Thursday, February 26, 2015

Gordon’s Daytona 500 farewell party a bust

NASCAR: Daytona 500
DAYTONA, BEACH, Florida (Reuters) - Jeff Gordon’s Dayton 500 farewell party ended in a bang but not the kind he had hoped as the three-time former winner waved goodbye to the Great American race with a last lap crash on Sunday.
After winning the pole and finishing second in a 150 mile qualifying race on Thursday, Gordon had set himself up as a favorite in the 57th running of NASCAR's showcase event.
A fourth victory, however, was not in the cards for the 43-year old, four-time NASCAR champion who announced that Sunday's 500 would be his last.
“That first half was amazing,” Gordon said. “I was enjoying that moment very, very much. Just being out front. Being in control of the race.

Patrick Kane heads to long term injured reserve, opens Chicago trade options

Blackhawks' Kane has surgery for broken left clavicle
Patrick Kane’s reported bad upper-body injury appears to be quite as awful as feared for the Chicago Blackhawks.
The team put the NHL’s leading scorer on long-term injured reserve Wednesday and recalled Teuvo Teravainen from its American Hockey League affiliate it announced.
Though we still don’t have definitive detail on Kane’s problem, outside of the ever descriptive “upper-body” problem, this at least lends some further clarification on his timeline. For one, it’s going to be long, at least 10 games or 24 days.
Second, this gives the Blackhawks some flexibility as to what to do moving forward. According to Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Blackhawks will have around $5 million of extra salary cap space because of the LTIR decision.
So if you’re a scoring winger, and you’re grumpy, and you want out – Chicago probably wants you. Or maybe you’ve just worn out your welcome where you are. Or maybe your name is Antoine Vermette, and you’re a decent rent-a-player until when Kane comes back.

Rajon Rondo suspended for shouting match with Mavs coach Rick Carlisle


When the Dallas Mavericks traded for enigmatic point guard Rajon Rondo in December, they must have known that they were getting a fairly difficult player to coach. Rondo is hard to figure out, performs his best when he has freedom to improvise, and can get ornery. The Mavs knew they were making a gamble in adding a stylistically unique player to the NBA's best offense (at the time), but they believed that the potential gains were worth it.The final results of that decision won't be known until the postseason and when Rondo becomes when free agent this summer, but they experienced some of the bad that comes with his good in the third quarter of Tuesday night's home game against the Toronto Raptors. As the Mavericks headed back to the bench just a few minutes into the third quarter, head coach Rick Carlisle and Rondo began to engage in a shouting match.

Josh Hamilton situation a reminder of the frailty of man

Josh Hamilton's Angels career hasn't exactly gone as planned. (USAT)
Josh Hamilton’s story was told with a beginning, a middle and an end. It was told neat like that. He was the gifted young ballplayer who fell about as hard as a man can fall and still get up, and then he did get up. Hooray for Josh Hamilton. Hooray for the human spirit.
That was his story. It was worth telling. With every home run, every day spent sober, every moment he held his wife and four daughters, it was worth re-telling, because none of that was guaranteed after he fell. And fell. And fell.

Judge overturns Adrian Peterson's NFL suspension


Let's go ahead and chalk up the Adrian Peterson suspension as another mistake for the NFL as it tries to police its own league.
The NFL suspended Peterson after the completion of his court case involving him injuring his 4-year-old son with a switch. On Thursday a federal judge said the NFL arbitrator who made that suspension decision overstepped his authority and applied the NFL's new conduct policy retroactively to Peterson's case, so he overturned the suspension. The Star-Tribune said Judge David Doty sent "the case back for further arbitration proceedings 'consistent with' the players’ collective bargaining agreement." The NFL said it is reviewing the ruling, and hasn't yet said whether it will reinstate Peterson, appeal or arbitrate again.
According to Doty's order (via the Star-Tribune), Peterson and the NFL agreed in writing on Sept. 18 that he would be put on the commissioner's exempt list until his court case was resolved. Peterson pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault in November. The NFL called a disciplinary hearing for Peterson, keeping him on the exempt list in the interim, and Peterson didn't show up because the NFL Players Association was upset about the process and that the league wasn't honoring what the union said was an agreement to reinstate him.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Lincecum credits Dad with turnaround

Chris Lincecum, right, and Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum in April 2010 during Tim's 2009 Cy Young Award ceremony. (AP)
San Francisco's Tim Lincecum thanks his dad for his success. Tim said's that his dad has been his inspiration since childhood. And now he is one of the National Leagues best Pitchers after winning the MVP in the World Series and Cy Young winner after throwing 2 no hitters.

Lonzo's Sports Gear Sale of the day w/ The Boston Red Sox Team Jersey.Portland Trailblazers Tee,& The Dallas Mavericks Tee

Boston Red Sox Jersey

Portland Trailblazers I Love PDX Tee

Dallas Mavericks Big Hat Tee

Joey Logano, out of a job at 22, Daytona 500 champ at 24


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – They dubbed him "Sliced Bread" because he was, you know, supposed to be the greatest thing since …
They predicted he'd be "one of the greatest that ever raced in NASCAR." He was 15 at the time Mark Martin said that. Teams waged a recruiting war for him, like he was a five-star college football recruit. Everyone counted down to his 18th birthday when he could finally run in the Sprint Cup Series and, by expectation, dominate the Sprint Cup Series. The marketing and promotional teams went with all of it. And then some.
A kid's going to follow along with all of this, of course. The legends say I'm going to be a legend? Who doesn't want to be LeBron?Joey Logano was put on a path to be LeBron, seamlessly moving from high school kid to professional star. The only problem was Joey Logano wasn't LeBron.
He was still young, still a kid, still a bit goofy and worse, it just doesn't always come as easy as everyone predicts. This isn't a team sport in the truest sense. There's never anywhere to hide. There are grown men, fighting for their careers, looking to run you into oblivion, if not bump you into a wall.
Logano won just twice in his first four full years on the Sprint Cup level and suddenly at 22, he was essentially getting fired.

Blackhawks searching for answers heading into stretch run

Blackhawks searching for answers heading into stretch run
CHICAGO (AP) -- Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville took a long look at his power play, then moved one goal to the corner of the ice and put his players through battle drills for a loose puck along the boards.No one is pressing the panic button in Chicago, which won the Stanley Cup in 2013 and made it all the way to the conference finals a year ago. But the Blackhawks know they have to step up their play right now.
''The 'get attention' button is where I'm at. ... I got it pushed,'' Quenneville said after Monday's practice.Chicago is just 10-10-3 in 2015 after losing three in a row for the first time since last March. It looked ready to pick up some momentum when it posted a couple of impressive wins at Winnipeg and St. Louis heading into an eight-game homestand, but it has been a rough couple of weeks for Quenneville's team.

Heat say Chris Bosh will leave hospital soon

Heat say Chris Bosh will leave hospital soon
MIAMI (AP) -- All-Star forward Chris Bosh of theMiami Heat is expected to leave a South Florida hospital in the coming days, another positive development as he continues to recover from blood clots making their way to one of his lungs.Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Monday that Bosh's release will be ''soon,'' but did not offer a specific timetable.
''We don't know the exact date yet,'' Spoelstra said. ''He's getting a little bit better.''Bosh has been hospitalized since last week after the clots were found on his lung, a diagnosis that came after him not feeling well for several days. He sought treatment from other doctors for pain his in side and back, though was still able to play in last week's All-Star Game before his condition worsened.

A-Rod back early with Yanks, still avoiding PED specifics


TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Alex Rodriguez reported to the New York Yankees three days ahead of schedule. He spoke for 8 1/2 minutes about his season-long drug suspension.But on his first day back with the team since September 2013, he never said why he resumed the use of performance-enhancing drugs, never explained what he did and avoided getting into any specifics.''I cringe when I look at some of things I did,'' Rodriguez said, surrounded by about 40 reporters on the sidewalk outside the Yankees minor league complex. ''No mistake that I made has any good answer, no justification. It's unexplainable, and that's on me. I've dug a big hole for myself. Paid a price.''

Butch Harmon: If Tiger asks, I'll help him

Butch Harmon Tiger Woods
If Tiger Woods called, or texted, or whatever, Butch Harmon would answer.
Woods' one-time teacher told Golf World he would be willing to help his former pupil on a part-time basis as he tries to reform his swing and get his game, and back, healthy again."If he wanted, I'd be more than happy to spend a couple of hours and give him my opinion," Harmon said. "I don't think he would ask because it goes against his pride."
The pair stopped working together in 2003, with Woods moving to Hank Haney after a brief period as guardian of his own swing. Harmon, 71, has never lacked work and is arguably busier than ever. He's working with Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, as well recent winner Brandt Snedeker and Jimmy Walker. Despite all that, Harmon would make time to help a great get back on track.

Friday, February 20, 2015

It's on: Mayweather, Pacquiao to fight May 2

Floyd Mayweather is the pound-for-pound king. (AP)
Floyd Mayweather finally decided to sign the deal that would allowed him to fight Manny Pacquiano on May 2nd  2016 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas. Mayweather stands to make $120 million and Pacquiano $80 million. This will be a record breaking purse for boxing.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Takes on Charles Barkley in a Go Kart Race



Can we find Chuck a suit that fits, just saying.

Jerome Kersey - R.I.P ● Trail Blazers Legend ● 1962 - 2015



Jerome Kersey the former enforcer of the Portland Trailblazers past away today.

Just a few days removed from doing some community work with a few if his former teammates for kids.

Top 10 Worst NBA Players



These guy's are considered by others to be some of the worst NBA players ever.

Check it out.

Marcus Mariota ready to take the NFL by storm


Former Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota addresses the media at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Should Jameis Winston sweat? Don't believe hype on background checks spotting character at scouting combine


The NFL scouting combine begins this week and the activity that yields the least information compared to its hype isn't the 40-yard dash times of nose guards.
It is team executives posturing about how diligently and effectively they are determining "character."
Private investigators. Private interviews. Background checks. Psychologists. Blah, blah, blah. There is nothing the NFL likes to do more than brag on its self-importance, and no time does the league lay it on thicker than when claiming it is "doing their due diligence" on a prospect.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

UFC star Ronda Rousey delivers brutal takedown of fighter PED use

Ronda Rousey has no tolerance for fighters using PEDs. (Getty)
Whether they do it to make themselves bigger, faster or stronger, or simply to help training injuries heal, far too many of the world's best fighters take the easy way out.
Performance-enhancing drug usage is pervasive in MMA. If it seems like there is a flood of positive tests, consider what it might be like if all state athletic commissions implemented random, unannounced testing.
The sheer number of cheaters who would be caught would dwarf anything that is going on now.

 

 

 
 

UFC women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey has been an outspoken critic of PED use by fighters. She has long been a fan of legendary former middleweight champion Anderson Silva and said the news that he'd tested positive for two anabolic steroids hit her hard.
"I was heartbroken to hear that," Rousey told Yahoo Sports. "I wanted to cry."
Rousey, a two-time U.S. Olympian and a bronze medalist in judo at the 2008 Games in Beijing, has long been outspoken in favor of stricter testing of MMA fighters.
She told Yahoo Sports that she believes that the first time a fighter tests positive for a performance-enhancing drug, he or she should not only be banned for one year, but also should forfeit 100 percent of his or her purse to the opponent.

Liverpool have made Sterling 'incredible offer': Rodgers

Liverpool midfielder Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring against West Ham at Anfield on January 31, 2015
London (AFP) - Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has told Raheem Sterling he should accept the club's "incredible" contract offer for the good of his career.
Sterling has yet to sign a new deal with the Reds despite lengthy negotiations and Rodgers revealed on Monday that the 20-year-old had received an offer of significantly improved wages around one month ago.
The England international has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and several other European heavyweights are also said to be interested in his signature.
But Rodgers insists Liverpool have been more than generous with their offer, especially since he believes Anfield is the perfect environment for the youngster to continue his meteoric rise since joining from QPR in 2010.
"The club has offered an incredible deal for a young player and I have spoken to Raheem a number of times and he is very happy here and I think you see that in his game," Rodgers said.
"He has made some great strides in these last couple of years and has now got reward for that and hopefully his representatives can find agreement with the club.

Patrick heads into 2015 in final season with team, sponsor

Patrick heads into 2015 in final season with team, sponsor
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Danica Patrick begins her third full season at NASCAR's top level facing an uncertain future.
Her contract with Stewart-Haas Racing is in its final year, as is the contract between primary sponsor GoDaddy and the race team. But Patrick, who is 32 and still adapting to NASCAR after seven seasons in IndyCar, has no intention of leaving her current race team.
''Well, I ain't getting any younger and I don't know how many times I can change my career,'' she said Tuesday.
Patrick said she planned to remain at SHR as long as she has the support of co-owners Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, and the support of GoDaddy and other sponsors. She said she has had discussions with GoDaddy about the future.
''We have been talking about it for quite awhile,'' she said. ''They want to (continue) and we just have to make sure that we keep giving each other value. I know they give me value, so for me, it's about giving back to them and we have been doing a lot of great things lately to promote their company.''
Haas said he has been pleased with Patrick's progress - she had three top-10 finishes last season and showed late-season speed - and there have been talks already on an extension. He compared her with Joey Logano, who needed time to adapt after his move to Cup racing and his career didn't take off until he left Joe Gibbs Racing for Penske Racing before 2013.

Rory McIlroy will play Arnold Palmer Invitational for first time

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the winners …
Arnold Palmer is finally going to get his man.
Rory McIlroy is going to play his Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando for the first time next month. McIlroy made the announcement on Twitter on Monday.
In November 2012, Palmer joked on Golf Channel's air that if McIlroy didn't play the next year's API that "[McIlroy] may have a broken arm and he won’t have to worry about where he plays next.”
McIlroy skipped Bay Hill each of the last two years, but has finally tacked it onto his schedule, likely at the cost of the Shell Houston Open.
The world No. 1 will make his 2015 PGA Tour debut at the Honda Classic, kicking off the Florida Swing. He'll play the WGC-Cadillac Championship the next week, then take a week off and return for Palmer's event.

Sharks acquire Nabokov from Lightning

Sharks acquire Nabokov from Lightning
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- The San Jose Sharks have acquired goalie Evgeni Nabokov from the Tampa Bay Lightning for future considerations.
Nabokov is expected to retire as a Shark at a news conference on Wednesday.
Drafted in 1994 by San Jose, the 39-year-old Nabokov is the Sharks franchise leader in games played for a goalie with 563, wins with 154 and shutouts with 50.
San Jose allowed Nabokov to leave as a free agent following the 2009-10 season.

James Shields and Padres agree to $75 million, 4-year deal

James Shields and Padres agree to $75 million, 4-year deal
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Right-hander James Shields, who helped Kansas City reach the World Series last season, has agreed to a $75 million, four-year contract with the San Diego Padres.
The deal includes an option for 2019 and is subject to the successful completion of a physical, which likely to take place Tuesday.
Shields is the latest addition by first-year general manager A.J. Preller, who in December added sluggers Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and Wil Myers, as well as Derek Norris and Will Middlebrooks.
Shields was traded from Tampa Bay to Kansas City two years ago in a deal in which Myers, then the Royals' top prospect, was acquired by the Rays.
Shields was 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA last season and declined a $15.3 million qualifying offer from the Royals. He lost both of his World Series starts, outdueled each time by Madison Bumgarner.
By signing Shields, the Padres lose their first-round pick, 13th overall, in June's amateur draft. The Royals get an extra pick after the first round.
Shields projects to lead a rotation that also includes Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner and Ian Kennedy. Several players will compete for the No. 5 spot during spring training.
An All-Star in 2011, Shields is 114-90 with a 3.72 ERA in nine seasons.

How times haven’t changed: Money May remains biggest obstacle for Pacman fight

As talks drag on, the fate of a Pacquiao-Mayweather bout rests on Floyd. (AFP)
Perhaps they'll surprise us and announce this week that our long, national nightmare is finally over, and that Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will fight each other May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.
Don't bet anything too valuable on it, however, because you'll likely be disappointed.
At a time when the talks to finalize the bout that the sports world has demanded for more than five years should be in their most sensitive stage, Mayweather was instead negotiating the terms of a couple of public appearances in Australia.Though he was ultimately denied a visa to enter the country by Australian immigration authorities because of his history of domestic violence, Mayweather was demanding an unlimited supply of gummy bears, M&M’s and Cristal Champagne, a barber available on demand, as well as a butler, chef, makeup artist and a woman's hairdresser in return for appearing at gala dinners in Sydney and Melbourne.

So it sure doesn't seem Mayweather feels any particular sense of urgency to get the fight done, despite his late-night trip to Pacquiao's Miami hotel suite last month

With Peyton Manning's return likely, what can we expect from him in 2015?


At this point it would be a surprise if Peyton Manning didn’t play in 2015.
There hasn’t been a report yet that he’s leaning toward retirement. Those close to him say they assume he’ll play another season for the Denver Broncos. He will reportedly soon start training with fitness guru Mackie Shilstone in New Orleans, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, a clear sign he plans to come back. All that seems to be left now is an announcement.
And now we can start to wonder: What can we realistically expect from a soon-to-be 39-year-old Manning, and what can we expect from the Broncos with Manning leading them again?
Let’s get this out of the way first – the Broncos are better off with Manning, no matter if Manning is closer to his December, 2014 form than anything we saw in 2013. Too many teams have terrible quarterback situations, and we know next to nothing about backup Brock Osweiler. Even if Manning significantly declines, he's still better than most quarterbacks.
A lot has been said of new Broncos coach Gary Kubiak and how Manning might not be an ideal fit in his offense, but that’s just offseason chatter, too. Kubiak isn’t going to have Manning do anything he’s not adept at doing. Kubiak worked just fine in Houston with Matt Schaub, who isn’t mobile either.

Mo Williams traded to Hornets

Mo Williams
The Charlotte Hornets, in need of depth at point guard, acquired Mo Williams in a trade Tuesday with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Charlotte also received guard Troy Daniels and cash considerations, while Minnesota acquired guard Gary Neal and a second-round draft selection in 2019.

The Hornets, who host the Pistons on Tuesday and will enter the All-Star break in contention for a playoff spot, are without star point guard Kemba Walker, who will miss at least another five weeks while recovering from surgery on his left knee.
"We are excited to be adding two quality players to our organization," Hornets general manager Rich Cho said in a statement. "Mo Williams is a proven NBA player who gives us additional versatility and depth in the backcourt, both while Kemba Walker is out and after Kemba returns."
Williams, 32, was a reserve last season for the Trail Blazers but has started 19 games this season for Minnesota, filling in for the injured Ricky Rubio at point guard. A 12-year veteran, Williams is averaging 12.2 points and 6.4 assists in 41 games this season.
"This was a difficult decision because of what Mo brought to our team and the impact he had on our young guys," Wolves coach Flip Saunders said in a statement. "As a coach, you wanted to keep him because of his professionalism and understanding of what you wanted out of him as a player."
Williams, who scored a career-high 52 points against the Pacers last month, should provide a scoring boost at point guard for Charlotte, which has primarily used Brian Roberts at the position since Walker's injury.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

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Kurt Busch's lawyers accuse Patricia Driscoll of perjury

NASCAR driver accused of assault says ex is trained assassin
Kurt Busch's lawyers aren't mincing words in their final statements in the hearing for Patricia Driscoll's request for a no-contact order against the Sprint Cup Series driver. 
Driscoll is requesting the order after accusing Busch of assault in his motorhome in September. She says Busch slammed her head into the wall of his motorhome three times. Busch denies the assault allegations.
Busch testified during the hearing that he believed she was a trained assassin. Driscoll responded to Busch's claim by saying he was getting fact and fiction mixed up because of a movie script she's been working on. She's also said Busch is battling alcoholism and depression.
The couple broke up during the 2014 season. The evening of the alleged incident, Driscoll came to Busch's motorhome at Dover and Busch claims he repeatedly told her to leave and she did not do so.
Driscoll, who works for a military contracting company, has said she feared Busch. A video titled "Pocket Commando" about Driscoll's military-centered lifestyle has been taken off YouTube because of a copyright claim by Driscoll.
The closing statements from each party were filed Tuesday and Wednesday. A ruling is expected soon.

Madrid's James Rodriguez has surgery on broken foot

James Rodriguez from Colombia celebrates after scoring a goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)
MADRID (AP) — Midfielder James Rodriguez's surgery on a broken bone in his right foot was a success, his Real Madrid club said on Thursday.
The operation was on the fifth metatarsal in the right foot, Madrid added on its website.
The European champion did not say how long it expected him to be sidelined.
Rodriguez was hurt after scoring the opening goal in the 2-1 win over Sevilla in the Spanish league on Wednesday. He was substituted in the first half after doctors examined his foot on the sideline.
The 23-year-old Rodriguez quickly became a first-choice selection for coach Carlo Ancelotti after his arrival following his outstanding World Cup with Colombia, when he was the top scorer with six goals and helped the team reach the quarterfinals.
He has played in 33 of Madrid's 36 games this season, scoring 12 goals and assisting on 10 more.

Stone-faced Holyfield has starring role in road rage PSA

Stone-faced Holyfield has starring role in road rage PSA
ATLANTA (AP) -- Flashing the same stone-faced glare that once was so familiar in the boxing ring, Evander Holyfield appeared headed toward another fight.
This time the challenge came from a hot-tempered motorist who felt he had been cut off as Holyfield pulled out of a driveway. The driver, unaware he was about to encounter the former four-time heavyweight champion, forced Holyfield off the road and slammed his hand onto the hood of Holyfield's SUV.
The enraged driver continued to yell curses and threats, demanding Holyfield get out of the vehicle. Holyfield obliged, opening the door. No longer hidden by the SUV's tinted windows, Holyfield was immediately recognized and the motorist backed away, mumbling ''I didn't know it was you.''
It was an example of how road rage can lead to unexpected big trouble - and it wasn't real. Holyfield and his misguided antagonist were only acting in a short public service announcement.
The closing message: ''Avoid road rage. You never know who you might run into.''
Holyfield had no speaking line in the new PSA, which lasts about 30 seconds and is supported by several Georgia law enforcement agencies. He said he was happy to participate because he has seen road rage up close, when he was only 17 and driving a beat-up jalopy instead of a luxury SUV.

Rory McIlroy settles lawsuit against ex-agent for rumored $20 million


Rory McIlroy has reached an out-of-court settlement with former agents Horizon Sports Management, avoiding a drawn-out and potentially embarrassing trial in Irish Commercial Court.
A joint statement read, in part, "The legal dispute between Rory McIlroy and Horizon Sports Management has been settled to the satisfaction of both parties, who wish each other well in the future."
McIlroy sued Dublin-based Horizon in October 2013, claiming the management agreement he signed after leaving International Sports Management in October 2011 called for unfair and inflated commissions. Horizon countersued, demanding payment still owed under the terms of the contract -- extended in March 2013 and broken by McIlroy in September 2013 -- for endorsement deals with Nike and others.
While the terms of the settlement were not revealed, the BBC reports McIlroy settled for at least $20 million, a fraction of what the court could have demanded McIlroy pay. McIlroy's counsel reportedly offered a pre-trial settlement of $12 million during court-ordered mediation in the fall. The settlement comes after the trial convened briefly on Tuesday, adjourning almost immediately to resume negotiations toward a settlement.

Vic Howe, Gordie Howe's brother, dies at 85

Vic Howe, Gordie Howe's brother, dies at 85 
SASKATOON, Saskatchewan (AP) -- Vic Howe, Gordie Howe's younger brother and a former NHL player with the New York Rangers, has died. He was 85.
Helen Cummine, the Howes' sister, said Vic Howe died Saturday in Moncton, New Brunswick, days before a family gathering in Saskatoon. She said he had dementia and suffered a heart attack.
The 86-year-old Gordie Howe had two disabling strokes late last year. His family has said his health has improved after stem-cell treatment as part of a clinical trial in Mexico.
Vic Howe had three goals and four assists in 33 games with the Rangers in parts of three seasons from 1950 to 1955.

Indians pitcher Salazar involved in police investigation

Indians pitcher Salazar involved in police investigation
CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Indians say they are aware of a police investigation involving pitcher Danny Salazar.
General manager Chris Antonetti released a statement Wednesday and says the team will not comment any further because of the potential of a legal matter.
Cleveland Police did not immediately return telephone messages.
Salazar is expected to compete for a starter's job at spring training. The 25-year-old went 6-8 in 20 starts last season, when he bounced between the Indians and Triple-A Columbus. He opened 2014 in Cleveland's starting rotation, going 1-4 with a 5.53 ERA in his first eight starts.
Salazar soared through the system in 2013 and started Cleveland's wild-card playoff game against Tampa Bay.
Indians pitchers and catcher are scheduled to report to Goodyear, Arizona on Feb. 18.

Seahawks' Sherman, girlfriend welcome baby boy

AP Source: Saints bringing back reserve QB McCown
RENTON, Wash. (AP) -- Just as Richard Sherman predicted, his new son was a disciplined young man.
Sherman's girlfriend, Ashley Moss, gave birth to the couple's first child Thursday morning, four days after the Super Bowl. Sherman tweeted about the birth around 4 a.m. PST.
Sherman tweeted: ''My son sure does know how to make an entrance! 2/5/15... Is it a coincidence or is he just that clever?! Either way I'm ecstatic.''
The pending birth and what Sherman would do if Moss - who was in Arizona with the team - went into labor around game time became one of the biggest stories of Super Bowl week.Three days before the game, Sherman joked, ''I think he's going to be a disciplined young man and stay in there until after the game.''

Orlando Magic fire coach Jacque Vaughn

Jacque Vaughn (AP)
The Orlando Magic have fired coach Jacque Vaughn.
Vaughn, 39, was informed of the decision on Thursday in Orlando, ending his tenure less than three years after his hiring. The Magic are 15-37 this season.
The players were informed at a meeting at 1 p.m. EST.
Assistant coach James Borrego will become the interim head coach.
Scott Skiles, a popular ex-Orlando Magic player and former head coach with Phoenix, Chicago and Milwaukee, has emerged as a serious candidate to eventually take over as head coach, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Orlando will consider his possible hiring during the All-Star break next week, or could possibly wait until season's end and do an extended search. Nevertheless, the firing of three assistant coaches Thursday –  Wes Unseld Jr., Brett Gunning and Zack Guthrie – as reported by the Orlando Sentinel, suggests a new head coach could come sooner than later.
There has been no contact between the Magic and Skiles' camp, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Monday, February 2, 2015

Teenager Ko becomes youngest world number one

Lydia Ko, of New Zealand, hits off the second tee during the final round the LPGA Coates Golf Championship at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, in Ocala, Fla. (AP Photo/The Ocala Star-Banner, Bruce Ackerman)
(Reuters) - Seventeen-year-old Lydia Ko of New Zealand became the youngest golfer to hold top spot in the world rankings by tying for second place at the LPGA season-opening Coates Golf Championship in Ocala, Florida, on Saturday.
American Tiger Woods was previously the youngest golfer to become world number one when he did it in 1997 at 21, while Shin Ji-yai held the women's record after reaching top spot in 2010 aged 22.The Korean-born Ko, led by as many as four strokes in the final round but slipped behind after a double-bogey six at the 17th hole as she finished one shot behind winner and good friend Choi Na-yeon of South Korea, who fired a 68.
Still, it good enough to lift her ahead of Inbee Park of South Korea in the rankings.
"It's amazing," said Ko, who also ended the 2014 season by winning the CME Titleholders event in November and a $1 million prize for claiming the season-long points race.

Obama lauds 'embarrassment of riches' in Los Angeles sports

U.S. President Obama hosts 2014 NHL Stanley Cup winners Los Angeles Kings and 2014 MLS Cup champions Los Angeles Galaxy in the White House
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama says he may be resentful as a Chicago sports fan, but he has to give credit to Los Angeles for producing two championship teams.
Hockey's Kings and soccer's Galaxy were honored in a joint ceremony Monday in the East Room of the White House. Obama says Los Angeles has an ''embarrassment of riches'' in sports and that he's especially impressed that a city with no snow, ice or winter can turn into a hockey town.
Obama gave a special shout-out to Galaxy star Robbie Rogers as the MLS league's first openly gay player. Obama says Rogers is inspiring people around the world.
He wished both teams the best of luck ''when you are not playing Chicago.''

Cubs legend Ernie Banks remembered for unwavering optimism

Cubs legend Ernie Banks remembered for unwavering optimism
CHICAGO (AP) -- Fans and friends paid tribute to legendary Chicago Cubs slugger Ernie Banks on Saturday, recalling how he helped break baseball's color barrier during a Hall of Fame career in which he won over teammates and an entire city with the unwavering optimism he brought to the game an life.
At a memorial service in a Chicago church, the buoyant man known as ''Mr. Cub'' was remembered for his character as much as his accomplishments on the ballfield, including his 512 career home runs. Speaker after speaker recalled Banks' unflagging spirit and good cheer - he enthusiastically predicted each spring that his team would win the pennant - as well as his humility and care for others.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson said Banks ''disarmed adversaries with optimism'' and ''branded goodwill.'' Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Banks was a ''humble hero'' who taught younger generations ''how to play the game of life.'' Fellow Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins said the unassuming, joyful Banks strove to be a good teammate, not a star.
Billy Williams, another Hall of Famer, recalled animated conversations that he and Banks would have while driving to Wrigley Field on game days.
''I never did see him read a book, but he knew about everything,'' Williams marveled.
Saturday would have been Banks' 84th birthday, and several speakers called on the crowd to celebrate his life, not mourn his passing. Banks, a two-time MVP, military veteran and winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, died Jan. 23 of a heart attack. His coffin, which was in front of the altar, was draped in a banner emblazoned with his jersey number, 14. A choir performed a rousing version of ''This Little Light of Mine.''
Jackson, exhorting everyone to stand, led a thunderous round of applause to celebrate Banks' birthday. In the hush that followed, the civil rights leader noted it was also the 150th anniversary of Congress passing the 13th amendment abolishing slavery.
''Smiling faces can sometimes conceal what's deep within,'' Jackson said, describing Banks' cheerfulness as a thermostat that ''helped control the temperature'' of his times. The work of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. was possible because of Banks, Jackson said. ''We rode on Ernie's shoulders.''
Banks was the Cubs' first black player when he joined the team in 1953, six years after Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier.
Emanuel noted that in Banks' early years with the Cubs, he couldn't stay at some of the same hotels or eat at the same restaurants as his white teammates because of segregation. He suffered the same racial taunts and indignities as other black players of his time, but if he ever got angry, he never seemed to show it. In a 19-year career full of amazing statistics, one of the most remarkable was that he was never ejected from a game.
Roosevelt Johnson, 45, arrived at Chicago's Fourth Presbyterian Church at 5:30 a.m. and was first in line.
''I wanted to pay my respects to a true icon of the sport,'' said Johnson, of Zion.
Chicago native Estelle Martin, 56, said she loved to play baseball as a girl and collect baseball cards. ''I was a tomboy. Ernie Banks was my favorite. He was everybody's favorite,'' she said.
Banks' connection to the city was evident inside the church, where the pews were filled with mourners of all ages. There were young fans who knew him only from grainy video clips and from his appearances at the ballpark after he retired, always with a smile, always chatting with fans.
But there were also older men, particularly older black men who remembered the days when Banks and others made history. While he wasn't the first African American to play in the majors, Banks was the first with the Cubs in what was one of the most segregated cities in the United States.
Banks was playing for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues when the Cubs purchased his contract for $10,000. He made his major league debut at shortstop and three days later hit his first home run.
With his play, particularly in the first chapters of his career when he was hitting home runs at a clip that no shortstop had ever hit them before, he simply won over a city.
After Saturday's service, many other Chicagoans got the chance to say farewell. They doffed their hats in respect as a procession carried ''Mr. Cub'' past his statue at Daley Plaza downtown. It then made its way up Lake Shore Drive to Wrigley Field.
 
 
 
 
 



Details of Warren Sapp's arrest on assault and solicitation of prostitution charges

Warren Sapp is introduced before the inaugural Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan Fest Friday, May 2, 2014. (AP)
PHOENIX – In the early morning hours before NFL Hall of Famer Warren Sapp's arrest on assault and solicitation of prostitution charges, hotel guests at the Phoenix downtown Renaissance awoke to what they believed to be an argument and physical altercation in a hotel hallway, Yahoo Sports has learned.
 
The Phoenix police department and an employee at the Renaissance declined comment Monday, but a source with details of Sapp's arrest told Yahoo Sports that sometime around 2:30 a.m. MT, guests reported hearing an argument followed by objects banging in either the hallway or another room. When guests opened doors to see the disturbance, at least one reported seeing two women – one lying on the floor with apparent marks associated with a physical altercation, and a second woman who was with her, the source said. The women were shouting and alleged that Sapp had assaulted them and asked for someone to call police, the source said.