Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Perkins, United realistic about probable changes
WASHINGTON ? At this time of year, MLS players turn to a range of escapes to refresh their minds and put the season behind them. Some play video games, others embark on vacations to distant locales.
D.C. United goalkeeper Troy Perkins has been immersing himself in home improvement projects at his family?s house in suburban Maryland.
?I put up beadboard in a bunch of places, then crown molding and baseboards, painted,? he said last week. ?I didn?t miss [soccer] for a while. It was nice?your mind just completely wanders away.?
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Derek Jeter's $$$ Demands Laughable
Filed under: Yankees, AL East, MLB Free Agency
The news improved for Derek Jeter on Monday. Of the 250,000-plus secret government documents released by WikiLeaks, none mentioned a romance between Hal Steinbrenner and a goat.
If such evidence actually exists -- and we have no independent confirmation that it does -- perhaps Jeter's camp still has exclusive access. It can still embarrass the Yankees into giving Jeter a crazy contract.
If you take blackmail out of the negotiations, however, the Face of the Yankees has little to smile about. Jeter's getting humiliated, and he has nobody to blame but himself or his agent or whichever girlfriend keeps whispering in his ear that he's worth $23 million a year.
Most Yankees fans don't even believe that, which is saying something considering they'd normally cheer if New York signed a free-agent rutabaga for $16 million a year. Come to think of it, most household vegetables would pitch better than A.J. Burnett.
But back to El Capitan. Jeter has supposedly always had a clear sense of his value. So you have to wonder what he sees that the rest of the world is missing.
"Derek's impact on the sport's most valuable franchise cannot be overstated," said agent Casey Close.
Sure it can -- $150 million over six years.
Monday, 29 November 2010
Chargers Come to Vincent Jackson's Defense After WR's Latest Injury
Filed under: Chargers, AFC West, NFL Injuries, NFL Rumors
SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- One of these days, Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson may actually catch a pass for the Chargers.This year, all he's caught is flak.
The latest brouhaha came Sunday night, when Jackson's season debut ended after only three plays.
The Chargers announced that Jackson suffered a right calf injury. Skeptics on the Internet and San Diego's radio stations, meanwhile, questioned whether Jackson was actually hurt.
Call it fallout from a lengthy salary squabble between the player's agent and the club.
Monday afternoon brought another twist courtesy of Chargers running back Mike Tolbert, who told reporters that Jackson had suffered a left calf injury leading up to Sunday night's 36-14 rout of the Colts in Indianapolis.
"I saw him when he did it in practice a couple of days ago, and it didn't look good," Tolbert said. "But he was still out there trying to fight through it. And actually some of the coaches had to tell him to calm down."
Pouring ice water on talk that Jackson wasn't hurt, coach Norv Turner said Jackson had an MRI exam on Monday.
"There is considerable swelling in his calf," Turner said, after noting that he seldom discloses when a player has an MRI exam, let alone the results. "There is a lot of soreness. I would think it would be hard for him to play this week."
Steve Phillips' Fix My Team: Astros
Filed under: Astros, MLB Video, Executive Take
Every team has a few precious months in the offseason to make tweaks to their roster and ensure that they improve in 2011. Steve Phillips has taken a team to the World Series before, and in November and December he will present his plan for every major league team to get there as well. It's the ninth episode of Fix My Team, and his latest project is the Houston Astros.
Spotter's Stand: Twittering NASCAR's Championship Showdown
Filed under: Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Sprint Cup, NASCAR
A day after the Phoenix race, where Denny Hamlin tossed a water bottle at his car in disgust, Jimmie Johnson beamed as the most confident "underdog" ever and Kevin Harvick vowed his team wasn't done, Twitter on Monday helped to instigate another rise in championship drama. When three-time Cup champion Darrell Waltrip insisted that Johnson, who is 15 points behind Hamlin second place, is the favorite for Sunday's season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Harvick and Hamlin sounded off.
"Yea I guess (you're) right.. We shouldn't even show up if we are up against that!" Hamlin tweeted in response.
Harvick, never one to back down, personalized his shot.
Dolphins vs. Raiders: Davone Bess & Co. Return Home, Light Up Oakland
Filed under: Dolphins, Raiders, AFC East, AFC South
OAKLAND, Calif.. -- Davone Bess couldn't have asked for a better homecoming as the Dolphins' third-year wide receiver caught six passes for 111 yards and returned three punts for 60 yards, including a 47-yarder in the third quarter of their 33-17 win against the Raiders. Bess bought 64 tickets for friends and family to watch him playing the stadium he could see from his boyhood home just five minutes away.
Dolphins running back Ricky Williams, who had a 45-yard TD run to close out the scoring, also grew up not too far away. So did rookie wide receiver Marlon Moore (above), who caught a 57-yard touchdown pass for his first career score, and rookie linebacker Koa Misi.
o. Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford grew up in West Palm Beach, about 20 miles north of Miami, and had an electrifying day, which is fitting considering his electrifying speed. Ford returned the opened kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown and later had a 44-yard touchdown reception. But going up high for that one-handed, back-to-the-end-zone, 52-yard fourth-quarter grab was a thing of beauty.
More coverage: Recap | Check Box Score
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Spotter's Stand: Carl Edwards Has Offseason Momentum in His Back Pocket
Filed under: Carl Edwards, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Sprint Cup, NASCAR
He may have won the two races that dole out the least amount of recognition of the entire season, but Carl Edwards doesn't much care. "For our team, to finish like this and to be on the upswing that we are, this is as good as it gets," Edwards said after winning Sunday at Homestead, his second in a row.
Of course, Edwards was overshadowed by an incredibly dramatic championship fight that he watched from the outside looking in Sunday, largely in his rear-view mirror.
Jimmie Johnson overcame Denny Hamlin and held off Kevin Harvick to win the 2010 title, and proceeded to spin through a burnout as Edwards celebrated with his traditional backflip.
"I tell you, it's a lot more frustrating to not be in victory lane and watching somebody out there doing their donuts and all that stuff," Edwards said.
Major League Notebook: November 24
Filed under: MLB Notebook
Here's what is happening around baseball on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2010: o. Bryan Bullington, the top overall pick in the 2002 MLB Draft, has been released by the Royals so he can sign with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Bullington was designated for assignment last week.
The 30-year-old right-hander has to rank among the biggest busts in draft history. Eight years after being taken first overall by the Pirates, Bullington has appeared in just 26 major league games (half of them for the Royals this season) while posting a 1-9 record and 5.62 ERA. His only career victory came Aug. 15, when he threw eight shutout innings against the Yankees in Kansas City.
o. Perhaps paving the way for his next career, Bud Selig has been named an adjunct faculty member at the Marquette University Law School, where he will serve as a distinguished lecturer in sports law and policy. Selig has given lectures at the school since last year.
"Bud Selig is, without question, one of the most skilled and accomplished professionals in the sports industry today," Joseph D. Kearney, dean of Marquette Law School, said in a statement. "We are truly honored that he would commit his time to our students and grateful that he's chosen our classrooms as a place to pass down his significant wisdom to the next generation of leaders."
IMG Shows Strength as ATP Puppet Board Refuses to Self-Investigate
by Greg Couch
A major sports gambling scandal with a nice, neat and quick conclusion. No mess, no fuss. Does that pass the smell test?
The ATP World Tour, the men's tennis tour, is trying to slip one past you. Ted Forstmann, the CEO of IMG (pictured), bet on tennis. He allegedly called Roger Federer, an IMG client who Forstmann says is a friend, before a match and got inside information.
And apparently, there is no investigation; not of Forstmann, not of Federer. None of tennis' governing bodies has even bothered to call the guy making the accusation, while the things he has said keep turning out to be true.
I'm calling B.S. on the ATP. There is no way this was within the rules. So why is the ATP letting it go?
Maybe Gavin Forbes knows. He's a Senior Vice President at IMG.
Maybe David Egdes knows. He's an executive at the Tennis Channel, which is partially owned by IMG. He also used to work for IMG.
Filed under: FanHouse Exclusive, ATP, Sports Business and Media
A major sports gambling scandal with a nice, neat and quick conclusion. No mess, no fuss. Does that pass the smell test?The ATP World Tour, the men's tennis tour, is trying to slip one past you. Ted Forstmann, the CEO of IMG (pictured), bet on tennis. He allegedly called Roger Federer, an IMG client who Forstmann says is a friend, before a match and got inside information.
And apparently, there is no investigation; not of Forstmann, not of Federer. None of tennis' governing bodies has even bothered to call the guy making the accusation, while the things he has said keep turning out to be true.
I'm calling B.S. on the ATP. There is no way this was within the rules. So why is the ATP letting it go?
Maybe Gavin Forbes knows. He's a Senior Vice President at IMG.
Maybe David Egdes knows. He's an executive at the Tennis Channel, which is partially owned by IMG. He also used to work for IMG.
Tiger Woods: 'I'm Not the Same Man I Was a Year Ago'
Tiger Woods is continuing to overhaul his personal, public and professional life in the wake of the cheating and divorce scandal that has consumed his world in the last year. It was, in fact, almost a year ago exactly, the Friday after Thanksgiving, that news of Woods' car crash shocked the world.So it's appropriate timing for Woods to take the next step in his attempt to overhaul his image and public perception, as Woods has penned a short editorial for "Newsweek" on his struggle, recovery and where he is a year after everything changed.
Woods admits that his life was "out of balance" and that he made "terrible choices," conducting his personal life in an "artificial way." But after a year of reflection, Woods says he's in a better place.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Nevada's Shocker Brings End to Boise State's National Title Debate
Filed under: Boise State, Nevada, Ohio State, TCU, WAC
RENO, Nev. -- Boise State junior running back Doug Martin thought for a second, hesitated for another second and then finally answered my question.
"I don't even want to think about that right now," Martin said holding back tears.
Martin said he didn't want to think about what the No. 4-ranked Broncos' 34-31 overtime loss at No. 19 Nevada did to their national title hopes after the unthinkable occurred: Boise State lost a Western Athletic Conference game for the first time since Nov. 23, 2007.
But Martin knows -- as does the entire college football world -- the controversy over whether the Broncos deserve to play in the BCS title game is now moot.
And the first round of congratulatory drinks is on Ohio State president Gordon Gee. TCU coach Gary Patterson, whose Horned Frogs will now be the nation's top ranked non-automatic qualifying BCS team and guaranteed a BCS bowl, picked up the second round of cocktails.
Gee, of course, spouted off this week, comparing the schedules of Boise State and TCU to "the Little Sisters of the Poor" and that they didn't deserve to play for the BCS championship.
Nevada coach Chris Ault was asked about Gee's comments.
"My only comment is, 'They wouldn't beat Boise State,'" Ault said.
More: Nevada Rallies From 17 Down, Stuns Boise State in OT
Chatraw: Colin Kaepernick Emerges From the Shadows
More Week 13: Full Scoreboard | Live Tweet | Latest Stories
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Chatraw: Colin Kaepernick Emerges From the Shadows
More Week 13: Full Scoreboard | Live Tweet | Latest Stories
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Will Weather Be a Factor in Auburn-Alabama Showdown?
Filed under: Alabama, Auburn, SEC, All That and a Bag of Mail
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Cold, windy weather -- let's not forget the 40 percent chance of rain either -- has greeted Friday's 75th Iron Bowl between No. 2 Auburn and No. 9 Alabama here at Bryant-Denny Stadium.Will it impact the outcome?
Most likely not, simply judging by history. Eighteen of the last 22 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less, rain or shine. Mother Nature aside, this game also has a different feel to it for obvious reasons.
For openers, there's Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, who has been engulfed in controversy for the past three weeks but has managed to keep a low profile.
Oregon Overwhelms Arizona in Second Half to Remain Undefeated
Filed under: Arizona, Oregon, Oregon State, Pac 10
EUGENE, Ore. -- Oregon is one win away from the national championship game.All that's left now for the Ducks to claim their ticket to Glendale is next Saturday's game in Corvallis against Oregon State after they dispatched of another worthy Pac-10 challenger Friday, beating Arizona 48-29 at Autzen Stadium.
It was a familiar storyline for Oregon (11-0, 8-0), an overwhelming performance in the second half paving the way to a decisive final score. Oregon scored three touchdowns in the third quarter, added another early in the fourth and cruised to the finish. The Ducks outscored Arizona 34-10 to close out the game.
With the victory, Oregon clinched at least a tie for the Pac-10 championship.
Arizona (7-4, 4-4) was up 19-14 at halftime after Oregon turned the ball over twice deep in Wildcat territory.
But Oregon put the game away doing a little of everything -- busting out the big play, going on a sustained drive and riding the athleticism of quarterback Darron Thomas and running back LaMichael James.
The offensive breakout came two weeks after Cal held Oregon to a season-low 15 points.
So What If P.K. Subban Trash Talks?
Filed under: Canadiens, Flyers
Memo to P.K. Subban.Don't change a thing.
Don't listen for a nano-second to whatever Philadelphia Flyers captain Mike Richards has to say about you, what you said or didn't say, or anything else for that matter.
In case you missed it, Richards ripped into the 21-year-old rookie for the way Subban (right, sticking his tongue out at the Wild's Kyle Brodziak) chirps at his opponents.
"It's just frustrating to see a young guy like that come in here and so much as think that he's better than a lot of people," Richards said. "You have to earn respect in this league. It takes a lot. You can't just come in here as a rookie and play like that. It's not the way to get respect from other players around the league.
"Hopefully someone on their team addresses it, because -- I'm not saying I'm going to do it, but something might happen to him if he continues to be that cocky."
Get respect from other players in the league?
This from a guy who showed absolutely no respect when he planted his shoulder into David Booth's head last season. It was a vicious hit, one that made highlight reels all over the world for the wrong reasons.
That's R-E-S-P-E-C-T?
Friday, 26 November 2010
Cam Ward Robs Nathan Horton, Blanks Bruins With 37 Saves
Filed under: Bruins, Hurricanes, NHL Videos
Cam Ward is capable of being a one-man team for the Carolina Hurricanes, dominating the opposition and stealing games in net. He's been a rock for them in the playoffs, and when he's on his game, can be as good as any goaltender in the NHL.On Friday, he turned aside all 37 shots he faced against the Boston Bruins to help lead the 'Canes to a 3-0 win. Carolina was outshot by a 37-21 margin for the game, but the play of Ward, as well as some timely goals from Jussi Jokinen, Tuomo Ruutu and exciting rookie Jeff Skinner (the game-winning goal), gave the Hurricanes a chance to take a win out of Boston and snap what had been a three-game losing streak.
With the game still scoreless in the first period, Ward had to make a series of big saves (he faced 12 shots in the first period) including this athletic play to get himself into position to rob Boston's Nathan Horton.
Chris Henry Feature Moves 'NFL Today' Host James Brown to Tears
by Milton Kent
It's not very often that television portrays a display of honest emotion. And it's even rarer when said feelings are released on a football telecast, the last bastion of raw testosterone on the small screen.
Yet, during Thursday's CBS pregame show, "NFL Today" anchor James Brown unabashedly let loose a torrent of tears.
The show had just aired a moving, Emmy-award worthy feature on former Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry, who died last December when he fell from a moving vehicle in an accident near his hometown of Charlotte. The piece was narrated by Henry's mother, Carolyn Glaspy, who made the decision to donate Henry's organs to needy recipients. The story centered on a meeting of the four people who received Henry's organs and a subsequent meeting with Glaspy.
Filed under: Bengals, AFC North, NFL Video, Sports Business and Media
It's not very often that television portrays a display of honest emotion. And it's even rarer when said feelings are released on a football telecast, the last bastion of raw testosterone on the small screen.Yet, during Thursday's CBS pregame show, "NFL Today" anchor James Brown unabashedly let loose a torrent of tears.
The show had just aired a moving, Emmy-award worthy feature on former Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry, who died last December when he fell from a moving vehicle in an accident near his hometown of Charlotte. The piece was narrated by Henry's mother, Carolyn Glaspy, who made the decision to donate Henry's organs to needy recipients. The story centered on a meeting of the four people who received Henry's organs and a subsequent meeting with Glaspy.
Spotter's Stand: Carl Edwards Has Offseason Momentum in His Back Pocket
Filed under: Carl Edwards, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Sprint Cup, NASCAR
He may have won the two races that dole out the least amount of recognition of the entire season, but Carl Edwards doesn't much care. "For our team, to finish like this and to be on the upswing that we are, this is as good as it gets," Edwards said after winning Sunday at Homestead, his second in a row.
Of course, Edwards was overshadowed by an incredibly dramatic championship fight that he watched from the outside looking in Sunday, largely in his rear-view mirror.
Jimmie Johnson overcame Denny Hamlin and held off Kevin Harvick to win the 2010 title, and proceeded to spin through a burnout as Edwards celebrated with his traditional backflip.
"I tell you, it's a lot more frustrating to not be in victory lane and watching somebody out there doing their donuts and all that stuff," Edwards said.
Tom Brady Wins CBS' All-Iron Award for Performance in Patriots' Win
Filed under: Lions, Patriots, NFL Awards, NFL Analysis
Tom Brady was awarded CBS' Phil Simms All-Iron Award, the network's annual trophy given to the MVP of the NFL's early Thanksgiving game. Brady put up a perfect QB rating of 158.3 in rallying the Patriots from a 17-10 halftime deficit to a 45-24 victory over the Lions in Detroit.Brady finished the day 21 of 27 for 341 yards and four touchdowns.
Detroit pressured Brady heavily early, with Ndamukong Suh recording a sack to kill New England's opening drive around midfield. But Brady led a touchdown drive just prior to halftime, then connected on four TD passes in the second half -- two each to Deion Branch and Wes Welker -- as the Patriots scored the game's final 28 points.
Coming into Thursday, the Lions were the lone NFL team (aside from New England) that Brady had not thrown a touchdown pass against.
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Mike Leach Sues ESPN for Defamation
Filed under: Texas Tech, Coaching, Media Watch, Sports Business and Media
Former Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach gave ESPN an unpleasant Thanksgiving greeting on Wednesday, filing a lawsuit in Texas district court that accuses the sports-media giant of "willful and negligent defamation" of Leach in its coverage of the events leading up to and following the coach's firing late last year. Leach was terminated last Dec. 30 in the wake of accusations that he mistreated injured wide receiver Adam James, the son of ESPN college football commentator Craig James. Among other allegations, Leach reportedly ordered Adam, who was recovering from a concussion, to stand alone in a dark closet on two occasions during the 2009 season. James shot video of his confinement, and the controversy came to a head when the footage was posted online.
Leach's lawsuit also names Spaeth Communications, a Dallas public-relations firm that Craig James hired when his son's complaints about Leach went public. The suit claims that Spaeth, which orchestrated the "Swift Boat" campaign against 2004 presidential candidate John Kerry, played a central role in leaking the video footage and accuses the firm of "creating public opinion hostile to Leach."
In an email to FanHouse, an ESPN spokesman said the company has "not seen the lawsuit and therefore it would be inappropriate for us to comment." Spaeth did not return calls or emails seeking comment. Rebecca Shaw, the firm's executive vice president, told the Associated Press that Leach's suit is "the predictable strategy of a man who is desperate to avoid accountability for his own behavior."
Ted Liggett, Leach's attorney, said the 49-year-old former coach simply wants to clear his name. "His reputation has taken a severe hit and been tarnished," Liggett told the Associated Press. "On a daily basis we're still seeing stories across the country with accounts Leach claims are counter to the truth."
Juan Agudelo Lifts US to 1-0 Win Over South Africa in National Team Debut
Filed under: International Soccer, MLS, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team, Columbus Crew, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake
Two U.S. national team debutants, aged 20 and 17, combined on a brilliant late goal to lead a young, experimental American team to a 1-0 win over South Africa before more than 50,000 partisans at Cape Town Stadium.An exhibition that featured very few clear-cut scoring chances was decided in the 85th minute by a composed and creative assist from midfielder Mikkel Diskerud, 20, and a brilliant finish from teenage forward Juan Agudelo (No. 17 in photo), who made his professional debut for the New York Red Bulls less than three weeks ago.
He turns 18 next Tuesday and is the youngest player ever to score for the senior national team.
Steve Phillips' Fix My Team: Chicago Cubs
Filed under: Cubs, MLB Video, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Free Agency, Executive Take
Every team has a few precious months in the offseason to make tweaks to their roster and ensure that they improve in 2011. Steve Phillips has taken a team to the World Series before, and in November and December he will present his plan for every major league team to get there as well. It's the eighth episode of Fix My Team, and his latest project is the Chicago Cubs.
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
D.C. United volunteers at Food & Friends' Slice of Life fundraiser
D.C United's fourth day of its "10 Days of Giving" was easy as pie. Staff from the Black-and-Red headed out to Eastern Market & Penn Quarter to distribute and sell Thanksgiving pies as part of Food & Friends' Slice of Life fundraiser.
Terry Collins Pledges 'Whatever It Takes' to Turn Mets Around
Filed under: Mets
NEW YORK (AP) -- Terry Collins chased jobs all the way to Japan and China in the 11 years since he last managed a major league club just to find a place in a dugout. Rejuvenating the New York Mets, though, might be his toughest challenge of all.Collins was introduced Tuesday as the 20th manager in the history of the Mets, a franchise in the midst of an overhaul since missing the playoffs for the fourth straight season. Collins, the team's minor league field coordinator last year, signed a two-year contract with a club option for 2013.
"I love this job,'' said Collins, after putting on a No. 10 jersey in honor of friend and Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland. "I will do whatever it takes to bring success for the New York Mets and win more ballgames, and we want to be the last team standing next October.''
New general manager Sandy Alderson chose Collins over fellow Mets employees Bob Melvin, Chip Hale and Wally Backman. The 61-year-old Collins succeeds Jerry Manuel, who was fired along with general manager Omar Minaya in October, and will try to revitalize a club that languished near the bottom of the NL East the past two seasons.
LeBron James: Miami Heat Regain 'Swag' in Time for Magic
Filed under: Heat, Magic, Pacers
MIAMI -- The Heat went about their practice the day after their tough loss to the Indiana Pacers and on the eve of another showdown on the road against the Orlando Magic, who will be eager to avenge their previous blowout loss to the Heat. Though the team began playing better with Zydrunas Ilgauskas replacing an ineffective Joel Anthony in the starting lineup, the team clearly felt the need to tinker with the roster as they quickly shed Jerry Stackhouse and added more bulk in Erick Dampier. But the real work at Tuesday's practice was to try and attempt to put the loss behind them mentally and get back on track."Today was about reconnection," described Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra after practice. "Reconnecting with our identity and getting back to work. We know no other way then to get in here, sweat and grind a bit, push and get back to the fundamentals of our game.
"The second part of it was to reconnect with each other while we're going through some adverse times where we did not play well last night. None of us felt good about the game. We are much better than that and that's why we came in here today and got some work done."
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
NHL Coaches Must Stop Yapping About Opponents Padding the Score
Filed under: Blackhawks, Canucks
There can be crying in hockey, for it is a sport fueled as much by passion as it is by artistry. What should be prohibited is whining, and we got another dose of it when the Chicago Blackhawks wiped out the Canucks in Vancouver on Saturday.There was little new about this round of whine, but you'd like to think classy Canucks head coach Alain Vignealt was above pouring the bottle. Vigneault was offended by the Blackhawks' lineup on a power play near the end of the 7-1 carnage.
To Vigneault's eyes, his battered team was facing too much skill.
"We basically embarrassed ourselves tonight in front of our fans, and they did everything they could tonight to rub it in our face," Vigneault told the press after the game. (The score was) 6-0 and they throw their No. 1 power play unit when it's 5-on-3. They have every right to do that. They did it. They were pushing it, and they did."
Olli Jokinen, Mattias Ritola Receive Multi-Game Suspensions
Filed under: Flames, Lightning, NHL Discipline
Calgary Flames' center Olli Jokinen received a three-game suspension a day after he cross-checked Phoenix Coyotes winger Wojtek Wolski in the head, the NHL announced Thursday afternoon.Jokinen received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for the hit, which occurred midway through the third period of the Flames' 3-1 loss. He had a disciplinary hearing with league officials, who are increasingly taking hits to the head seriously, before the suspension was made public.
"I've played nearly 900 games in this league, I've played a couple hundred games internationally and I've never been suspended," Jokinen said on the Flames' website before the sanction was announced. "I don't consider myself a dirty player."
Jokinen will forfeit $48,387 in salary as a result of the suspension that will keep him out through Nov. 24, when the Flames travel to New Jersey.
FanHouse Fab 40: Bronco Burst
Filed under: Auburn, Boise State, Oregon, TCU, Top 25
IOWA CITY, Iowa - Boise State is back in the top two of my Associated Press ballot after the Broncos' total dismantling of Fresno State Friday.
While the three other unbeaten teams - Oregon, Auburn and TCU - were off last week, Boise State had the most to gain - or lose. And the Broncos were impressive, blanking Fresno State 51-0 and outgaining the Bulldogs by nearly 400 yards (516 to 125).
Oregon remained No. 1 on my AP ballot, while Auburn is No. 3 and TCU is No. 4.
With Auburn playing in the Iron Bowl at Alabama Friday, the Tigers certainly have an opportunity to jump back into my top two with a victory in Tuscaloosa.
Boise State also must go on the road on Friday, playing at Nevada, which I ranked No. 18 this week. Oregon and TCU are at home, playing Arizona and New Mexico, respectively.
Monday, 22 November 2010
Kyle Busch Wins Nationwide Race, Danica Patrick Leads Lap, Finishes 19th
Filed under: Nationwide Series, NASCAR
As Kyle Busch motored to a comfortable victory in the Nationwide season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway Saturday, Danica Patrick led her first lap in NASCAR racing before settling for a 19th-place finish, nonetheless her best ever in the series. Busch dominated the event before winning by about a second over Kevin Harvick. Series champion Brad Keselowski was third, followed by Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Trevor Bayne.
It was Busch's record-settiing 13th victory in the Nationwide series this year, and it clinched the owner's championship for Joe Gibbs Racing, even though Keselowski won the driver's title. Busch did not run in every race this year and thus did not compete for the driver's title.
"That says it all right there, boys!" Busch shouted on his radio as he took the checkered flag. "You guys are the stuff. I can't do it without you guys. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
"This is fun," he added while still circling the track. "This is what it is all about. I wish I had something for tomorrow, but we'll play with teammates tomorrow and try to get them one."
Bucs Brewing Another Worst-to-First in NFC South With Ravens on Horizon
Filed under: Buccaneers, NFC South
Everyone else is sweating on Sundays. The young Bucs. Meanwhile, are playing loose, carefree, and running around like the school house doors have been thrown open and this is recess. Tampa Bay, a young team without expectations, is 7-3 and officially should be taken seriously.The Bucs, which started six rookies in San Francisco on Sunday, pitched their first road shutout in seven seasons in a 21-0 win over the 49ers. This had been a team struggling to get to the quarterback, but the Bucs fixed that part of their game with six sacks. The run game struggled the first part of the season, but they had a solid running game for another week (182 yards).
"We are impossible to ignore," head coach Raheem Morris said.
Three Things to Watch For as the US National Team Faces South Africa
Filed under: International Soccer, English Premier League, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team, Chivas USA, New York Red Bulls
The U.S. national team's last game of 2010, against South Africa on Wednesday afternoon, is a beginning of sorts.A new four-year cycle has started, and coach Bob Bradley, signed to guide the program toward another World Cup, has begun the long process of building his new team.
The South Africa game (2 p.m. ET, ESPN2) comes at an intriguing time. With the MLS season nearing its climax and the national team's European regulars in the meat of their club campaigns, Bradley had the chance to experiment with some untested talent.
And he's taken that chance, calling in several players who could make significant contributions in 2014 and beyond.
The beautiful Cape Town Stadium, which hosted several games during the World Cup, including Holland's semifinal victory over Uruguay, is sold out for Wednesday's Nelson Mandela Challenge. Those in attendance will be watching Bafana Bafana. Here's what FanHouse would like to see happen, from an American perspective:
Jonny Flynn Mulls Rehab Stint in NBA D-League
Filed under: Timberwolves, NBA D-League, Sioux Falls Skyforce
The Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly given second-year pro Jonny Flynn the option to do a rehab stint in the NBA Development League if he thinks that it might be beneficial."I think it's a valuable option for us and him," Timberwolves head coach Kurt Rambis told Minneapolis television station My29 before Friday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. "It could be more (than one game). It depends on the schedule and how he feels."
The 21-year-old point guard had hip surgery over the summer and has yet to receive a solid return date after the original plan was to return in "mid-November." Recently, Rambis said Flynn was "a ways away," while Flynn said that the "progress is going well. I'm just trying to get my legs back under me."
Though a return to the NBA may be a ways away, getting Flynn's legs under him in the D-League for the Timberwolves-affiliated Sioux Falls Skyforce definitely makes sense as soon as he's issued a clear bill of health.
With the Skyforce, Flynn would be able to get back into basketball shape -- possibly even more so than he would with the Timberwolves -- due to the increased pace of D-League basketball. The Wolves could also probably convince the Skyforce coaching staff to allow the talented point guard to play as many minutes as he possibly can on his way back to full health.
Sunday, 21 November 2010
Udonis Haslem Tears Ligament in Left Foot, Out Indefinitely
Filed under: Heat, NBA Injuries
Udonis Haslem had to be carried from the floor during the fourth quarter of the Heat's loss at the buzzer to the Grizzlies on Saturday, and anytime that happens, you can't help but fear the worst. An MRI confirmed those fears on Sunday, and showed a ligament tear in Haslem's left foot.
Haslem will see a specialist before any official determination is made on just how long he'll be out, but it's likely to be the bulk of the regular season. Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that "late February and probably March are likely his earliest possible returns to the floor."
LeBron James Finding His Way With the Miami Heat
Filed under: Bobcats, Heat, NBA Press Box
It was difficult to measure just how much impact LeBron James would have on the new-look Miami Heat until the season finally started. Twelve games into the season, we've seen a variety of different incarnations of the reigning MVP: the Magic Johnson-like point guard willing to defer to his All-Star teammates; the Cavs-era James who must put the scoring load on his back to get a win; the triple-double machine that takes over the game in all facets. On this team with so much front-loaded talent, coach Erik Spoelstra is able to use all these LeBrons in the same game, because of match-ups and rotations. At the start, James likes to get his teammates like Chris Bosh and Zydrunas Ilgauskas involved in the offense. But if Wade needs a breather, James can also look for his own shot. When others are handling the ball, James can roam the perimeter and look for an opening.
"They (Miami Heat) have a different kind of team than he has played with before," remarked Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown. "He does what he has to do. When Wade or Bosh are on the bench he is much more aggressive. When the both of them are out there with him he just tries to play winning basketball.
"When you have to defend against him you just have to hope he doesn't make all his jump shots, and you can keep him out of transition. He is too great of a player for any one player to stop him."
Felix Hernandez Deserved Cy Young Award
Filed under: Mariners, MLB Awards, MLB Video, Executive Take
Some were surprised, and some saw it coming, but a pitcher with a 13-12 record won the AL Cy Young Award. Felix Hernandez had the worst winning percentage and lowest win total of any starting pitcher to ever win the award, but FanHouse TV's Steve Phillips says the vote was dead on. Click to watch:
Redskins vs. Titans Preview, Score and More
Filed under: Redskins, Titans, AFC South, NFC East
The Titans play host to the Redskins Sunday, with each team needing a victory to put a difficult week solidly in the past.Last week's losses were the bad news for the two teams.
The positive news is neither is out of the playoff chase, but each team very much needs a victory to stay in contention entering Thanksgiving and December.
The Titans, after a 2-2 start, won three consecutive games and looked like a team ready to take control of the AFC South, but they have sandwiched a pair of AFC losses around their November 7 bye week. They lost at San Diego, 33-25, before the bye then at Miami, 29-17, this past week to slip into a second-place tie with Jacksonville at 5-4 -- a game behind the defending AFC South champion Indianapolis Colts.
The two-game losing streak has come during a time of uncertainty at the quarterback position.
Vince Young started the first six games of the season, but has missed two of the last three games with knee and ankle issues. The Titans lost at San Diego in his only start of that period.
Sunday's game will be the second with the Titans for wide receiver Randy Moss, acquired off waivers earlier this month from Minnesota four weeks after the Vikings acquired him in a trade from the New England Patriots. Moss said this week he is comfortable in Tennessee, but caught just one pass for 26 yards against Miami last week in his first game with the team.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
MLS donates $2 million to US World Cup Bid Committee
TORONTO ? With the US World Cup bid in the final stretch ahead of FIFA?s Dec. 2 announcement of the 2018 and 2022 hosts, MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced that the league and its marketing arm, Soccer United Marketing, will make a $2 million donation to the US Bid Committee. ?We hope it will...
Jonny Flynn Mulls Rehab Stint in NBA D-League
Filed under: Timberwolves, NBA D-League, Sioux Falls Skyforce
The Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly given second-year pro Jonny Flynn the option to do a rehab stint in the NBA Development League if he thinks that it might be beneficial."I think it's a valuable option for us and him," Timberwolves head coach Kurt Rambis told Minneapolis television station My29 before Friday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. "It could be more (than one game). It depends on the schedule and how he feels."
The 21-year-old point guard had hip surgery over the summer and has yet to receive a solid return date after the original plan was to return in "mid-November." Recently, Rambis said Flynn was "a ways away," while Flynn said that the "progress is going well. I'm just trying to get my legs back under me."
Though a return to the NBA may be a ways away, getting Flynn's legs under him in the D-League for the Timberwolves-affiliated Sioux Falls Skyforce definitely makes sense as soon as he's issued a clear bill of health.
With the Skyforce, Flynn would be able to get back into basketball shape -- possibly even more so than he would with the Timberwolves -- due to the increased pace of D-League basketball. The Wolves could also probably convince the Skyforce coaching staff to allow the talented point guard to play as many minutes as he possibly can on his way back to full health.
West Virginia's Game Manager Geno Smith Looks for Something More
Filed under: West Virginia, Big East
West Virginia's coach, ever the old quarterback coach, makes time to study film of his young quarterback. What Bill Stewart sees in sophomore Geno Smith is a player on the rise. "The last couple of weeks, Geno made some really quick decisions with his reads. I really liked what he did with his eyes," said Stewart after last week's forceful 37-10 victory over Cincinnati.
"I watched him, watched his presence, watched his eyes and he seems to have picked up confidence."
Not that one would have ever known Smith to lose confidence. Through October, the highly touted sophomore looked to be on his way to a fantastic season. He mounted a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown drives of more than 90 yards in a comeback win against rival Marshall. He threw four early scoring strikes to crush Maryland. Another two scoring strikes helped nearly topple SEC power LSU in its home stadium. The following two games he tossed another five touchdowns while completing over 75 percent of his passes.
Smith was making mincemeat of opponents through his first six career starts.
And then all of that good work was thrown out the window at home against Syracuse.
Smith melted against the Orange, tossing a trio of first-half interceptions to go with five sacks in a disappointing 14-point effort. Questioned afterward, Smith said, "I just have to get the ball out of my hands quicker. I have to be more disciplined in my reads."
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