILLUPS (Pistons): Yes they got Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings in the off-season and Andre Drummond is a beast (teams are kicking themselves for passing on him - he rebounds and block shots every game - thats two more discernable and significant skills than most guys in his draft class), but dont for a second discount the impact of having a savvy veteran like Billups on your team. Big losses for the Blues, interesting times in Pittsburgh, some USA Olympic Team notes, the Liles-Gleason deal, Claude Giroux, Duncan Keith. Ryan Johansen and more in Scott Cullens latest blog. 1. The St. Louis Blues have been one of the leagues best teams to this point in the season, and a lot of that success has been due to the strong play of David Backes and Alexander Steen, both of whom are currently injured. Steen, in the midst of a career year, is out with a concussion. Backes, who had missed three games in the previous five seasons, has missed the last couple games due to an upper-body injury. Obviously, the Blues cant afford to roll without Steen and Backes long-term but, in the meantime, theyve moved RW T.J. Oshie to play with C Vladimir Sobotka and LW Jaden Schwartz, both of whom are versatile productive forwards. Sobotka has eight points (2 G, 6 A) in his past 12 games and puts up strong puck possession stats. Schwartz has strong possession stats too, but is showing a higher offensive ceiling, putting up 18 points (11 G, 9 A) in his past 18 games, including goals in each of the past six. 2. Penguins RW Pascal Dupuis suffered a season-ending knee injury December 23 against Ottawa and, even though he hasnt had his most productive season, Dupuis absence does leave the Penguins short-staffed up front. Of course, you can hardly tell right now, as the Penguins have shifted James Neal to join Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz on Pittsburghs top line and the trio has been productive (Neal had three goals and five points Saturday night). Once C Evgeni Malkin returns to the lineup, however, the Penguins arent going to leave Malkin without support, so Neal would most likely return to that line with Malkin and Jussi Jokinen, once again leaving room on the right side with Crosby and Kunitz. It could be an ideal opportunity for Beau Bennett, who is recovering from a broken wrist and did get an audition with Crosby and Kunitz before he was injured. Bennetts time frame for return was 2-3 months after suffering his injury November 22. If the Penguins are prepared to put Bennett in that spot, a lot of responsibility for a 22-year-old who has 17 points in 38 career games, then they may not be inclined to seek out trade alternatives. They can plug in Joe Vitale, Chuck Kobasew or Brian Gibbons. The Penguins have even claimed Taylor Pyatt on waivers from the Rangers, so hes another possibility to take up space on the right flank. None of those are ideal choices but, really, the Penguins need someone that can help out, but also stay out of the way when Crosby and Kunitz are generating opportunities. Anyway, if the Penguins want a more established scorer in that spot, then pending free agents like Ales Hemsky, Mike Cammalleri or Matt Moulson could have some appeal, but Id bet on Bennett getting an opportunity to stick before other alternatives are explored. 3. Avalanche RW PA Parenteau is out for the next six weeks with a knee injury, forcing a shuffle of Colorados scoring lines. The main beneficiary appears to be Jamie McGinn, who joins Matt Duchene and Ryan OReilly. McGinns ice time is down this year, from 17:17 per game last season to 14:27 this season, and even with a couple goals in the past four games, has seven goals and 12 points in 36 games, giving him 47 points in 100 games with Colorado since he was acquired from San Jose. 4. Dallas defence has taken a hit with Stephane Robidas and Trevor Daley out long-term, and Sergei Gonchar sidelined by a concussion. As a result, theyve been giving ice time to Aaron Rome, who has been injured for a good portion of the season, Kevin Connauton and Cameron Gaunce; the latter two have combined to play a total of 32 career NHL games. In very small samples, both Rome and Gaunce have put up solid possession numbers for the Stars this season, but if the Stars are going to be legit playoff contenders, they may need to bring in more proven blueline help. 5. Team USA announced their mens hockey roster for the 2014 Olympics and, as I noted on Twitter, Ben Bishop, Dustin Byfuglien, Kyle Okposo, Keith Yandle and Bobby Ryan were my highest-rated players excluded from the roster, while Dustin Brown, Jimmy Howard, Brooks Orpik and Derek Stepan were my lowest-rated inclusions. Ryan has caused some fuss with his reaction to comments made about his play by Brian Burke during the evaluation process and it is notable, even if justified, that Jack Johnson didnt land a spot given that hes been pretty much automatic for international play. The one thing that stands out to me as not getting much reaction is the inclusion of Brown. Not a surprise, since hes recently captained a Stanley Cup winner and been a strong possession player for a while, but hes really having a tough season. It started early in the year, when Kings coach Darryl Sutter called out Brown for his lack of physical play. Browns possession numbers are still very good but a 4.0% on-ice shooting percentage leaves him with 13 points in 40 games. Bad luck or not, its a relative free pass for a forward on pace for a 27-point season -- his 0.33 points per game is his lowest since his rookie year in 2003-2004 -- to not only be included on an Olympic roster, but to be there without question. 6. The easiest choice for USA Hockey would have been selecting Blackhawks RW Patrick Kane, who tied Sidney Crosby for the December scoring lead (23 points in 14 games). Kane, with 53 points, is six points behind Crosby for the overall scoring lead and since the U.S. left Okposo (and his 40 points) off the roster, Kane is 15 points ahead of the next-highest American scorer, Leafs RW Phil Kessel. More intriguing, when it comes to Blackhawks wingers, is the case for Patrick Sharp on Team Canada. Sharp is making a strong push over the last month. In his last 11 games, he has scored 11 goals and six assists. His 4.3 shots on goal per game in December ranked fourth in the league. A versatile forward who plays both ends of the rink and is tied for fourth with 22 goals this season, Sharp is going to be an interesting decision. Has he done enough this season to unseat others that might have been ahead of him coming into 2013-2014? 7. The Philadelphia Flyers are turning their season around, with one regulation loss in the past nine games, and a large part of their resurgence can be attributed to C Claude Giroux and RW Jakub Voracek, getting back on track on the number one line. Giroux started the year without a point in the first five games -- remember he had finger surgery late in the summer -- but has 37 points in 35 games since and had a 9-game point streak snapped New Years Eve in Calgary. Since the start of the 2010-2011 season, Giroux has 254 points, ranking fourth, behind Martin St. Louis, Steven Stamkos and Henrik Sedin. His shots per game (2.85) is back up to last years level, so any early-season concerns about Giroux should be long buried. Girouxs recovery has also helped lift RW Jakub Voracek, who started really slowly this year, with 12 points through the first 29 games, but 15 ppoints in the past 11 games has Voracek climbing back towards more typical production.dddddddddddd Joining that pair on the Flyers top line has been rookie Michael Raffl, who managed one point in his first 15 NHL games, but has 10 points in his past 13 games as hes obviously getting a pretty great opportunity. 8. Its no secret that Blackhawks D Duncan Keith is great, one of the best when hes on his game and, this year, hes on his game. Keith has 39 points in 42 games, his 0.93 points per game representing a career-high and he has the strongest possession numbers of his career, which has allowed him to post another double-digit plus rating (+16), despite mediocre goaltending in Chicago this year. This is the sixth time in the past seven seasons that Keith has a double-digit plus rating. Zdeno Chara and Brent Seabrook (Keiths partner) are the only defencemen in the league to have double-digit plus ratings six times in the past seven seasons. 9. Blue Jackets C Ryan Johansen keeps improving and has tallied 19 points in the past 18 games. He has strong possession stats, plays tough minutes and starts more of his shifts in the defensive zone. He might have looked like a bit of a project last season, but the 21-year-old has quickly become a bona fide No. 1 centre. 10. The leading scorer for the New York Rangers has, surprisingly enough, been RW Mats Zuccarello, who has 18 points in his past 19 games, giving him 28 points in 40 games for the season. Hes also been a puck possession ace, so there doesnt seem any reason to suspect that hell lose significant ice time even when the Rangers are fully healthy. LILES-GLEASON TRADE While he was unceremoniously buried by Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle, 33-year-old D John-Michael Liles hasnt been very productive either. He scored 38 points in 104 games over the past three seasons for Toronto and, among defencemen to play at least 2500 5-on-5 minutes over that time, Liles Corsi percentage of 48.0%, ranked 87th out of 111. At the same time, hes scored at least 20 power play points five times in his career and hes joining a Carolina defence that could use an upgrade in the puck-moving department. Andrej Sekera leads Hurricanes defencemen with 10 power play points (23 points overall) and is followed by Justin Faulk (5 of 16 point on the PP), so there ought to be opportunity for Liles to play on the Carolina power play right away. Will that make it more palatable to deal with a $3.875-million cap hit? Maybe. The final year of Liles contract, 2015-2016, only costs $2.75-million., but what the Hurricanes need is Liles to handle a regular turn on their blueline and contribute some with the man advantage. If he can do that, at even a mediocre level, thats okay. Liles struggled in six games with the Leafs this season, but had 13 points and a plus-9 rating in 16 AHL games, a reasonable indication that he is ready for another chance in the NHL. Gleason, 30, has declined noticeably in the last couple seasons, so if hes going to help the Maple Leafs, he will have to reverse the trend. Gleasons had Corsi deficits as a standard, but its dramatically worse since the start of last season and hes not playing the same minutes, nor facing the same level of competition that he has in past seasons. A stay-at-home defenceman whose career-high in scoring was 21 points with Los Angeles in 2005-2006, Gleason wont be asked to work the power play or anything of the sort in Toronto, but dont be surprised if the Maple Leafs give Gleason a chance to play 20 minutes a night, either as a veteran complement to a young puck-movers Jake Gardiner or Morgan Rielly or, potentially, alongside Dion Phaneuf on the top shutdown pair. There isnt anything to suggest that Gleason is up to the latter challenge, which is fine since the Leafs are giving up a player that they were barely using anyway, but its unrealistic to expect Gleason to suddenly become a difference-maker on the Toronto blueline when he was entirely mediocre while playing 15:54 per game in Carolina this year. To be fair, injuries have been part of Gleasons problem this year, as hes been limited to just 17 games. The Leafs also sent D Dennis Robertson to Carolina as part of the deal. Robertson, 22, was a sixth-round pick in 2011, has decent size and had 61 points in 110 games at Brown University. Hes not expected to make a major difference. FIRST NHL GAMES David Warsofsky, D, Boston - With injuries wreaking havoc on the Bruins blueline, 23-year-old Warsofsky has been pressed into action. The former Boston University Terrier is 5-foot-8, which helps explain the uphill battle that hes fought to reach the NHL, but the fourth-round pick of the Blues in 2008 has acquitted himself well enough in his first four games. Tomas Jurco, RW, Detroit - A second-round pick of the Red Wings in 2011, Jurco has already made a reputation for slick puckhandling, but after scoring 28 points in 74 games as an AHL rookie last season, hes taken a leap forward this year, putting up a point-per-game in 27 games with Grand Rapids. Injuries in Detroit opened the door for Jurco and hes impressed in his first seven games, scoring a couple goals and putting up strong possession numbers. Brian Dumoulin, D, Pittsburgh - Injuries ravaged the Penguins blueline, creating an opportunity for 22-year-old Dumoulin, a second-round pick of Carolina in 2009 who was acquired as part of the Jordan Staal trade. He saw some significant ice time, but maybe more than hes ready for at this point in his development. Ryan Strome, C, N.Y. Islanders - The fifth overall pick in 2011, Strome had 40 points in 33 AHL games, including late last season, before getting the call to the Island, where hes had some trouble, managing two points with lacklustre possession stats in eight games. Expectations are definitely high for the 20-year-old to produce, but he needs to generate more than a shot per game if hes going to be a consistent offensive contributor. Cody Ceci, D, Ottawa - Taken 15th overall in 2012, Ceci is an Ottawa native who played junior for the 67s. In 27 career AHL games, he had 19 points and a plus-10 rating and hes played 18:38 per game in his first 10 NHL games, putting up four points and a plus-4 rating, though his puck possession stats indicate room for improvement. Zach Trotman, D, Boston - A 23-year-old who doesnt lack size, at 6-foot-4, Trotman played three seasons for Lake Superior State and has talled 28 points wit ha plus-12 rating in 81 career AHL games since leaving school. He played 16:41 against Ottawa in his NHL debut, but may have been a stopgap as the Bruins appear to be getting healthier on defence. Eric ODell, C, Winnipeg - Acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Erik Christensen in 2009, when he was still a junior in Sudbury, 23-year-old ODell has developed offensively over the last couple seasons, putting up 41 goals and 84 points in 87 AHL games. His reward was six minutes per game for four games on the Jets fourth line, but it was a first taste of NHL action for the 2008 second-round pick. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. ' ' '
The Miami Heat began trying to fill the void left by LeBron Jamess departure to Cleveland by signing free-agent forward Luol Deng on Sunday. According to Yahoo Sports, the contract is worth $20 million over two years with a player option after the first year. The 29-year-old averaged 16.0 points and 5.7 rebounds over 63 games played with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013-14. Deng, a native of Sudan, was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the first round (7th overall) of the 2004 NBA Draft. The Heat have already re-signed Chris Bosh to a long-term deal and are reportedly close to bringing back Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem and Chris Andersen. Theyve also signed free-agents Danny Granger and Josh McRoberts earlier this off-season. Gary Carter Mets Jersey . -- Max Domi scored twice and set up two more as the London Knights toppled the visiting Kingston Frontenacs 6-4 on Sunday in Ontario Hockey League action. Amed Rosario Mets Jersey . He also had some help Monday night.Hibbert scored a season-high 29 points to help Indiana beat the Utah Jazz 97-86 Monday night, ending the Pacers six-game losing streak. http://www.metssale.com/mets-david-wright-jersey/. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane wanted to stay in Chicago and the Blackhawks wanted to keep the high-scoring forwards in the only NHL uniform they have ever known. Custom New York Mets Jerseys . PETERSBURG, Fla. New York Mets Jerseys . There is no argument that the line of Pacioretty, David Desharnais and Thomas Vanek was one of the hottest in the NHL leading into the post-season, and they did combine for three goals and seven points, but it was the depth of all four lines that helped propel Montreal.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Salvador Perez gave the Royals a late lift Wednesday night heading into a key midseason series. Perez hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the ninth inning and Kansas City beat Tampa Bay 5-4 to take two of three from the Rays. The second-place Royals return home Thursday night to begin a four-game series against AL Central-leading Detroit, which has a 4 1/2-game lead. "That was a huge win for us," Kansas City manager Ned Yost said. "Thats the difference between 4 1/2 games back compared to 5 1/2 games back. Definitely nice to have a little momentum going home for the last four games before the All-Star break. Its a lot better than the alternative." Kirby Yates (0-1), the fifth Tampa Bay reliever, entered with runners at the corners and gave up Perezs one-out shot into the left-field corner. Perez wasnt sure if the drive would stay fair or even clear the low fence near the foul pole. "As soon as the ball hit on the other side, good for us," he said. Its been a big week for Perez, chosen Sunday to start at catcher for the American League in next weeks All-Star game. Aaron Crow (4-1) pitched a scoreless eighth and Greg Holland got three outs for his 24th save. All-Star outfielder Alex Gordon (sprained right wrist) and third baseman Mike Moustakas (flu) were not in Kansas Citys starting lineup. In addition, left-hander Jason Vargas was taken to the hospital for an appendectomy. Gordon entered as a ninth-inning defensive replacement. He will have an MRI exam Thursday. "I dont think its anything serious," he said. Kevin Kiermaier went 4 for 4 with a grand slam for the Rays. Tampa Bay, which lost forr the fourth time in 14 games, missed a chance to gain a game on AL East-leading Baltimore.dddddddddddd The Rays remained nine games back of the Orioles in fourth place. "It stings a little bit," Yates said. "Its a game we could have won and we needed to win. Obviously, it doesnt feel good. Its a situation where you let your team down, but theres nothing I can do about it now." After starter Yordano Ventura walked light-hitting Jose Molina to load the bases with two outs in the fourth, Kiermaier sent a shot into the right-field stands to give Tampa Bay a 4-2 lead. Eric Hosmer hit a first-pitch solo homer with two outs in the first off Alex Cobb that put the Royals up 1-0. It was the first time Cobb pitched against Kansas City since being struck near the right ear June 15 last year by a liner hit by Hosmer. Cobb, sidelined for two months due to problems that included a concussion and symptoms of vertigo, allowed two runs and six hits in 6 2-3 innings. Ventura gave up four runs, five hits and four walks in five innings. He struck out five. The Royals loaded the bases with no outs in the fourth, but scored just once to take a 2-0 lead on Raul Ibanezs grounder. Kansas City failed to score with the bases loaded and two outs in the seventh when reliever Grant Balfour got a pop fly from Perez. NOTES: Kansas City is 2-37 when trailing entering the ninth inning. ... Tampa Bay SS Yunel Escobar (shoulder) could return Friday. ... Kansas City RHP Jeremy Guthrie (5-7) and Tigers LHP Drew Smyly (4-8) are Thursdays scheduled starters. ... The Rays are off Thursday before starting a three-game series Friday night against Toronto. ' ' '
CHICAGO -- One more shot at the playoffs for Adam Dunn before he says hes probably done. The slugger with 460 career home runs but zero at-bats in the post-season was traded by the Chicago White Sox to Oakland on Sunday, possibly giving the contending As the power boost they need for the stretch. The White Sox also sent cash to Oakland while acquiring minor league pitcher Nolan Sanburn. Because the deal was made before Sept. 1, Dunn will be eligible for the post-season if the suddenly sluggish Athletics make the playoffs. The 34-year-old Dunn has played more games -- 1,976 -- without reaching the post-season than any active major leaguer. This is his 14th season and, with a contract set to expire, said hes planning to retire after this year. Dunn waived his no-trade clause and approved the deal. "This is probably going to be it," he said. "I think that also weighed a lot, too. This is an opportunity. Ive been playing a long time and havent got this opportunity, so Im going to try to make the most of it." Dunn is hitting .220 with 20 homers and 54 RBIs. Earlier in his career, he played for Cincinnati, Arizona and Washington. Oakland holds the top wild-card spot in the American League. The As were second in the AL West after three straight losses to the division-leading Los Angeles Angels, and hadnt scored in 22 innings going into Sundays series finale. "I think this is just an opportunity for him that he shouldve taken," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "It came about and you talk to him about it, youre happy that he gets a chance to go do this. I think even if he does happen to hang it up after this year, hell at least get a shot at doing this." The As trailed the Angels by four games, their largest deficit since May 2013. The Athletics were looking to add a hitter after trading Yoenis Cespedes to the Boston Red Sox for starter Jon Lester before the July 31 nonwaiver deadline. "Were trying to do whatever we can to get some offence going here," Oakland manager Bob Melvin said. "The guy has a history of hitting homers and getting on base, and I know hes excited about being with us." Along with Dunn, the White Sox have traded away second baseman Gordon Beckham and outfielder Alejandro De Aza in the past week and a half. Dunn has struggled in four seasons with the White Sox, mostly as a designated hitter. He has played first base and some outfield, and even made his first career pitching appearance this season in a mop-up role. The White Sox envisioned making playoff runs when they signed Dunn to a four-year, $56 million contract in December 2010. Dunn was coming off back-to-back 38-homer seasons with Washington but the plan didnt unfold as envisioned. "I wish things wouldve worked out better, but it didnt," he said. Dunns first season in Chicago was brutal. His average dropped more than 100 points to .159 while he hit just 11 homers in 2011, and he never really lived up to expectations after that. He became a lightning rod for fans with his high strikeout totals, finishing one shy of the record with 222 in 2012, but he remained popular in the clubhouse. "Some people like to lump it all together," teammate Paul Konerko said. "We know the first year was a rough year, but if you look at a lot of his time here, he kind of did what he was supposed to be doing." General manager Rick Hahn said the White Sox started to zero in on the Oakland deal on Saturday. He discussed the possibility with Dunn, and the veteran waived his no-trade clause. "This deal, we feel real good about Sanburn," Hahn said. "Hes a young power arm with good pitch ability and good secondary pitches." He said Sanburn will likely start next season in Double-A. As for Dunns time in Chicago? "Obviously, we were both disappointed that we didnt accomplish on the field what we had hoped when the deal was originally signed four years ago," Hahn said. "He was brought here as part of a plan to help us win championships in that window, and it didnt happen. From that standpoint, I think were all disappointed. From the clubhouse standpoint, he was outstanding." The White Sox also called up first baseman Andy Wilkins and Scott Snodgress from Triple-A Charlotte, reinstated outfielder Moises Sierra from the 15-day disabled list and outrighted pitcher Nestor Molina to Double-A Birmingham on Sunday. Wilkins, who had 30 home runs and 85 RBIs for Charlotte, started at first base on Sunday. Dunn, meanwhile, gets to play in meaningful games down the stretch. "I think thats whats probably really exciting for him at this point, is to come in here and play meaningful games in September and hopefully help a team get to the post-season," Melvin said. Basket Nike Free Pas Cher Site Fiable . The 24-year-old right winger has one assist in nine games this season with the Sabres. In his career, he has three goals and six assists in 43 NHL games. Basket Nike Pas Cher Destockage Chine . Bradley is one of eight players selected to the team who also played in this years World Cup in Brazil. The MLS all-stars will compete against German giants Bayern Munich in Portland on Aug. http://www.basketnikedestockage.fr/baske...ckage.html. - Urijah (The California Kid) Faber finds himself in an unaccustomed position Saturday night at UFC 175 — on the preliminary card. Basket Nike Pas Cher . -- Henry Josey watched helplessly from the sideline last fall, rehabbing from a serious knee injury, while Missouri was getting pushed around in its first SEC season. Basket Air Max 270 Homme . Or, for that matter, the aged.WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama is picking Michigan State to win the NCAA mens basketball championship over defending champion Louisville. In what has become an annual March Madness tradition at the White House, Obama filled out a bracket in a segment broadcast on ESPN Wednesday. Florida and Arizona rounded out Obamas Final Four picks. But he said the talents of Michigan State coachh Tom Izzo made him pick the Spartans to go all the way.dddddddddddd Obama said he knows his picks arent imaginative but expressed hope theyd help him win his pool this year. He noted that he hasnt had a lot of luck with his picks in the past. Last year he correctly picked Louisville to play in the championship game, but wrongly said the Cardinals would lose to Indiana. ' ' '
EASTBOURNE, England -- Feliciano Lopez of Spain completed a successful title defence when he beat top seed Richard Gasquet of France 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-5 in the Aegon International final on Saturday. Its the first time the third-seeded Lopez has retained an ATP title, and the first time he has beaten Gasquet in their six meetings. Madison Keys earned her first career WTA title by beating Angelique Kerber of Germany 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 in the womens final. Playing in her first final, unseeded 19-year-old Keys became the first American to triumph since Chanda Rubin won back-to-back titles in 2002 and 2003, and she is the youngest American to win a singles title since Vania King in Bangkok in October 2006. Lopez held championship point against Grigor Dimitrov last week at Queens Club, and he is the first player to reach back-to-back grass-court finals before Wimbledon since 2001, when Lleyton Hewitt won at Queens and s-Hertogenbosch, and Thomas Johansson won Halle and Nottingham. There was little to separate him and Gasquet, with two breaks giving the Spanish left-hander the opening set, and Gasquet, the 2005 and 2006 champion, sneaking the tiebreaker in the second. In the third set, games went with serve until Lopez broke to lead 6-5 and then served out for the fourth title of his career. Kerber lost in the Eastbourne final for the second time - to Tamira Paszek in 2012 - and in a final for the third time this year after defeats in Sydney and Doha. She was seeking her first title came winning Linz in October 2013. "Im so incredibly happy," said Keys, who on Monday should be ranked in the top 30 for the first time. "You know, its one of those things where when youre training and you dont want to be there, youre tired or everything hurts, its one of those things where you think of this moment, and, you know, it really helps push you through all the hard times. "My serve was definitely a weapon today, and it really helped me through the entire time." Keys win came after she fired 17 aces and struck a serve clocked at 126 mph (203 kph), the fastest this year on the WTA tour, and if confirmed, would establish her as one of the top five fastest servers since records began in 1989. Most of the rallies were short and just one break of serve decided the first two sets, with Keys breaking to lead 3-1 in the first and Kerber 2-0 in the second. Games went with serve in the third until the dramatic 12th game. Kerber held two game points to take the set to a tiebreaker before Keys claimed victory on her fourth match point. "Its always not easy when somebody is serving like she did the whole match," Kerber said. "She played at a really high level." With Coco Vendeweghe winning at s-Hertogenbosch, two American women have won titles in the same week for the first time since February 2002. Two Spanish men also won titles on Saturday, with Roberto Bautista Agut winning his first title at s-Hertogenbosch. Kyle Lowry Raptors Jersey . -- So much for concern that running back Marshawn Lynch would be absent from the Seattle Seahawks minicamp. Marc Gasol Raptors Jersey .J. Ellis have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year contract. http://www.nbaraptorsonline.com/Authenti...dy-Jersey/. -- Canadian ski cross star Marielle Thompson accomplished two goals in one race Saturday. Kyle Lowry Jersey . 98 jersey in a game yet, and already its a big seller. Vince Carter Raptors Jersey . Spains victory rendered Frances 3-0 win against Finland meaningless as Spain needed just one point to secure passage to Brazil. Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema scored either side of Joona Toivios own-goal as France advanced to the playoff among the eight best second-place finishers.Over the past two seasons, the B.C. Lions have had good teams that havent won a playoff game. And because of that those good teams are not remembered as exceptional, just non-producing playoff teams. This is a high pressure year in Lions football because of that fact. You can justify losing once, especially coming off a Grey Cup winning year, but losing twice transitions your team into re-evaluation and, sometimes, over-evaluation. Losing three times tends to lead to a more dramatic change. But can you build a team in May and June for success in October and November? Part of me thinks yes, if you have exceptional depth and a quarterback who performs at his best when the pressure is highest - playoff football. Also, a nice balance of veterans and youth helps on your roster. Veteran guys know and have the ability to rise to a challenge, a playoff game, because they know how to raise urgency both individually and collectively. My argument that you cant develop a playoff capable team early relates to how teams change as the season progresses. Injuries are the single biggest factor. If you lose a lot of players over a season it is difficult to find new performers to play as well as their predecessors. Or if you lose key players, a quarterback, a top defensive back, your best receiver, that individual may not be able to be replaced without a drop-off in production. When it comes to training camp and the regular season, all you can do is demand and hope for progressive and consistent improvement so come playoff time, you are at your best and competing against yourself. Last year BC was good on defence but needed to improve on offence. They finished with the third-ranked rrushing offence, averaging 107 yards per game, but only seventh in passing with 244 yards per game.dddddddddddd. On the other side of the ball there was a clear contradiction. They allowed the fewest passing yards but were at the league bottom in red zone defence. It was tough to move the ball against the Lions between the 20s, yet easier from the 20-yard line in. The vast majority of the time the opposite is true: the closer to the goal line, the tougher to advance because the defence has less space to defend. An unusual contradiction. Still, when you study last season and notice that BC was seventh in kickoff returns and eighth in punt returns, you see just what may be the priority for improvement may not be anything with or without the ball. Where you start drives and the length of field you have to overcome determines success in a season as much as any other aspect of football. As always, the Lions strength will be personnel change at just the right time. More youth on the offensive line and more experience at quarterback will prove beneficial at key moments of the season. Travis Lulay will be ready to go but that is not the concern. It is whether he will be ready for 18 games as his shoulder will be tested at some point in the season. In what may turn out to be the smartest move in the draft, acquiring Kevin Glenn as a veteran alternative is a nice luxury that only half the league has.The Lions will win their fair share of games, maybe even more than what is fair. The question will be whether they can break the “one and done” streak in the playoffs. You cant really prepare for it until the week of. And that week is months away. ' ' '
SAN FRANCISCO -- Ian Desmond had a career-high five RBIs and Stephen Strasburg won his third straight decision for the Washington Nationals in their 9-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Monday night. Denard Span added a triple and two doubles to help the Nationals win for the eighth time in 10 games. Desmond had three hits and Jayson Werth drove in two runs. San Francisco had its five-game winning streak snapped. Strasburg (6-4) allowed four hits over six innings and retired his final 10 hitters. He struck out seven and did not walk a batter, improving to 3-0 against the Giants with 29 strikeouts in 25 innings. Nationals starters have struck out 52 and walked one in their last seven games. Ryan Vogelsong (4-3) retired 10 of 11 batters during one stretch and pitched into the seventh. But he gave up six runs and nine hits, ending his three-game winning streak. Desmond, who owns a .373 career batting average against the Giants, also has an impressive .434 mark (23 for 53) with 51 RBIs with the bases loaded. His two-run single with the sacks full in the third gave Washington a 4-1 lead. Desmond tripled home a run in the second and added a two-run double in the seventh. Werth drove in the Nationals first run in the first inning and added an RBI single in the seventh. He also scored on an error. The Giants scored their first run in the second. Tyler Colvin doubled with one out and came home on Brandon Crawfords single. Joaquin Arias added an RBI single in the eighth. Strasburg struck out the first batter he faced in four of his six innings. He also ended three innings with a strikeout. NOTES: Nationals INF Anthony Rendon (sore right hand) was out of the starting lineup for a third straight game. Hes expected to start Tuesday. ... Giants OF Angel Pagan was out of the lineup with a bruised right shin. ... Giants RHP Santiago Casilla is expected to start a rehab assignment at Class-A San Jose on Wednesday or Thursday. ... RHP Doug Fister (4-1, 3.19 ERA) pitches Tuesday for the Nationals. Hes walked two batters in 36 2-3 innings this year. LHP Madison Bumgarner (8-3, 2.86) starts for the Giants. Hes on a six-game winning streak. Zack Wheeler Mets Jersey .com) - Ben Lovejoy tallied a goal and an assist as the Anaheim Ducks cruised into the All-Star break with a 6-3 victory against the Calgary Flames. Juan Lagares Mets Jersey . Playing in his 19th career final, the second-seeded Tsonga was favourite to win the Open 13 for the third time and to secure an 11th career title, but he struggled with Gulbis attacking approach. http://www.metssale.com/mets-michael-conforto-jersey/. Each day, TSN.ca provides the latest rumours, reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. Keeping The Captain? Brian Giontas agent Steve Bartlett told La Presse on Tuesday that the Montreal Canadiens want to keep their captain - an unrestricted free agent on July 1 - in the fold, while sources tell the paper that the two sides will start talks this week. Custom New York Mets Jerseys . And fellow Leaf, Jake Gardiner, hiking in Whistler. Gary Carter Mets Jersey . -- Jonathan Diaz is easy to spot in the Blue Jays clubhouse.JOLIET, Ill. -- Chase Elliott is proving to be a quick study. A few questions for his teammates and a couple practice laps, and he was ready to roll in his first race at Chicagoland Speedway. Elliott held off Trevor Bayne to earn his third Nationwide Series win of the season Saturday night, putting the rookie on top of the standings. "We had an awesome race going," Elliott said. "I try to make the most of my practice laps. They gave me a good car. That gives me time to learn the track in practice." Elliott had a strong car all day long for JR Motorsports, qualifying third and leading a race-high 85 laps. Bayne tried to chase him down on fresh tires in the final laps, but ran out of time. "The gap was closing," Bayne said. "Probably 10 more laps, but well never know." Elliott, the son of former NASCAR champion Bill Elliott, also won in his first trips to Texas and Darlington this year. He leads the standings by seven points over Regan Smith. Chase Elliott said Smith and Kasey Kahne provided some importance advice about the track. "I did have some questions that I asked, and I definitely think that helped tonight," he said. "So thankful to have a couple great teammates and good to have something to lean back on with those guys." Kyle Larson was third, followed by Kahne and Ty Dillon to round out the top five. Brian Scott, who started on the pole, finished sixth and earned $100,000 in the second event of the four-race "Dash 4 Cash" bonus program. Kahne and Larson were the lone Sprint Cup regulars in the field on an off weekend for NASCARs top series. Everyone comes back to Chicagoland in September on the same weekend that the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship begins at the 1.dddddddddddd52-mile oval. The night began with a pair of Richard Childress Racing teammates in front after Scott and Dillon had the best showing in qualifying. It was Scotts second pole of the season and No. 4 for his career. He won his first Nationwide Series pole at Chicagoland on Sept. 17, 2011. Scott led for 20 laps before Elliott moved in front. Erik Jones finished seventh in his Nationwide debut, driving Joe Gibbs Racings No. 20 Toyota. The 18-year-old Jones won the Truck Series race last week at Iowa in the No. 51 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota he shares with Busch. Jones also won a Truck race last year in Phoenix. Jones is expected to make two more Nationwide starts in Matt Kenseths car this season. "It was definitely a learning experience for me and everybody involved," he said. "I feel like I learned a lot the whole night and really picked up on some things that will help me through the next couple." Jones got some advice from Busch in preparation for his first run in the series. "A lot of what we talked about was working through traffic and it definitely helped out," Jones said. "It was something I was able to apply right away tonight and use to my advantage." Smith, who led the series standings by eight points over Elliott Sadler coming into the day, started 15th after a disappointing qualifying session, and it just got worse during the race. He never got into the mix on his way to 16th place. It was similar to last year, when Smith was on top of the series heading into the first stop at Chicagoland, and then slid into the infield on Lap 129 and finished 13th. He had the same finish in the September race at the same track. ' ' '
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Cleveland Browns receiver Miles Austin will remain in a Buffalo hospital overnight after sustaining a kidney injury during a 26-10 loss to the Bills.The Browns issued the update four hours after the game Sunday. Its unclear when Austin was hurt in a game he had seven catches for a team-leading 86 yards.Browns tight end Gary Barnidge did not return after hurting his ribs in the first quarter. Center Nick McDonald did not return after hurting his ankle in the first quarter.McDonald was already filling in for injured starter Alex Mack. Backup lineman Ryan Seymour finished the game at centre.The Browns (7-5) did not provide any details on the severity of the injuries.Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus returned after hurting his groin in the second quarter.___AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP_NFLAlexander Mattison Jersey . You can watch coverage on TSN, TSN2 and CTV beginning today at 3pm et/Noon pt. The championships will feature approximately 250 of Canadas best figure skaters in senior, junior and novice as they vie for spots on the national team, international assignments and will act as the final step in the 2014 Olympic qualification process. Cris Carter Womens Jersey . His actions are much louder on the Fenway Park mound. De La Rosa had another strong home start, going seven solid innings to lift the Boston Red Sox to a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night. http://www.authenticvikingspro.com/Paul-...gs-jersey/. A fully booked flight forced me to leave two hours later. After a nice meal in which I studied the stats of the Argo win, I prepared to leave the restaurant. As I was gathering my things to leave many large individuals began to walk up and wait for tables. Alexander Mattison Vikings Jersey . 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. Irv Smith Jr. Jersey .A. Happ. The Toronto Blue Jays will be looking to improve the starting rotation ahead of next season and pitchers like Happ have a chance to show they belong as the disastrous 2013 campaign draws to a close.TORONTO -- Tim Hortons will remain as the title sponsor of two of the biggest curling events in Canada. The popular restaurant chain has extended its sponsorship agreement with the Canadian Curling Association through 2018. Tim Hortons has served as title sponsor of the Canadian mens curling championship and the Roar of the Rings — the Canadian Olympic trials — since 2005. "Were thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to work with Tim Hortons as they continue sponsoring two of our most significant CCA Season of Champions eventss," CCA chief executive officer Greg Stremlaw said Wednesday in a statement.dddddddddddd "Their commitment to the sport of curling is gratifying, and its particularly exciting to see that they are working at the grassroots level of the game to continue building our sport." The extension will take effect with the 2015 Tim Hortons Brier at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, and will include the Olympic trials in 2017 that will determine Canadas representatives for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. ' ' '