Kahne makes truck return

Kyle Busch Motorsports announced on Friday that Sprint Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne will be behind the wheel of the team's No. 18 entry in the Too Tough to Tame 200 Camping World Truck Series race at Darlington Raceway on March 12.
"Kyle has assembled a great goup of guys over at KBM, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to get back behind the wheel of the No. 18 Toyota Tundra," Kahne said.
Kahne drove a truck for KBM at Pocono Raceway in 2010 and finished second to Elliott Sadler. The Darlington race will be Kahne's second start for KBM, and his fourth-career start in the Camping World Truck Series.
"We came very close to a victory last year at Pocono, and I'm confident that we'll be in the hunt for the win again this time around," Kahne said.
Kahne's record in Truck Series competition is impressive, despite his limited number of starts in the series. In his three previous starts up to this point, he has two wins. Both of those cam...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/kahne_makes_truck_return/4241667

San Diego Chargers

2011 Trade Deadline: Will Sather Get His Man Brad Richards? At What Cost?

All the talk finally ends today, the cards get put on
the table and the deals either happen or they die. Today is a fun day for the fans, not only of
the New York Rangers, but all around the league whether it is to see what your
team is going to ?buy? or what your franchise is going to get for the players
they trade away in hopes of being better next season. For Rangers fans Brad Richards is the man at
the center of the rumors and whether the deal happens may come right down to the 3 pm
wire. Will the Rangers pull the trigger
on Brad Richards despite his current concussion and looming free agent
status? If they do, what will it cost
them to get him? For the record, at least
on the surface, I am against the move, as I discussed here.
Obviously, as with all trades, the details of the trade will be the
ultimate determinant on how they are perceived and judged.

Today the main attraction, possibly league wide, will
be his stare down with Stars GM Joe Nieuwen...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/2011_trade_deadline_will_sather_get_his_man_brad_richards_at_what_cost/4256422

Houston Rockets Utah Jazz

Ryan Mallett Miffed About Questions Concerning Drug Use Allegations

Filed under: NFL Draft, NFL Quarterbacks, NFL Analysis

INDIANAPOLIS -- Before Cam Newton faced the cameras, microphones, recorders and notebooks, it was Ryan Mallett's turn, and he had the added burden of dealing with drug use allegations that have been raised recently. He chose to sidestep the issue and let it stay between him and the teams interviewing him, other than to say he has laughed them off and hinted that "obviously, somebody did it for a reason, right before the combine, right before the draft."

But just as he seemed to be finding his rhythm in his answers and touted the quality of competition he faced in the Southeastern Conference as another plus, he was pressed a little more on the allegations and how he's dealing with them and he insisted he wasn't going to talk about them anymore. His session came to an abrupt end when another reporter tried to explain that the questions aren't going to go away until he gives a definitive answer as he said he didn't want to and walked off.

At 6-foot-7 and 253 pounds, Mallett is slightly bigger than Newton (6-5, 248) and has perhaps the biggest arm of all of the quarterbacks. Some scouts have been concerned about his accuracy, but he shot back that the fact that he has thrown for more than 7,000 yards and 60 touchdowns in two seasons should speak for itself. He also claimed he can throw the ball more than 80 yards.

 

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/26/ryan-mallett-miffed-about-questions-concerning-drug-use-allegati/

Oakland Raiders Cincinnati Bengals

New-Look Knicks Make Statement With Comeback Victory in Miami

Filed under: Heat, Knicks

MIAMI -- With the game on the line, LeBron James got past Carmelo Anthony.

Not Amar'e Stoudemire, however.

And just like that, the New York Knicks -- with defense, no less -- knocked off the Miami Heat.

Chauncey Billups made the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:01 left, Stoudemire blocked James' layup try with 7 seconds remaining to protect a one-point lead, and the Knicks finished with a 13-2 run to beat the Heat 91-86 on Sunday night.

"The bigger the game, the bigger the stage, the bigger they play," Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said.

Anthony scored 29 points and Stoudemire added 16 points and 10 rebounds. Billups had 16 points for the Knicks, who rallied from a 15-point, first-half deficit and improved to 2-1 since the megatrade with Denver that dramatically changed their roster.

Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/28/new-look-knicks-make-statement-with-comeback-victory-in-miami/

Detroit Pistons Cleveland Browns

3-D Photo Gallery From Daytona International Speedway

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Reed Sorenson, Daytona Int'l Speedway, NASCAR Fans, Sprint Cup, NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Here's a 3-D photo gallery from Speedweeks here at Daytona International Speedway, as well as several photos from the Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour in January.

To see these photos in 3-D, use common red-cyan 3-D glasses. Remember, left eye red.

Except as noted, all 3-D photos were taken by FanHouse motorsports editor Bob Zeller using a Fuji W3 3-D camera.


Jeff Gordon answers questions from fans in a live chat with FanHouse senior motorsports writer Holly Cain from the media center at Daytona on Friday afternoon.

 

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Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/02/19/3-d-photo-gallery-from-daytona-international-speedway/

New York Knicks Detroit Pistons

Hot Corner: NASCAR should give drivers more time to choose their series

Daytona 500 winner and new NASCAR star Trevor Bayne, left, shakes hands with Kasey Kahne before qualifying at Phoenix Interna? Source

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/hot_corner_nascar_should_give_drivers_more_time_to_choose_their_series/4249634

Green Bay Packers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

USC Offensive Tackle Tyron Smith Drops Out Of Combine Workouts

The big fellas on the offensive line are working out this morning in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine. They ran their forty yard dashes as well as some agility drills.
USC offensive tackle, Tyron Smith, who had been so impressive when he weighed in yesterday dropped out of the workouts today. He had an [...]

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/usc_offensive_tackle_tyron_smith_drops_out_of_combine_workouts/4243412

Milwaukee Bucks Houston Rockets

Eklund: Flyers Goaltending Speculation & Brad Richards News

A couple interesting tidbits that may play out before 3pm Monday:

The Flyers are said to still be interested in obtaining a veteran goaltender and are looking at Florida's Tomas Vokoun, who is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. The Flyers would be giving up a forward that Panthers GM Dale Tallon is familiar with.

The news on Brad Richards is that he made an offer to the St...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/eklund_flyers_goaltending_speculation_brad_richards_news/4244652

Houston Texans Detroit Lions

Lakers still looking to add someone

The two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers didn’t make a move before yesterday’s NBA trade deadline, but that doesn’t mean they are completely satisfied with their current roster.
Word has circulated today that the Lakers are looking hard at the buyout market in an effort to add a player to the roster. The Lakers could use some 3-point shooting or possibly a defensive-minded big man to eat some minutes in the post. Seeing as how Theo Ratliff is likely out for the season, that would seem to be the priority. But adding a 3-point shooter to the second-unit could be a big boost.
Currently, the Lakers are said to have interest in Troy Murphy, Jason Kapono and Leon Powe. The team currently has just 14 players on its roster, which means the Lakers wouldn’t have to dump anyone to make a move.
Powe was waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers Thursday and could give the Lakers another option in the post. The Boston Celtics are also said to be interested...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/los_angeles_lakers_looking_to_add_someone/4239739

St. Louis Rams Minnesota Timberwolves

I Mean, Come On Golf Channel

On Thursday, a lot of golf fans were PUMPED for the start of the second round of the Accenture Match Play. Sure, Tiger Woods and Ian Poulter were bounced, along with Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker, but the Thursday match-ups were really interesting.We had Phil Mickelson going out at 10:40 AM local time against Rickie Fowler. Bubba Watson was teeing it up against two-time winner this season, Mark Wilson. Rory McIlroy was wiping the floor with Ben Crane. The round was going to be great! But when you flip over to The Golf Channel, no live golf was happening. Nope, golf didn't start until 2 PM ET, just around the time the opening match of the day made it to the 12th hole. 12! What in the hell?! Instead, The Golf Channel showed a re-run of their morning show, The Morning Drive, and then some lead-in show called Golf Central Pregame, where they sit and TALK ABOUT THE MATCHES THEY AREN'T SHOWING! Listen Golf Channel, I know you guys have a ton of flaws, and I also know you guys do so...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/golf/article_external/i_mean_come_on_golf_channel/4230032

Jacksonville Jaguars Baltimore Ravens

The Top Five Guards In The NFL Draft

Florida?s MIke Pouncey is clearly the class of this draft at the guard position. He?s got the combination of size, strength and quick feet to be a dominant player. The Eagles would thrilled to grab him in the first round.
Rodney Hudson is a very good athlete who can do everything needed at the [...]

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/the_top_five_guards_in_the_nfl_draft/4244394

Houston Texans Detroit Lions

Toomer?s Corner Suspect Living In A Car After He Felt Threatened In Jail

The man accused of poisoning the 130-year-old oak trees at Toomer’s Corner in Auburn, Ala., felt threatened in jail and is currently living in a car in the woods, instead of in a rented lake house.
Harvey Updyke Jr., is out of jail on bond. Birmingham, Ala., attorney Glennon Threatt, who is now the fourth lawyer to represent Updyke, said his client wasn’t ready for the “public hatred that he received.”
“He said that he felt threatened (in jail) on multiple and repeated instances,” Threatt told nationally syndicated radio show host Paul Finebaum. “He thought that they were really getting ready to do something to him. He was fearful that he was going to suffer physical harm by either the authorities or by the other people in the jail.”

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/toomers_corner_suspect_living_in_a_car_after_he_felt_threatened_in_jail/4219602

Cincinnati Bengals Indiana Pacers

Holy Family coach resigns

Though no criminal charges were filed against Holy Family head coach John O'Connor, he has announced he will resign from his post after a videotaped altercation with a player went viral on the internet, and the player filed a criminal complaint and a police report. According to 6abc.com, the men's basketball coach told his team on Friday that he will be stepping down from his post, concluding what was a whirlwind of events after the video of the altercation with Matt Kravchuk surfaced on the internet. The video shows O'Connor slamming into Kravchuk, knocking him down and kicking him while...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/holy_family_university_head_coach_john_oconnor_resigns_after_altercation_with_player/4234946

Charlotte Bobcats Oakland Raiders

At WGC Match Play Championship, Day 1 Defined by Upsets

Courtesy of in.reuters.com
In the NCAA Men?s Basketball tournament, no 16 seed has ever upset a number 1 team. But in Wednesday?s opening round of the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship, number 1 seed Tiger Woods was upstaged by the number 16 seed Thomas Bjorn.
Tiger hasn?t won a tournament in over a year.� Other than winning a Major Championship, this tournament could have been the best tournament for Woods to finally show us that his new swing can work somewhere other than the driving range.� After all, match play does allow for a player to drive deep and aim for the pin on any hole like Tiger loves to do. �After weeks of hearing, ?it?s a process, but we?re very close? a lot of Tiger?s fans were hoping to see him come back as strong as ever on Wednesday.
His opponent was a good friend and the number 16 seed in the Snead Division, Thomas Bjorn. Tiger started with a first hole bogey, leaving him 1 down heading to the second tee.� He quickly recovered and made it all square on the second, but it was a short lived tie.� Wood?s short game kept him down by 1 or 2 holes for the duration of the front nine.
Woods found his rhythm on the 10th tee securing the lead for the first time in the match.� On the fifteenth, Wood?s short game trouble caused him to fall 1 down heading to the last three holes.
On the eighteenth, we finally saw the Tiger we?ve all been waiting for.� After watching Bjorn?s tee shot, a conservative fairway wood, sail right down the side of the fairway, Tiger walked up to the tee with nothing but confidence and a driver. He put his tee shot deep down the middle of the fairway.� Bjorn put his next shot in the bunker deep and right of the pin, giving Tiger a shot to extend the match to extra holes.� Tiger put his second shot to about 12 feet from the hole leaving a putt for birdie.� Bjorn put his downhill sand shot within 5 feet, forcing Tiger to make the put to stay alive.
He sank it.
Showing a glimpse of the Tiger of old, he stepped up and drained the 12 footer for birdie in the clutch.� He then went straight to the 1st tee with the confident strut we?ve been waiting to see.� After some practice swings, Tiger put his 3 wood off the tee in the Arizona desert right of the fairway, ending Tiger?s tournament.
Bjorn put his drive in the fairway and his second shot on the green, securing his place in the next round.
After the match, reporters for the Golf Channel asked where he felt he was in this ?process? he was undergoing.� Tiger simply said,
?Pissed.?
After being asked if we might see him next week and he said, ?right now isn?t a good time to ask that.?� Hopefully Tiger can work through the process and show his new swing by The Masters, quite possibly the greatest stage to watch Tiger?s comeback begin.
Two of the top players in this week?s matchups, Phil Mickelson and Martin Kaymer, are both playing well.� Neither of them stepped on to the fourteenth tee, having knocked out their opponents on the 13th and 12th holes respectively.�� It is quite possible we will be watching Mickelson and Kaymer battle it out on NBC this Sunday afternoon.
Courtesy of sportsillustrated.cnn.com
The first 64 matches in this week?s event had eight groups head to sudden death and fourteen upsets, resulting in the elimination of Ian Poulter, the defending champion. �Poulter, the number 3 seed in the Hogan Division, went down on the nineteenth hole to the number 14 seed Stewart Cink.� Matteo Manassero, the seventeen year old number 15 seed in the Jones Division, outplayed the number 2 seed Steve Stricker �? 2 up with 1 to play. Retief Goosen, the number 4 seed in the Jones Division, lost to the number 13 seed K.J. Choi ? down 1 on the eighteenth.� Jim Furyk, the number 3 seed in the Player Division lost to the number 14 seed Ryan Palmer ? down 2 on the eighteenth.�� The most disappointing upset of the day was clearly Tiger Woods.
The WGC Accenture Match Play Championship is one of the best of the year.� Like March Madness for NCAA Basketball fans, golf fans fill out brackets and try to predict upsets.� The best 64 golfers in the world head out to the par 72 Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in the desert just north of Tuscan, Arizona to fight for their share of the $8.5 million purse and their shot at 550 points for the FedEx Cup.
By: Nate Dewan

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/golf/article_external/at_wgc_match_play_championship_day_1_defined_by_upsets/4229476

Golden State Warriors James Worthy

Several Pistons Miss Shootaround

Filed under: Pistons

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Several Detroit Pistons missed at least part of the team's shootaround before Friday night's game at Philadelphia, the latest incident on what has been a difficult season for the proud franchise.

Team spokesman Cletus Lewis said Richard Hamilton, Chris Wilcox, Rodney Stuckey and Austin Daye missed the bus, with Stuckey and Daye able to arrive late.

Tayshaun Prince, Tracy McGrady and Ben Wallace also missed the shootaround. Lewis said Prince had an upset stomach, McGrady had a headache and Wallace was tending to an unspecified family matter.

Detroit entered the night 21-38 and is almost certainly headed to its third straight losing season. There have been signs of disharmony almost from the beginning. Coach John Kuester benched Stuckey barely a week into the season, although that was only temporary.

Kuester then benched Hamilton on Jan. 12, and he didn't play again until a Feb. 5 game at Milwaukee. Hamilton has missed every game since then. The team has said Hamilton has a groin injury.

The team was unable to trade Hamilton before Thursday's deadline. He's guaranteed $20 million over the next two seasons.

Wallace missed eight games in January. He's battled ankle problems and also left the team to tend to a family matter.

 

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/25/several-pistons-miss-shootaround/

Cleveland Cavaliers New Orleans Saints

You can wager on NFL combine stats

For the past few years Bodog.com has sent me a list of NFL Draft prop bets. I always just hit the delete button because I have better things to do in late April than waste my time trying to figure out if the Big East or ACC will have more top-50 picks or whatever other nonsense they come up with.
But this year they’re stepping up their game, and I’m intrigued.
I recently received an email with NFL Combine prop bets. This is possibly the most ridiculous thing you could bet on, because we’re talking about a difference of hundredths of a second, or quarters of an inch on some of these, but hey, it’s not like anything else interesting is going on in the sports world in late February.
So I’ll take the time to weigh in on a few…
Who will have the fastest 40 Yard Dash Time Christian Ponder (QB FSU) -120 Jake Locker (QB Washington) -120
This is a gimme. Locker should be faster than Ponder by a full 10th of a second (and that fact that .10 is considered a large margin is exactly why you’re a fool if you bet on any of these).
Who will have the fastest 40 Yard Dash Time Mark Ingram (RB Alabama) -120 Ryan Williams (RB Virginia Tech) -120
Supposedly Ingram is going to run in the 4.4s, but I’ll believe it when I see it. My money’s on Williams.
Who will have the fastest 40 Yard Dash Time Julio Jones (WR Alabama) Even Jon Baldwin (WR Pittsburgh) -130
Baldwin’s camp has been hyping him up and he reportedly has been clocked in the 4.3 range. Not sure I believe that, but it won’t be difficult for him to post a better time than Jones. I’ll be mildly surprised if Jones cracks 4.5.
Who will the most bench press repetitions? Nate Solder (OT Colorado) -130 Gabe Carimi (OT Wisconsin) Even
Carimi is the easy choice here. Not only does he just appear more muscular than Solder, but Solder is 6’8″ – the taller you are, the harder it is to get large number of reps on the bench.
Who will have the highest vertical leap? A.J. Green (WR Georgia) -130 Patrick Peterson (CB LSU) Even
This could be a close call, but my money’s on Peterson. It’s very rare for someone with Green’s height to compete with a guy like Peterson in the vertical.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/nfl_combine_prop_bets/4223634

Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Trade Deadline: Complete Grades for All Teams on Every Deal and Rumor

Most people thought The Decision and the 2010 summer couldn't be surpassed as far as NBA excitement goes.

Those instances hadn't met the 2011 Trade Deadline. It's time for a handshake.

With Thirsty Thursday over, it's safe to say the slew of deals cut in the past few days could feature the most dramatic midseason changes ever. Some players left town in completely expected trades, while others shocked the world in a matter of minutes.

Seriously, could there be a bigger variation in superstar trades than the one between the Deron Williams and Carmelo Anthony deals?

Nevertheless, there are 30 teams and they all were involved in at least one rumor or another. So, it's time to break out the grade book and put the pen to every franchise.

Please note, a C is average. Stop being overachievers, expecting an A. Damn honors kids.

Begin Slideshow

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/619597-nba-trade-deadline-the-complete-grades-and-round-ups-of-every-deal-and-rumor

Buffalo Bills Atlanta Hawks

Return of Alexei: Pens Land Kovalev for Pick

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been targeting Ottawa Senators winger Alexei Kovalev for about a month.
Today, February 24th, is his birthday. What better birthday gift than for him to be traded back to a city where he was once loved, where he set his career high with 95 points in a season, and who are currently legitimate Stanley Cup contenders (as long as Sidney Crosby returns this season), after being stuck with a cellar-dwelling Ottawa Senators for two years.
Happy Birthday, Kovy. Welcome back to the Burgh.
The Penguins shipped off simply a seventh-round draft pick to the desperate Senators, who were trying to get anything they could for the 38-year-old winger.
Kovalev has amassed 27 points in 54 games with the anemic Senators. The right winger has been on a roll of late, accumulating 9 points in his last 10 games. Hopefully that will continue over here, as the Penguins have become desperate for offense with all of these injuries.
Kovalev is in the final year of his contract and b...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/return_of_alexei_pens_land_kovalev_for_pick/4229693

Denver Broncos Houston Texans

Nate Williams at the NFL Combine

Nate Williams is one of three Huskies that will be representing UW at the NFL Combine this weekend. Nate Williams forces an incomplete pass (image courtesy of syracuse.com) Williams is a strong safety out of Kennedy High School, in Burien WA. He is known for his ball-hawking skills, as he tends to always be around the ball and making tackles. He was the second leading tackler on the team behind Mason Foster. He is projected to go in the later rounds or could possibly go undrafted.
As a Dawg:
Williams was one of the leaders of the defense, he excelled in tackling and was able to come in on blitz packages and get to the quarterback. He was a captain of the team, and was voted to the second team all Pac-10 in his senior season.
Projected in the NFL:
He will be buried on a depth chart or a practice squad for a few years as he develops. If he does do anything right away it will be in the special teams department. Don?t look for him for at least a few years if everything goes gre...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/nate_williams_at_the_nfl_combine/4226823

Denver Broncos Houston Texans

Monday Movers: Yani Tseng's Dynasty, Mobile Phones

Each week, Monday Movers will look back on the previous week in the golf world to see whose stock is rising and who will likely be heading back to the range.

Stock Up

Yani Tseng -- A week after taking over the No. 1 ranking, Tseng won her third straight event of the year, this time by five strokes over Michelle Wie at the Honda LPGA Thailand. Obviously the LPGA lacks the popularity of its male counterpart, but it's a shame that Tseng doesn't get more publicity. At just 22 years of age, she's already earned the title of youngest major winner and youngest to reach No. 1 in the world. And how is this for peer approval? Describing her game, Wie said, "Yani played fantastic. She played like a rock star out there. She made every single putt and zero mistakes. Congrats to her."

Aaron Baddeley -- Less than a month before his 30th birthday, the Australian added his third PGA Tour victory to his trophy case at the Northern Trust Open. Badds, as he's nicknamed, overtook crowd favorite Fred Cuples at the top of the leaderboard following the third round and never relinquished the lead. Amazingly, Baddeley started the year ranked 274th in the world and was sitting 224th before this week. That just speaks at how he's struggled since his last win in February of 2007. He'll now head to the Masters for just the third time in his career, and the first since finishing T17 two years ago.

Turn Back the Clock -- A couple of tour veterans almost stole the show at Riviera. Fred Couples and Vijay Singh took fans back a few years when their names showed up at the top of the leaderboard. The smooth-swinging Couples looks to have his game in order much earlier than his yearly appearance on the Masters leaderboard. He led after rounds one and two, but a tender back slowed him down and resulted in a tie for 7th. Singh, on the other hand, maintained his putter all weekend, riding it to a 2nd place finish. The former World No.1 has shown much more consistency in his game thus far, and he called this week his best putting performance ever.

Mobile Phones -- Beginning in March, PGA fans will be able to bring their mobile phones to tournaments going forward. After experimenting with the policy to begin this year, the Tour officially approved the decision last week. Although there will be added disruptions despite prohibiting ringers, it's a good move by the tour. It's not only because of how integral phones have become in our daily lives, but also because it helps promote the Tour. Maybe you'll see interest increase when people's Twitter and Facebook feeds start filling up with PGA updates like they do with other sports.

Barclays to Bethpage? -- According to a report by the Associated Press, The Barclays is trying to take its tournament to Bethpage Black, the Long Island public course that has hosted the U.S. Open twice. The Barclays is the opening event in the FedEx Cup playoff and has previously been played at different locations around New York and New Jersey. There will be a few hurdles to jump before this could happen - mainly approval of state funding to help maintain the course's conditions during and after the competition. If the move happens, the popular location that attracts a blue-collar crowd would make a great location to kick-off the playoff.

 

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Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2011/02/21/tsengs-dynasty-baddeleys-riviera/

Buffalo Bills Atlanta Hawks

NFL Combine Greets NFC East Teams With Various Needs

Filed under: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Redskins, NFC East

More than six weeks after their last member was eliminated from contention in 2010, the coaches, scouts and general managers of the four NFC East teams converged on Indianapolis Wednesday for the start of the 2011 Scouting Combine.

As was the case last season when the eventual division champion Philadelphia Eagles and the runner-up New York Giants battled for supremacy while the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins simply tried to avoid finishing last, the NFC East quartet is really more like a pair of pairs.

The Eagles and Giants both appear to be primarily looking to strengthen their battered and/or aging offensive lines with their first-round selections, Nos. 23 and 19, respectively, in April's draft. Right tackle Winston Justice's knee surgery this week only added to that focus in Philadelphia, which played virtually all of 2010 without center Jamaal Jackson while right guard Nick Cole became a hobbled backup. New York played most of last season without center Shaun O'Hara, 33. Left guard Rich Seubert, 31, blew out a knee in the season finale. Left tackle David Diehl, 30, also missed extensive time in 2010.

On the other hand, the Cowboys and the Redskins need to fix their messes on the other side of the ball. Despite returning nearly all its starters and staying very healthy, Dallas crashed from one of the NFL's top defenses in 2009 to one of the worst in 2010. New coordinator Rob Ryan can only fix so much.

Although new coach Jason Garrett could push for help for the aging offensive line, the weak secondary has to be the priority with the ninth overall pick. Cornerback Terence Newman, the unit's top player, didn't have a great 2010 season and will be 33 before the start of the 2011 season. Fellow cornerback Michael Jenkins seemingly bought into those telling how good he is and the safeties were simply lousy.

Any kind of negative adjective probably applies to Washington's defense in 2010. Playmakers DeAngelo Hall and Brian Orakpo barely made a play in the second half of the season after physical safety LaRon Landry was sidelined. The line, which was supposed to be led by Mr. Malcontent, Albert Haynesworth, was unproductive to say the least.

Inside linebacker London Fletcher remained a joy to watch, but he'll be 36 in May. A lockout could actually help the Redskins if the likelihood of greatly curtailed offseason workouts and training camp convinces coach Mike Shanahan to bypass a quarterback with the 10th overall choice and go for more immediate defensive help.

 

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/23/nfc-east-teams/

Denver Nuggets San Diego Chargers

Squillaci header gives Arsenal win at a cost

Sebastien Squillaci?s eighth minute header gave Arsenal all three points against Stoke, but the win came at a cost after injuries to Theo Walcott and skipper Cesc Fabregas.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/squillaci_header_gives_arsenal_win_at_a_cost/4224075

Miami Dolphins Orlando Magic

Bama Denies Violation; Camera Operator ?At Fault??

Sunday I reported that Alabama had committed an NCAA violation when high school prospect Barry Sanders, Jr., was shown on the Coleman Coliseum video board during Saturday?s Alabama-Arkansas basketball game.

(Prospect Barry Sanders acknowledges Alabama fans during hoops game Saturday)
NCAA rule 13.11.5 states: ?An institution may not introduce a visiting prospect at a function (e.g., that institution?s sports award banquet or an intercollegiate athletics contest) that is attended by media representatives or open to the general public.?
Izzy Gould of the MOBILE PRESS-REGISTER confirmed Sunday evening that Sanders had indeed been seen on the Coleman Coliseum video board during the game, but that the University of Alabama NCAA compliance department has since concluded that no NCAA violation took place.
Gould:
Whether what happened on Saturday night violated this rule is unclear.
The younger Sanders was briefly shown on the video board. No words were flashed on t...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/bama_denies_violation_camera_operator_at_fault/4203702

Denver Nuggets San Diego Chargers

Report: Kansas Point Guard Tyshawn Taylor Suspended Indefinitely

LAWRENCE, Kan.?No. 3 Kansas has suspended point guard Tyshawn Taylor indefinitely for violating team rules. The school did not specify the violation. Taylor has started 26 of 27 games for the Jayhawks, who were 25-2 overall and 10-2 in the Big 12 going into their game Monday night against Oklahoma State. Coach Bill Self said Taylor would continue practicing with the team until he was reinstated. Freshman Josh Selby and sophomore Elijah Johnson are the other point guards who are available. Taylor has struggled replacing Sherron Collins at point guard. He is averaging 8.8 points and ranks third in the...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/report_kansas_point_guard_tyshawn_taylor_suspended_indefinitely/4207977

Golden State Warriors James Worthy

Top 10 reasons why the Saints cut Jeremy Shockey

10) Want to put Marques Colston in the tight end spot to remind and infuriate Yahoo fantasy football honks9) He was only Drew Brees' 9th favorite guy to target8) The role of brittle name without results is already filled here by Reggie Bush7) Finally finished reading all of his tats, so all of the mystery is gone6) Jimmy Graham is bigger, faster, younger and healthier, and really only needed to be one of those things5) Team and fans kept confusing him with Kyle Turley, which is a little sad for a guy who is supposed to catch passes4) Even Shockey has stopped taking Shockey in his fantasy league3) Was worried he'd scab for them during the lockout2) Haven't actually paid him for years, and just recovered a stapler from him1) Realized that he wasn't, in fact, a member of the mediahttp://fivetooltool.blogspot.com - The Sports Blog That Loves You Back!

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/top_10_reasons_why_the_saints_cut_jeremy_shockey/4218227

Oklahoma City Thunder Sacramento Kings

Hockey player delivers crushing hit to brother

Oh thank heavens. Marc Staal doesn't have a concussion, he twisted his knee on the play. Still a problem for the Rangers, but it likely won't be as severe as initially thought. Ryan Callahan called the hit dirty, which is a bit out of character for him. Personally, I don't think it was a dirty hit. Marc got caught with his head down and his older brother made him pay the price. I'm sure Momma Staal is going to be giving Eric a call tonight. By the way, did you know they're bothers? Agree? Disagree? Feel free to email me canyonofblueshirts (at) gmail.com.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/watch_staal_on_staal_crime/4217891

Charlotte Bobcats Oakland Raiders

Hank Steinbrenner Not So Subtly Calls Out Derek Jeter

Hank Steinbrenner: “Sometimes you celebrate too much, players concentrating on building mansions and not concentrating on winning. I am not singling anybody out, but maybe riding the wave of ’09 was too much.” Considering Derek Jeter experienced an awful season and has a 30,875-square foot mansion being built (“St. Jetersburg”), the target of cranky Hank’s [...]

Source: http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/02/22/hank-steinbrenner-not-so-subtly-calls-out-derek-jeter/

Los Angeles Clippers Boston Celtics

James Dolan Goes All in With 'Melo Deal

Filed under: NBA

It was inconceivable when this NBA season tipped off that there could be another team with more pressure upon it to win than Dwyane Wade's LeBron James-infused Miami
Heat, also featuring Chris Bosh.

But when an owner decides to gut his team's productive and promising starting lineup, mortgages part of his team's future and appears to emasculate the two men he entrusted the running of his team to in order to bring in -- for all intent and purpose -- one player, that team moves to the top of the must-win list.

As a result, that was where owner James Dolan's New York Knicks moved late Monday night when word began to spread that the season-long soap opera about where Denver star Carmelo Anthony would be traded. Anthony's saga was coming to a crescendo off Broadway in Dolan's Madison Square Garden, where Amar'e Stoudemire moved in the offseason and is having a fabulous year.

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More Coverage: Carmelo Anthony Finally Traded to Knicks
Trade Scorecard: Knicks, Nuggets, T'Wolves Get Graded

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Source: http://kevin-blackistone.fanhouse.com/2011/02/22/james-dolan-goes-all-in-with-melo-deal/

Baltimore Ravens Atlanta Falcons

Celtics looking to trade for Howard

Boston Globe
The Celtics are looking for a backup to Paul Pierce and the candidates are Cleveland's Anthony Parker, who is playing out an expiring contract, New York's Roger Mason, Washington's Josh Howard and perhaps Indiana's Dahntay Jones.Hope you weren't expecting a different Howard. No, we're after the oft injured, pot smoking, national anthem disrespecting Howard. If healthy he'd be a nice replacement for Marquis, but that's a big IF. The main question to ask in any Celtics related rumor is what of value are we giving up? Many people want to move Nate or Jermaine, but both hold negative trade value, so if we trade either that means we have to give up even more in addition. My guess is Semih Erden is the chip Danny is floating. Personally, unless the guy we're getting is significantly better than Von Wafer, I wouldn't part with Erden. The fact that he's young, a legitimate 7 foot, and has shown he can play well in his rookie season ma...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/celtics_looking_to_trade_for_howard/4213064

Indianapolis Colts Lenny Wilkens

Liverpool Still Above Chelsea in Power Rankings While Wayne Rooney's Strike Alters Complexion of Premier League

Thanks to one unbelievable Wayne Rooney bicycle kick, the Premier League title race is now a two-team competition as March looms less than one week away. As usual, the most compelling competitions aren't at the very top of the table, but for the fourth, sixth and 17th places in the table. In fact, what that Rooney strike took away from the title race, it added to the chase for fourth, as Manchester City has now joined Chelsea and Spurs in a precarious position as far as the 2011-12 Champions League is concerned. Liverpool, of course, also looms within striking distance,...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/liverpool_still_above_chelsea_in_power_rankings_while_wayne_rooneys_strike_alters_complexion_of_premier_league/4213224

Atlanta Falcons New York Knicks

NCAA probing Auburn recruitment

Monday NCAA investigators descended on Thibodaux, Louisiana, to meet individually with Auburn football recruit Greg Robinson, Robinson’s mother Lydia, Robinson associate Sean Nelson and Robinson’s former Thibodaux High School Coach Dennis Lorio.

At issue in those meetings was Robinson’s recruitment by Auburn, which raised red flags after an investigative piece by Thayer Evans at FOXSports.com in early January.
In a private meeting held at Thibodaux high school on Monday, Lorio met with an NCAA investigator and a Thibodaux high school official.
During the meeting Lorio was asked by an NCAA investigator about Auburn’s recruitment of former Thibodaux high school players Trovon Reed and Robinson. More specificially, Lorio was asked about the role Nelson played in the recruitment of both players and the nature of Nelson’s relationship with the Auburn coaching staff. (more…)
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Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/ncaa_questions_four_in_louisiana_about_auburn/4174627

Chicago Bears

Penguins Working to Acquire Dallas Winger James Neal

According to Darren Dreger of TSN.CA, Ray Shero and the Pittsburgh Penguins are trying to put together a package to acquire Dallas Stars? young stud winger James Neal.

Neal is a 23-year-old power forward with exceptional talent and potential. He scored 27 goals and 55 points in 78 games last season, and has accumulated 38 points and 21 goals in 59 games this year. He is considered one of the best young forwards in the game.
Neal has an additional year left on his contract after this one, with a caphit of $2.85 million. He will then become a restricted free agent.
Reports say that the Penguins would have to send defenseman Alex Goligoski to Dallas for the deal to work. It would take more than just Goligoski to land Neal, though exactly how much more is not known. Rumors have it that the Penguins will likely only have to send away one more prospect or draft pick.
The Stars have been trying to land Goligoski for some time now, as have the Penguins and Neal.
Neal is considered on...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/penguins_working_to_acquire_dallas_winger_james_neal/4206954

James Worthy Buffalo Bills

Bet on the Cubs to win the World Series

How many times have you heard a Cubs fan say, ?this is our year?? Too many to count by my ears, but it is time for the Cubs to shine in 2011. I would bet on the Cubs to win the World Series this year for many reasons. The pieces are falling into place for the Cubs to make an unexpected run for that trophy to finally end the drought, and so called curse.
According to some Vegas odds, the Cubs? odds at winning the World Series is going at 30:1. If you were to put 100 dollars on the Cubs to win the World Series, you could come away with 3,000 dollars of winnings. Therefore, people along with Las Vegas are already basically counting the Cubs out of the World Series. The same way that most people counted out the San Francisco Giants last year, or the Colorado Rockies a few years ago.
The Giants surprised everybody after preseason predictions, and won the World Series. The Rockies also surprised everybody in 2007 when they made it to the Series, only to just come up short. These two teams...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/bet_on_the_cubs_to_win_the_world_series/4201254

Minnesota Timberwolves Kansas City Chiefs

Mickelson in Contention at Phoenix Open

Filed under: PGA

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Phil Mickelson was locked in concentration over a 30-foot birdie putt on the par-3 16th, the some 20,000 onlookers mostly quiet on the amphitheater hole except a fan who screamed "Tiger would make it!"

Playing partner Bill Haas heard it, but Mickelson was oblivious to the slight, perfectly striking the putt that drew a thunderous cheer when it dropped in.

"It's Saturday of the Phoenix Open. It's always fun," Mickelson said. "There's a lot of people out here. I don't think there's a shot I wanted to make more, other than a major championship, than that putt on 16. I wanted to make that so bad.

"To see that go in with the crowd right there was a great feeling."

The birdie and another on the short par-4 17th helped Mickelson close within four strokes of leader Tommy Gainey halfway through the frost-delayed tournament.

"There's a lot of golf left," Mickelson said. "Even though it's Saturday -- it feels like it's the third round -- but we've only played two, so we're halfway through and to be within a few shots, it's where everybody is trying to get to."

 

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Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2011/02/05/mickelson-in-contention-at-phoenix-open/

Baltimore Ravens Atlanta Falcons

Newcastle Will Purue Younger Players This Summer

Even with the transfer fee from Andy Carroll available to spend this summer, any players we pay money for are very likely to be younger players, 26 year-old and younger, who can still improve. Max Gradel - a Newcastle target this summer? The only difference from that profile will be when free agents are available [...]

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/newcastle_will_purue_younger_players_this_summer/4204606

Minnesota Vikings Golden State Warriors

Stock Car Spin NASCAR Power Rankings: Daytona 500

After a wild and crazy Daytona 500, 20-year old Trevor Bayne came across the stripe as the youngest winner of the Great American Race.
So naturally, he takes the No. 1 spot in the rankings this week. Since Bayne isn?t running a full-time Cup schedule, he likely won?t stay there long. But he does have a week to enjoy it at least. Carl Edwards takes the number two spot, while Kurt Busch takes third.
Several drivers took big hits this week, including Kevin Harvick and Greg Biffle, who each lost 11 spots. Several drivers also fell out of the rankings, including Joey Logano, Kasey Kahne, Brian Vickers, Jeff Burton, Matt Kenseth, David Reutimann, and Brad Keselowski.
New this week are Bayne, Regan Smith, Mark Martin, Paul Menard, Bobby Labonte, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and David Gilliland.
Without further adieu, here are your Power Rankings for this week:
1. Trevor Bayne(Last Week: Not Ranked): What a story this young man is. And since he?s a the only guy in Sprint Cup compet...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/stock_car_spin_nascar_power_rankings_daytona_500/4203927

Pittsburgh Steelers Seattle Seahawks

WWE PPV Elimination Chamber Results: Live Blog and Commentary

Welcome to the LIVE blog and results of tonight's WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. 

I'll be bringing you live commentary and results of all of the great WWE action to come tonight.

Myself, along with fellow Bleacher writer Dylan "The Broz" Brozyna, will be calling the matches move by move—well, okay not move by move, but all the WWE goodness that is sure to go down tonight. 

Fifteen minutes before the music hits and we are on our way—thank you for joining the ride.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/615163-wwe-ppv-elimination-chamber-results-live-blog-and-commentary

Minnesota Timberwolves Kansas City Chiefs

Nick Saban does not impress recruit

Yesterday morning, the nation’s top recruit Jadeveon Clowney ended his recruitment by committing to South Carolina. But whether he knows it or not, he may have stirred up some controversy. Clemson and Alabama were the other finalist for Clowney, and he had some interesting things to say about Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban. We all know that Saban gets a lot of respect from his coaching peers and others that follow college football. So when Saban made an in home visit to Clowney, Clowney just didn't understand what the hype was about.
“I don’t see no big deal like everybody else,” he said later. “They’d say, ‘He’s the king of all of football.’ The guy ain’t nothing but 5-5. He’s a short guy. Everybody’s going crazy on Nick Saban.”
Clowney also made it known that he couldn't get a word in with Saban.
“Nick Saban’s going to take over and talk,” Clowney said. “He ...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/jadeveon_clowney_isnt_impressed_with_alabama_coach_nick_saban/4165431

Utah Jazz Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Wall to Griffin: Oh my goodness!

	Wall to Griffin: Oh my goodness! John Wall throws this incredible bounce pass to Blake Griffin who finishes off the alley oop with a reverse jam, leading to John Wall treaing the crowd to the dougie dance.	From: NBA Views: 176206 937 ratings
	Time: 00:21	More in Sports

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sD4lxS5H2U&feature=youtube_gdata

James Worthy Buffalo Bills

On Campus: U?s Randy Shannon Turns Down Terps

It looks like former Miami Hurricanes player and head coach Randy Shannon will be spending the 2011 season at home. Shannon was offered the...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/on_campus_us_randy_shannon_turns_down_terps/4167163

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Indianapolis Colts

Fred ?My Achin? Back? Couples Leads in LA

AS I WRITE THIS with the third round in progress, Fred Couples is leading the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club. Freddie shot a 68 in the first round. He backed that up with a 66 to take the sole lead at the halfway point. A bunch of flat bellies (Aaron Baddeley, Kevin Na, John Senden, Trevor Immelman) are chasing the 51-year-old veteran who now calls himself a Champions Tour player.It was just a week or two ago I read that Couples was couch ridden with his chronically bad back. His annual golf trek to Pacific Palisades sounded like it was in serious jeopardy. But if Freddie could crawl to his car and make the two-hour drive from his home in La Quinta, he would play in LA. He loves the event, loves Riviera.Couples has to be the best bad-back golfer of all time. (I probably could think of a few others if I tried.) The guy can hardly practice. He warms up with woods because he doesn?t want to torque his back with the shorter iron clubs. He has to save it for the course.They ...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/golf/article_external/fred_my_achin_back_couples_leads_in_la/4197175

Kansas City Chiefs Miami Heat

Mikhail Grabovski Gets Dazed, Scores Awesome Game Winning Goal

Filed under: Bruins, Maple Leafs, NHL Videos

During Toronto's 4-3 win against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night, Maple Leafs forward Mikhail Grabovski was on the receiving end of a pair of hits from Zdeno Chara that clearly left him dazed and more than a little off balance. Following the second hit (both hits can be seen by clicking here) he actually stumbled and fell to the ice, instantly sparking debate as to whether or not he suffered a concussion.

Despite the concerns, he remained in the game and went on to score the winning goal in the final minute of regulation by dangling his way through the Boston defense and beating Tim Thomas with a highlight reel goal. It was his second tally of the game and his 24th of the season.

Check out the video...

 

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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/15/mikhail-grabovski-gets-dazed-scores-awesome-game-winning-goal/

Denver Broncos Houston Texans

Wall and Johnson put exclamation on game

	Wall and Johnson put exclamation on game John Wall throws this awesome alley oop to Wesley Johnson off the backboard moments after the game had ended and the rookies had secured the win over the sophomores to kick off All Star weekend from Los Angeles.	From: NBA Views: 16191 174 ratings
	Time: 00:12	More in Sports

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqygRqzi58M&feature=youtube_gdata

Houston Texans Detroit Lions

Trade Speculation: Danks to Yanks?

While I would love to see Chris Sale slot in as the Sox Closer in 2011, others have him penciled into the Starting Rotation. As a Starter, Sale creates an interesting opportunity. He provides the Sox with a surplus of Starting Pitchers, opening up the potential of a trade.
Thanks to the Yankees horrible rotation (seriously, they have just two guys they can depend on), could they be a potential fit? Phil Rogers at the Chicago Tribune seems to think so,�suggesting the Sox package John Danks and others for a return of Yankees? hot prospect Jesus Montero and more.
While it?s strictly just speculation from Rogers, it?s a great idea. AJ Pierzynski is certainly not the long-term answer behind the plate, and every report seems to indicate Montero can hit with the best of them. And while it would hurt to lose one of the team?s best pitchers in Danks, it?s hard to look past the potential upgrade it would net them.
From the Sox side: Jake Peavy would have to prove he?s healthy, Sale would have...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/trade_speculation_danks_to_yanks/4189120

Kansas City Chiefs Miami Heat

WWE Superstar of the Week: Feb.13 to Feb.19

With Elimination Chamber this Sunday, the WWE gave its viewers two huge shows. On Raw, The Rock returned to host Wrestlemania while Smackdown celebrated its 600th episode. Both brands gave me a superstar to consider for the Superstar of the Week.

The Miz gets my attention as Raw's Superstar of the Week contender. Miz defeated the United States Champion Daniel Bryan on Raw. This was a very good match where Miz showed what he could do in the ring. On Smackdown, The Miz also showcased his skills. Miz defeated the Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston with a little help from the distraction of Alberto Del Rio. Miz seems ready for Sunday where he will defend his championship against Jerry "The King" Lawler. With Raw's superstar set let's look at Smackdown's.

The 600th episode of Smackdown also produced a returning WWE figure. Teddy Long returned to regain his GM position. Teddy put a stop to Dolph Ziggler's champion celebration and reinstated Edge. Edge is Smackdown's contender because he took care of Alberto Del Rio on Raw and won the 12 Man Tag match for the "face" team; Edge was then fired by Vicky Guerrero. However, he would return to take back his championship from Dolph Ziggler.

With two champions and two wins for each, it makes my decision a hard one. The Miz defeated the United States and Intercontinental Champions, but he did have help from Alberto on Smackdown. Edge won the tag match for his team and took his title back from Dolph. Edge even got the WWE Universe to sing Dolph off Smackdown. This is why Edge is my Superstar of the Week.

This is Edge's second time as my Superstar of the Week.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/613753-wwe-superstar-of-the-week-feb13-to-feb19

Chicago Bulls Toronto Raptors

Office Depot/Mobil 1 Racing: Tony Stewart Gatorade Duel Race Report

Stewart 12th in Gatorade Duel at DaytonaOffice Depot/Mobil 1 Driver Will Start 25th in Sunday’s 53rd Daytona 500 Date: Feb. 17, 2011Event: Race No. 1 of the Gatorade Duel at Daytona (non-point qualifying races for the 53rd Daytona 500)Series: NASCAR Sprint Cup SeriesLocation: Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (2.5-mile oval)Start/Finish: 5th / 12th (Running, completed 62 of 62 laps)Winners: Gatorade Duel No. 1 – Kurt Busch of Penske Racing (Dodge) in a green-white-checkered finishGatorade Duel No. 2 – Jeff Burton of Richard Childress Racing (Chevrolet) Tony Stewart finished 12th in race one of Thursday’s Gatorade Duel, twin qualifying races that set the 43-car field for the season-opening Daytona 500. Forty-eight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers were evenly split among the two Duels, putting 24 drivers in each 150-mile race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. The results mean that Stewart, dri...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/office_depotmobil_1_racing_tony_stewart_gatorade_duel_race_report/4191489

New England Patriots

Why the Hate For Bethpage Black?

The latest murmuring from the PGA Tour is that the Barclays, an event that is part of the always exciting, and never criticized FedEx Cup playoffs (It's playoffs! In Golf!), could land Bethpage Black as their host golf course as early as 2012. The problem is, some PGA Tour officials and such aren't so keen to the idea of always stopping at Bethpage, which makes little sense to me. The two U.S. Opens hosted at the public course in New York went swimmingly, with Tiger Woods battling Sergio Garcia, among others, in 2002, and Lucas Glover outlasting Phil Mickelson and David Duval in the other, which was one of the most exciting Opens in recent memory. But the PGA Tour seems to look at the Black like Camilo Villegas must look at a quarter pounder with cheese, highlighted by this quote from Mike Davis of the USGA.Mike Davis, the senior director of rules and competition for the USGA, said he was not aware of a deal for The Barclays to go to Bethpage Black. But he said it would be a...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/golf/article_external/why_the_hate_for_bethpage_black/4181628

Washington Redskins Cleveland Cavaliers

Report: Tomas Kaberle Will Be Traded to Boston, Barring 'Complete Meltdown'

It's almost a foregone conclusion that Tomas Kaberle will be dealt, and TSN's Darren Dreger is reporting it will in all likelihood be a move to Boston. "Failing a complete meltdown ... there's strong belief that Kaberle will be traded to Boston," Dreger reported. "It's unlikely the deal gets done [Thursday], but sources say it's close and say the deal doesn't hinge on Kaberle signing an extension with the Bruins."

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/report_tomas_kaberle_will_be_traded_to_boston_barring_complete_meltdown/4180818

Arizona Cardinals Washington Wizards

Monday Movers: Torrey Pines' Dramatic Finish Excites Golf World

Filed under: Golf Odds and Ends

Each week, Monday Movers will look back on the previous week in the golf world to see whose stock is rising and who will likely be heading back to the range.

Stock Up

Bubba Watson -- Watson's victory at Torrey Pines won't be remembered for the 362-yard drive he bombed on 13. Instead, it was the brilliant touch he showed with his short game as he got up-and-down from a tough lie in a bunker on the 72nd hole to secure the one-stroke win over Phil Mickelson. The left-hander had to earn his second career PGA win against an experienced group of competitors all making a push, but did so with consistency. He led the field in greens in regulation and only carded one bogey during the final round.

Paul Casey -- The Englishman called Sunday at the inaugural Volvo Golf Champions "one of the toughest battles I've ever had." On paper, Casey ended the day in the same position he started it -- first -- but he did so by surviving 23 final-round lead changes to win his first tournament in 20 months. If not for Mickelson finishing second in San Diego, Casey would have moved into the top five of the world rankings. Instead, he moved up three spots to 6th.

Golf Rulebook -- PGA commissioner Tim Finchem spoke out about the recent rules violations that were reported by television viewers and led to disqualification for Camilo Villegas and Padraig Harrington. Finchem, speaking from the Farmers Insurance Open, said he wants a thorough review of the rules to decide whether there is a better way to punish players that aren't aware of their violation. He'll meet with the USGA executive committee next week and has also asked the European Tour to join him in examining the rule.

Sunday at Torrey Pines -- The PGA was hoping for an exciting finish when Tiger Woods announced he would make his 2011 debut at Torrey Pines alongside Phil Mickelson -- and they got it, despite Woods struggling efforts on the course. With the top of the leaderboard filled with some of the top players on Tour and super-rookie Jhonattan Vegas, the level of competition bordered on majoresque on Sunday. Nick Watney went out early and set the tone with a 28 on the front nine and the leaders followed. On a day in which only 11 of the 79 players broke 70, six of those came from the top 6 finishers, and that provided an incredible finish.

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Elliott: Watson Holds Off Lefty at Torrey Pines
Krasovic: Will We Ever See the Old Tiger Again?

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Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2011/01/31/monday-movers-torrey-pines-dramatic-finish-excites-golf-world/

New York Giants Los Angeles Lakers

Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona ? Goals (Video)

David Villa scored the first goal of the game, capping off a pass from Lionel Messi in the 26th minute and Barcelona were cruising to an away win until halftime. Arsenal remained a constant threat to Barcelona?s goal throughout but even in the second half, Barca seemed content and in control.
When Messi started walking across the pitch and choosing which player to close down and which ball to run after, it seemed Barca were a bit too relaxed. Robin van Persie?s goal painted exactly the picture when Victor Valdes was caught strafing a bit too far away from the near post and a powerful shot went between him and his near post.
The second goal was merely a result of Barca trying to get forward as quickly as possible which led to Samir Nasri breaking away and then finding Andriy Arshavin on top of the 18 yard box ? who, luckily, had two Barcelona defenders between him and the keeper.
Even though, Barcelona managed to break past the Gunners? defense but couldn...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/arsenal_2_1_barcelona_goals_video/4178896

New Jersey Nets Tennessee Titans

An Open Letter On An Overheated Rivalry.

Dr. Jay Gouge Dr. Robert E. Witt
President of Auburn University President of the University of Alabama



Dear Dr. Gouge and Dr. Witt,
I am sure that you are both well aware of the tragic and horrible killing of historic Oak trees on Toomer's corner in Auburn. This was a heinous act of the utmost hate. Yet, it was not the first act of vandalism this year between Auburn University and The University of Alabama. Repeated acts of vandalism committed against both universities have become the norm.
I graduated from the University of Alabama and I have been a loyal Alabama fan since the age of five. I have rooted against Auburn in the Iron Bowl for many years. I know the passion of our great rivalry. I know how much emotion can be involved in the competitions between our two universities. Whether it?s the Iron Bowl or a debate match, the rivalry between Alabama and Auburn is always i...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/an_open_letter_on_an_overheated_rivalry/4179742

San Diego Chargers Memphis Grizzlies

After Missing 35 Straight Games, Chris Kaman Returns From Ankle Injury

Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman returned to action after missing the last two months with an ankle sprain and bone bruise. He played just 10 minutes, tallying 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks.


The Breakdown
Kaman will be eased back into the rotation and should eventually take over the starting center spot from DeAndre Jordon once he shakes the rust off. After missing so much action, it may take him a couple of weeks before he can become a reliable fantasy contributor. Because of his potential, he is a must add right now. Kaman can be a great source of points, rebounds, and blocks if he can remain healthy. Some may have forgotten he was an All Star center last year.

Jordan owners shouldn't drop him just yet. Kaman previously tried to return from the same ankle injury only to aggravate it shortly thereafter. We'd wait until Chris is playing over 25 minutes a night before sending DeAndre to the waiver wire.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/after_missing_35_straight_games_chris_kaman_returns_from_ankle_injury/4180369

New Jersey Nets Tennessee Titans

Penguins: Super Mario, The Hypocrite?

It was a travesty.� It was painful to watch a game I love turn into a sideshow like that?.� That was the statement that hockey legend and Pittsburgh Penguins owner Mario Lemieux released Monday in response to the Penguins and Islanders game last Friday.� The Islanders went on to win the game 9-3, but that became an afterthought.� What happened that night was sickening to watch as a hockey fan and is something I hope doesn?t happen again.� There were a total of 15 fighting majors, 10 ejections, 20 game misconducts, 65 penalties and 346 penalty minutes in what was a premeditated attack for retribution by the Islanders on the Pens.� The last time the two teams squared off, Max Talbot of the Penguins left Blake Comeau with a concussion and Brent Johnson ? the Penguins? goalie, mind you ? broke the Islanders? goalie, Rick DiPietro?s face in a fight.� We knew there was going to be payback, but nothing like this.
After the dust settled from the game, the Islan...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/penguins_super_mario_the_hypocrite/4175935

Indianapolis Colts Lenny Wilkens

Day Three of Camp 'Q' ... Pat Hughes Gets a New Partner and Other Cubs Notes

The first three days of Spring Training has been anything but quiet for the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs and WGN Radio announced that Keith Moreland will be in the radio booth for the next three seasons. Moreland is extremely excited about being the Cubs' new color analyst and teaming up with Pat Hughes.

According to multiple reports, the cover of the Cubs' 2011 Media Guide features a montage tribute to Ron Santo ... another nice move by the Cubs to honor #10.

As for the on the field news, Q's crew was rather quiet with a couple of exceptions. Mike Quade announced the team would likely break camp with a 12-man pitching staff ... with Andrew Cashner either in the rotation or in the pen according to a report from Jon Paul Morosi.

Here's the update a day before position players report to Fitch Park and two days before the first full squad workout of the spring ...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/day_three_of_camp_q_pat_hughes_gets_a_new_partner_and_other_cubs_notes/4178843

Denver Nuggets San Diego Chargers

Arsene Wenger?s injury update ahead of tonight?s game against Barcelona

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed on Tuesday that midfielder Samir Nasri has recovering from a hamstring injury and will be in the squad for the Barcelona game.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Frenchman added ...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/arsene_wengers_injury_update_ahead_of_tonights_game_against_barcelona/4170880

Lenny Wilkens New England Patriots