Several NBA players have talked about playing overseas during the lockout, and they've even considered China. Stephon Marbury is cautioning them against going there.
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Sunday, July 31, 2011
Serena mocks famous outburst in new ad
Serena Williams is known for her hot temper as much as she is her curvy body. One of her low moments as a pro was her outburst against a U.S. Open official following a foot fault call. That happened in 2009, and it looks like Serena has gotten past it two years later. In fact, [...]
Rockies RHP Jimenez confirms trade to Cleveland
Rockies right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez said he was traded to the Cleveland Indians - shortly after he pitched one inning for Colorado at San Diego on Saturday night.
Jimenez said he was surprised. ''Everybody knew it, even me,'' he said outside the visitors clubhouse after his outing.
Jimenez, who allowed four runs on two hits with four walks and two strikeouts, said he was surprised he even pitched in the game.
Rockies spokesman Jay Alves said the deal with Cleveland wasn't complete.
In a bizarre scene, Jimenez went to the mound to warm up after Troy Tulowitzki had hit a two-run homer in the top of the first. At the same time, Esmil Rogers began throwing in the Rockies' bullpen.
The Indians, meanwhile, scratched top pitching prospect, Drew Pomeranz, from his scheduled start at Double-A Akron.
Jimenez had a rough first inning and said it was tough to concentrate.
''When I got to the mound, I couldn't even throw a strike because I didn't have my mind on the game,'' he said.
After the right-hander came off the mound, he was greeted with hugs, handshakes and pats on the back from his teammates and coaches in the dugout.
When Jimenez was asked about going to Cleveland, he said: ''That's the fun part about being traded to a team like that because right now they're in a good position. They're fighting for first place.''
The Indians are 1 1/2 games behind Detroit in the AL Central. Colorado began its game 10 1/2 games behind San Francisco in the NL West.
Jimenez threw 45 pitches in the first inning, only 21 for strikes. He walked Cameron Maybin leading off the inning and after getting an out, walked Chase Headley. Ludwick followed with a two-run double down the left-field line.
Jimenez then walked Jesus Guzman. After striking out Chris Denorfia, Gonzalez lined a double into the left-field corner for two more runs. Jimenez walked Rob Johnson before retiring pitcher Aaron Harang on a line drive to right.
An All-Star in 2010 when he threw a no-hitter and went 19-8 with a 2.88 ERA, Jimenez started the season 1-7 and was on the disabled list during April because of a cuticle cut on his right thumb.
Entering Saturday, he won three of his last four starts and was 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA.
Jimenez said he was surprised. ''Everybody knew it, even me,'' he said outside the visitors clubhouse after his outing.
Jimenez, who allowed four runs on two hits with four walks and two strikeouts, said he was surprised he even pitched in the game.
Rockies spokesman Jay Alves said the deal with Cleveland wasn't complete.
In a bizarre scene, Jimenez went to the mound to warm up after Troy Tulowitzki had hit a two-run homer in the top of the first. At the same time, Esmil Rogers began throwing in the Rockies' bullpen.
The Indians, meanwhile, scratched top pitching prospect, Drew Pomeranz, from his scheduled start at Double-A Akron.
Jimenez had a rough first inning and said it was tough to concentrate.
''When I got to the mound, I couldn't even throw a strike because I didn't have my mind on the game,'' he said.
After the right-hander came off the mound, he was greeted with hugs, handshakes and pats on the back from his teammates and coaches in the dugout.
When Jimenez was asked about going to Cleveland, he said: ''That's the fun part about being traded to a team like that because right now they're in a good position. They're fighting for first place.''
The Indians are 1 1/2 games behind Detroit in the AL Central. Colorado began its game 10 1/2 games behind San Francisco in the NL West.
Jimenez threw 45 pitches in the first inning, only 21 for strikes. He walked Cameron Maybin leading off the inning and after getting an out, walked Chase Headley. Ludwick followed with a two-run double down the left-field line.
Jimenez then walked Jesus Guzman. After striking out Chris Denorfia, Gonzalez lined a double into the left-field corner for two more runs. Jimenez walked Rob Johnson before retiring pitcher Aaron Harang on a line drive to right.
An All-Star in 2010 when he threw a no-hitter and went 19-8 with a 2.88 ERA, Jimenez started the season 1-7 and was on the disabled list during April because of a cuticle cut on his right thumb.
Entering Saturday, he won three of his last four starts and was 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
IndyCar Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series Driver Danica Patrick Comes to The Henry Ford August 8
IndyCar Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Danica Patrick will make an appearance at The Henry Ford on Monday, August 8 at 10:30 a.m. in Henry Ford Museum's Anderson Theater. The event is open to the public and part of Patrick's work with DRIVE4COPD to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in memory of her grandmother who died of the disease. DRIVE4COPD is the nation's single largest awareness campaign for this disease and aims to help people identify if they may be at risk for COPD, the nation's fourth leading cause of death.
Patrick will talk about her personal connection to COPD, answer questions from her fans and sign autographs during this event. Admission to the event is free. Visitors can enter through The Henry Ford's IMAX entrance which opens at 9 a.m. Capacity is limited and seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, please call 313-982-6001 or visit thehenryford.org.
Launched in February 2010, DRIVE4COPD encourages Americans to log onto DRIVE4COPD.COM to take a brief, five-question screener to see if they might be at risk for COPD and talk to a doctor about their results. The health awareness campaign has been embraced by leading health, business, entertainment, and sports organizations with a common goal of driving fundamental change in COPD awareness in the United States, including the American Association for Respiratory Care, COPD Alliance, COPD Foundation, Country Music Association, U.S. COPD Coalition, and founding sponsor Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. DRIVE4COPD is also the Official Health Initiative of NASCAR (R).
In 2008, Patrick became the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race with her win at the Indy Japan 300. She placed third in the 2009 Indianapolis 500, the highest finish by a woman in that racing event's history. In addition to her IndyCar Series ride, in 2010 Patrick began racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, driving the #7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet Impala for JR Motorsports. Her fourth place finish at Las Vegas this year is the highest finish for a woman driver in a major NASCAR series.
The Henry Ford is planning to build a $15 million exhibition covering the history and innovation of American auto racing. Racing in America is a permanent 22,000-square-foot engaging and unique experience powered by highly interactive displays and frontier-stretching technologies. Planned for Henry Ford Museum, this exhibition will bring auto racing to life with history's greatest and most significant vehicles, the personal stories and collections from the most legendary leaders and drivers in the industry, as well as on-site demonstrations of today's technological advancements.
About The Henry Ford: The Henry Ford, in Dearborn, Michigan, is the world's premier history destination and a National Historic Landmark that celebrates American history and innovation. Its mission is to provide unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Its purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Five distinct attractions at The Henry Ford captivate more than 1.5 million visitors annually: Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, The Ford Rouge Factory Tour, The Benson Ford Research Center and The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre. The Henry Ford is also home to Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school which educates 485 students a year on the institution's campus and was founded in partnership with The Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company and Wayne County Public Schools. For more information please visit our website thehenryford.org.
SOURCE: The Henry Ford
Patrick will talk about her personal connection to COPD, answer questions from her fans and sign autographs during this event. Admission to the event is free. Visitors can enter through The Henry Ford's IMAX entrance which opens at 9 a.m. Capacity is limited and seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, please call 313-982-6001 or visit thehenryford.org.
Launched in February 2010, DRIVE4COPD encourages Americans to log onto DRIVE4COPD.COM to take a brief, five-question screener to see if they might be at risk for COPD and talk to a doctor about their results. The health awareness campaign has been embraced by leading health, business, entertainment, and sports organizations with a common goal of driving fundamental change in COPD awareness in the United States, including the American Association for Respiratory Care, COPD Alliance, COPD Foundation, Country Music Association, U.S. COPD Coalition, and founding sponsor Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. DRIVE4COPD is also the Official Health Initiative of NASCAR (R).
In 2008, Patrick became the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race with her win at the Indy Japan 300. She placed third in the 2009 Indianapolis 500, the highest finish by a woman in that racing event's history. In addition to her IndyCar Series ride, in 2010 Patrick began racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, driving the #7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet Impala for JR Motorsports. Her fourth place finish at Las Vegas this year is the highest finish for a woman driver in a major NASCAR series.
The Henry Ford is planning to build a $15 million exhibition covering the history and innovation of American auto racing. Racing in America is a permanent 22,000-square-foot engaging and unique experience powered by highly interactive displays and frontier-stretching technologies. Planned for Henry Ford Museum, this exhibition will bring auto racing to life with history's greatest and most significant vehicles, the personal stories and collections from the most legendary leaders and drivers in the industry, as well as on-site demonstrations of today's technological advancements.
About The Henry Ford: The Henry Ford, in Dearborn, Michigan, is the world's premier history destination and a National Historic Landmark that celebrates American history and innovation. Its mission is to provide unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Its purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Five distinct attractions at The Henry Ford captivate more than 1.5 million visitors annually: Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, The Ford Rouge Factory Tour, The Benson Ford Research Center and The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre. The Henry Ford is also home to Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school which educates 485 students a year on the institution's campus and was founded in partnership with The Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company and Wayne County Public Schools. For more information please visit our website thehenryford.org.
SOURCE: The Henry Ford
ESPN?s Desmond Howard On College Football: Change The System, Reward The Players
Desmond Howard has lived college and pro football as a player and now lives football as an analyst for ESPN's 'College GameDay', which he joined in 2005. Big Lead Sports spoke with Howard during an ESPN media event in New York.
10 NFL Players Who Will Have 100-Plus Tackles in 2011
While tackles are not a great stat for evaluating defensive players (at least on their own), they are an interesting measure of how well players react to the ball carriers.
We'll see some familiar faces in 2011 for sure, but also some new ones.
While linebackers are the primary receivers of these high tackle numbers, there are a few other positions as well.
Which players will be hungry for tackles in 2011?
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/785029-10-players-who-will-have-100-tackles-in-2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Bernard Outduels Isiah in 1984
 | Bernard King and Knicks edge Isiah Thomas and Pistons in Game 5 OT thriller. Visit www.nba.com for more highlights. | From: NBA Views: 13949   157 ratings |
| Time: 00:51 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31b4W0gu_ic&feature=youtube_gdata
NFL Free Agency: Tony Brown Could Be Answer for St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams have a glaring need at defensive tackle. One intriguing solution to the problem would be Tony Brown, who was recently released by the Tennessee Titans.
Chris Hovan, Gary Gibson, and Clifton Ryan have all been declared free agents and face uncertain futures. That leaves the Rams with only Darrell Scott on the roster as a viable partner for the outstanding Fred Robbins.
And Scott has managed only five starts and 36 tackles in two seasons.
The Rams desperately need a disruptive presence to partner with Robbins. Tony Brown would be an excellent choice.
Standing 6'3" and weighing 315 pounds, Brown is an experienced lineman with good scheme versatility.
He possesses the strength and leverage to play the shade technique over the center and act as an anchor for the Rams front four.
Brown also has a quick takeoff and a good array of rush techniques. These attributes enable Brown to slide down into the guard tackle gap and function as an active 3-technique.
He has amassed a respectable 12.5 sacks during the last three seasons.
Brown's versatility would be useful in Steve Spagnuolo and Ken Flajole's aggressive fronts. The presence of Brown would allow the defensive staff to increase the number of games along the line.
Most importantly, Brown is excellent against the run. Pairing him with fellow space-eater Fred Robbins would allow the Rams to more regularly clog up running lanes.
This would help create more of the kind of down-and-distance situations in which Spagnuolo likes to unleash his myriad of fire zone blitzes.
The combined power and technique of Robbins and Brown would apply consistent pressure to the pocket. Quarterbacks would not be afforded the room to step up, and blitz lanes would be easily opened up for the linebackers and defensive backs to exploit.
Health is a slight concern with Brown. NBC Sports reported that he was waived by the Titans after failing a medical exam. There have been worries over possible chronic knee problems.
But if Brown can prove his fitness, then the 30-year-old will be a valuable addition to the St. Louis defense. The Rams took a chance on Robbins last year despite fitness questions, and the move was a huge success.
With the hiring of Josh McDaniels, the Rams hierarchy is making a concerted effort to become more explosive on offense.
But the strength of the team is still the defense.
To ensure even greater success for their 4-3 scheme, the Rams must have two disruptive defensive tackles, particularly for the base package.
Taking a chance on Tony Brown would be a pivotal step towards fielding a defense stout enough to take the Rams to the summit of the NFC West.
1994: Barkley for 56
 | Charles Barkley goes 23-for-31 from the field, scoring 56. Visit www.nba.com for more highlights. | From: NBA Views: 58986  1631 ratings |
| Time: 00:44 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHSFQyd1Q80&feature=youtube_gdata
Thursday, July 28, 2011
1990: Microwave Heats Up
 | Vinnie Johnson drills 14-footer with 0.7 seconds to clinch second title. Visit www.nba.com for more highlights. | From: NBA Views: 14110 136 ratings |
| Time: 00:30 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWNz069IatE&feature=youtube_gdata
Pitino Labels Rondo As The One That Got Away
ESPN.com’s Dana O’Neil recently polled 15 coaches in order to find out some of the ”one’s that got away” and “the best discovery.” When asked about the one that got away, Pitino mentioned Louisville native and current NBA All-Star Rajon Rondo.
Excerpt From ESPN
The one that got away: Rajon Rondo. “We took Sebastian Telfair instead. We should have waited. I always loved Rondo. He was at my camp every year, but a point guard had never gone directly to the NBA so I didn’t see that coming with Telfair. And then not only did we lose [Rondo], we lost him to a bitter rival.”
During Rondo’s two-year stint at Kentucky, I never really felt like we missed out on much. Not getting Telfair hurt, but I didn’t notice Rondo doing anything at Kentucky that made it feel like we really missed out. However, Rajon’s pro career has been much better than his college career. Seeing him develop into one of the best point gu...
Excerpt From ESPN
The one that got away: Rajon Rondo. “We took Sebastian Telfair instead. We should have waited. I always loved Rondo. He was at my camp every year, but a point guard had never gone directly to the NBA so I didn’t see that coming with Telfair. And then not only did we lose [Rondo], we lost him to a bitter rival.”
During Rondo’s two-year stint at Kentucky, I never really felt like we missed out on much. Not getting Telfair hurt, but I didn’t notice Rondo doing anything at Kentucky that made it feel like we really missed out. However, Rajon’s pro career has been much better than his college career. Seeing him develop into one of the best point gu...
UK cheerleader survives 4-story fall
Dylan Smith is only 19 but he has already etched out his spot in Kentucky sports lore as the male cheerleader who fell 44-feet to a certain death but saved his life with a variety of cheerleading moves. Um, and not to get all conspiracy/crazy/ironic theory on you guys, but this fall happened the same day Rangers fan fell to his death. This one reads like a Jackie Chan flipping-through-the-air and to safety flick.
According to The Call in Woonsocket, RI:
The father of an award-winning cheerleader says his son?s training may be the only reason he?s still alive after falling four stories from the studio where he teaches Thursday. Dylan Smith, 19, told his father he instinctively did a backflip in mid-air, which enabled him to land on his feet behind the old Harris Mill on Main Street. ?He?s alive and it?s basically a miracle,? said Hugh Smith of North Smithfield. ?He should be dead. It?s a 44-foot drop.?
As for how this could have happened?
W...
According to The Call in Woonsocket, RI:
The father of an award-winning cheerleader says his son?s training may be the only reason he?s still alive after falling four stories from the studio where he teaches Thursday. Dylan Smith, 19, told his father he instinctively did a backflip in mid-air, which enabled him to land on his feet behind the old Harris Mill on Main Street. ?He?s alive and it?s basically a miracle,? said Hugh Smith of North Smithfield. ?He should be dead. It?s a 44-foot drop.?
As for how this could have happened?
W...
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Warren Sapp Rips Eric Weddle
Today the San Diego Chargers made Eric Weddle the highest paid safety in NFL history. Now I don?t know about you, but strictly the only reason why I have heard of Weddle is because of Madden. I think I drafted him for a franchise once, but that?s about it. Just seems like the guy is a nobody, so I feel like the Chargers overpaid. Bottom line is, I trust Warren Sapp?s opinion on football. He?s a seven time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion. And as for his tweet, Sapp knows a little something about line-ups?
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/warren_sapp_rips_eric_weddle/5766238
Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich 2011: Storied Clubs Will Battle in Audi Cup Finals
Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich Will Decide the 2011 Audi Cup Championship
The finals for the second ever Audi Cup are set for Thursday, July 27th, and if you feel like this tournament has flown by you are right. This jam-packed four team tournament takes place in two days.
To even further compact the action the Audi Cup doesn't feature any extra time. If these games are tied at the end of regulation they go straight to penalties. That rule came in play in both of Wednesday's opening games.
Both of the first day's games went down to the wire and beyond. They were both settled in shoot outs.
Champions League winner Barcelona beat Internacional Porto Alegere 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw on Tuesday, and Bayern beat AC Milan 5-3 after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes. The Audi Cup chooses to forgo extra time and instead goes straight to penalties.
Barcelona was able to prevail despite playing without the services of Lionel Messi and many other regulars. They took an early lead but were caught by the Brazilian squad before prevailing in penalties.
On the other side, Bayern had to come from behind after a fourth-minute goal by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Toni Kroos equalized in the 34th and the match stayed level from there.
Now Barcelona and Bayern Munich are set for the finals in the Audi Cup. Bayern will try to defend their cup championship, as they won the first Audi Cup.
This match will likely come down to a battle of reserves. Many of Barcelona's starters didn't make the trip, and after using the vast majority of their starters for 90 minutes against AC Milan on Tuesday, Bayern will likely send their B-team to the pitch against Barcelona.
Unlike Barcelona, most of their usual first-team squad will be available from the bench, exscept Arjen Robben. Robben picked up a knock in the semifinals and will join Franck Ribery in the stands.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report's World Football Page for all up-to-date news and analysis.
Heyward leaves us all wondering
Last season, Jason Heyward gave us no reason to wonder. He gave us only . . . wonder.
First at-bat: a three-run homer. First season: voted an All-Star starter. He finished with the second-most homers and RBIs on the Braves' roster. He was the runner-up in the official National League rookie-of-the-year voting by the media (the players voted him first in their award by Sporting News).
A corner outfielder with skill and power. A native of Atlanta. A product of the organization. Manna from marketing heaven. Somebody check --- is there a lightning bolt burned into his bat?
But there's something different about Heyward this year, and it's the reason the Braves are looking for offensive help in the trade market. Make no mistake: Notwithstanding Chipper Jones' extended string of ailments, Dan Uggla's early struggles, and anything else that you might want to consider, the biggest reason the Braves are looking for another bat is Heyward's second-year struggles.
Whether Uggla bounced back or not--- and a 17-game hitting streak certainly suggests he has found his swing --- he was going to start at second base. The team needs more production in the outfield. The talk of trading for Carlos Beltran, Hunter Pence or the like is about making up for some of the punch that has been lost by the young right fielder.
We should start with this: There is zero reason to question Heyward's potential greatness. Those who suggest Heyward is hopelessly flawed and should be traded by the Braves --- it's astounding how many of those emails I've received --- are being premature, nonsensical, shortsighted, knee-jerk and just plain dumb. They are the ramblings of frustrated fantasy-league players.
Heyward came through in the clutch Tuesday night against Pittsburgh, stroking a two-out, two-run single in the third inning to tie the game 3-3. His first three at-bats also included a walk and an infield single.
"We forget he's 21 years old," Brian McCann said earlier. "The bottom line is, when you're injured and you go on the [disabled list] and you change your mechanics, it's going to take time to find your swing again. But he'll be fine."
It is taking Heyward more time than he would like. This is a first for him. He has dealt with injuries before --- oblique, back, groin, foot. But nothing has messed with the mechanics of his swing like the shoulder injury he had this season, not even the thumb problems of last year.
He entered Tuesday hitting only .221. Three weeks ago, he went 3-for-4 with a home run and a double in the series finale against Colorado, and the thought occurred that it might be a turning point. But in the next 12 games, he went 7-for-44 (.159). These numbers are anemic relative to his rookie season: .277, 18 homers, 72 RBIs, .306 with runners in scoring position.
Heyward says his shoulder is fine. He attributes the problems to "bad habits" he got into when he hurt the shoulder and before he went on the disabled list for 3 1/2 weeks in late May.
The upside to all of this is that he still has more than two months, plus a potential postseason, to make an impact. The question is to what extent the Braves are rolling the dice on a player who entered Tuesday hitting .182 since the All-Star break and for the season is at .231 with runners in scoring position and .224 with men on.
He put it an unusual way, saying, "You have to enjoy a struggle. I'm re-learning what I need to do to be successful at this level.
Physically, he says he needs to get his hands back into his swing, stop letting his arms do all the work. But the process has been frustrating.
"It's a mental thing," he said. "If you don't have a feel and you can't trust your approach or your abilities or whatever separates you from the next person, it makes it difficult. You can't be anywhere near as productive as you want to be or the team needs you to be."
Five days before the trade deadline, Heyward realized earlier Tuesday he wasn't where the Braves need him to be. It certainly doesn't make last season an aberration. It just makes us wonder about the rest of this one.
First at-bat: a three-run homer. First season: voted an All-Star starter. He finished with the second-most homers and RBIs on the Braves' roster. He was the runner-up in the official National League rookie-of-the-year voting by the media (the players voted him first in their award by Sporting News).
A corner outfielder with skill and power. A native of Atlanta. A product of the organization. Manna from marketing heaven. Somebody check --- is there a lightning bolt burned into his bat?
But there's something different about Heyward this year, and it's the reason the Braves are looking for offensive help in the trade market. Make no mistake: Notwithstanding Chipper Jones' extended string of ailments, Dan Uggla's early struggles, and anything else that you might want to consider, the biggest reason the Braves are looking for another bat is Heyward's second-year struggles.
Whether Uggla bounced back or not--- and a 17-game hitting streak certainly suggests he has found his swing --- he was going to start at second base. The team needs more production in the outfield. The talk of trading for Carlos Beltran, Hunter Pence or the like is about making up for some of the punch that has been lost by the young right fielder.
We should start with this: There is zero reason to question Heyward's potential greatness. Those who suggest Heyward is hopelessly flawed and should be traded by the Braves --- it's astounding how many of those emails I've received --- are being premature, nonsensical, shortsighted, knee-jerk and just plain dumb. They are the ramblings of frustrated fantasy-league players.
Heyward came through in the clutch Tuesday night against Pittsburgh, stroking a two-out, two-run single in the third inning to tie the game 3-3. His first three at-bats also included a walk and an infield single.
"We forget he's 21 years old," Brian McCann said earlier. "The bottom line is, when you're injured and you go on the [disabled list] and you change your mechanics, it's going to take time to find your swing again. But he'll be fine."
It is taking Heyward more time than he would like. This is a first for him. He has dealt with injuries before --- oblique, back, groin, foot. But nothing has messed with the mechanics of his swing like the shoulder injury he had this season, not even the thumb problems of last year.
He entered Tuesday hitting only .221. Three weeks ago, he went 3-for-4 with a home run and a double in the series finale against Colorado, and the thought occurred that it might be a turning point. But in the next 12 games, he went 7-for-44 (.159). These numbers are anemic relative to his rookie season: .277, 18 homers, 72 RBIs, .306 with runners in scoring position.
Heyward says his shoulder is fine. He attributes the problems to "bad habits" he got into when he hurt the shoulder and before he went on the disabled list for 3 1/2 weeks in late May.
The upside to all of this is that he still has more than two months, plus a potential postseason, to make an impact. The question is to what extent the Braves are rolling the dice on a player who entered Tuesday hitting .182 since the All-Star break and for the season is at .231 with runners in scoring position and .224 with men on.
He put it an unusual way, saying, "You have to enjoy a struggle. I'm re-learning what I need to do to be successful at this level.
Physically, he says he needs to get his hands back into his swing, stop letting his arms do all the work. But the process has been frustrating.
"It's a mental thing," he said. "If you don't have a feel and you can't trust your approach or your abilities or whatever separates you from the next person, it makes it difficult. You can't be anywhere near as productive as you want to be or the team needs you to be."
Five days before the trade deadline, Heyward realized earlier Tuesday he wasn't where the Braves need him to be. It certainly doesn't make last season an aberration. It just makes us wonder about the rest of this one.
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/heyward_leaves_us_all_wondering/5750359
Rory McIlroy not making any friends
You all know Rory Mcilroy. Young, bright star. Winner of the U.S. Open. Favorite heading into Royal St. George's. Grew up playing links golf in Northern Ireland, where the wind blows and the rain soaks and bounces decide more results than grooves. He is the poster boy for links golf these days, opening with a 63 a year ago at the Open Championship at the home of golf, St. Andrews, before getting beaten up by weather on Friday and finishing a few shots back of Louis Oosthuizen. McIlroy played himself into positon this week, but couldn't do much over the weekend, eventually finishing tied for 25th. The reason? Because, it appears, nobody else was playing in the same weather he was. Those jerks! This is what Rory said after his round on Sunday."I'm not a fan of golf tournaments that the outcome is predicted so much by the weather. It's not my sort of golf," he said.Not your sort of golf?! Not your sort of golf?!? Would this be like Tiger Woods complaining abou...
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Home-Plate Umpire continues to be Dangerous job (Gif)
Why is this home-plate umpire getting on one knee like legendary singer James Brown during the Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates game Monday night? "Stand up and do your job blue!" Oh, he got hit in the nuts?
Reportedly, by fans watching the game, the home-plate umpire was squeezing the Pirates pitcher James McDonald all game. Watch Garrett Jones, the hitter, foul-tip the ball and walk away calmly.
Conspiracy theory of the game: Was this incident on purpose? (No.)
Someone put a cape on that umpire, he's done.
Reportedly, by fans watching the game, the home-plate umpire was squeezing the Pirates pitcher James McDonald all game. Watch Garrett Jones, the hitter, foul-tip the ball and walk away calmly.
Conspiracy theory of the game: Was this incident on purpose? (No.)
Someone put a cape on that umpire, he's done.
NASCAR driver Kahne to race at Williams Grove this weekend
NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Kasey Kahne is expected to race at Williams Grove Speedway this weekend during the World of Outlaws' Summer Nationals programs for sprint cars.
Kahne will race the Kasey Kahne Racing No. 49 Ollie's Bargain Outlet car on Friday and Saturday, while his Kasey Kahne Racing teammate Brad Sweet, who normally races the Ollie's car, will race the No. 9 Red Bull car for Joey Saldana, who was injured last weekend at Eldora Speedway. Racing begins each night at 7:30.
Kasey Kahne Racing will also have Red Lion's Cody Darrah driving the No. 91 Great Clips car and Paul McMahan driving the No. 83 Roth Motorsports car at the Grove.
Saturday night's Summer Nationals finale will be worth $20,000.
Ollie's Bargain Outlet has been a primary sponsor of Kasey Kahne Racing's No. 49 USAC sprint and midget car series team since June 2009 and has had a relationship with Kahne since 2003.
The races mark the return of Kahne to the Grove, just a few miles from the very first Ollie's store in Mechanicsburg. Kahne was at the Grove last August when he headlined the Ollie's Bargain Outlet Battle at the Grove charity race that benefitted the Kasey Kahne Foundation.
Kahne will race the Kasey Kahne Racing No. 49 Ollie's Bargain Outlet car on Friday and Saturday, while his Kasey Kahne Racing teammate Brad Sweet, who normally races the Ollie's car, will race the No. 9 Red Bull car for Joey Saldana, who was injured last weekend at Eldora Speedway. Racing begins each night at 7:30.
Kasey Kahne Racing will also have Red Lion's Cody Darrah driving the No. 91 Great Clips car and Paul McMahan driving the No. 83 Roth Motorsports car at the Grove.
Saturday night's Summer Nationals finale will be worth $20,000.
Ollie's Bargain Outlet has been a primary sponsor of Kasey Kahne Racing's No. 49 USAC sprint and midget car series team since June 2009 and has had a relationship with Kahne since 2003.
The races mark the return of Kahne to the Grove, just a few miles from the very first Ollie's store in Mechanicsburg. Kahne was at the Grove last August when he headlined the Ollie's Bargain Outlet Battle at the Grove charity race that benefitted the Kasey Kahne Foundation.
BYU Football: 9 Reasons the Cougars Go Undefeated This Season
Oh, is this ever fun.
The summer grass is still green and lush. The first leaf is still 30 days from falling. And every decent football program in America is contemplating the reasons they could skate through the season unbeaten.
Well, we're no different in Happy Valley, Utah. And to prove it, I'm dishing out the nine reasons the BYU Cougars will go undefeated in their first independent campaign.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Off-Season Grades: Atlantic Division
Here in the last week of July, we?re handing out report cards for all 30 teams, division-by-division. Today we start with the Atlantic Division?New Jersey DevilsAdditionsEric BoultonCam JanssenSubtractionsAnssi SalmelaAdam MairPierre-Luc LeblondIt has been a rather inactive summer for GM Lou Lamiorelli, much less than in 2010 when the Ilya Kovalchuk Saga dragged out until September. Other than signing two enforcers, Lamoriello?s biggest addition may have come through the draft, fourth-overall pick Adam Larsson, who most expect to be on the opening night roster. Two needs were filled in-house as the Devils re-signed blueliner Andy Greene and goaltender Johan Hedberg.Lamoriello?s off-season is not complete yet, however, as Zach Parise is still a restricted free agent. The team filed for arbitration last month and the hearing is set for Aug. 3. A long-term deal is not expected to be signed prior to that date.Grade: CNew York IslandersAdditionsMarty ReasonerSubtractionsRadek Martin...
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/off_season_grades_atlantic_division/5693869
Verlander gives Don Kelly 'The Hot Foot'
During yesterday's Twins/Tigers affair, there was some hijinx in the Tigers dugout as star pitcher Justin Verlander decided to give infielder Don Kelly, the old "Hot Foot" prank:
(Courtesy of MLB Video)
(Courtesy of MLB Video)
Exclusive Interview: Q & A with Chicago Bears Linebacker Rod Wilson
Rod Wilson came into the NFL in 2005 as a seventh-round pick out of the University of South Carolina.
The 6’2", 230 lb Wilson played in 41 games over five seasons for the Gamecocks.
He finished his career as an all-SEC linebacker after playing safety as a sophomore and junior.
In six seasons in the NFL (five coming with the Bears) Wilson has appeared in 51 games. He made 47 tackles and forced one fumble in that span.
Wilson missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury he suffered during a preseason game. In 2008, he was injured and waived.
The following off-season, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was lost for the season during a week nine game.
The Bears brought him back last season and he appeared in 15 games, playing steady on special teams.
It remains to be seen what the Bears do at the linebacker position this offseason. With only two linebackers signed to the roster for next season (Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs) Wilson could re-sign and serve as a solid reserve linebacker.
I had the chance to catch up with Rod this weekend and I asked him about the annoying NFL lockout, what he likes about the city of Chicago so much and how he got into social networks like Twitter.
Here’s the interview with Bears LB Rod Wilson, exclusively on Bearsbacker.com:
Q: How tough has the lockout been on you? How often have you been training and conditioning?
A: The lockout has been pretty tough on my family and I. Not being able to negotiate with teams for a new deal and also not knowing what is going to happen. I’ve been training 4-5 times a week at this facility called EFT in Highland Park IL. It’s been going really well.
Q: Have you gotten together with any players this offseason to train? Who has stayed in contact with you?
A: At the facility I’ve been training at, there are about seven Bears players and about five other guys from around the league that I train with. There’s been about five guys that I’ve stayed in contact with during the lockout.
Q: Who was your favorite player growing up? Or did you just have a favorite team?
A: My favorite player growing up was Jerry Rice.
Q: Do you stay informed on what’s going on or do you usually wait until something big happens?
A: Our player rep Robbie Gould has done an awesome job keeping us informed on what is going on with the lockout along with Rashied Davis and Hunter Hillenmeyer.
Q: What is your most favorite and least favorite part of football?
A: My favorite part of football is playing in front of the fans, going to battle with my teammates, and just the love of the game. My least favorite part would have to be training camp lol.
Q: What is your most memorable moment in football? What level did it occur in?
A: My most memorable moment in football would have to be when we won the NFC Championship [with Chicago in the 2006 season].
Q: What’s a fact that maybe some people don’t know about you?
A: That I played five different positions in college.
Q: What’s different about Chicago compared to the other teams you played for?
A: I would have to say the fans, the city and my teammates.
Q: Who are your closest friends on the team or around the NFL?
A: I would have to say Brandon McGowan, Nathan Vasher, Nick Roach, Lance Laury and Jonathan Goodwin. But I do get along with all my Bears teammates and my old teammates in Tampa.
Q: How does Lovie Smith run practices? Is he that quiet guy that the media claims he is?
A: Coach Smith really takes care of his players during practice. He is a very calm guy. Some coaches yell and scream, but he doesn’t have to do that to get his point across to us.
Q: If you weren’t a professional football player, what profession do you think you’d be in?
A: I think I would be back home running my fathers 32-year-old company.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: Harlem Nights
Q: Favorite food/meal?
A: Pig tails and Rutabagas.
Q: What do you plan on doing when your career is over? What do you hope to get out of the NFL?
A: I’m planning on going back and taking over my father’s business. Hopefully when I leave this game, I leave with lifelong friendships, become a better man, along with better leadership qualities.
Q: You’re pretty active on Twitter. Do you enjoy social networks?
A: I joined twitter to open up myself to fans, to allow them to get to know me a little better.
Q: Who do you thank for getting to this point?
A: First I thank God. My parents have been such great supporters and role models. I thank my three brothers for all the love and support they’ve shown to me. I thank my wife because before she was my wife she was my best friend that gave me so much support. My agent David Canter who is not just my agent, but one of my best friends. Also the Chicago Bears, they gave me my chance in the NFL by drafting me in 2005.
Thanks for your time, hope to see you in the blue and orange this season.
You can follow Rod on Twitter here. Don’t forget to follow @Bearsbacker for all your Chicago Bears news. Also, check out Jake's Bears blog, Bearsbacker.com.
FSU's Fisher heads to ACC meetings with high hopes
Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher heads to the Atlantic Coast Conference's annual football kickoff festivities embracing preseason predictions that have the Seminoles favored to win their first ACC title since 2005 and possibly contend for a national championship.
Fisher, quarterback EJ Manuel and defensive end Brandon Jenkins are in Pinehurst, N.C., where they're likely to be the center of attention at the ACC meetings Sunday and Monday in view of the lofty expectations they face this season.
Fisher knows he can't escape those expectations, especially at a school that put together one of the great runs in college football history between 1987 and 2000. And the second-year coach is confident that he's accumulated the talent, experience and now size to get back among the big boys.
Fisher, quarterback EJ Manuel and defensive end Brandon Jenkins are in Pinehurst, N.C., where they're likely to be the center of attention at the ACC meetings Sunday and Monday in view of the lofty expectations they face this season.
Fisher knows he can't escape those expectations, especially at a school that put together one of the great runs in college football history between 1987 and 2000. And the second-year coach is confident that he's accumulated the talent, experience and now size to get back among the big boys.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Philadelphia Phillies Story Line: Lee, Halladay, Oswalt And Pence
Chase Utley donated souvenirs to customers at The Bank in the 8-6 triumph for the Philadelphia Phillies. This article nails down the major acquisition by Rube Amaro this year: Hunter Pence is Plan A. Utley enhanced the quick threat of a homerun for opposing mound opponents to chew on with 2 shots and 4 RBI. The Apocalyptic Horsemen Stats are in a recent publication ( Philadelphia Phillies Story Line: Amaro At His Crossroads, Conclusion ).
Tal's Handy Caps:
The Phillies are 27 games over .500, which equals a season of many positives. I have many summer-long highlights of puzzle pieces, especially after drubbings and defeats.
I am now alternating the 2011 ERA For The NL East and 2011 ERA For The MLB 5 (�Philadelphia Phillies: 2011 ERA For The MLB 5 At Game 99�) with the latest in the link. Also, they will be posted just prior to the next ballgame and/or on the day after no official Phillies? contest. Check out The Phillies page by placing the pointer over MLB at the top, and clic...
Tal's Handy Caps:
The Phillies are 27 games over .500, which equals a season of many positives. I have many summer-long highlights of puzzle pieces, especially after drubbings and defeats.
I am now alternating the 2011 ERA For The NL East and 2011 ERA For The MLB 5 (�Philadelphia Phillies: 2011 ERA For The MLB 5 At Game 99�) with the latest in the link. Also, they will be posted just prior to the next ballgame and/or on the day after no official Phillies? contest. Check out The Phillies page by placing the pointer over MLB at the top, and clic...
Chris Kelly Provided Defense, Surprise Scoring for Bruins in Postseason, Likely to Be Fixture on Third Line, Penalty Kill Next Season
Editor's Note: Over the next few weeks, NESN.com Bruins beat writer Douglas Flynn will be taking an in-depth look at one Bruins player each day, analyzing that player's performance last season and outlook heading into the 2011-12 campaign. When the Bruins dealt for Chris Kelly a few days ahead of the trade deadline, it wasn't a move that attracted a lot of attention. Bruins fans were waiting for the big move, which eventually came when the club acquired their long-sought, puck-moving defenseman with a trade for Tomas Kaberle. But Kelly proved to have a much more dramatic impact in Boston,...
Simon beats Youzhny in Hamburg semis
Gilles Simon rallied to beat Mikhail Youznhy of Russia 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 on Saturday to reach the German Open final.
The fifth-seeded Frenchman will be looking for his second title of the year when he plays Sunday against the winner of the other semifinal between Spaniards Fernando Verdasco and Nicolas Almagro.
Simon lost the first seven matches against Youzhny but has now beaten him twice this year. He had six aces and saved 10 of 13 break points against the fourth-seeded Youznhy.
The fifth-seeded Frenchman will be looking for his second title of the year when he plays Sunday against the winner of the other semifinal between Spaniards Fernando Verdasco and Nicolas Almagro.
Simon lost the first seven matches against Youzhny but has now beaten him twice this year. He had six aces and saved 10 of 13 break points against the fourth-seeded Youznhy.
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/tennis/article_external/simon_beats_youzhny_in_hamburg_semis/5681083
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Go Swimming This Weekend
It's so damn hot that I had to blog about my local water park.
Source: http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/07/22/local-commercials/
Nick Young goes off glass, between the legs
I see your Brandon Jennings, and I raise you Nick Young. Still waiting for someone to call with Lebron James or Dwight Howard this offseason. Off the backboard then between the legs then viewers mouth wide open. Someone is going to need to sign current free agent Nick Young so that he can compete in the next NBA Dunk Contest. Video by SlamOnline
Friday, July 22, 2011
Boise State?s Kellen Moore Is Getting Married This Weekend
Heisman hopeful Kellen Moore is marrying his high school sweetheart this weekend. There's still time to buy him a waffle maker.
Redknapp: �35m not enough for Modric
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp says an offer of �35million would not be enough to sell Luka Modric.
That is the figure Chelsea is reportedly set to offer Spurs for the Croatia international.
Tottenham has already seen two bids knocked back, with �22million and �27million not enough to force its hand.
Chelsea believes there will become a point, however, when Spurs relax its stance, especially as Modric has indicated that he is looking to move on.
Another big-money approach is believed to be being readied, with Tottenham's resolve set to be tested once more.
Redknapp, though, insists the club have no intention of selling and claims the numbers being talked about at the moment do not add up in his eyes.
"If we were looking at selling, it wouldn't be my valuation," he told Sky Sports News when asked whether �35million would be enough to prise Modric from his grasp.
"I think he is worth an awful lot more money than that.
"But we are not looking to sell Luka. We need to keep our best players, so he is a player we want to keep if possible.
"It's in the hands of the chairman of the football club (Daniel Levy), it's not my decision. I work with him as the coach, but the chairman says he is not for sale so we will have to wait and see. He is quite determined, if we can, to hang onto him.
"It's a difficult situation. It's a difficult one for Luka and it's a difficult one for Tottenham."
That is the figure Chelsea is reportedly set to offer Spurs for the Croatia international.
Tottenham has already seen two bids knocked back, with �22million and �27million not enough to force its hand.
Chelsea believes there will become a point, however, when Spurs relax its stance, especially as Modric has indicated that he is looking to move on.
Another big-money approach is believed to be being readied, with Tottenham's resolve set to be tested once more.
Redknapp, though, insists the club have no intention of selling and claims the numbers being talked about at the moment do not add up in his eyes.
"If we were looking at selling, it wouldn't be my valuation," he told Sky Sports News when asked whether �35million would be enough to prise Modric from his grasp.
"I think he is worth an awful lot more money than that.
"But we are not looking to sell Luka. We need to keep our best players, so he is a player we want to keep if possible.
"It's in the hands of the chairman of the football club (Daniel Levy), it's not my decision. I work with him as the coach, but the chairman says he is not for sale so we will have to wait and see. He is quite determined, if we can, to hang onto him.
"It's a difficult situation. It's a difficult one for Luka and it's a difficult one for Tottenham."
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/redknapp_35m_not_enough_for_modric/5666431
14 Most Bizarre Endorsement Deals in NFL History
Throughout NFL history there have been players who have endorsed products that just don't quite make sense. For example, the picture above is a young Joe Namath holding a box of pantyhose. The only word to describe this endorsement is bizarre.
There have been numerous individuals who have been part of these bizarre endorsements. From stars such as Tom Brady, Emmitt Smith and Dan Marino to coaches Jimmy Johnson and Mike Ditka. They have endorsed products while still playing the game and also long after they retired.
Be prepared to scratch your head and wonder why with the 14 most bizarre endorsement deals in NFL history.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/774789-14-most-bizarre-endorsement-deals-in-nfl-history
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Solo, Wambach pay a visit to Letterman
During last night's edition of Late Night With David Letterman, USA soccer stars Hope Solo and Abby Wambach dropped by to talk about a myriad of subjects and even got Dave to go outside and play a little soccer:
Tiger Woods Splits With Longtime Caddie Steve Williams
A lot has changed for Tiger Woods in the last 18 months -- some were his choice, others, well, weren't. Woods is undergoing another change, this time in his golf game. The former No. 1 PGA player announced in a statement on his website that he has split with longtime caddie Steve Williams. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it's time for a change," Woods said on the site. "Stevie is an outstanding caddie and a friend and has been instrumental in many of my accomplishments. I wish him great...
Sprite Slam Dunk Showdown Winners
 | Dunk compilation video of the final 10 contestants. Be sure to vote! | From: NBA Views: 9078 215 ratings |
| Time: 02:06 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdlKRaO6LMc&feature=youtube_gdata
Ryan Newman Takes Whelen Modified At NHMS
Coming off turn 2 at Loudon, Ryan Newman leadslate in the F.W. Webb 100 at NHMSRyan Newman won the F.W. Webb 100 today at NHMS. Newman started from the pole, leading the most laps en route to a dominate win in the first NASCAR Sprint Cup support race on Saturday. Newman drove the Menards #7 Chevy to victory lane for the fourth time in eight Whelen Modified starts. Newman was able to battle his loose Menards modfied machine early on. "Our car was really loose in the beginning," said Newman. "Come to find out all of the guys were loose, so that helped us out. We all raced clean and had a lot of fun." ? Newman celebrates his modified win at Loudon?Winning Crew Chief and Massachusetts native Kevin "Bono" Manion was thrilled to be back in Victory Lane at his hometown track. "As a kid coming here for a modified race was huge," said Manion. "To race with all the Cup guys was pretty neat. It's a lot of fun to come back with a guy like Ryan ...
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Rory McIlroy dating tennis star?
Mere weeks after Rory McIlroy raved about his longtime girlfriend Holly Sweeney who helped keep him grounded, we’re learning that the couple has split. The timing of the announcement is quite curious — just last week McIlroy talked about having to beg to get Sweeney back after they had broken up at the beginning of [...]
First Bad Rangers Contract of the Summer?
With impressive organisational depth at his position the new contract Brian Boyle received from the Rangers concerned me. Two things before I discuss this ?issue? though; first of all I love Boyle as a player and the way he turned his NHL career around last season and secondly l I think Glen Sather has had another excellent offseason for the Rangers. However, I?m a little uncomfortable with the Boyle contract.
The Rangers likely have Brad Richards in place as first line center for a very long time. Derek Stepan, Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky are all young, promising natural centers firmly part of the Rangers core. The club have Ryan Bourque, Andrew Yogan and Oscar Lindberg (don?t forget that guy) all as prospects-in-waiting while they also just drafted two centers in Steve Fogarty and Michael St. Croix (although I?ll grant you that they are highly unlikely to be pro?s during the life of Boyle?s new contract). That?s not even naming all the centers within the organisation but ...
The Rangers likely have Brad Richards in place as first line center for a very long time. Derek Stepan, Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky are all young, promising natural centers firmly part of the Rangers core. The club have Ryan Bourque, Andrew Yogan and Oscar Lindberg (don?t forget that guy) all as prospects-in-waiting while they also just drafted two centers in Steve Fogarty and Michael St. Croix (although I?ll grant you that they are highly unlikely to be pro?s during the life of Boyle?s new contract). That?s not even naming all the centers within the organisation but ...
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/first_bad_rangers_contract_of_the_summer/5610982
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Watch Miguel �ngel Jim�nez Stretching and Warming Up Before The British Open
This post is brought to you by Seattle Seahawks wide receiver, Golden Tate?s lack of respect for NASCAR drivers. Tate posted the following on Twitter: ?Jimmy johnson up for best athlete???? Um nooo .. Driving a car does not show athleticism.? Git er done @ShowtimeTate
During the second round of the British Open, Miguel �ngel Jim�nez put on a stretching clinic on the practice tee.
Enjoy.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PuO3y1DopM
Paul Azinger said it best: ?If I had that particular stretch in my arsenal, I think I?d do that in the room.?
During the second round of the British Open, Miguel �ngel Jim�nez put on a stretching clinic on the practice tee.
Enjoy.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PuO3y1DopM
Paul Azinger said it best: ?If I had that particular stretch in my arsenal, I think I?d do that in the room.?
Newman's win builds team confidence
Ryan Newman was masterful at the Magic Mile on Sunday.
While fuel mileage remained a mystery for many teams, Newman conserved enough gas to hold off his teammate/owner, Tony Stewart, by 0.773 seconds at the line in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Newman was in the early stages of a burnout when he radioed to his crew, "That's it. She's out."
But the celebration didn't end there.
As Newman humbly acknowledged after ending a 24-race winless drought for Stewart Haas Racing, "This is huge for the team and even bigger for our organization.
"(Crew chief) Tony Gibson said before the race, 'This is our race.' I wanted to tell him, 'This is not our race until we make it our race.'
"We did make it our race. All the guys came together and made it happen."
Considering that Newman entered New Hampshire Motor Speedway ninth in the points standings, it was imperative he bolster his 11-point cushion in the battle for a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Newman was able to accomplish that task by executing "the perfect weekend."
The team was fast right off the truck. Newman lived up to his moniker, Rocketman, by posting a pole-winning lap for the first time in 41 races. Then, for recreational purposes, Newman ran the Modified race on Saturday -- and won that event from the pole, too.
On Sunday, he used the benefit of the first pit stall to gain track position throughout the race. His final stop for fuel was on Lap 217 and Newman restarted sixth. After the ninth caution on Lap 230, Newman maneuvered past Clint Bowyer for the lead.
Although Stewart pitted nine laps later and had plenty of fuel to go to the finish, Newman skillfully held off his teammate to score his 15th career Sprint Cup victory and his third Cup win at New Hampshire. Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano and Jimmie Johnson rounded out the top five.
Despite Stewart closing in quickly on Newman, the driver says he was never "nervous."
"I'd rather have Stewart behind me than anybody else," Newman said. "I have a lot of respect for him. I know the way he races. If we were side by side coming to the checkered, we'd have smoke coming off the fenders . . . We're not going to crash each other, but that's the kind of guys we are.
"Looking in the mirror seeing that Mobil 1 Chevy was music in my ears. I know he's going to respect me, respect our situation. It never came down to it, but I'm glad that it didn't, but he was one I didn't mind seeing in my mirror."
The win also enabled Newman to leapfrog over Dale Earnhardt Jr. for eighth place in the points standings, 16 points inside the Chase group and 66 points behind leader Carl Edwards, who finished 13th Sunday. But the momentum Newman gains before heading to Indianapolis, his home track, for one of the most prestigious races of the season, will be invaluable.
With the Army sponsorship renewal on the line, this was also the perfect time to lock down a win for the sponsor that has supported the No. 39 car since the Stewart-Haas Racing organization debuted at Daytona in 2009.
Gibson has noticed a change in morale within the company. But despite Sunday's success, the veteran crew chief believes there's room for improvement.
"The biggest thing I've seen is the company as a whole pulling back together," Gibson said. "We're one team now. There for a while we were heading (in) two different directions. We've kind of put our arms around it here in the last month or so and said, 'If we're going to get this together, we have to pull together as one big team.' That's how we'll make ourselves stronger. We haven't fixed it, but we're on our way."
Staying tough Denny Hamlin's day went from disastrous to delightful as he recovered from a spin on Lap 171 to finish third at New Hampshire on Sunday.
Hamlin was running in the top 15 when a chain-reaction incident between Juan Pablo Montoya and AJ Allmendinger sent the No. 11 Toyota spinning in Turn 2. Although Hamlin restarted 31st on Lap 175, he fought through the field for a third-place finish to retain 10th place in the standings.
Hamlin said it was sheer "perseverance" from the Fed Ex team that triggered his comeback.
"They don't ever want to give up and they push me when I want to give up," Hamlin said. "It's just one of those days where we had to battle back, obviously. Third is a good day, but we just fought this car all day long and right there at the end we made one adjustment that really woke it up. Obviously, we were able to make moves there at the end toward the front."
Hamlin said crew chief Mike Ford was "screaming that we got to back off" because the car was right in the fuel window to make it to the finish. At that juncture, Hamlin knew the strategy was "risk versus reward."
"If we go out there and try to win the race, we get about 10 more points than what we get if we coast and get a third-place finish, or if we go for it and miss, run out of fuel, we end up with minus 20, 30 points.
"It's just risk-versus-reward racing with these fuel-mileage things. As bad as I wanted to go up there and race those guys, I had to make the smart move and finish the race."
The conservative route allowed Hamlin to maintain 10th place in the points standings. While he and Stewart have the same number of points, Hamlin's win at Michigan gives him the advantage.
Survivor: New Hampshire The Hendrick Motorsports driver took every challenge the Magic Mile presented its four drivers on Sunday and managed to survive.
Jimmie Johnson collided with Earnhardt earlier in the race, the pit crew missed a lug nut on Lap 217 that forced the No. 48 to return to pit road and on Lap 240, he spun out all by himself. Still, Johnson managed to finish fifth and jumped from fifth to second in the standings, seven points behind Edwards.
Earnhardt showed signs of brilliance Sunday. But his in-race issues ranged from tire and engine issues to contact with competitors to pit-stop woes. Earnhardt was forced to start at the end of the lead-lap cars on Lap 244, restarted 33rd and gained 18 positions in the final 67 laps to finish 15th. He dropped to ninth in points.
Mark Martin led three circuits starting on Lap 62 but blew a tire on Lap 184 to bring out the seventh caution at NHMS. NASCAR then penalized the No. 5 car for pitting too early, dropping it out of the top 30 in running order. He eventually finished 22nd.
Jeff Gordon did everything but wreck the No. 24 Chevrolet. Although electrical issues plagued Gordon's car throughout the race, he still led 19 laps and remained a contender until the last lap when he blew out a right front tire.
"Oh, my goodness," Gordon said. "What didn't happen today? It was a pretty crazy day for us. But certainly a lot to smile about with how great our car was. My goodness, the car was so good. I could tell at the beginning of the race that we just had to be patient and try to get track position.
"I thought that (crew chief) Alan (Gustafson) made some great calls there when we took four (tires) and others took two; it was a little risky, but it really paid off for us. That got us a big lead. I think all we really had to do was maintain that toward the front and I think that the results might be a little bit different today.
"But that's what you have to do. You have to survive these races in a lot of different ways and we had a lot of obstacles thrown at us with the alternator issue, which caused me to have to turn my A/C off and brake blowers, which probably ultimately blew that right front tire there at the end."
Gordon salvaged an 11th-place finish and remained seventh in the points standings. He called the day "challenging," but the organization set a solid baseline for the Chase race in September.
"We're excited about coming back here later in the year to this racetrack," Gordon said. "Our car was fast.
"From a performance standpoint I think today we showed everybody what we're capable of doing -- and for that I'm very excited. I know the guys feel really bad about the issues that we had, but it was a great lesson for us to go through this and understand how to deal with it and how we reacted to it."
Numbers game 22: Years since an organization had teams start and finish first and second.
13: Different winners in Sprint Cup this season.
119: Laps led by winner Ryan Newman
Say what? Crew chief Tony Gibson on his driver Ryan Newman:
"Look, there's no neck here," he said, grabbing Newman. "It's connected. He reminds me of Cale Yarborough. He sits in a car, he's like this. He's a physical guy. He gives you 150 percent every lap whether we're five laps down, a lap down, 10th, fifth. He's physically and mentally in the game. There's nobody I'd rather have in my race car with 10 to go if he can see the leader because we have a shot to win it. He went from seventh to fourth in a lap. We know when Ryan Newman is in there we have a shot. The biggest thing he contributes is his driving ability, his mental ability, keeping us headed in the right direction."
While fuel mileage remained a mystery for many teams, Newman conserved enough gas to hold off his teammate/owner, Tony Stewart, by 0.773 seconds at the line in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Newman was in the early stages of a burnout when he radioed to his crew, "That's it. She's out."
But the celebration didn't end there.
As Newman humbly acknowledged after ending a 24-race winless drought for Stewart Haas Racing, "This is huge for the team and even bigger for our organization.
"(Crew chief) Tony Gibson said before the race, 'This is our race.' I wanted to tell him, 'This is not our race until we make it our race.'
"We did make it our race. All the guys came together and made it happen."
Considering that Newman entered New Hampshire Motor Speedway ninth in the points standings, it was imperative he bolster his 11-point cushion in the battle for a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Newman was able to accomplish that task by executing "the perfect weekend."
The team was fast right off the truck. Newman lived up to his moniker, Rocketman, by posting a pole-winning lap for the first time in 41 races. Then, for recreational purposes, Newman ran the Modified race on Saturday -- and won that event from the pole, too.
On Sunday, he used the benefit of the first pit stall to gain track position throughout the race. His final stop for fuel was on Lap 217 and Newman restarted sixth. After the ninth caution on Lap 230, Newman maneuvered past Clint Bowyer for the lead.
Although Stewart pitted nine laps later and had plenty of fuel to go to the finish, Newman skillfully held off his teammate to score his 15th career Sprint Cup victory and his third Cup win at New Hampshire. Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano and Jimmie Johnson rounded out the top five.
Despite Stewart closing in quickly on Newman, the driver says he was never "nervous."
"I'd rather have Stewart behind me than anybody else," Newman said. "I have a lot of respect for him. I know the way he races. If we were side by side coming to the checkered, we'd have smoke coming off the fenders . . . We're not going to crash each other, but that's the kind of guys we are.
"Looking in the mirror seeing that Mobil 1 Chevy was music in my ears. I know he's going to respect me, respect our situation. It never came down to it, but I'm glad that it didn't, but he was one I didn't mind seeing in my mirror."
The win also enabled Newman to leapfrog over Dale Earnhardt Jr. for eighth place in the points standings, 16 points inside the Chase group and 66 points behind leader Carl Edwards, who finished 13th Sunday. But the momentum Newman gains before heading to Indianapolis, his home track, for one of the most prestigious races of the season, will be invaluable.
With the Army sponsorship renewal on the line, this was also the perfect time to lock down a win for the sponsor that has supported the No. 39 car since the Stewart-Haas Racing organization debuted at Daytona in 2009.
Gibson has noticed a change in morale within the company. But despite Sunday's success, the veteran crew chief believes there's room for improvement.
"The biggest thing I've seen is the company as a whole pulling back together," Gibson said. "We're one team now. There for a while we were heading (in) two different directions. We've kind of put our arms around it here in the last month or so and said, 'If we're going to get this together, we have to pull together as one big team.' That's how we'll make ourselves stronger. We haven't fixed it, but we're on our way."
Staying tough Denny Hamlin's day went from disastrous to delightful as he recovered from a spin on Lap 171 to finish third at New Hampshire on Sunday.
Hamlin was running in the top 15 when a chain-reaction incident between Juan Pablo Montoya and AJ Allmendinger sent the No. 11 Toyota spinning in Turn 2. Although Hamlin restarted 31st on Lap 175, he fought through the field for a third-place finish to retain 10th place in the standings.
Hamlin said it was sheer "perseverance" from the Fed Ex team that triggered his comeback.
"They don't ever want to give up and they push me when I want to give up," Hamlin said. "It's just one of those days where we had to battle back, obviously. Third is a good day, but we just fought this car all day long and right there at the end we made one adjustment that really woke it up. Obviously, we were able to make moves there at the end toward the front."
Hamlin said crew chief Mike Ford was "screaming that we got to back off" because the car was right in the fuel window to make it to the finish. At that juncture, Hamlin knew the strategy was "risk versus reward."
"If we go out there and try to win the race, we get about 10 more points than what we get if we coast and get a third-place finish, or if we go for it and miss, run out of fuel, we end up with minus 20, 30 points.
"It's just risk-versus-reward racing with these fuel-mileage things. As bad as I wanted to go up there and race those guys, I had to make the smart move and finish the race."
The conservative route allowed Hamlin to maintain 10th place in the points standings. While he and Stewart have the same number of points, Hamlin's win at Michigan gives him the advantage.
Survivor: New Hampshire The Hendrick Motorsports driver took every challenge the Magic Mile presented its four drivers on Sunday and managed to survive.
Jimmie Johnson collided with Earnhardt earlier in the race, the pit crew missed a lug nut on Lap 217 that forced the No. 48 to return to pit road and on Lap 240, he spun out all by himself. Still, Johnson managed to finish fifth and jumped from fifth to second in the standings, seven points behind Edwards.
Earnhardt showed signs of brilliance Sunday. But his in-race issues ranged from tire and engine issues to contact with competitors to pit-stop woes. Earnhardt was forced to start at the end of the lead-lap cars on Lap 244, restarted 33rd and gained 18 positions in the final 67 laps to finish 15th. He dropped to ninth in points.
Mark Martin led three circuits starting on Lap 62 but blew a tire on Lap 184 to bring out the seventh caution at NHMS. NASCAR then penalized the No. 5 car for pitting too early, dropping it out of the top 30 in running order. He eventually finished 22nd.
Jeff Gordon did everything but wreck the No. 24 Chevrolet. Although electrical issues plagued Gordon's car throughout the race, he still led 19 laps and remained a contender until the last lap when he blew out a right front tire.
"Oh, my goodness," Gordon said. "What didn't happen today? It was a pretty crazy day for us. But certainly a lot to smile about with how great our car was. My goodness, the car was so good. I could tell at the beginning of the race that we just had to be patient and try to get track position.
"I thought that (crew chief) Alan (Gustafson) made some great calls there when we took four (tires) and others took two; it was a little risky, but it really paid off for us. That got us a big lead. I think all we really had to do was maintain that toward the front and I think that the results might be a little bit different today.
"But that's what you have to do. You have to survive these races in a lot of different ways and we had a lot of obstacles thrown at us with the alternator issue, which caused me to have to turn my A/C off and brake blowers, which probably ultimately blew that right front tire there at the end."
Gordon salvaged an 11th-place finish and remained seventh in the points standings. He called the day "challenging," but the organization set a solid baseline for the Chase race in September.
"We're excited about coming back here later in the year to this racetrack," Gordon said. "Our car was fast.
"From a performance standpoint I think today we showed everybody what we're capable of doing -- and for that I'm very excited. I know the guys feel really bad about the issues that we had, but it was a great lesson for us to go through this and understand how to deal with it and how we reacted to it."
Numbers game 22: Years since an organization had teams start and finish first and second.
13: Different winners in Sprint Cup this season.
119: Laps led by winner Ryan Newman
Say what? Crew chief Tony Gibson on his driver Ryan Newman:
"Look, there's no neck here," he said, grabbing Newman. "It's connected. He reminds me of Cale Yarborough. He sits in a car, he's like this. He's a physical guy. He gives you 150 percent every lap whether we're five laps down, a lap down, 10th, fifth. He's physically and mentally in the game. There's nobody I'd rather have in my race car with 10 to go if he can see the leader because we have a shot to win it. He went from seventh to fourth in a lap. We know when Ryan Newman is in there we have a shot. The biggest thing he contributes is his driving ability, his mental ability, keeping us headed in the right direction."
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/newmans_win_builds_team_confidence/5585275
So which is it? Red Wings? press corps split as to whether Osgood will retire or return
Updated with some ?overnight report? stuff at 5:18 AM: Oh, boy. The Free Press?s Helene St. James believes that the Red Wings will announce that Chris Osgood is returning for at least one more season in the Red Wings? net, and that makes sense to me given that the Wings haven?t signed anyone else already [edit: and NHL.com?s Adam Kimelman?s citing a ?report? suggesting that St. James is correct,] but the Detroit News?s Ted Kulfan reports that Osgood?s agent was taken by surprise when told that the team will hold a conference call today to announce Osgood?s plans?.
The Red Wings have announced a teleconference call for noon today with general manager Ken Holland and goalie Chris Osgood . Neither returned phone calls or text messages Monday. Rollie Thompson, Osgood?s agent, was in the dark, too.
?I came back from my cottage, turned on the computer, and saw there was a news conference for (toda...
The Red Wings have announced a teleconference call for noon today with general manager Ken Holland and goalie Chris Osgood . Neither returned phone calls or text messages Monday. Rollie Thompson, Osgood?s agent, was in the dark, too.
?I came back from my cottage, turned on the computer, and saw there was a news conference for (toda...
Tennis Star Rafael Nadal & Girlfriend Were Spotted On The Beach In Mallorca
Tennis Star Rafael Nadal looks to have moved past his recent defeat at Wimbledon. He and his girlfriend,�Maria Francisca Perello were spotted out on the beach in Mallorca enjoying a little quality time together.�
I?ve been dying to get to Spain and really explore it. Soon!! Just putting that out to the Universe.
I?ve been dying to get to Spain and really explore it. Soon!! Just putting that out to the Universe.
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Best of Pistol Pete Maravich
 | Check out Pistol Pete's top highlights as he dazzled NBA fans with his creative passing and scoring. Visit www.nba.com for more highlights. | From: NBA Views: 12529 461 ratings |
| Time: 02:38 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy9XptRhHcM&feature=youtube_gdata
Covering Dixie Like Mildew: Les Miles, Dan Mullen, Tyler Bray and...Clemson?
(Covering Dixie Like Mildew is the SWRT roundup of SEC news, with the occasional pesky Southern school from another conference.)
SEC WEST
A man of few words.
LSU head football coach Les Miles had a few words to say about LSU's turning over of information involving it's involvement with infamous scouting service director Willie Lyles. With the emphasis on "few." (CBS Sports)
Dan Mullen question time.
Mississippi State head football coach Dan Mullen say down to answer questions from The Clarion Ledger's Brandon Marcello. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Same reporter, different coach.
Marcello also had an interview with Ole Miss Head football coach Houston Nutt. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Mississippi State will beat Arkansas in 2011.
Because Team Speed Kills said so. (Team Speed Kills)
Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Love...
SEC WEST
A man of few words.
LSU head football coach Les Miles had a few words to say about LSU's turning over of information involving it's involvement with infamous scouting service director Willie Lyles. With the emphasis on "few." (CBS Sports)
Dan Mullen question time.
Mississippi State head football coach Dan Mullen say down to answer questions from The Clarion Ledger's Brandon Marcello. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Same reporter, different coach.
Marcello also had an interview with Ole Miss Head football coach Houston Nutt. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Mississippi State will beat Arkansas in 2011.
Because Team Speed Kills said so. (Team Speed Kills)
Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Love...
Philadelphia Eagles: Philosophy for Free Agency Under Andy Reid
The Eagles will be rolling the dice this year!
What the Eagles might, could, should, and will do in free agency�is a subject that has been discussed to death this off-season.� We?ve had ample time during Lockout Hell to beat the proverbial dead horse?again and again and again.
The Eagles are always good for surprises when it comes to making personnel moves so there will certainly be a move or two that comes out of left field.� The only two things we can�anticipate with a good degree of certainty is that Kevin Kolb will be traded and that they will acquire a new cornerback.
Of course,�who�they will trade with and what they will�get for him are the exciting questions about the highly anticipated Kolb trade.� And many Eagles fans are already anointing Asomugha as the starter opposite Asante Samuel.
However, there are numerous free agents and/or trade targets�that have been linked to the Eagles in some way.� Either through various rumors or being�heavily speculated on, the f...
What the Eagles might, could, should, and will do in free agency�is a subject that has been discussed to death this off-season.� We?ve had ample time during Lockout Hell to beat the proverbial dead horse?again and again and again.
The Eagles are always good for surprises when it comes to making personnel moves so there will certainly be a move or two that comes out of left field.� The only two things we can�anticipate with a good degree of certainty is that Kevin Kolb will be traded and that they will acquire a new cornerback.
Of course,�who�they will trade with and what they will�get for him are the exciting questions about the highly anticipated Kolb trade.� And many Eagles fans are already anointing Asomugha as the starter opposite Asante Samuel.
However, there are numerous free agents and/or trade targets�that have been linked to the Eagles in some way.� Either through various rumors or being�heavily speculated on, the f...
Bayne returns to Daytona wondering about future
Despite the sudden stardom that came with his wild victory in NASCAR's biggest race, Trevor Bayne's future is anything but settled.
This much is clear: The youngest-ever Daytona 500 winner wants to race full time in the Sprint Cup Series next season. And as he returns to Daytona International Speedway this weekend, Bayne acknowledges he's keeping an eye on Carl Edwards' impending free agency.
Edwards has been coy about his contract situation at Roush Fenway Racing and there has been speculation he could move to another team in 2012.
''I don't know what he's going to do, but obviously I love having him as a teammate,'' Bayne said. ''I want him to stay. On the other hand, if he leaves, it's an open seat.''
Just the kind of opportunity Bayne is looking for.
Bayne drives for Roush in the Nationwide Series and is running a part-time Cup schedule with the Roush-affiliated Wood Brothers team. If Bayne were to make a full-time move to Cup next year, Roush would be the natural place to do so.
But Bayne says nothing has been decided and he's getting a little antsy.
''I just talked to my dad about it,'' Bayne said during a break in the Nationwide Series race weekend at Road America. ''I was like, 'Man, it's about time for us to start talking about next year.' And we haven't yet at all. Hopefully that'll be the next conversation that we have.''
On the track, Bayne is confident going into Daytona - if only because he knows other drivers will be more willing to work with him in the draft. Bayne doesn't want to get cocky, because that's not how he got to victory lane in February.
''I went in there with the mindset of just finish the thing, just go out and survive and whatever happens, I'll be there at the end,'' Bayne said. ''You've got to hold yourself back because if you go in there thinking 'I'm going to win this thing,' you might get in trouble trying to lead every lap or whatever. I think I've got to just go there and think, 'All right, let's just ride and wait until the end like last time and we'll be all right.'''
Winning Daytona was an emotional high for Bayne, but it didn't last long. He soon found himself in the Mayo Clinic being treated for what he now believes was Lyme disease.
''They treated me for Lyme disease,'' Bayne said. ''Those kinds of things are hard to diagnose. They treated me for that and hopefully if that's what it was, it'll be fine.''
Bayne hopes he's in the clear, but can't be sure.
''You're never in the clear,'' he said. ''The first time it comes around, you don't expect it, you feel great. I went hiking the day before and went jumping in waterfalls, and I wake up the next morning and I'm messed up. It could come back at any time. I don't think it's supposed to, but hopefully it doesn't.''
After taking several weeks off, Bayne returned for the Nationwide race at Chicagoland but felt run down.
''Sitting in a hospital bed for that long will really put you down and I felt it,'' Bayne said. ''I came back at Chicago and I was like, 'Man, this is harder than I remember.' I've really been trying to get back after it.''
If anything, winning Daytona and getting sick has taught Bayne how to deal with the highs and lows of a career in NASCAR.
''Now I kind of feel numb,'' Bayne said. ''I was talking to somebody the other day, I'm like, 'Well, dang, no matter what happens I'll just feel numb because it doesn't feel as high or as low as what I've been through.' It's tough to maintain that, but then again, I'm not really defined by that. It's great to win a Daytona 500 and it stinks to get sick, but at the end of the day, racing's what I do, it's what I love to do, but it's not everything I'm made of.''
Bayne has turned to fellow drivers for advice, including five-time champion Jimmie Johnson.
''He said, you've just got to stay hungry and stay after it,'' Bayne said. ''And don't think that you don't have to work hard because you're good. Because there's somebody down the road that's working harder than you are, they might be better than you are eventually if they keep doing that. So you've got to keep working harder than the next guy, and I think he does a good job with that.''
Bayne took Johnson's message to heart.
''That's a guy that gets up and runs like eight miles a day,'' Bayne said. ''He's not going to let somebody outwork him, that's for sure.''
Bayne is thankful that veterans such as Johnson are willing to help him out, especially because he senses other drivers might resent his success.
''It's not so much like the huge names, it's just some of the guys that are caught in the middle that are trying to get there,'' Bayne said. ''I think those guys, they're kind of battling for that next ride, either they're in the Nationwide Series or just guys that have not won any races in Cup, those are the guys that will race me hardest.
''The Jeff Gordons, the Jimmie Johnsons, Kevin Harvicks, Tony Stewarts, those guys will pull over and let you by when you're faster than they are. But these other guys, they're like, 'I've got to beat this kid.'''
This much is clear: The youngest-ever Daytona 500 winner wants to race full time in the Sprint Cup Series next season. And as he returns to Daytona International Speedway this weekend, Bayne acknowledges he's keeping an eye on Carl Edwards' impending free agency.
Edwards has been coy about his contract situation at Roush Fenway Racing and there has been speculation he could move to another team in 2012.
''I don't know what he's going to do, but obviously I love having him as a teammate,'' Bayne said. ''I want him to stay. On the other hand, if he leaves, it's an open seat.''
Just the kind of opportunity Bayne is looking for.
Bayne drives for Roush in the Nationwide Series and is running a part-time Cup schedule with the Roush-affiliated Wood Brothers team. If Bayne were to make a full-time move to Cup next year, Roush would be the natural place to do so.
But Bayne says nothing has been decided and he's getting a little antsy.
''I just talked to my dad about it,'' Bayne said during a break in the Nationwide Series race weekend at Road America. ''I was like, 'Man, it's about time for us to start talking about next year.' And we haven't yet at all. Hopefully that'll be the next conversation that we have.''
On the track, Bayne is confident going into Daytona - if only because he knows other drivers will be more willing to work with him in the draft. Bayne doesn't want to get cocky, because that's not how he got to victory lane in February.
''I went in there with the mindset of just finish the thing, just go out and survive and whatever happens, I'll be there at the end,'' Bayne said. ''You've got to hold yourself back because if you go in there thinking 'I'm going to win this thing,' you might get in trouble trying to lead every lap or whatever. I think I've got to just go there and think, 'All right, let's just ride and wait until the end like last time and we'll be all right.'''
Winning Daytona was an emotional high for Bayne, but it didn't last long. He soon found himself in the Mayo Clinic being treated for what he now believes was Lyme disease.
''They treated me for Lyme disease,'' Bayne said. ''Those kinds of things are hard to diagnose. They treated me for that and hopefully if that's what it was, it'll be fine.''
Bayne hopes he's in the clear, but can't be sure.
''You're never in the clear,'' he said. ''The first time it comes around, you don't expect it, you feel great. I went hiking the day before and went jumping in waterfalls, and I wake up the next morning and I'm messed up. It could come back at any time. I don't think it's supposed to, but hopefully it doesn't.''
After taking several weeks off, Bayne returned for the Nationwide race at Chicagoland but felt run down.
''Sitting in a hospital bed for that long will really put you down and I felt it,'' Bayne said. ''I came back at Chicago and I was like, 'Man, this is harder than I remember.' I've really been trying to get back after it.''
If anything, winning Daytona and getting sick has taught Bayne how to deal with the highs and lows of a career in NASCAR.
''Now I kind of feel numb,'' Bayne said. ''I was talking to somebody the other day, I'm like, 'Well, dang, no matter what happens I'll just feel numb because it doesn't feel as high or as low as what I've been through.' It's tough to maintain that, but then again, I'm not really defined by that. It's great to win a Daytona 500 and it stinks to get sick, but at the end of the day, racing's what I do, it's what I love to do, but it's not everything I'm made of.''
Bayne has turned to fellow drivers for advice, including five-time champion Jimmie Johnson.
''He said, you've just got to stay hungry and stay after it,'' Bayne said. ''And don't think that you don't have to work hard because you're good. Because there's somebody down the road that's working harder than you are, they might be better than you are eventually if they keep doing that. So you've got to keep working harder than the next guy, and I think he does a good job with that.''
Bayne took Johnson's message to heart.
''That's a guy that gets up and runs like eight miles a day,'' Bayne said. ''He's not going to let somebody outwork him, that's for sure.''
Bayne is thankful that veterans such as Johnson are willing to help him out, especially because he senses other drivers might resent his success.
''It's not so much like the huge names, it's just some of the guys that are caught in the middle that are trying to get there,'' Bayne said. ''I think those guys, they're kind of battling for that next ride, either they're in the Nationwide Series or just guys that have not won any races in Cup, those are the guys that will race me hardest.
''The Jeff Gordons, the Jimmie Johnsons, Kevin Harvicks, Tony Stewarts, those guys will pull over and let you by when you're faster than they are. But these other guys, they're like, 'I've got to beat this kid.'''
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Jimmer Fredette could star in Big Love (Pic)
Big Love�was the former HBO show, from March 2006 - March 2011, that was about a fictional fundamentalist Mormon family in Utah that practices polygamy. Which one Mormon guy had multiple wives that became to be known as "Sister Wives."
At the Celeb-Am on Saturday, Jimmer Fredette was partnered with Charles Barkley as they played the third round of the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe, Colorado. It were a couple of girls though at hole 17, the hole where boats park and watch the tournament, where Jimmer Fredette met a couple of bikini-clad women who wanted to be his "sister wives."
It is unknown if Jimmer Fredette is truly interested since at the ESPYs this week he did state, "I love my girlfriend." Well she could just become the special spot known as the "first sister wife" then for Jimmer. Welcome to the NBA.
Source:�Rick Chandler (NBCSports)
At the Celeb-Am on Saturday, Jimmer Fredette was partnered with Charles Barkley as they played the third round of the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe, Colorado. It were a couple of girls though at hole 17, the hole where boats park and watch the tournament, where Jimmer Fredette met a couple of bikini-clad women who wanted to be his "sister wives."
It is unknown if Jimmer Fredette is truly interested since at the ESPYs this week he did state, "I love my girlfriend." Well she could just become the special spot known as the "first sister wife" then for Jimmer. Welcome to the NBA.
Source:�Rick Chandler (NBCSports)
MLB Power Rankings: Ranking the Atlanta Braves' Best Performances of 2011
With the fourth-best record in the big leagues, the Atlanta Braves are a serious contender for a deep playoff run. Led by five All-Stars, they look to overtake the Philadelphia Phillies and capture their first division title in six seasons.
While their offense hasn't been stellar, their pitching staff has been one of the best in the majors.
Let's take a look at the 10 best performances by Braves thus far.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/769866-atlanta-braves-ranking-the-best-performances-of-2011
NFL Teams to Have 72-Hour Window to Re-Sign Unrestricted Free Agents Under New CBA
The NFL owners are making one last attempt to salvage their 2011 free agents after their original proposal of a new collective bargaining agreement went south. After their hope for a right-of-first-refusal policy for this year?s unique free agent class was trashed during CBA negotiations, NFL owners will be scrambling to keep their key free agents during this lockout-shortened off season. The Dallas Cowboys are a prime example of a team that may very well lose a key player to free agency now that team will have 72 hours to re-sign unrestricted free agents once the lockout ends.
NFL owners and players have announced a target date of July 21 for the end of the lockout. If they meet that deadline, they will have until July 25 to re-sign players who are now unrestricted free agents under the new CBA.
Cowboys left tackle Doug Free is entering his fifth season in the NFL and would be a restricted free agent under the old CBA. However, leaked details of the new collective bargaining agreem...
NFL owners and players have announced a target date of July 21 for the end of the lockout. If they meet that deadline, they will have until July 25 to re-sign players who are now unrestricted free agents under the new CBA.
Cowboys left tackle Doug Free is entering his fifth season in the NFL and would be a restricted free agent under the old CBA. However, leaked details of the new collective bargaining agreem...
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