Filed under: Jets, NFL Rumors, FanHouse Exclusive, NFL AnalysisWith just 13 days left before their regular-season opener, the New York Jets and the agents for cornerback Darrelle Revis are quietly continuing negotiations on a new contract. A week after a source told FanHouse the sides were "almost there," the same source relayed to FanHouse on Tuesday that the talks are complicated but still progressing, and that both sides believe they will have a deal done before the Jets open the season on Monday, Sept. 13 against the Ravens.
Revis has been spending his time in Pittsburgh, working out and training on his own so that once the deal is done, he'll be ready to jump right in -- despite missing all of training camp and, so far, the entire preseason. In the meantime, while observing a mutually agreed-upon media blackout, the team and the agents have been working on the details of a complex deal intended to satisfy Revis' desire to be the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.
It's unclear what the deal will eventually look like, but sources tell FanHouse that they believe it will have to set some sort of record in order to reflect Revis' belief, and the team's corresponding assertions, that he is the league's best cornerback.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Iran earns first victory ever at worlds (AP)
ISTANBUL (AP)?Iran earned its first victory ever at basketball?s world
championship, blowing most of a 24-point lead before holding on to beat Tunisia
71-58 on Monday.
Hamed Haddadi(notes) of the Memphis Grizzlies had 23 points and 13 rebounds for the
Iranians (1-2), whose lead was down to three in the final minutes before they
pulled away again.
Playing in the event for the first time, Iran lost to Brazil and Croatia in
its opening two games before easily beating Tunisia, now the lone winless team
in Group B at 0-3.
Iran played in the Olympic basketball tournament in 2008 for the first time
in more than 60 years after winning the Asian championship the year before. The
Iranians defended the Asian title last year to earn their spot in the worlds
field.
They appeared headed for an easy victory after Haddadi scored the first five
points of the second half, and the lead grew to 24 later in the period, before
Tunisia?s rally fell short.
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championship, blowing most of a 24-point lead before holding on to beat Tunisia
71-58 on Monday.
Hamed Haddadi(notes) of the Memphis Grizzlies had 23 points and 13 rebounds for the
Iranians (1-2), whose lead was down to three in the final minutes before they
pulled away again.
Playing in the event for the first time, Iran lost to Brazil and Croatia in
its opening two games before easily beating Tunisia, now the lone winless team
in Group B at 0-3.
Iran played in the Olympic basketball tournament in 2008 for the first time
in more than 60 years after winning the Asian championship the year before. The
Iranians defended the Asian title last year to earn their spot in the worlds
field.
They appeared headed for an easy victory after Haddadi scored the first five
points of the second half, and the lead grew to 24 later in the period, before
Tunisia?s rally fell short.
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Krumm Date, 39, Pushes Former Champ Svetlana Kuznetsova to Three Sets
Filed under: U.S. Open, WTA, WTA Rankings
NEW YORK -- Kimiko Date Krumm lost to Svetlana Kuznetsova in the first round of the U.S. Open on Tuesday, a match hardly anyone expected her to win.
But Date Krumm became one of this tournament's big winners before she pushed the 2004 Open champ to a third set. She ruled the day the moment she took the court in the day's first match on the Grandstand.
For perspective, consider the following: the Tokyo native was named the Most Improved Player on the women's tour in 1992.
She spent a brief period in the top ten and reached the U.S. Open quarterfinals in 1994.
Date Krumm's last match in the U.S. Open's main draw was a loss in the first round in 1996.
Kuznetsova and Date Krumm had never faced each other before, for good reason. When Date Krumm was in her prime, the Russian dynamo was still years from adolescence.
Kimiko Date Krumm, who lost 6-2, 4-6, 6-1 to Kuznetsova -- the No. 11 seed -- turns 40 years old on Sept. 28.
NEW YORK -- Kimiko Date Krumm lost to Svetlana Kuznetsova in the first round of the U.S. Open on Tuesday, a match hardly anyone expected her to win.
But Date Krumm became one of this tournament's big winners before she pushed the 2004 Open champ to a third set. She ruled the day the moment she took the court in the day's first match on the Grandstand.
For perspective, consider the following: the Tokyo native was named the Most Improved Player on the women's tour in 1992.
She spent a brief period in the top ten and reached the U.S. Open quarterfinals in 1994.
Date Krumm's last match in the U.S. Open's main draw was a loss in the first round in 1996.
Kuznetsova and Date Krumm had never faced each other before, for good reason. When Date Krumm was in her prime, the Russian dynamo was still years from adolescence.
Kimiko Date Krumm, who lost 6-2, 4-6, 6-1 to Kuznetsova -- the No. 11 seed -- turns 40 years old on Sept. 28.
Even Oklahoma Won't Buck Boise State's Broncos This Season
Filed under: Alabama, Boise State, Oklahoma, Texas, BCS Championship GameAmericans are yearning for change during these uncertain times. Be careful what you wish for.
We are about to witness one of the biggest coups in U.S. history. Come January, Boise State will be sworn in as our new football commander-in chief.
All it has to do is beat Oklahoma, which knows how to get to big games but has forgotten how to win them.
Fans of change, rejoice. The BCS title game will be the Broncos vs. the Sooners. Or maybe the Broncos vs. the Longhorns or Crimson Tide or Buckeyes.
I'm not totally confident in Oklahoma, but I just couldn't go with the usual suspects. With all due respect to my vaunted picking nemesis Clay Travis, saying Alabama and Ohio State will play in the title game is like predicting Lindsay Lohan will be in a police lineup.
America is on an anti-incumbent jag. How much longer must we stick with the partisan bickering over Alabama, Ohio State, the economy and immigration?
Boise State would be a fresh face not beholden to sleazy BCS lobbyists. Two other key factors make a Broncos title almost inevitable.
We are about to witness one of the biggest coups in U.S. history. Come January, Boise State will be sworn in as our new football commander-in chief.
All it has to do is beat Oklahoma, which knows how to get to big games but has forgotten how to win them.
Fans of change, rejoice. The BCS title game will be the Broncos vs. the Sooners. Or maybe the Broncos vs. the Longhorns or Crimson Tide or Buckeyes.
I'm not totally confident in Oklahoma, but I just couldn't go with the usual suspects. With all due respect to my vaunted picking nemesis Clay Travis, saying Alabama and Ohio State will play in the title game is like predicting Lindsay Lohan will be in a police lineup.
America is on an anti-incumbent jag. How much longer must we stick with the partisan bickering over Alabama, Ohio State, the economy and immigration?
Boise State would be a fresh face not beholden to sleazy BCS lobbyists. Two other key factors make a Broncos title almost inevitable.
Del Rio on Jones-Drew: surgery 'is not necessary'
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jaguars Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew has not had knee surgery, Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio said Monday. Del Rio squelched the surgery rumors put out by an Internet blog report which said Jones-Drew had the surgery.
"No," he said. "No, has not happened, is not necessary. He's working, rehabbing, strengthening and gearing up for the regular season." Because of the team's short week, Del Rio will not play Jones-Drew, who has a sometimes balky left knee, and most of the starters against Atlanta on Thursday. "There's always a fine line," Del Rio said. "You want to work your guys, they need to be ready to go, they need to be playing at their best." Jones-Drew, who had 10 carries in the preseason last season, has only six carries for minus-two yards this preseason, but Del Rio said he'll worry about the running back being in game shape later. "I think in terms of ideal scenarios you'd like to have a little more active work going into it," Del Rio said. "I think arriving to the regular season with him at full strength ready to take his turn, I think that's most important rather than trying to decide whether or not he's going to be able to carry it 30 or 35 carries. A team spokesman said Jones-Drew declined to comment. Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
"No," he said. "No, has not happened, is not necessary. He's working, rehabbing, strengthening and gearing up for the regular season." Because of the team's short week, Del Rio will not play Jones-Drew, who has a sometimes balky left knee, and most of the starters against Atlanta on Thursday. "There's always a fine line," Del Rio said. "You want to work your guys, they need to be ready to go, they need to be playing at their best." Jones-Drew, who had 10 carries in the preseason last season, has only six carries for minus-two yards this preseason, but Del Rio said he'll worry about the running back being in game shape later. "I think in terms of ideal scenarios you'd like to have a little more active work going into it," Del Rio said. "I think arriving to the regular season with him at full strength ready to take his turn, I think that's most important rather than trying to decide whether or not he's going to be able to carry it 30 or 35 carries. A team spokesman said Jones-Drew declined to comment. Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
Serbia bounces back to rip Jordan 112-69 (AP)
KAYSERI, Turkey (AP)?Dusko Savanovic and Marko Keselj scored 21 points
each to help Serbia rebound from a double-overtime loss to beat Jordan 112-69 in
group play at the basketball World Championships on Monday.
After losing to Germany 82-81 less than 24 hours earlier, Serbia (2-1) used
its height to dominate Jordan inside. Center Nenad Krstic(notes) sat out the last of
his three-game suspension for a pre-tournament brawl in Greece, but backup
center Kosta Perovic(notes) added 20 points for Serbia.
Guard Milos Teodosic returned to score seven points with seven assists.
Osama Daghles had 19 points for Jordan (0-3), which struggled defensively
against its more athletic opponent. Serbia shot 71.7 percent from the field and
52.6 percent from the 3-point line.
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each to help Serbia rebound from a double-overtime loss to beat Jordan 112-69 in
group play at the basketball World Championships on Monday.
After losing to Germany 82-81 less than 24 hours earlier, Serbia (2-1) used
its height to dominate Jordan inside. Center Nenad Krstic(notes) sat out the last of
his three-game suspension for a pre-tournament brawl in Greece, but backup
center Kosta Perovic(notes) added 20 points for Serbia.
Guard Milos Teodosic returned to score seven points with seven assists.
Osama Daghles had 19 points for Jordan (0-3), which struggled defensively
against its more athletic opponent. Serbia shot 71.7 percent from the field and
52.6 percent from the 3-point line.
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US Open 2010 Roundtable: Looking Into Flushing's Crystal Ball
Filed under: U.S. OpenThe 2010 U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows is upon us. Last year, Melanie Oudin made a miracle run to the quarters while Serena Williams took a bizarre exit after a foot fault in the semis sparked a tantrum directed at the line judge. Well, this year Serena's on the sideline for a foot injury and the same line judge is back on the court.
The irony there is a whole different story, so we'll get right to the FanHouse tennis team's U.S. Open predictions. Sleeper picks to watch, stars who could struggle, and of course, our winner picks.
DARK HORSE
Sounds ridiculous to call one of the best players of all time a dark horse, but no one takes Venus Williams seriously as a major threat anymore. She's 30 and hasn't been able to consistently string together enough good matches since spring. But she has a great draw and lots of support. Andy Roddick has a great, great draw. His first big-boy opponent is Novak Djokovic. Roddick owns him. Don't think Roddick will win, but the semis are realistic.
-- Greg Couch
Elena Dementieva on the women's side. Motivated in the big tournaments, likes New York. For the men, David Nalbadian looks like he has some fight left.
-- Chris Botta
Look for Roddick to advance into the semifinals. He has not been there since 2006 at the U.S. Open. 17th-seeded Nadia Petrova of Russia will make an appearance in the semifinals for the first time at the U.S. Open.
-- Hal Spivack
She hasn't played since Wimbledon, but the hard courts of the U.S. Open are perfectly suited for Venus Williams. She'll also be fighting hard for the Williams' name since sister Serena can't play. On the men's side, Mardy Fish has slimmed down and in injury free for the first time in a while. His success since Wimbledon has been fantastic and it could continue for the next two weeks.
-- Knox Bardeen
It's hard to call Mardy Fish a dark horse after he has won two events since Wimbledon and just lost to Roger Federer in the Cincinnati final. The American is playing spectacular tennis on the hard court and he'll continue that in Flushing.
-- Chris Sesno
The irony there is a whole different story, so we'll get right to the FanHouse tennis team's U.S. Open predictions. Sleeper picks to watch, stars who could struggle, and of course, our winner picks.
DARK HORSE
Sounds ridiculous to call one of the best players of all time a dark horse, but no one takes Venus Williams seriously as a major threat anymore. She's 30 and hasn't been able to consistently string together enough good matches since spring. But she has a great draw and lots of support. Andy Roddick has a great, great draw. His first big-boy opponent is Novak Djokovic. Roddick owns him. Don't think Roddick will win, but the semis are realistic.
-- Greg Couch
Elena Dementieva on the women's side. Motivated in the big tournaments, likes New York. For the men, David Nalbadian looks like he has some fight left.
-- Chris Botta
Look for Roddick to advance into the semifinals. He has not been there since 2006 at the U.S. Open. 17th-seeded Nadia Petrova of Russia will make an appearance in the semifinals for the first time at the U.S. Open.
-- Hal Spivack
She hasn't played since Wimbledon, but the hard courts of the U.S. Open are perfectly suited for Venus Williams. She'll also be fighting hard for the Williams' name since sister Serena can't play. On the men's side, Mardy Fish has slimmed down and in injury free for the first time in a while. His success since Wimbledon has been fantastic and it could continue for the next two weeks.
-- Knox Bardeen
It's hard to call Mardy Fish a dark horse after he has won two events since Wimbledon and just lost to Roger Federer in the Cincinnati final. The American is playing spectacular tennis on the hard court and he'll continue that in Flushing.
-- Chris Sesno
UFC 124: Georges St-Pierre vs. Josh Koscheck II to Take Place in Montreal
Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, NewsThe Ultimate Fighting Championship is coming back to Montreal, and the event will be headlined by the most famous Canadian in the sport.
Georges St-Pierre's title defense against Josh Koscheck will take place on Dec. 11 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, UFC president Dana White confirmed with MMA Fighting Monday.
UFC 124 will happen at the end of the 12th season of The Ultimate Fighter, which premieres on Spike TV on Sept. 15. St-Pierre and Koscheck will serve as opposing coaches on the show.
Georges St-Pierre's title defense against Josh Koscheck will take place on Dec. 11 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, UFC president Dana White confirmed with MMA Fighting Monday.
UFC 124 will happen at the end of the 12th season of The Ultimate Fighter, which premieres on Spike TV on Sept. 15. St-Pierre and Koscheck will serve as opposing coaches on the show.
Monday, August 30, 2010
James doubts Gilbert cared about him (AP)
MIAMI (AP)?Adding a new layer to the rift between LeBron James(notes) and Dan
Gilbert, the NBA?s two-time reigning MVP and new Miami Heat forward has told GQ
magazine that he isn?t sure the Cleveland Cavaliers owner ?ever cared? about
him during their time together.
In an article released Tuesday, James spoke of how widespread criticism of
his decision?and how he chose to make it a television event?is fueling him
this offseason, plus reiterated how Ohio will always remain his home.
But perhaps his sharpest words were reserved for Gilbert, the owner who
lashed out at him shortly after James announced that he would be joining the
Heat.
?I don?t think he ever cared about LeBron,? James is quoted as saying.
?My mother always told me: ?You will see the light of people when they hit
adversity. You?ll get a good sense of their character.? Me and my family have
seen the character of that man.?
Gilbert did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
James made similar remarks on the night Miami signed him to a six-year
contract, doing so while sitting alongside the other two legs of the Heat
superstar triangle, Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes).
Gilbert was clearly scorned by James? choice, firing off a now-infamous
letter to Cleveland fans describing it all as ?a shameful display of
selfishness and betrayal.? He called James ?narcissistic? and
?self-promotional? and vowed the Cavaliers would win a championship before
?the self-titled former king.?
Further, in an interview the same night with The Associated Press, Gilbert
said he felt James quit on Cleveland during the 2009 and 2010 playoffs. Gilbert
was ultimately fined $100,000 by the NBA for what commissioner David Stern said
were comments that fell into the category of being ?a little extreme.?
In the GQ article, James took exception to the ?quitter? tag.
?Every night on the court I give my all, and if I?m not giving 100 percent,
I criticize myself,? James said.
He added that he?s looking forward to seeing the Cavaliers as opponents this
season.
?I do have motivation,? James told GQ. ?A lot of motivation.?
Among other highlights from the article:
? James said he wouldn?t change any part of ?The Decision,? the
made-for-TV event in Greenwich, Conn. where he announced his playing plans to an
audience of about 10 million viewers. The hourlong show made $2.5 million for
Boys & Girls Clubs. ?When I found out I had an opportunity to do that for those
kids, it was a no-brainer,? James said.
? Despite his feuding with Gilbert, James thinks that if he could ever play
for the Cavaliers again someday, it would be ?a great story.?
? James explained he?s always had an uneasy relationship with Cleveland
because he?s from Akron, a half-hour away. ?It?s not far, but it is far,?
James said. ?And Clevelanders, because they were the bigger-city kids when we
were growing up, looked down on us. ? So we didn?t actually like Cleveland. We
hated Cleveland growing up. There?s a lot of people in Cleveland we still hate
to this day.?
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Gilbert, the NBA?s two-time reigning MVP and new Miami Heat forward has told GQ
magazine that he isn?t sure the Cleveland Cavaliers owner ?ever cared? about
him during their time together.
In an article released Tuesday, James spoke of how widespread criticism of
his decision?and how he chose to make it a television event?is fueling him
this offseason, plus reiterated how Ohio will always remain his home.
But perhaps his sharpest words were reserved for Gilbert, the owner who
lashed out at him shortly after James announced that he would be joining the
Heat.
?I don?t think he ever cared about LeBron,? James is quoted as saying.
?My mother always told me: ?You will see the light of people when they hit
adversity. You?ll get a good sense of their character.? Me and my family have
seen the character of that man.?
Gilbert did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
James made similar remarks on the night Miami signed him to a six-year
contract, doing so while sitting alongside the other two legs of the Heat
superstar triangle, Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes).
Gilbert was clearly scorned by James? choice, firing off a now-infamous
letter to Cleveland fans describing it all as ?a shameful display of
selfishness and betrayal.? He called James ?narcissistic? and
?self-promotional? and vowed the Cavaliers would win a championship before
?the self-titled former king.?
Further, in an interview the same night with The Associated Press, Gilbert
said he felt James quit on Cleveland during the 2009 and 2010 playoffs. Gilbert
was ultimately fined $100,000 by the NBA for what commissioner David Stern said
were comments that fell into the category of being ?a little extreme.?
In the GQ article, James took exception to the ?quitter? tag.
?Every night on the court I give my all, and if I?m not giving 100 percent,
I criticize myself,? James said.
He added that he?s looking forward to seeing the Cavaliers as opponents this
season.
?I do have motivation,? James told GQ. ?A lot of motivation.?
Among other highlights from the article:
? James said he wouldn?t change any part of ?The Decision,? the
made-for-TV event in Greenwich, Conn. where he announced his playing plans to an
audience of about 10 million viewers. The hourlong show made $2.5 million for
Boys & Girls Clubs. ?When I found out I had an opportunity to do that for those
kids, it was a no-brainer,? James said.
? Despite his feuding with Gilbert, James thinks that if he could ever play
for the Cavaliers again someday, it would be ?a great story.?
? James explained he?s always had an uneasy relationship with Cleveland
because he?s from Akron, a half-hour away. ?It?s not far, but it is far,?
James said. ?And Clevelanders, because they were the bigger-city kids when we
were growing up, looked down on us. ? So we didn?t actually like Cleveland. We
hated Cleveland growing up. There?s a lot of people in Cleveland we still hate
to this day.?
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Roger Clemens Pleads Not Guilty on Charges He Lied to Congress
Filed under: MLB Police Blotter, MLB PEDsWASHINGTON -- Roger Clemens said all of four words at his arraignment, but it set the stage for a trial that could begin during the opening week of the 2011 Major League Baseball season.
"Not guilty, your honor," the seven-time Cy Young Award winner uttered in his only words in U.S. District Court on Monday.
Clemens, who had the tips of his hair dyed blond, sat alongside his three lawyers at the hearing that lasted a little more than 10 minutes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Durham said during the hearing the government had "voluminous" evidence that Clemens, 48, lied to Congress two and a half years ago when he said he never used steroids or human growth hormone.
After Judge Reggie Walton released Clemens on his own recognizance and restricted the former hurler's travel to within the U.S., Clemens took off his dark blazer and hopped into a waiting black Cadillac Escalade bound for an airport, where he was set to fly back to South Carolina for a golf tournament. He didn't talk to the reporters leaving the courtroom, even as about a dozen photographers and reporters gave chase down Constitution Ave.
None of the lawyers in the case spoke to reporters, hardly a surprise since Walton issued a gag order last week.
"Not guilty, your honor," the seven-time Cy Young Award winner uttered in his only words in U.S. District Court on Monday.
Clemens, who had the tips of his hair dyed blond, sat alongside his three lawyers at the hearing that lasted a little more than 10 minutes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Durham said during the hearing the government had "voluminous" evidence that Clemens, 48, lied to Congress two and a half years ago when he said he never used steroids or human growth hormone.
After Judge Reggie Walton released Clemens on his own recognizance and restricted the former hurler's travel to within the U.S., Clemens took off his dark blazer and hopped into a waiting black Cadillac Escalade bound for an airport, where he was set to fly back to South Carolina for a golf tournament. He didn't talk to the reporters leaving the courtroom, even as about a dozen photographers and reporters gave chase down Constitution Ave.
None of the lawyers in the case spoke to reporters, hardly a surprise since Walton issued a gag order last week.
Peter Lenz's Death Will Not Be Investigated by Racing Group
Filed under: Other Racing SeriesINDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union does not plan to hold a formal investigation into the death of a 13-year-old motorcycle racer in Indianapolis over the weekend.
Stewart Aitken-Cade, a spokesman for the sanctioning body, says the union will discuss ways to make the sport safer. He also says safety measures will be reviewed.
"I don't believe there are grounds for anything drastic," Aitken-Cade said in a phone interview. "That doesn't mean we're not going to look at anything that we can do to prevent something like this from happening again. This is the first accident we've had like this in nine years, and that's a tremendous safety record."
On Sunday, Peter Lenz of Vancouver, Wash., died after being run over at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Stewart Aitken-Cade, a spokesman for the sanctioning body, says the union will discuss ways to make the sport safer. He also says safety measures will be reviewed.
"I don't believe there are grounds for anything drastic," Aitken-Cade said in a phone interview. "That doesn't mean we're not going to look at anything that we can do to prevent something like this from happening again. This is the first accident we've had like this in nine years, and that's a tremendous safety record."
On Sunday, Peter Lenz of Vancouver, Wash., died after being run over at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
UFC 118 Results: Edgar vs. Penn 2, Couture vs. Toney, More
Filed under: UFC, ResultsFanHouse has UFC 118 results for all of the Aug. 28 UFC 118 fights, plus live UFC coverage from Boston, live blogs of all the fights and live UFC 118 twitter updates.
In the main event, Frankie Edgar will defend his UFC lightweight title against BJ Penn. The card also features UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture against James Toney and Kenny Florian vs. Gray Maynard.
Check out the full results below.
In the main event, Frankie Edgar will defend his UFC lightweight title against BJ Penn. The card also features UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture against James Toney and Kenny Florian vs. Gray Maynard.
Check out the full results below.
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Kafka's late TD pass to Cooper helps Eagles pull out victory over Chiefs
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- It was one of those preseason games that sent both teams home with plenty of work to do. Mike Kafka's 18-yard touchdown pass to Riley Cooper in the closing seconds Friday night boosted the Philadelphia Eagles past Kansas City 20-17, making Todd Haley 0-7 in preseason games as the Chiefs' head coach. But Kevin Kolb, the quarterback picked to replace Donovan McNabb at the helm of the Eagles' offense, sputtered much of the night. And the Chiefs' first five possessions produced a lost fumble, an interception, two three-and-outs and one first down. "That wasn't quite as sharp as we'd like it, that's for sure," Kolb said. "There are a lot of details we need to clean up, so there needs to be some special attention to it, starting with myself." Kolb completed 11 of 25 passes for 103 yards. He was sacked four times, threw an interception and posted a passer rating of just 39.2 -- not exactly reminiscent of McNabb, the departed six-time Pro Bowl signal-caller. "Everybody had a little piece of that pie there," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "We will all learn some things from it and do better the next time." Chiefs rookie linebacker Cameron Sheffield was immobilized and had to be taken away on a cart after a helmet-to-helmet tackle on Eagles running back Mike Bell left him motionless on the field. Haley declined to discuss Sheffield's status, but one player said he was moving. The Chiefs announced during the game that Sheffield had suffered a neck injury and was being evaluated. It marked the second consecutive week that a Chiefs player was removed on a cart. Last week, it was cornerback Maurice Leggett, whose injuries are said not to be career-threatening. "Our thoughts, prayers are with Cameron Sheffield," Haley said. "That's two of those situations in two weeks. Right now I don't have any information I feel comfortable in giving because, again, there's a lot of people out there that are family and friends of Cameron's. I don't want to say anything that ends up being wrong." Reid said Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson had a neck strain and was taken out "for precautionary measures." Reid also said defensive end Trent Cole had a sprained ankle and would have an MRI on Sunday morning. In addition, Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles didn't return after appearing to hurt his shoulder or arm near the half. The Chiefs had no comment on him. Kafka, a rookie out of Northwestern, led the Philadelphia reserves on an eight-play, 80-yard drive against Kansas City's backups to pull out the victory. Cooper, a rookie receiver out of Florida, made a nice catch of Kafka's perfectly thrown pass into the end zone. "It was good to finish the game like we did," Reid said. "It was good for the 'twos' to get in there and do what they did. We have plenty of work to do with the 'ones,' but there were some good things." The Chiefs had two sacks apiece from linebackers Demorrio Williams and Andy Studebaker, who's battling veteran Mike Vrabel for a chance to start. "I didn't feel like myself at the start-off," Williams said. "But once it got kind of leveled off, I feel like I played pretty good. Their first drive, they hit us for a touchdown. I'm a run-stopping guy, and by them doing that, I put that on myself." Charles fumbled on the Chiefs' first play, and Cole recovered the ball on the Kansas City 22. On the second play, LeSean McCoy went up the middle for a touchdown. That was the Eagles' last TD until the final minutes of the game. The Eagles (2-1) and Chiefs (0-3) both played most of their starters well into the third quarter. The Chiefs will have one more chance, against the Green Bay Packers next week, to give Haley a preseason victory before heading into a regular season. "We knew that was a good, fast, physical team for a long time and we'd have our work cut out for us and we needed to start fast (and) match or exceed their tempo and physicality," Haley said. "I don't know that it could start a lot worse than it did, both offensively and defensively. But I think what I feel good about now is this group of players, starting with the defense. They slugged it out." Kansas City appeared to be stopped on its sixth possession, but a delay-of-game penalty kept the offense on the field, and Matt Cassel, who hit 14 of 23 passes for 85 yards, wound up connecting with Dwayne Bowe on a 4-yard scoring pass. Thomas Jones scored on an 11-yard run in the third quarter. Kolb, pressured out of the pocket, made an off-balance and ill-advised throw down the field in the third quarter. The ball hung up, and Chiefs rookie safety Kendrick Lewis made a leaping interception and returned the ball 26 yards to the Eagles' 26, setting up Jones' TD. Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
Video: Ndamukong Suh Roughs Up Browns QB Jake Delhomme
Filed under: Browns, Lions, AFC North, NFC NorthThe good news for the Detroit Lions is that in rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, they've found themselves a player who likes to rough up opposing quarterbacks.
The bad news is that if Suh makes a habit of roughing up opposing quarterbacks the way he did to Cleveland's Jake Delhomme on Saturday, he's going to get suspended.
In the second quarter of the Browns-Lions preseason game, Suh absolutely brutalized Delhomme. Suh grabbed Delhomme by the facemask, yanked him down as he threw the ball away, then tossed him to the Ford Field turf like a rag doll. It was an ugly, dirty play, albeit a play that showed the kind of fiery aggressiveness that makes for a great defensive tackle.
The bad news is that if Suh makes a habit of roughing up opposing quarterbacks the way he did to Cleveland's Jake Delhomme on Saturday, he's going to get suspended.
In the second quarter of the Browns-Lions preseason game, Suh absolutely brutalized Delhomme. Suh grabbed Delhomme by the facemask, yanked him down as he threw the ball away, then tossed him to the Ford Field turf like a rag doll. It was an ugly, dirty play, albeit a play that showed the kind of fiery aggressiveness that makes for a great defensive tackle.
Billy Wagner Sets Strikeout Record, Declares It 'Stupid'
Filed under: Braves, MLB MilestonesPaying homage to statistical milestones is a time-honored tradition in baseball. As the most statistically oriented sport, and with reporters, broadcasters and media relations types obligated to churn out a boatload of material on a daily basis, baseball always seems to have one number or another to celebrate.
Count Billy Wagner as a conscientious objector to that milestone obsession, though, as the veteran closer reacted with open disdain to attempts to celebrate his ascension to the top of a particular statistical list.
Wagner's strikeout of the Marlins' Mike Stanton in the ninth inning Friday night -- as he was in the midst of mop-up duty in a 7-1 Braves loss -- made him the all-time leader in strikeouts by a left-handed reliever, with 1,170. He passed Jesse Orosco for that rather obscure but nonetheless impressive honor.
Count Billy Wagner as a conscientious objector to that milestone obsession, though, as the veteran closer reacted with open disdain to attempts to celebrate his ascension to the top of a particular statistical list.
Wagner's strikeout of the Marlins' Mike Stanton in the ninth inning Friday night -- as he was in the midst of mop-up duty in a 7-1 Braves loss -- made him the all-time leader in strikeouts by a left-handed reliever, with 1,170. He passed Jesse Orosco for that rather obscure but nonetheless impressive honor.
James doubts Gilbert cared about him (AP)
MIAMI (AP)?Adding a new layer to the rift between LeBron James(notes) and Dan
Gilbert, the NBA?s two-time reigning MVP and new Miami Heat forward has told GQ
magazine that he isn?t sure the Cleveland Cavaliers owner ?ever cared? about
him during their time together.
In an article released Tuesday, James spoke of how widespread criticism of
his decision?and how he chose to make it a television event?is fueling him
this offseason, plus reiterated how Ohio will always remain his home.
But perhaps his sharpest words were reserved for Gilbert, the owner who
lashed out at him shortly after James announced that he would be joining the
Heat.
?I don?t think he ever cared about LeBron,? James is quoted as saying.
?My mother always told me: ?You will see the light of people when they hit
adversity. You?ll get a good sense of their character.? Me and my family have
seen the character of that man.?
Gilbert did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
James made similar remarks on the night Miami signed him to a six-year
contract, doing so while sitting alongside the other two legs of the Heat
superstar triangle, Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes).
Gilbert was clearly scorned by James? choice, firing off a now-infamous
letter to Cleveland fans describing it all as ?a shameful display of
selfishness and betrayal.? He called James ?narcissistic? and
?self-promotional? and vowed the Cavaliers would win a championship before
?the self-titled former king.?
Further, in an interview the same night with The Associated Press, Gilbert
said he felt James quit on Cleveland during the 2009 and 2010 playoffs. Gilbert
was ultimately fined $100,000 by the NBA for what commissioner David Stern said
were comments that fell into the category of being ?a little extreme.?
In the GQ article, James took exception to the ?quitter? tag.
?Every night on the court I give my all, and if I?m not giving 100 percent,
I criticize myself,? James said.
He added that he?s looking forward to seeing the Cavaliers as opponents this
season.
?I do have motivation,? James told GQ. ?A lot of motivation.?
Among other highlights from the article:
? James said he wouldn?t change any part of ?The Decision,? the
made-for-TV event in Greenwich, Conn. where he announced his playing plans to an
audience of about 10 million viewers. The hourlong show made $2.5 million for
Boys & Girls Clubs. ?When I found out I had an opportunity to do that for those
kids, it was a no-brainer,? James said.
? Despite his feuding with Gilbert, James thinks that if he could ever play
for the Cavaliers again someday, it would be ?a great story.?
? James explained he?s always had an uneasy relationship with Cleveland
because he?s from Akron, a half-hour away. ?It?s not far, but it is far,?
James said. ?And Clevelanders, because they were the bigger-city kids when we
were growing up, looked down on us. ? So we didn?t actually like Cleveland. We
hated Cleveland growing up. There?s a lot of people in Cleveland we still hate
to this day.?
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Gilbert, the NBA?s two-time reigning MVP and new Miami Heat forward has told GQ
magazine that he isn?t sure the Cleveland Cavaliers owner ?ever cared? about
him during their time together.
In an article released Tuesday, James spoke of how widespread criticism of
his decision?and how he chose to make it a television event?is fueling him
this offseason, plus reiterated how Ohio will always remain his home.
But perhaps his sharpest words were reserved for Gilbert, the owner who
lashed out at him shortly after James announced that he would be joining the
Heat.
?I don?t think he ever cared about LeBron,? James is quoted as saying.
?My mother always told me: ?You will see the light of people when they hit
adversity. You?ll get a good sense of their character.? Me and my family have
seen the character of that man.?
Gilbert did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
James made similar remarks on the night Miami signed him to a six-year
contract, doing so while sitting alongside the other two legs of the Heat
superstar triangle, Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes).
Gilbert was clearly scorned by James? choice, firing off a now-infamous
letter to Cleveland fans describing it all as ?a shameful display of
selfishness and betrayal.? He called James ?narcissistic? and
?self-promotional? and vowed the Cavaliers would win a championship before
?the self-titled former king.?
Further, in an interview the same night with The Associated Press, Gilbert
said he felt James quit on Cleveland during the 2009 and 2010 playoffs. Gilbert
was ultimately fined $100,000 by the NBA for what commissioner David Stern said
were comments that fell into the category of being ?a little extreme.?
In the GQ article, James took exception to the ?quitter? tag.
?Every night on the court I give my all, and if I?m not giving 100 percent,
I criticize myself,? James said.
He added that he?s looking forward to seeing the Cavaliers as opponents this
season.
?I do have motivation,? James told GQ. ?A lot of motivation.?
Among other highlights from the article:
? James said he wouldn?t change any part of ?The Decision,? the
made-for-TV event in Greenwich, Conn. where he announced his playing plans to an
audience of about 10 million viewers. The hourlong show made $2.5 million for
Boys & Girls Clubs. ?When I found out I had an opportunity to do that for those
kids, it was a no-brainer,? James said.
? Despite his feuding with Gilbert, James thinks that if he could ever play
for the Cavaliers again someday, it would be ?a great story.?
? James explained he?s always had an uneasy relationship with Cleveland
because he?s from Akron, a half-hour away. ?It?s not far, but it is far,?
James said. ?And Clevelanders, because they were the bigger-city kids when we
were growing up, looked down on us. ? So we didn?t actually like Cleveland. We
hated Cleveland growing up. There?s a lot of people in Cleveland we still hate
to this day.?
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Sunday, August 29, 2010
James doubts Gilbert cared about him (AP)
MIAMI (AP)?Adding a new layer to the rift between LeBron James(notes) and Dan
Gilbert, the NBA?s two-time reigning MVP and new Miami Heat forward has told GQ
magazine that he isn?t sure the Cleveland Cavaliers owner ?ever cared? about
him during their time together.
In an article released Tuesday, James spoke of how widespread criticism of
his decision?and how he chose to make it a television event?is fueling him
this offseason, plus reiterated how Ohio will always remain his home.
But perhaps his sharpest words were reserved for Gilbert, the owner who
lashed out at him shortly after James announced that he would be joining the
Heat.
?I don?t think he ever cared about LeBron,? James is quoted as saying.
?My mother always told me: ?You will see the light of people when they hit
adversity. You?ll get a good sense of their character.? Me and my family have
seen the character of that man.?
Gilbert did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
James made similar remarks on the night Miami signed him to a six-year
contract, doing so while sitting alongside the other two legs of the Heat
superstar triangle, Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes).
Gilbert was clearly scorned by James? choice, firing off a now-infamous
letter to Cleveland fans describing it all as ?a shameful display of
selfishness and betrayal.? He called James ?narcissistic? and
?self-promotional? and vowed the Cavaliers would win a championship before
?the self-titled former king.?
Further, in an interview the same night with The Associated Press, Gilbert
said he felt James quit on Cleveland during the 2009 and 2010 playoffs. Gilbert
was ultimately fined $100,000 by the NBA for what commissioner David Stern said
were comments that fell into the category of being ?a little extreme.?
In the GQ article, James took exception to the ?quitter? tag.
?Every night on the court I give my all, and if I?m not giving 100 percent,
I criticize myself,? James said.
He added that he?s looking forward to seeing the Cavaliers as opponents this
season.
?I do have motivation,? James told GQ. ?A lot of motivation.?
Among other highlights from the article:
? James said he wouldn?t change any part of ?The Decision,? the
made-for-TV event in Greenwich, Conn. where he announced his playing plans to an
audience of about 10 million viewers. The hourlong show made $2.5 million for
Boys & Girls Clubs. ?When I found out I had an opportunity to do that for those
kids, it was a no-brainer,? James said.
? Despite his feuding with Gilbert, James thinks that if he could ever play
for the Cavaliers again someday, it would be ?a great story.?
? James explained he?s always had an uneasy relationship with Cleveland
because he?s from Akron, a half-hour away. ?It?s not far, but it is far,?
James said. ?And Clevelanders, because they were the bigger-city kids when we
were growing up, looked down on us. ? So we didn?t actually like Cleveland. We
hated Cleveland growing up. There?s a lot of people in Cleveland we still hate
to this day.?
digg
add to facebook
del.icio.us
Twitter
Gilbert, the NBA?s two-time reigning MVP and new Miami Heat forward has told GQ
magazine that he isn?t sure the Cleveland Cavaliers owner ?ever cared? about
him during their time together.
In an article released Tuesday, James spoke of how widespread criticism of
his decision?and how he chose to make it a television event?is fueling him
this offseason, plus reiterated how Ohio will always remain his home.
But perhaps his sharpest words were reserved for Gilbert, the owner who
lashed out at him shortly after James announced that he would be joining the
Heat.
?I don?t think he ever cared about LeBron,? James is quoted as saying.
?My mother always told me: ?You will see the light of people when they hit
adversity. You?ll get a good sense of their character.? Me and my family have
seen the character of that man.?
Gilbert did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
James made similar remarks on the night Miami signed him to a six-year
contract, doing so while sitting alongside the other two legs of the Heat
superstar triangle, Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes).
Gilbert was clearly scorned by James? choice, firing off a now-infamous
letter to Cleveland fans describing it all as ?a shameful display of
selfishness and betrayal.? He called James ?narcissistic? and
?self-promotional? and vowed the Cavaliers would win a championship before
?the self-titled former king.?
Further, in an interview the same night with The Associated Press, Gilbert
said he felt James quit on Cleveland during the 2009 and 2010 playoffs. Gilbert
was ultimately fined $100,000 by the NBA for what commissioner David Stern said
were comments that fell into the category of being ?a little extreme.?
In the GQ article, James took exception to the ?quitter? tag.
?Every night on the court I give my all, and if I?m not giving 100 percent,
I criticize myself,? James said.
He added that he?s looking forward to seeing the Cavaliers as opponents this
season.
?I do have motivation,? James told GQ. ?A lot of motivation.?
Among other highlights from the article:
? James said he wouldn?t change any part of ?The Decision,? the
made-for-TV event in Greenwich, Conn. where he announced his playing plans to an
audience of about 10 million viewers. The hourlong show made $2.5 million for
Boys & Girls Clubs. ?When I found out I had an opportunity to do that for those
kids, it was a no-brainer,? James said.
? Despite his feuding with Gilbert, James thinks that if he could ever play
for the Cavaliers again someday, it would be ?a great story.?
? James explained he?s always had an uneasy relationship with Cleveland
because he?s from Akron, a half-hour away. ?It?s not far, but it is far,?
James said. ?And Clevelanders, because they were the bigger-city kids when we
were growing up, looked down on us. ? So we didn?t actually like Cleveland. We
hated Cleveland growing up. There?s a lot of people in Cleveland we still hate
to this day.?
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Tiger Woods Struggles in Second Round at The Barclays
Filed under: PGAPARAMUS, N.J. (AP) -- Jason Day can't get a straight answer from doctors on the mysterious health issues sapping away at his energy. He at least knows exactly where he stands after two rounds of The Barclays.
A tournament that once looked as though it might belong to Tiger Woods shifted late Friday to the hands of the 22-year-old Australian, who showed some of his great promise with three late birdies for a 4-under 67 and a one-shot lead.
Nine players had at least a share of the lead at some point during the second round until Day's late surge. He was at 8-under 134, one shot clear of Kevin Streelman (63) and Vaughn Taylor (70) going into the weekend of the FedExCup's first playoff event.
"I just tried to stay as patient as possible, and it just kind of fell in my lap, which was really good," he said.
Woods didn't so much lose his patience as much as his putting stroke. Part of that was playing in the afternoon on greens that became bumpy under foot traffic and a day of blazing sun, as Woods expected.
More: Barclays Leaderboard | Photos
He wasn't planning on missing a 20-inch par putt on the fifth hole, or failing to make a single birdie on the easier front nine.
"I didn't hit it bad at all," Woods said. "I hit it really good. As I said, I didn't putt really well. I hit it as good as I did yesterday. If I don't make putts, I don't score."
He wound up with a 73, eight shots worse than his opening round.
A tournament that once looked as though it might belong to Tiger Woods shifted late Friday to the hands of the 22-year-old Australian, who showed some of his great promise with three late birdies for a 4-under 67 and a one-shot lead.
Nine players had at least a share of the lead at some point during the second round until Day's late surge. He was at 8-under 134, one shot clear of Kevin Streelman (63) and Vaughn Taylor (70) going into the weekend of the FedExCup's first playoff event.
"I just tried to stay as patient as possible, and it just kind of fell in my lap, which was really good," he said.
Woods didn't so much lose his patience as much as his putting stroke. Part of that was playing in the afternoon on greens that became bumpy under foot traffic and a day of blazing sun, as Woods expected.
More: Barclays Leaderboard | Photos
He wasn't planning on missing a 20-inch par putt on the fifth hole, or failing to make a single birdie on the easier front nine.
"I didn't hit it bad at all," Woods said. "I hit it really good. As I said, I didn't putt really well. I hit it as good as I did yesterday. If I don't make putts, I don't score."
He wound up with a 73, eight shots worse than his opening round.
Jets LB Pace injures foot, could miss Sept. 13 season opener
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace injured his foot against the Washington�Redskins and will miss the Jets' Sept. 13 season opener against the Baltimore�Ravens, according to the New York Post.
Jets coach Rex Ryan said Pace has "something with his foot," an injury suffered during the Jets' 16-11 preseason loss Friday night. Pace, who led the team with eight sacks last season, left the game in the third quarter. The severity of the injury wasn't immediately known after the game. "We expect him to be out a few weeks," Ryan told the Post. "It's a big loss, but we're fortunate we have a lot of depth at that position." Veteran Jason Taylor -- signed in the offseason as a situational pass rusher -- will step into Pace's spot in the lineup. "I wasn't going around telling everybody I was a situation guy," Taylor said. "I want to play." The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jets coach Rex Ryan said Pace has "something with his foot," an injury suffered during the Jets' 16-11 preseason loss Friday night. Pace, who led the team with eight sacks last season, left the game in the third quarter. The severity of the injury wasn't immediately known after the game. "We expect him to be out a few weeks," Ryan told the Post. "It's a big loss, but we're fortunate we have a lot of depth at that position." Veteran Jason Taylor -- signed in the offseason as a situational pass rusher -- will step into Pace's spot in the lineup. "I wasn't going around telling everybody I was a situation guy," Taylor said. "I want to play." The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Ndamukong Suh Roughs Up Delhomme
Filed under: Browns, Lions, AFC North, NFC NorthThe good news for the Detroit Lions is that in rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, they've found themselves a player who likes to rough up opposing quarterbacks.
The bad news is that if Suh makes a habit of roughing up opposing quarterbacks the way he did to Cleveland's Jake Delhomme on Saturday, he's going to get suspended.
In the second quarter of the Browns-Lions preseason game, Suh absolutely brutalized Delhomme. Suh grabbed Delhomme by the facemask, yanked him down as he threw the ball away, then tossed him to the Ford Field turf like a rag doll. It was an ugly, dirty play, albeit a play that showed the kind of fiery aggressiveness that makes for a great defensive tackle.
The bad news is that if Suh makes a habit of roughing up opposing quarterbacks the way he did to Cleveland's Jake Delhomme on Saturday, he's going to get suspended.
In the second quarter of the Browns-Lions preseason game, Suh absolutely brutalized Delhomme. Suh grabbed Delhomme by the facemask, yanked him down as he threw the ball away, then tossed him to the Ford Field turf like a rag doll. It was an ugly, dirty play, albeit a play that showed the kind of fiery aggressiveness that makes for a great defensive tackle.
Cavs unveiling post-James era uniforms (AP)
CLEVELAND (AP)?Austin Carr fondly remembers his glory days playing guard for
the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1970s.
Under coach Bill Fitch, they didn?t have as much talent as many other teams,
but those wine-and-gold expansion Cavs had something special.
?We were 12 men deep,? Carr said as he helped the Cavs unveil new uniforms
for 2010-11. ?You knew every night we were going to play 100 percent. Nobody
was going to quit.?
Realizing he had taken a shot at former Cavaliers? star LeBron James(notes), Carr
raised his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders.
At this point, what else can be said?
Long before James announced he was leaving as a free agent for Miami, the
Cavs planned to wear new uniforms next season and Tuesday they presented their
?updated? look, a throwback to their early years in the NBA.
The uniforms include a ?deeper? wine and ?brighter? gold hue than the
team?s previous uniforms. They also include the word ?Cleveland? written in a
block-style lettering as opposed to the script of the past.
On Monday, owner Dan Gilbert said jokingly that the new uniforms would
include the Comic Sans font. It?s the style he used in his infamous letter to
Cleveland fans on July 8 after James announced he was leaving Cleveland.
The Cavs insist they are trying to move on, but James was again in the news
being quoted in an upcoming GQ interview that he feels Gilbert never cared about
him and his hatred for Cleveland dates back to his days as a kid growing up in
Akron.
Carr, who was the league?s No. 1 overall draft pick in 1971 and Cleveland?s
first bona fide hoops star, remains disappointed in James? departure. The
two-time MVP announced his decision in a prime-time TV special, breaking the
hearts of his biggest fans.
?As an ex-player, I might have left myself,? said Carr, a color analyst
for the team. ?So I don?t begrudge him for that. But the way he did it was
unprofessional and uncalled for.?
After James announced his decision, Gilbert fired off his impassioned letter
ripping James for being ?narcissistic? and predicting the Cavs would win a
championship before ?the self-titled former king.? Later, he told the
Associated Press that he felt the superstar quit in this year?s playoffs.
Although it seems the Cavs are trying to move on, James? magazine interview
has reopened the issue. He?s the one who can?t seem to let things go.
?That?s his problem,? said Carr, who cried unashamedly the night the Cavs
won the NBA draft lottery and the rights to draft James. ?Not ours.?
Carr was joined by former teammate Campy Russell at a launch party for the
new uniforms. Both players laughed at the length of the shorts compared to the
tight-fitting ones they wore.
?We wore Daisy Dukes,? Carr said.
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the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1970s.
Under coach Bill Fitch, they didn?t have as much talent as many other teams,
but those wine-and-gold expansion Cavs had something special.
?We were 12 men deep,? Carr said as he helped the Cavs unveil new uniforms
for 2010-11. ?You knew every night we were going to play 100 percent. Nobody
was going to quit.?
Realizing he had taken a shot at former Cavaliers? star LeBron James(notes), Carr
raised his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders.
At this point, what else can be said?
Long before James announced he was leaving as a free agent for Miami, the
Cavs planned to wear new uniforms next season and Tuesday they presented their
?updated? look, a throwback to their early years in the NBA.
The uniforms include a ?deeper? wine and ?brighter? gold hue than the
team?s previous uniforms. They also include the word ?Cleveland? written in a
block-style lettering as opposed to the script of the past.
On Monday, owner Dan Gilbert said jokingly that the new uniforms would
include the Comic Sans font. It?s the style he used in his infamous letter to
Cleveland fans on July 8 after James announced he was leaving Cleveland.
The Cavs insist they are trying to move on, but James was again in the news
being quoted in an upcoming GQ interview that he feels Gilbert never cared about
him and his hatred for Cleveland dates back to his days as a kid growing up in
Akron.
Carr, who was the league?s No. 1 overall draft pick in 1971 and Cleveland?s
first bona fide hoops star, remains disappointed in James? departure. The
two-time MVP announced his decision in a prime-time TV special, breaking the
hearts of his biggest fans.
?As an ex-player, I might have left myself,? said Carr, a color analyst
for the team. ?So I don?t begrudge him for that. But the way he did it was
unprofessional and uncalled for.?
After James announced his decision, Gilbert fired off his impassioned letter
ripping James for being ?narcissistic? and predicting the Cavs would win a
championship before ?the self-titled former king.? Later, he told the
Associated Press that he felt the superstar quit in this year?s playoffs.
Although it seems the Cavs are trying to move on, James? magazine interview
has reopened the issue. He?s the one who can?t seem to let things go.
?That?s his problem,? said Carr, who cried unashamedly the night the Cavs
won the NBA draft lottery and the rights to draft James. ?Not ours.?
Carr was joined by former teammate Campy Russell at a launch party for the
new uniforms. Both players laughed at the length of the shorts compared to the
tight-fitting ones they wore.
?We wore Daisy Dukes,? Carr said.
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The Curious Case of Andrea Collarini
Filed under: Davis Cup, ATP, Sports Business and MediaIf you can't beat 'em, buy 'em. Is that what we're down to in American tennis? Is that the American Way?
The U.S. Open starts Monday, just two weeks after a historic low in U.S. tennis, when no American men were ranked in the world's top 10. It's the great fall of U.S. tennis. And word now isn't just that no one is on top, but that no one is coming, either. The U.S. doesn't know how to develop players at all.
The best place to learn the art and nuance of the modern game is on clay, but Americans can't play on the stuff. It's not easy to find red clay courts in America, where hard courts suit the U.S. style of power and dominance.
But working through the minors now is an 18-year-old American left-hander, a clay court specialist who has been called "the chosen one.''
That's right, Andrea Collarini (pictured) reached the final of the junior French Open in May on the slow, red clay. He'll play juniors at the U.S. Open next week.
So how do you explain him?
"I have to use the expression,'' a spokesperson for the Argentine tennis federation, AAT, told me, "they are stealing a player.''
The U.S. Open starts Monday, just two weeks after a historic low in U.S. tennis, when no American men were ranked in the world's top 10. It's the great fall of U.S. tennis. And word now isn't just that no one is on top, but that no one is coming, either. The U.S. doesn't know how to develop players at all.
The best place to learn the art and nuance of the modern game is on clay, but Americans can't play on the stuff. It's not easy to find red clay courts in America, where hard courts suit the U.S. style of power and dominance.
But working through the minors now is an 18-year-old American left-hander, a clay court specialist who has been called "the chosen one.''
That's right, Andrea Collarini (pictured) reached the final of the junior French Open in May on the slow, red clay. He'll play juniors at the U.S. Open next week.
So how do you explain him?
"I have to use the expression,'' a spokesperson for the Argentine tennis federation, AAT, told me, "they are stealing a player.''
Cavs unveiling post-James era uniforms (AP)
CLEVELAND (AP)?Austin Carr fondly remembers his glory days playing guard for
the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1970s.
Under coach Bill Fitch, they didn?t have as much talent as many other teams,
but those wine-and-gold expansion Cavs had something special.
?We were 12 men deep,? Carr said as he helped the Cavs unveil new uniforms
for 2010-11. ?You knew every night we were going to play 100 percent. Nobody
was going to quit.?
Realizing he had taken a shot at former Cavaliers? star LeBron James(notes), Carr
raised his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders.
At this point, what else can be said?
Long before James announced he was leaving as a free agent for Miami, the
Cavs planned to wear new uniforms next season and Tuesday they presented their
?updated? look, a throwback to their early years in the NBA.
The uniforms include a ?deeper? wine and ?brighter? gold hue than the
team?s previous uniforms. They also include the word ?Cleveland? written in a
block-style lettering as opposed to the script of the past.
On Monday, owner Dan Gilbert said jokingly that the new uniforms would
include the Comic Sans font. It?s the style he used in his infamous letter to
Cleveland fans on July 8 after James announced he was leaving Cleveland.
The Cavs insist they are trying to move on, but James was again in the news
being quoted in an upcoming GQ interview that he feels Gilbert never cared about
him and his hatred for Cleveland dates back to his days as a kid growing up in
Akron.
Carr, who was the league?s No. 1 overall draft pick in 1971 and Cleveland?s
first bona fide hoops star, remains disappointed in James? departure. The
two-time MVP announced his decision in a prime-time TV special, breaking the
hearts of his biggest fans.
?As an ex-player, I might have left myself,? said Carr, a color analyst
for the team. ?So I don?t begrudge him for that. But the way he did it was
unprofessional and uncalled for.?
After James announced his decision, Gilbert fired off his impassioned letter
ripping James for being ?narcissistic? and predicting the Cavs would win a
championship before ?the self-titled former king.? Later, he told the
Associated Press that he felt the superstar quit in this year?s playoffs.
Although it seems the Cavs are trying to move on, James? magazine interview
has reopened the issue. He?s the one who can?t seem to let things go.
?That?s his problem,? said Carr, who cried unashamedly the night the Cavs
won the NBA draft lottery and the rights to draft James. ?Not ours.?
Carr was joined by former teammate Campy Russell at a launch party for the
new uniforms. Both players laughed at the length of the shorts compared to the
tight-fitting ones they wore.
?We wore Daisy Dukes,? Carr said.
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the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1970s.
Under coach Bill Fitch, they didn?t have as much talent as many other teams,
but those wine-and-gold expansion Cavs had something special.
?We were 12 men deep,? Carr said as he helped the Cavs unveil new uniforms
for 2010-11. ?You knew every night we were going to play 100 percent. Nobody
was going to quit.?
Realizing he had taken a shot at former Cavaliers? star LeBron James(notes), Carr
raised his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders.
At this point, what else can be said?
Long before James announced he was leaving as a free agent for Miami, the
Cavs planned to wear new uniforms next season and Tuesday they presented their
?updated? look, a throwback to their early years in the NBA.
The uniforms include a ?deeper? wine and ?brighter? gold hue than the
team?s previous uniforms. They also include the word ?Cleveland? written in a
block-style lettering as opposed to the script of the past.
On Monday, owner Dan Gilbert said jokingly that the new uniforms would
include the Comic Sans font. It?s the style he used in his infamous letter to
Cleveland fans on July 8 after James announced he was leaving Cleveland.
The Cavs insist they are trying to move on, but James was again in the news
being quoted in an upcoming GQ interview that he feels Gilbert never cared about
him and his hatred for Cleveland dates back to his days as a kid growing up in
Akron.
Carr, who was the league?s No. 1 overall draft pick in 1971 and Cleveland?s
first bona fide hoops star, remains disappointed in James? departure. The
two-time MVP announced his decision in a prime-time TV special, breaking the
hearts of his biggest fans.
?As an ex-player, I might have left myself,? said Carr, a color analyst
for the team. ?So I don?t begrudge him for that. But the way he did it was
unprofessional and uncalled for.?
After James announced his decision, Gilbert fired off his impassioned letter
ripping James for being ?narcissistic? and predicting the Cavs would win a
championship before ?the self-titled former king.? Later, he told the
Associated Press that he felt the superstar quit in this year?s playoffs.
Although it seems the Cavs are trying to move on, James? magazine interview
has reopened the issue. He?s the one who can?t seem to let things go.
?That?s his problem,? said Carr, who cried unashamedly the night the Cavs
won the NBA draft lottery and the rights to draft James. ?Not ours.?
Carr was joined by former teammate Campy Russell at a launch party for the
new uniforms. Both players laughed at the length of the shorts compared to the
tight-fitting ones they wore.
?We wore Daisy Dukes,? Carr said.
digg
add to facebook
del.icio.us
Team USA Notebook: Center No Big Deal for Versatile Lamar Odom
Filed under: Lakers, FIBA, USA Basketball, FIBA World ChampionshipISTANBUL -- Not that he's a candidate yet to replace Phil Jackson, but Lamar Odom let it be known Friday what he hopes one day to do.
"That's why I'll be a great coach,'' said the Lakers and Team USA stalwart about what his versatility will mean when his playing days are over.
Odom, you see, has played every position on the basketball court, a claim not many can make. So perhaps it's no surprise Odom, who is mostly a power forward during his day job with the Lakers, has emerged as the starting center for the Americans, who open the FIBA World Championship here Saturday against Croatia.
"In high school,'' Odom, 30, said of his tenure at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in New Britain, Conn., being the last time he was a starting center. "A lot of us were the tallest man on the court at some point (in life and played center). But it makes no difference, center or power forward. I'm a basketball player. Wherever you put me, I fit in.''
The 6-foot-10 Odom has played shooting guard and small forward before. He said he's even had stints in his career as one of the world's tallest point guards, a tribute to his agility.
"That's why I'll be a great coach,'' said the Lakers and Team USA stalwart about what his versatility will mean when his playing days are over.
Odom, you see, has played every position on the basketball court, a claim not many can make. So perhaps it's no surprise Odom, who is mostly a power forward during his day job with the Lakers, has emerged as the starting center for the Americans, who open the FIBA World Championship here Saturday against Croatia.
"In high school,'' Odom, 30, said of his tenure at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in New Britain, Conn., being the last time he was a starting center. "A lot of us were the tallest man on the court at some point (in life and played center). But it makes no difference, center or power forward. I'm a basketball player. Wherever you put me, I fit in.''
The 6-foot-10 Odom has played shooting guard and small forward before. He said he's even had stints in his career as one of the world's tallest point guards, a tribute to his agility.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Caroline Wozniacki Grabs Third Title of Summer at Pilot Pen
Filed under: U.S. Open, WTA
Two-time defending champion Caroline Wozniacki won her third consecutive title at the Pilot Pen on Saturday by defeating eighth-seeded Nadia Petrova of Russia in three sets 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. It is Wozniacki's second straight WTA tournament title and her third this summer on hard court.
Wozniacki enters Flushing Meadows as the U.S. Open's No. 1 seed, having won 14 of 15 matches since Wimbledon. The 20-year-old Dane finished runner-up at last year's Open and looks to claim her first Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows this year.
It will be interesting to see if fatigue factors into the Dane's performance in Flushing. The U.S. Open will be Wozniacki's fifth tournament in five weeks.
tweetcount_src = 'RT @FanHouseTennis:'; tweetcount_via = false; tweetcount_size = 'small'; tweetcount_background = 'FFFFFF'; tweetcount_border = 'CCCCCC'; tweetcount_api_key = '1cf4e3b7f7f20406a9dd9d1b1edc0e41b4fc20d1b21cb19a6f169387c696d333'; The Dane had trouble closing Petrova out on Saturday and must be more aggressive if she is to roll through the field at the Open. Petrova generated 12 aces against Wozniacki, but Wozniacki's groundstrokes were more consistent, winning 15 more points than her Russian opponent.
Two-time defending champion Caroline Wozniacki won her third consecutive title at the Pilot Pen on Saturday by defeating eighth-seeded Nadia Petrova of Russia in three sets 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. It is Wozniacki's second straight WTA tournament title and her third this summer on hard court.
Wozniacki enters Flushing Meadows as the U.S. Open's No. 1 seed, having won 14 of 15 matches since Wimbledon. The 20-year-old Dane finished runner-up at last year's Open and looks to claim her first Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows this year.
It will be interesting to see if fatigue factors into the Dane's performance in Flushing. The U.S. Open will be Wozniacki's fifth tournament in five weeks.
tweetcount_src = 'RT @FanHouseTennis:'; tweetcount_via = false; tweetcount_size = 'small'; tweetcount_background = 'FFFFFF'; tweetcount_border = 'CCCCCC'; tweetcount_api_key = '1cf4e3b7f7f20406a9dd9d1b1edc0e41b4fc20d1b21cb19a6f169387c696d333'; The Dane had trouble closing Petrova out on Saturday and must be more aggressive if she is to roll through the field at the Open. Petrova generated 12 aces against Wozniacki, but Wozniacki's groundstrokes were more consistent, winning 15 more points than her Russian opponent.
The Curious Case of Andrea Collarini
Filed under: Davis Cup, ATP, Sports Business and MediaIf you can't beat 'em, buy 'em. Is that what we're down to in American tennis? Is that the American Way?
The U.S. Open starts Monday, just two weeks after a historic low in U.S. tennis, when no American men were ranked in the world's top 10. It's the great fall of U.S. tennis. And word now isn't just that no one is on top, but that no one is coming, either. The U.S. doesn't know how to develop players at all.
The best place to learn the art and nuance of the modern game is on clay, but Americans can't play on the stuff. It's not easy to find red clay courts in America, where hard courts suit the U.S. style of power and dominance.
But working through the minors now is an 18-year-old American left-hander, a clay court specialist who has been called "the chosen one.''
That's right, Andrea Collarini (pictured) reached the final of the junior French Open in May on the slow, red clay. He'll play juniors at the U.S. Open next week.
So how do you explain him?
"I have to use the expression,'' a spokesperson for the Argentine tennis federation, AAT, told me, "they are stealing a player.''
The U.S. Open starts Monday, just two weeks after a historic low in U.S. tennis, when no American men were ranked in the world's top 10. It's the great fall of U.S. tennis. And word now isn't just that no one is on top, but that no one is coming, either. The U.S. doesn't know how to develop players at all.
The best place to learn the art and nuance of the modern game is on clay, but Americans can't play on the stuff. It's not easy to find red clay courts in America, where hard courts suit the U.S. style of power and dominance.
But working through the minors now is an 18-year-old American left-hander, a clay court specialist who has been called "the chosen one.''
That's right, Andrea Collarini (pictured) reached the final of the junior French Open in May on the slow, red clay. He'll play juniors at the U.S. Open next week.
So how do you explain him?
"I have to use the expression,'' a spokesperson for the Argentine tennis federation, AAT, told me, "they are stealing a player.''
Tiger Woods Struggles in Second Round at The Barclays
Filed under: PGAPARAMUS, N.J. (AP) -- Jason Day can't get a straight answer from doctors on the mysterious health issues sapping away at his energy. He at least knows exactly where he stands after two rounds of The Barclays.
A tournament that once looked as though it might belong to Tiger Woods shifted late Friday to the hands of the 22-year-old Australian, who showed some of his great promise with three late birdies for a 4-under 67 and a one-shot lead.
Nine players had at least a share of the lead at some point during the second round until Day's late surge. He was at 8-under 134, one shot clear of Kevin Streelman (63) and Vaughn Taylor (70) going into the weekend of the FedExCup's first playoff event.
"I just tried to stay as patient as possible, and it just kind of fell in my lap, which was really good," he said.
Woods didn't so much lose his patience as much as his putting stroke. Part of that was playing in the afternoon on greens that became bumpy under foot traffic and a day of blazing sun, as Woods expected.
More: Barclays Leaderboard | Photos
He wasn't planning on missing a 20-inch par putt on the fifth hole, or failing to make a single birdie on the easier front nine.
"I didn't hit it bad at all," Woods said. "I hit it really good. As I said, I didn't putt really well. I hit it as good as I did yesterday. If I don't make putts, I don't score."
He wound up with a 73, eight shots worse than his opening round.
A tournament that once looked as though it might belong to Tiger Woods shifted late Friday to the hands of the 22-year-old Australian, who showed some of his great promise with three late birdies for a 4-under 67 and a one-shot lead.
Nine players had at least a share of the lead at some point during the second round until Day's late surge. He was at 8-under 134, one shot clear of Kevin Streelman (63) and Vaughn Taylor (70) going into the weekend of the FedExCup's first playoff event.
"I just tried to stay as patient as possible, and it just kind of fell in my lap, which was really good," he said.
Woods didn't so much lose his patience as much as his putting stroke. Part of that was playing in the afternoon on greens that became bumpy under foot traffic and a day of blazing sun, as Woods expected.
More: Barclays Leaderboard | Photos
He wasn't planning on missing a 20-inch par putt on the fifth hole, or failing to make a single birdie on the easier front nine.
"I didn't hit it bad at all," Woods said. "I hit it really good. As I said, I didn't putt really well. I hit it as good as I did yesterday. If I don't make putts, I don't score."
He wound up with a 73, eight shots worse than his opening round.
Leinart defends himself, questions Cards starting Anderson
Derek Anderson, it's your turn. And Matt Leinart isn't happy about it. The Arizona Cardinals' quarterback situation is up in the air after coach Ken Whisenhunt decided to shake up a struggling offense and start Anderson over Leinart in the third preseason game, against the Chicago�Bears on Saturday night. It's not clear if the move announced Thursday is permanent, but Leinart defended himself in interviews with The Arizona Republic and the Cardinals' official Web site Friday. "I've done everything to this point that they've asked me to and more," Leinart told The Republic. "I've worked hard and been a leader. I'm trying to be that guy in this new role. I have high expectations for myself."
Leinart, the 10th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, said his performances on the field have been "efficient." "I've been accurate. I haven't turned the ball over," Leinart told the newspaper. "I don't know how we judge performance when you have 13 pass attempts to the other guy's 40. I'm not going to sit here and complain and point the finger. I have to get better, and I'm going to get better." Asked if there were some underlying issues between him and Whisenhunt, Leinart said: "I don't know. I don't really know." "It seems like every preseason, there is something I'm trying to get through," Leinart said. "I don't really know what's going on and why decisions are being made. I've worked extremely hard to get to this point. I hope everyone has seen that." Penciled in as Arizona's starter after Kurt Warner retired, Leinart has yet to lead the offense to a score this preseason and couldn't even record a first down in the three series that he played against the Tennessee Titans in a 24-10 loss Monday. That's right -- three-and-out on all three series. Leinart, a Heisman Trophy winner at USC, was 4-of-6 passing for 28 yards at Tennessee and is 10 of 13 for 77 yards in Arizona's first two preseason games. His longest completion is a 16-yarder. So the Cardinals (1-1) are giving a start to Anderson, who competed with Brady Quinn in Cleveland and was brought in by the Cardinals after spending his first five NFL seasons with the Browns. "I think I've made big strides since the spring," said Anderson, who has completed 24 of 41 passes for 193 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions. "Feel good with it. We've been pretty basic in the preseason for the most part, learning every single day." No matter who is behind center, this hasn't been an easy preseason for the Cardinals. Not with all those injured receivers. Pro Bowl pick Larry Fitzgerald (sprained right knee), Early Doucet (abdominal strain), Darren Mougey (broken hand) and Andre Roberts (shoulder) are all banged up. Fitzgerald, who was injured during the preseason opener against the Houston Texans, increased his workload Thursday, but the Cardinals are aiming to have him ready for the Sept. 12 season opener at St. Louis. Doucet was back at practice Thursday and might be ready to play against the Bears. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Stephen Strasburg Has 'Significant Tear' in Elbow Ligament, Will Need Surgery
Filed under: Nationals, MLB InjuriesStephen Strasburg's captivating rookie season is finished.
The Nationals announced Friday morning that their phenom will not pitch again this season after testing Thursday revealed a "significant tear" in the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He will get a second opinion but the Nationals anticipate he'll undergo Tommy John surgery, which generally sidelines pitchers for 12 to 18 months.
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said the team's medical staff believes Strasburg's injury was "acute" and happened on one pitch.
"As you can imagine he was initially upset by the news, but he has really turned himself from being upset to being focused on his rehabilitation," Rizzo said. "He's determined to get after this, get the surgery done and get to the process of rehabilitation."
The Nationals announced Friday morning that their phenom will not pitch again this season after testing Thursday revealed a "significant tear" in the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He will get a second opinion but the Nationals anticipate he'll undergo Tommy John surgery, which generally sidelines pitchers for 12 to 18 months.
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said the team's medical staff believes Strasburg's injury was "acute" and happened on one pitch.
"As you can imagine he was initially upset by the news, but he has really turned himself from being upset to being focused on his rehabilitation," Rizzo said. "He's determined to get after this, get the surgery done and get to the process of rehabilitation."
Debut of Female High School Football Coach is a Loss
Filed under: High School Sports
WASHINGTON -- It wasn't the fairy-tale ending result everybody had hoped for. Natalie Randolph's first game as head coach of the Coolidge High School football team was a 28-0 loss to neighboring Archbishop Carroll High on Friday night. But that only slightly dampened the enthusiasm of the overflow crowd at Coolidge's field in Northwest Washington, most of whom clearly had shown up to witness a milestone that had shone a positive light on the school.
"I've seen Coolidge lose before,'' said principal Thelma Jarrett, who was instrumental last spring in making the 30-year-old Randolph one of a handful of women ever to coach varsity high school football. "But they lost with pride tonight. I'm proud of them, either way you look at it. That's what I thought would happen when we hired her, that she would make us proud and this team would make us proud.''
WASHINGTON -- It wasn't the fairy-tale ending result everybody had hoped for. Natalie Randolph's first game as head coach of the Coolidge High School football team was a 28-0 loss to neighboring Archbishop Carroll High on Friday night. But that only slightly dampened the enthusiasm of the overflow crowd at Coolidge's field in Northwest Washington, most of whom clearly had shown up to witness a milestone that had shone a positive light on the school.
"I've seen Coolidge lose before,'' said principal Thelma Jarrett, who was instrumental last spring in making the 30-year-old Randolph one of a handful of women ever to coach varsity high school football. "But they lost with pride tonight. I'm proud of them, either way you look at it. That's what I thought would happen when we hired her, that she would make us proud and this team would make us proud.''
James Toney in No Mood to Talk 48 Hours Before UFC 118
Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, VideosBOSTON -- MMA Fighting spoke to James Toney at Thursday's UFC 118 media workouts.
After discussing his mindset going into Saturday night's fight against Randy Couture, "Lights Out" decided that the time for talking was over and walked out on the interview.
Watch the video interview below.
After discussing his mindset going into Saturday night's fight against Randy Couture, "Lights Out" decided that the time for talking was over and walked out on the interview.
Watch the video interview below.
Stubborn John Isner Should Withdraw From US Open
Filed under: U.S. Open, ATPThe thing that stood out about John Isner was not just that he was a freakishly tall guy playing a freakishly long match at Wimbledon. It was his courage to keep going through pain and exhaustion and, surely, mental anguish. It was his stubbornness.
We learned that day that no matter how he's playing or how he's feeling, win or lose, he's going to see it through.
But sometimes your greatest character traits are the same things that bring you down. The question for Isner now is this:
What on earth are you thinking?
Isner said he completely tore the ligaments in his right ankle during a match in Cincinnati last week. Yet he's still in the draw at the U.S. Open, which starts Monday.
"Had a good day today,'' he wrote on his Twitter account a few days ago. "Things might be looking up. Who needs practice anyways?''
A day earlier, he wrote this: "Not giving up hope.''
More Couch: Curious Case of Andrea Collarini | Sharapova Shines as Favorite
We learned that day that no matter how he's playing or how he's feeling, win or lose, he's going to see it through.
But sometimes your greatest character traits are the same things that bring you down. The question for Isner now is this:
What on earth are you thinking?
Isner said he completely tore the ligaments in his right ankle during a match in Cincinnati last week. Yet he's still in the draw at the U.S. Open, which starts Monday.
"Had a good day today,'' he wrote on his Twitter account a few days ago. "Things might be looking up. Who needs practice anyways?''
A day earlier, he wrote this: "Not giving up hope.''
More Couch: Curious Case of Andrea Collarini | Sharapova Shines as Favorite
Friday, August 27, 2010
Goodell, owners support 18-game season; players concerned
ATLANTA -- NFL owners are eager to increase the regular season from 16 to 18 games. The players aren't so sure. During a five-hour meeting at a posh hotel in downtown Atlanta, the push to add two more games to the regular season picked up steam Wednesday -- at least among those who sign the checks. "I think it's a win-win all around," said Bob Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots. The owners also unanimously approved Stan Kroenke's proposal to purchase majority ownership of the St. Louis Rams, assuming he turns over control of two other teams he owns -- the NBA's Denver Nuggets and the NHL's Colorado Avalanche -- to his son. Kroenke owns 40 percent of the downtrodden Rams and exercised his right to purchase the rest of the team from the Rosenbloom family for a reported $750 million. "Obviously, all of us know and respect Stan," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. "He's been a terrific owner in the NFL, and we're confident he will continue to be a great owner." Kroenke must turn over operational and financial control of the Nuggets and Avalanche to his 30-year-old son, Josh, by the end of the year. He must give up his majority stake in the teams by December 2014 to meet NFL rules against cross-ownership of franchises in other NFL cities. But talks on the expanded season dominated most of the meeting. Goodell pointed out that the league already has the right to impose an 18-game schedule -- and keep four preseason games for each team -- under the current labor agreement with the players. But that contract expires after this season, and it's clear the expanded schedule will be a central issue in talks on a new collective bargaining agreement. The owners would like to keep the season at 20 weeks, reducing the number of preseason games from four to two. "We want to do it the right way for everyone, including the players, the fans and the game in general," Goodell said. "There's a tremendous amount of momentum for it. We think it's the right step." The owners held off on voting on a specific proposal that could be presented to the NFL Players Association. Among the issues that still must be resolved: when to start the expanded regular season, possible roster expansion to cope with more games, and changes in training camp and offseason routines to come up with ways for evaluating younger players who wouldn't have as many preseason games to make an impression. "We want to continue to address a variety of issues before putting together a specific proposal, which our negotiating team will provide to the union's negotiating team," Goodell said. "There's tremendous support for it. Almost all the questions, all the discussions, are how to do it in a way that's fan friendly." Around the NFL, however, many players questioned the wisdom of making an already grueling season even longer. At the very least, they want more money -- and several proposed changes in the rules governing injured players, or adding an extra bye week to deal with the grind. "With 16 games, every game is important and therefore the fans are very into it, the stadiums are packed because they know if their team loses, it pushes them further and further away from making the playoffs," Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer said. "I think if you go to 18, each game kind of loses a little bit of its significance."
The players clearly expect to be receive a bigger chunk of the multi-billion-dollar NFL pie if they're going to be putting their bodies on the line in two more games that count. "Obviously the players want to be compensated for two more games," San Francisco 49ers linebacker Matt Wilhelm said. "That's the one thing the players have to get met." They also are concerned about an increased risk of injuries and fret that it could shorten their careers or increase the number of health problems they endure after retirement. "I would vote to eliminate two preseason games and then keep it at a 16-game season because the longer you're out there playing, the more your body breaks down," Chicago Bears tight end Desmond Clark said. "When you get into December, you're like walking zombies. You can't feel your joints." Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita said the timing of the proposal is odd, considering the owners want the players to accept a smaller share of the revenue in the next labor agreement. "They are asking you to play more games and put yourself at more risk, and they are also asking us to take a pay cut," Fujita said. "That's a lot to ask. All those things don't make a whole lot of sense. We need to sit down and talk through it all and find out what it is they're really trying to do and see if it makes sense or not." But Kraft said the expanded season is the most obvious step to bring in more money while the economy is struggling. "I really think going to an 18-game season is critical to us getting a labor deal," he said. "There's not a lot of ways in this economic environment we can generate incremental revenues. That's the best way. "The other thing," he added, "our fans have said pretty loud and clear they'd like us to have fewer preseason games." Several players and coaches have pointed out that having just two preseason games likely would make it more difficult for fringe players to get enough of a look to make the team. Already, teams have been experimenting with joint workouts in training camp, believing those sessions could help replace the shorter preseason. This year, for instance, the Atlanta Falcons worked out with both the Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars. "If it was a two-game preseason, then the starters are going to see most of that time because they've got to get ready for the season, so if you're third string, good luck," said Indianapolis Colts linebacker Gary Brackett, the team's defensive captain. "When I was a rookie, I needed every bit of those four games." But some figure it's a foregone conclusion that the owners will get their way. "Personally, I don't see how it helps the game, or the quality of the game," said Barry Cofield, a defensive tackle for the New York Giants. "But if they demand it, they will probably get it." Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
No Doubt About It, Sam Bradford Already Makes Rams Better
Filed under: Patriots, Rams, NFC West, NFL Quarterbacks, NFL Analysis
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Stan Kroenke has been a primary NFL owner for all of one NFL game. His first was this preseason scuffle, featuring his St. Louis Rams against the New England Patriots here on Thursday night. Kroenke welcomed a visitor at halftime, a peer who already owns three Super Bowl trophies and boasts a franchise-influencing quarterback in Tom Brady.
"Robert Kraft dropped by and told me he thought Sam Bradford was really good and impressive and really putting the ball in pinpoint places that make you a winner,'' said Kroenke of the Patriots owner. "And that coming from him? That's good.''
Bradford did that. It was as if he played with lasers of floodlights upon him. And with each pass, he crafted a swank script.
It was his first NFL start. It did not matter to him or his teammates that it was preseason. When you are coming off a 1-15 season, like the Rams are, each fresh moment is a chance to shake free from that disaster, to create a new order, a new mindset.
Winning 36-35 like the Rams did over the Patriots meant something to the Rams.
More: Bradford Shines in First Start | Box Score | Discuss
Donnie Avery Suffers 'Significant Knee Injury'
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Stan Kroenke has been a primary NFL owner for all of one NFL game. His first was this preseason scuffle, featuring his St. Louis Rams against the New England Patriots here on Thursday night. Kroenke welcomed a visitor at halftime, a peer who already owns three Super Bowl trophies and boasts a franchise-influencing quarterback in Tom Brady.
"Robert Kraft dropped by and told me he thought Sam Bradford was really good and impressive and really putting the ball in pinpoint places that make you a winner,'' said Kroenke of the Patriots owner. "And that coming from him? That's good.''
Bradford did that. It was as if he played with lasers of floodlights upon him. And with each pass, he crafted a swank script.
It was his first NFL start. It did not matter to him or his teammates that it was preseason. When you are coming off a 1-15 season, like the Rams are, each fresh moment is a chance to shake free from that disaster, to create a new order, a new mindset.
Winning 36-35 like the Rams did over the Patriots meant something to the Rams.
More: Bradford Shines in First Start | Box Score | Discuss
Donnie Avery Suffers 'Significant Knee Injury'
Haslem confident he will be vindicated (AP)
MIAMI (AP)?Udonis Haslem(notes) of the Miami Heat released a statement Monday night
expressing confidence that he?ll be vindicated, one day after he was charged
with possession of marijuana following a traffic stop.
?I am confident that once the judicial process runs its course, I will be
cleared,? Haslem said.
A passenger in Haslem?s 2008 Mercedes sedan told the Florida Highway Patrol
that marijuana found in the car Sunday afternoon after the Heat forward was
pulled over for speeding on a South Florida highway was his?and Haslem?s
attorney insisted that?s enough reason for the third-degree felony charge to be
dropped.
Eric Schwartzreich, Haslem?s attorney, said the State Attorney?s Office is
reviewing the arrest paperwork, a process that should be completed in the coming
days. Haslem is accused of possessing more than 20 grams of marijuana, a
third-degree felony, along with four misdemeanor counts of having drug
paraphernalia.
?He?s a little rattled,? Schwartzreich said. ?He?s upset. He doesn?t know
how he can be charged with this.?
A hearing in Haslem?s case has been scheduled for Sept. 14 in Miami-Dade
County court.
Haslem was freed from custody late Sunday night, about seven hours after a
trooper pulled him over for driving 78 mph in a 60 mph zone on the Gratigny
Parkway. Haslem?s car was searched multiple times and marijuana was eventually
found in two places, first in a black case under the driver?s seat, then later
in a blue nylon bag.
Antwain Fleming, Haslem?s passenger, told troopers that all the marijuana in
the car belonged to him.
Both were transported into police custody. Court records show Fleming faces
a charge of possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana, a first-degree
misdemeanor, along with another misdemeanor charge related to paraphernalia.
?We are confident Udonis Haslem will be vindicated,? Schwartzreich said.
?We have a situation where the passenger admits the marijuana was his and Mr.
Haslem tells police nothing was in the vehicle.
?I think the police report speaks for itself,? Schwartzreich added. ?I am
hopeful that Udonis Haslem will not be charged.?
Haslem?s car, worth more than $100,000, may face forfeiture, according to
court records. The speeding ticket brings a $269 fine, and FHP spokesman Sgt.
Mark Wysocky said Haslem was also cited for having illegal window tint.
?We are aware of the incident involving Udonis Haslem yesterday afternoon,
and while we fully support our players, since this is a pending legal matter we
will have no further comment at this time,? Heat president Pat Riley said in a
statement Monday evening.
Haslem has spent all seven of his NBA seasons with the Heat, and the South
Florida native signed a new five-year contract to stay with the team last month.
?He is our anchor, he is a true warrior and a great professional,? Riley
said in July, after Haslem announced he would forgo higher-paying offers
elsewhere to stay in Miami and continue playing alongside Dwyane Wade(notes), plus team
up with marquee acquisitions LeBron James(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes).
During his NBA career, Haslem has averaged 10.0 points and 8.1 rebounds for
Miami, helping the Heat win the 2006 NBA championship.
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expressing confidence that he?ll be vindicated, one day after he was charged
with possession of marijuana following a traffic stop.
?I am confident that once the judicial process runs its course, I will be
cleared,? Haslem said.
A passenger in Haslem?s 2008 Mercedes sedan told the Florida Highway Patrol
that marijuana found in the car Sunday afternoon after the Heat forward was
pulled over for speeding on a South Florida highway was his?and Haslem?s
attorney insisted that?s enough reason for the third-degree felony charge to be
dropped.
Eric Schwartzreich, Haslem?s attorney, said the State Attorney?s Office is
reviewing the arrest paperwork, a process that should be completed in the coming
days. Haslem is accused of possessing more than 20 grams of marijuana, a
third-degree felony, along with four misdemeanor counts of having drug
paraphernalia.
?He?s a little rattled,? Schwartzreich said. ?He?s upset. He doesn?t know
how he can be charged with this.?
A hearing in Haslem?s case has been scheduled for Sept. 14 in Miami-Dade
County court.
Haslem was freed from custody late Sunday night, about seven hours after a
trooper pulled him over for driving 78 mph in a 60 mph zone on the Gratigny
Parkway. Haslem?s car was searched multiple times and marijuana was eventually
found in two places, first in a black case under the driver?s seat, then later
in a blue nylon bag.
Antwain Fleming, Haslem?s passenger, told troopers that all the marijuana in
the car belonged to him.
Both were transported into police custody. Court records show Fleming faces
a charge of possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana, a first-degree
misdemeanor, along with another misdemeanor charge related to paraphernalia.
?We are confident Udonis Haslem will be vindicated,? Schwartzreich said.
?We have a situation where the passenger admits the marijuana was his and Mr.
Haslem tells police nothing was in the vehicle.
?I think the police report speaks for itself,? Schwartzreich added. ?I am
hopeful that Udonis Haslem will not be charged.?
Haslem?s car, worth more than $100,000, may face forfeiture, according to
court records. The speeding ticket brings a $269 fine, and FHP spokesman Sgt.
Mark Wysocky said Haslem was also cited for having illegal window tint.
?We are aware of the incident involving Udonis Haslem yesterday afternoon,
and while we fully support our players, since this is a pending legal matter we
will have no further comment at this time,? Heat president Pat Riley said in a
statement Monday evening.
Haslem has spent all seven of his NBA seasons with the Heat, and the South
Florida native signed a new five-year contract to stay with the team last month.
?He is our anchor, he is a true warrior and a great professional,? Riley
said in July, after Haslem announced he would forgo higher-paying offers
elsewhere to stay in Miami and continue playing alongside Dwyane Wade(notes), plus team
up with marquee acquisitions LeBron James(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes).
During his NBA career, Haslem has averaged 10.0 points and 8.1 rebounds for
Miami, helping the Heat win the 2006 NBA championship.
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Dustin Pedroia's Season Could Be Over
Filed under: Red Sox, AL East, MLB InjuriesIt appears that if the Boston Red Sox are going to overcome the current 5 1/2-game deficit they face and get into the playoffs this season, they're going to have to do it without their second baseman, and former AL MVP, Dustin Pedroia. According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox are likely to shut Pedroia down for the rest of the season.
Pedroia missed 44 games this season after fouling a ball off of his left foot and breaking a bone. He was activated off the disabled list on Aug. 17, but played in only two games before soreness in his foot required that he be placed back on the disabled list.
Pedroia missed 44 games this season after fouling a ball off of his left foot and breaking a bone. He was activated off the disabled list on Aug. 17, but played in only two games before soreness in his foot required that he be placed back on the disabled list.
Dustin Pedroia's Season Could Be Over
Filed under: Red Sox, AL East, MLB InjuriesIt appears that if the Boston Red Sox are going to overcome the current 5 1/2-game deficit they face and get into the playoffs this season, they're going to have to do it without their second baseman, and former AL MVP, Dustin Pedroia. According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox are likely to shut Pedroia down for the rest of the season.
Pedroia missed 44 games this season after fouling a ball off of his left foot and breaking a bone. He was activated off the disabled list on Aug. 17, but played in only two games before soreness in his foot required that he be placed back on the disabled list.
Pedroia missed 44 games this season after fouling a ball off of his left foot and breaking a bone. He was activated off the disabled list on Aug. 17, but played in only two games before soreness in his foot required that he be placed back on the disabled list.
Nenad Krstic Suspended Three Games by FIBA for Chair Toss
Filed under: FIBA, Thunder, FIBA World Championship
Despite fears Thunder center Nenad Krstic might miss the entirety of Serbia's run in the 2010 FIBA World Championship following a rollicking brawl in a warmup against Greece, the big man will miss only the first three games of the tournament, FIBA announced Thursday. Serbian guard Milos Teodosic, who helped spark the fight, earned a two-game suspension. Greek big men Antonis Fotsis and Sofoklis Schortsanitis will each be ruled out of two games, as well.
Krstic threw a chair at Schortsanitis as the on-court brawl wound down at the Olympic Indoor Arena in Athens last week. The chair instead hit Greek center Ioannis Bourousis in the head and neck, drawing blood. Krstic expressed anxiety FIBA might knock him out of the tournament completely earlier this week, but previous fight-related sanctions by FIBA suggested a two- or three-game suspension.
tweetcount_src = 'RT @FanHouse:'; tweetcount_via = false; tweetcount_size = 'small'; tweetcount_background = 'FFFFFF'; tweetcount_border = 'CCCCCC'; tweetcount_api_key = '1cf4e3b7f7f20406a9dd9d1b1edc0e41b4fc20d1b21cb19a6f169387c696d333'; Of course, teams are only guaranteed five games in the tournament's group stage. But Serbia remains likely to earn a berth to the knock-out stage, so Krstic will miss no more than half his team's tournament run.
Luckily for Serbia, the team's first three games come against Group A's least fearsome teams: Angola, Germany and Jordan. Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic could beat Jordan right now.
Despite fears Thunder center Nenad Krstic might miss the entirety of Serbia's run in the 2010 FIBA World Championship following a rollicking brawl in a warmup against Greece, the big man will miss only the first three games of the tournament, FIBA announced Thursday. Serbian guard Milos Teodosic, who helped spark the fight, earned a two-game suspension. Greek big men Antonis Fotsis and Sofoklis Schortsanitis will each be ruled out of two games, as well.
Krstic threw a chair at Schortsanitis as the on-court brawl wound down at the Olympic Indoor Arena in Athens last week. The chair instead hit Greek center Ioannis Bourousis in the head and neck, drawing blood. Krstic expressed anxiety FIBA might knock him out of the tournament completely earlier this week, but previous fight-related sanctions by FIBA suggested a two- or three-game suspension.
tweetcount_src = 'RT @FanHouse:'; tweetcount_via = false; tweetcount_size = 'small'; tweetcount_background = 'FFFFFF'; tweetcount_border = 'CCCCCC'; tweetcount_api_key = '1cf4e3b7f7f20406a9dd9d1b1edc0e41b4fc20d1b21cb19a6f169387c696d333'; Of course, teams are only guaranteed five games in the tournament's group stage. But Serbia remains likely to earn a berth to the knock-out stage, so Krstic will miss no more than half his team's tournament run.
Luckily for Serbia, the team's first three games come against Group A's least fearsome teams: Angola, Germany and Jordan. Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic could beat Jordan right now.
Tiger Woods Plays Best Round of Year to Share Barclays Lead
Filed under: PGA, FedEx CupPARAMUS, N.J. (AP) -- Yes, that really was Tiger Woods' name atop the leaderboard.
In his first tournament since his divorce, Woods finally looked like the No. 1 player in the world Thursday at the Barclays when he opened with a 6-under 65, his lowest score of the year, to share the lead with Vaughn Taylor. It was his first time leading after any round on the PGA Tour since the Tour Championship last September.
"It's exciting to hit the ball flush again," Woods said. "It's something I've been missing all year."
He didn't miss much at Ridgewood Country Club. Woods hit all but one fairway and putted for birdie on all but two holes. And while he hit his driver only twice, they were two of his best shots of the day -- including on the 291-yard fifth hole, where his drive landed pin-high and settled 15 feet away.
Was it just a coincidence that his game showed up so soon after his marriage was dissolved?
"I can't really say that's the case," he said. "As far as golf, it was nice to put it together."
More: The Barclays Leaderboard | Photos
Woods and Taylor both played in the morning, when the greens were smooth and the conditions were only breezy. They had a one-shot lead over Adam Scott, Brian Gay and Ryan Palmer. Scott played in the afternoon, where a gust of wind played tricks on him at the final hole and led to bogey.
Scott endured a long day in the pro-am Wednesday and didn't think Ridgewood would serve up a 65 to anyone.
In his first tournament since his divorce, Woods finally looked like the No. 1 player in the world Thursday at the Barclays when he opened with a 6-under 65, his lowest score of the year, to share the lead with Vaughn Taylor. It was his first time leading after any round on the PGA Tour since the Tour Championship last September.
"It's exciting to hit the ball flush again," Woods said. "It's something I've been missing all year."
He didn't miss much at Ridgewood Country Club. Woods hit all but one fairway and putted for birdie on all but two holes. And while he hit his driver only twice, they were two of his best shots of the day -- including on the 291-yard fifth hole, where his drive landed pin-high and settled 15 feet away.
Was it just a coincidence that his game showed up so soon after his marriage was dissolved?
"I can't really say that's the case," he said. "As far as golf, it was nice to put it together."
More: The Barclays Leaderboard | Photos
Woods and Taylor both played in the morning, when the greens were smooth and the conditions were only breezy. They had a one-shot lead over Adam Scott, Brian Gay and Ryan Palmer. Scott played in the afternoon, where a gust of wind played tricks on him at the final hole and led to bogey.
Scott endured a long day in the pro-am Wednesday and didn't think Ridgewood would serve up a 65 to anyone.
Expect a compromise on offseason work as labor talks progress
There is a growing sentiment among some players and their representatives that given the likelihood of an 18-game NFL season as soon as 2012, the nature of the league calendar must change to compensate and allow more time for rest and recovery. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has previously talked about curtailing the amount and intensity of organized team activities and offseason work. And one idea that's gaining traction among players includes not starting the offseason work until mid-May.
Currently, players generally are asked to report for voluntary lifting and offseason work in March, in many cases just six weeks or so after the end of the season. Then, players usually have a month or so off (from mid-June to July) before training camps open. It has always seemed odd to me to begin work so soon, then have such a long break before camp. It's more natural to slowly ramp up and build momentum into camp, rather than stop and start. Football's offseason and preseason is different from baseball, basketball and hockey in that regard, and maintaining a somewhat constant and demanding schedule as NFL players currently do also could contribute to fatigue and injuries. Opening in May would allow more down time and more of a true offseason, and offseason lifting programs could then lead to a shorter OTA-minicamp period in June. Teams could give players a week or so off around the Fourth of July, then camps would open. With the expected change to two preseason games, camps themselves could be shorter, which also would reduce wear and tear on players. Under the 18-game format, there would be a "bye week" between the second preseason game and Week 1, and then off you go. Starting offseason programs later in the spring also could dovetail with the concept of a developmental league in March and April, as a replacement for what used to be NFL Europe. The developmental players then would be able to rejoin their NFL teams for offseason work in May. Currently, many rookies can't join their teams until after their graduation date, which in many cases is late May or early June. Starting offseason programs later would allow them to miss fewer meetings and installation sessions. One thing on which all sides agree is that fewer preseason games make sense, particularly if a developmental league for practice-squad-level players is in place. Many of the injuries caused during the preseason are "friendly fire," with overzealous, inexperienced players out of position and making reckless decisions that can lead to veterans suffering season-ending injuries in meaningless games. Fewer preseason games limits that risk. Goodell has seemed open to new ideas and proposals on how to better structure the work year for players, and this structure would allay at least some fears they have about an 18-game season and be part of a compromise. Another tradeoff the NFL Players Association would seek in regards to an 18-game season would be more money earmarked for better long-term care and coverage as players age. Concerns about the ramifications of concussions and possible ties to ALS have been a hot-button issue within the union, and if the season is going to expand, there undoubtedly will be discussions about post-career care, payments and insurance coverage.
Currently, players generally are asked to report for voluntary lifting and offseason work in March, in many cases just six weeks or so after the end of the season. Then, players usually have a month or so off (from mid-June to July) before training camps open. It has always seemed odd to me to begin work so soon, then have such a long break before camp. It's more natural to slowly ramp up and build momentum into camp, rather than stop and start. Football's offseason and preseason is different from baseball, basketball and hockey in that regard, and maintaining a somewhat constant and demanding schedule as NFL players currently do also could contribute to fatigue and injuries. Opening in May would allow more down time and more of a true offseason, and offseason lifting programs could then lead to a shorter OTA-minicamp period in June. Teams could give players a week or so off around the Fourth of July, then camps would open. With the expected change to two preseason games, camps themselves could be shorter, which also would reduce wear and tear on players. Under the 18-game format, there would be a "bye week" between the second preseason game and Week 1, and then off you go. Starting offseason programs later in the spring also could dovetail with the concept of a developmental league in March and April, as a replacement for what used to be NFL Europe. The developmental players then would be able to rejoin their NFL teams for offseason work in May. Currently, many rookies can't join their teams until after their graduation date, which in many cases is late May or early June. Starting offseason programs later would allow them to miss fewer meetings and installation sessions. One thing on which all sides agree is that fewer preseason games make sense, particularly if a developmental league for practice-squad-level players is in place. Many of the injuries caused during the preseason are "friendly fire," with overzealous, inexperienced players out of position and making reckless decisions that can lead to veterans suffering season-ending injuries in meaningless games. Fewer preseason games limits that risk. Goodell has seemed open to new ideas and proposals on how to better structure the work year for players, and this structure would allay at least some fears they have about an 18-game season and be part of a compromise. Another tradeoff the NFL Players Association would seek in regards to an 18-game season would be more money earmarked for better long-term care and coverage as players age. Concerns about the ramifications of concussions and possible ties to ALS have been a hot-button issue within the union, and if the season is going to expand, there undoubtedly will be discussions about post-career care, payments and insurance coverage.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Report: Stephen Strasburg Will Be Shut Down for Season
Filed under: Nationals, MLB Injuries, MLB RumorsThe Washington Nationals will shut down pitcher Stephen Strasburg regardless of the results of a second MRI exam scheduled for Thursday, according to a report on SI.com.
Strasburg, who came out of his most recent start on Saturday in Philadelphia with what has been initially diagnosed as a strained flexor tendon in his right forearm, is set to have an arthogram, an enhanced MRI examination in which dye is injected into the area of the injury, so that doctors can better tell if there is more extensive damage.
The 22-year-old phenom has been handled with extreme caution by the Nationals since they selected him No. 1 overall in last year's draft, especially with the club floundering in last place in the NL East.
Strasburg, who came out of his most recent start on Saturday in Philadelphia with what has been initially diagnosed as a strained flexor tendon in his right forearm, is set to have an arthogram, an enhanced MRI examination in which dye is injected into the area of the injury, so that doctors can better tell if there is more extensive damage.
The 22-year-old phenom has been handled with extreme caution by the Nationals since they selected him No. 1 overall in last year's draft, especially with the club floundering in last place in the NL East.
James doubts Gilbert cared about him (AP)
MIAMI (AP)?Adding a new layer to the rift between LeBron James(notes) and Dan
Gilbert, the NBA?s two-time reigning MVP and new Miami Heat forward has told GQ
magazine that he isn?t sure the Cleveland Cavaliers owner ?ever cared? about
him during their time together.
In an article released Tuesday, James spoke of how widespread criticism of
his decision?and how he chose to make it a television event?is fueling him
this offseason, plus reiterated how Ohio will always remain his home.
But perhaps his sharpest words were reserved for Gilbert, the owner who
lashed out at him shortly after James announced that he would be joining the
Heat.
?I don?t think he ever cared about LeBron,? James is quoted as saying.
?My mother always told me: ?You will see the light of people when they hit
adversity. You?ll get a good sense of their character.? Me and my family have
seen the character of that man.?
Gilbert did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
James made similar remarks on the night Miami signed him to a six-year
contract, doing so while sitting alongside the other two legs of the Heat
superstar triangle, Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes).
Gilbert was clearly scorned by James? choice, firing off a now-infamous
letter to Cleveland fans describing it all as ?a shameful display of
selfishness and betrayal.? He called James ?narcissistic? and
?self-promotional? and vowed the Cavaliers would win a championship before
?the self-titled former king.?
Further, in an interview the same night with The Associated Press, Gilbert
said he felt James quit on Cleveland during the 2009 and 2010 playoffs. Gilbert
was ultimately fined $100,000 by the NBA for what commissioner David Stern said
were comments that fell into the category of being ?a little extreme.?
In the GQ article, James took exception to the ?quitter? tag.
?Every night on the court I give my all, and if I?m not giving 100 percent,
I criticize myself,? James said.
He added that he?s looking forward to seeing the Cavaliers as opponents this
season.
?I do have motivation,? James told GQ. ?A lot of motivation.?
Among other highlights from the article:
? James said he wouldn?t change any part of ?The Decision,? the
made-for-TV event in Greenwich, Conn. where he announced his playing plans to an
audience of about 10 million viewers. The hourlong show made $2.5 million for
Boys & Girls Clubs. ?When I found out I had an opportunity to do that for those
kids, it was a no-brainer,? James said.
? Despite his feuding with Gilbert, James thinks that if he could ever play
for the Cavaliers again someday, it would be ?a great story.?
? James explained he?s always had an uneasy relationship with Cleveland
because he?s from Akron, a half-hour away. ?It?s not far, but it is far,?
James said. ?And Clevelanders, because they were the bigger-city kids when we
were growing up, looked down on us. ? So we didn?t actually like Cleveland. We
hated Cleveland growing up. There?s a lot of people in Cleveland we still hate
to this day.?
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Gilbert, the NBA?s two-time reigning MVP and new Miami Heat forward has told GQ
magazine that he isn?t sure the Cleveland Cavaliers owner ?ever cared? about
him during their time together.
In an article released Tuesday, James spoke of how widespread criticism of
his decision?and how he chose to make it a television event?is fueling him
this offseason, plus reiterated how Ohio will always remain his home.
But perhaps his sharpest words were reserved for Gilbert, the owner who
lashed out at him shortly after James announced that he would be joining the
Heat.
?I don?t think he ever cared about LeBron,? James is quoted as saying.
?My mother always told me: ?You will see the light of people when they hit
adversity. You?ll get a good sense of their character.? Me and my family have
seen the character of that man.?
Gilbert did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
James made similar remarks on the night Miami signed him to a six-year
contract, doing so while sitting alongside the other two legs of the Heat
superstar triangle, Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes).
Gilbert was clearly scorned by James? choice, firing off a now-infamous
letter to Cleveland fans describing it all as ?a shameful display of
selfishness and betrayal.? He called James ?narcissistic? and
?self-promotional? and vowed the Cavaliers would win a championship before
?the self-titled former king.?
Further, in an interview the same night with The Associated Press, Gilbert
said he felt James quit on Cleveland during the 2009 and 2010 playoffs. Gilbert
was ultimately fined $100,000 by the NBA for what commissioner David Stern said
were comments that fell into the category of being ?a little extreme.?
In the GQ article, James took exception to the ?quitter? tag.
?Every night on the court I give my all, and if I?m not giving 100 percent,
I criticize myself,? James said.
He added that he?s looking forward to seeing the Cavaliers as opponents this
season.
?I do have motivation,? James told GQ. ?A lot of motivation.?
Among other highlights from the article:
? James said he wouldn?t change any part of ?The Decision,? the
made-for-TV event in Greenwich, Conn. where he announced his playing plans to an
audience of about 10 million viewers. The hourlong show made $2.5 million for
Boys & Girls Clubs. ?When I found out I had an opportunity to do that for those
kids, it was a no-brainer,? James said.
? Despite his feuding with Gilbert, James thinks that if he could ever play
for the Cavaliers again someday, it would be ?a great story.?
? James explained he?s always had an uneasy relationship with Cleveland
because he?s from Akron, a half-hour away. ?It?s not far, but it is far,?
James said. ?And Clevelanders, because they were the bigger-city kids when we
were growing up, looked down on us. ? So we didn?t actually like Cleveland. We
hated Cleveland growing up. There?s a lot of people in Cleveland we still hate
to this day.?
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Stephenson knows Bird is upset by arrest (AP)
GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP)?Though he has not spoken to anyone from the Indiana
Pacers, Lance Stephenson(notes) is well aware of Larry Bird?s disappointment with his
arrest.
Stephenson says he heard about Bird?s strongly worded statement that was
critical of his actions and plans to speak to the Pacers president.
?I?m just going to try to stay focused,? Stephenson said Tuesday at the
New York Knicks? training facility, where he joined other rookies getting
photographed for their Panini trading cards. ?I?m going to talk to him, see how
he feels about it and I?m going to move forward from it.?
Stephenson, 19, was arrested Sunday in New York on assault, menacing and
harassment charges. Prosecutors said the Pacers? draft pick pushed his
girlfriend down a flight of stairs, then grabbed her and hit her head on the
bottom step.
On Monday, Bird called the arrest ?very disappointing to the Pacers
franchise and to me personally.?
Bird added that the Pacers were still gathering facts but ?regardless of
the outcome of the investigation, Lance should not have put himself in the
position he was in early Sunday morning. We have consistently emphasized to our
players the importance of not putting themselves in situations where bad things
can happen.
?Once all the facts are known we will deal appropriately with Lance so that
he, the team and the entire Pacers community understands that this message
cannot be ignored.?
Indiana drafted Stephenson with the No. 40 pick. The league is monitoring
the situation.
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Pacers, Lance Stephenson(notes) is well aware of Larry Bird?s disappointment with his
arrest.
Stephenson says he heard about Bird?s strongly worded statement that was
critical of his actions and plans to speak to the Pacers president.
?I?m just going to try to stay focused,? Stephenson said Tuesday at the
New York Knicks? training facility, where he joined other rookies getting
photographed for their Panini trading cards. ?I?m going to talk to him, see how
he feels about it and I?m going to move forward from it.?
Stephenson, 19, was arrested Sunday in New York on assault, menacing and
harassment charges. Prosecutors said the Pacers? draft pick pushed his
girlfriend down a flight of stairs, then grabbed her and hit her head on the
bottom step.
On Monday, Bird called the arrest ?very disappointing to the Pacers
franchise and to me personally.?
Bird added that the Pacers were still gathering facts but ?regardless of
the outcome of the investigation, Lance should not have put himself in the
position he was in early Sunday morning. We have consistently emphasized to our
players the importance of not putting themselves in situations where bad things
can happen.
?Once all the facts are known we will deal appropriately with Lance so that
he, the team and the entire Pacers community understands that this message
cannot be ignored.?
Indiana drafted Stephenson with the No. 40 pick. The league is monitoring
the situation.
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