Jurgen Melzer has pulled out of the Swiss Indoors in Basel and the Paris Masters because of a back injury, ending his singles season and placing his participation in the doubles at next month's season-ending ATP Finals in London in doubt.
Melzer's manager, Ronnie Leitgeb, told the Austria Press Agency on Monday that ''it's a very difficult decision to probably end the season here but it's his only chance to recover 100 percent.''
Leitgeb said Melzer would ''probably not'' recover in time for the Nov. 20-27 London event.
Melzer was ranked a career-high eighth in April but has now dropped to 26th. He was beaten by South Africa's Kevin Anderson on Thursday in the quarterfinals of the ATP event in Vienna, which he had won for the past two years.
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Monday, October 31, 2011
Donovan: Red Bulls are a 'dirty team'
Hard knocks: The New York Red Bulls and the Los Angeles Galaxy expect heavy fireworks in their return leg on Thursday night. (Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images)
Landon Donovan had every reason to want to celebrate.
His Los Angeles Galaxy had just opened their 2011 MLS playoffs with a victory, on the road no less, and the U.S. national team star quietly pumped his fists and smiled shortly after the final whistle of LA's 1-0 playoff win against the New York Red Bulls.
That familiar sight must have burned Rafael Marquez up because all he could think to do when he saw Donovan was throw the soccer ball he was holding right at his old rival, like his own personal game of dodge ball.
Unfortunately for Marquez, his successfully-aimed throw at Donovan did little to change the fact that the Los Angeles Galaxy are in control of their Western Conference semifinal series after Sunday's victory, a game that saw New York create chances but fail to put a single shot past an inspired Josh Saunders.
The Galaxy didn't exactly wow the Red Bulls, or dominate like you might expect the No. 1 team in MLS to against the 10th-seeded team in the playoffs. No, Los Angeles followed a familiar script of being organized and disciplined defensively, and effective in turning David Beckham's service into goals.
That was enough record a victory for the Galaxy on Sunday that leaves LA in good shape after the first leg of the series, but the match was definitely too close for comfort for the Supporters Shield winners, who probably didn't care that Sunday's match was the most competitive MLS playoff game of the weekend's conference semifinal round.
"It was great to get three points but I don't think we were too happy with the way we played," said Mike Magee, who scored the Galaxy game winner. "I don't think we played the way we've been playing all year. We took our foot off the gas and we stopped passing.
"We didn't put away that second one which would have been huge," Magee said. "Even though we won, it's a weird feeling because we didn't play the way we're used to."
As for the Red Bulls, head coach Hans Backe couldn't praise his team enough for its performance, and he sounded like a coach that was either in complete denial, or one who was very confident in his team's chances of winning in a stadium no visiting MLS team has won at all year.
"It was a great performance one of our absolutely better games, by far, for a couple of months," Backe said. "We totally controlled the game, dictated the game. We had four huge chances to tie the game.
"To me, this is totally wide open," Backe said. "If we can perform like this on Thursday, we have won in LA before and we can do it again."
As much as Backe's words seemed a bit overboard (the win in LA he referred to came 13 months ago), he wasn't far off in his assessment that New York created more chances and better chances, and if not for Saunders' heroics, the Red Bulls could easily be in control of the series heading back to California.
That is what made Marquez's tantrum all the more of a head-scratcher. His ball toss, subsequent failed attempts at a head butt, and an arrant punch aimed at Galaxy forward Adam Cristman, earned him a red card and suspension from the return leg. As if that sequence wasn't bad enough, Marquez capped it all with a theatrical
The episode was stupid and selfish and was the type of incident that has become all too familiar when it comes to Marquez, who was suspended earlier in the year for criticizing teammates, and who is well known for his meltdowns for Mexico against the United States.
New York bully: Rafael Marquez's dirty tactics cost him a chance to play in the return leg at The Home Depot Center. (Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images)
The funny thing is New York might wind up being better off because of Marquez's moment of madness. Galaxy midfielder Juninho also received a red card for the post-game melee that followed Marquez's post-game antics, and it can be argued that he is more important and as tougher to replace for LA than Marquez is for New York.
Actually, the Red Bulls showed late in the year that they can win without Marquez, and with Dax McCarty ready to slide in the lineup, New York shouldn't really miss a beat because of the Marquez suspension. In fact, with starting right back Jan Gunnar Solli ready to return from suspension, the Red Bulls should be a stronger side on Thursday than the one that pushed the Galaxy to the brink on Sunday.
That, along with the increased tension brought on by Sunday's post-match scuffle, should hike up the intensity on Thursday to new levels, and Marquez's absence won't alleviate that. If anything, Landon Donovan's comments after Sunday's match, where he trashed New York as a dirty team, should provide some extra spice to the series.
"In all my years in this league, I've not played against a cheaper team, and they've been doing it all year," Donovan said of the Red Bulls. "We saw it a few weeks ago with (Thierry) Henry kneeing someone in the back. You've seen that stuff all year, and you just deal with it.
"It's part of it, but at the end of it, the cream rose to the top and the better team won."
The Galaxy have yet to win the series though. They simply won the first battle, but if Sunday's tightly-contested match is any indication, Thursday's rematch is going to be even more intense, as the Red Bulls fight for survival and the Galaxy try to move a step closer to the championship they are expected to win.
Landon Donovan had every reason to want to celebrate.
His Los Angeles Galaxy had just opened their 2011 MLS playoffs with a victory, on the road no less, and the U.S. national team star quietly pumped his fists and smiled shortly after the final whistle of LA's 1-0 playoff win against the New York Red Bulls.
That familiar sight must have burned Rafael Marquez up because all he could think to do when he saw Donovan was throw the soccer ball he was holding right at his old rival, like his own personal game of dodge ball.
Unfortunately for Marquez, his successfully-aimed throw at Donovan did little to change the fact that the Los Angeles Galaxy are in control of their Western Conference semifinal series after Sunday's victory, a game that saw New York create chances but fail to put a single shot past an inspired Josh Saunders.
The Galaxy didn't exactly wow the Red Bulls, or dominate like you might expect the No. 1 team in MLS to against the 10th-seeded team in the playoffs. No, Los Angeles followed a familiar script of being organized and disciplined defensively, and effective in turning David Beckham's service into goals.
That was enough record a victory for the Galaxy on Sunday that leaves LA in good shape after the first leg of the series, but the match was definitely too close for comfort for the Supporters Shield winners, who probably didn't care that Sunday's match was the most competitive MLS playoff game of the weekend's conference semifinal round.
"It was great to get three points but I don't think we were too happy with the way we played," said Mike Magee, who scored the Galaxy game winner. "I don't think we played the way we've been playing all year. We took our foot off the gas and we stopped passing.
"We didn't put away that second one which would have been huge," Magee said. "Even though we won, it's a weird feeling because we didn't play the way we're used to."
As for the Red Bulls, head coach Hans Backe couldn't praise his team enough for its performance, and he sounded like a coach that was either in complete denial, or one who was very confident in his team's chances of winning in a stadium no visiting MLS team has won at all year.
"It was a great performance one of our absolutely better games, by far, for a couple of months," Backe said. "We totally controlled the game, dictated the game. We had four huge chances to tie the game.
"To me, this is totally wide open," Backe said. "If we can perform like this on Thursday, we have won in LA before and we can do it again."
As much as Backe's words seemed a bit overboard (the win in LA he referred to came 13 months ago), he wasn't far off in his assessment that New York created more chances and better chances, and if not for Saunders' heroics, the Red Bulls could easily be in control of the series heading back to California.
That is what made Marquez's tantrum all the more of a head-scratcher. His ball toss, subsequent failed attempts at a head butt, and an arrant punch aimed at Galaxy forward Adam Cristman, earned him a red card and suspension from the return leg. As if that sequence wasn't bad enough, Marquez capped it all with a theatrical
The episode was stupid and selfish and was the type of incident that has become all too familiar when it comes to Marquez, who was suspended earlier in the year for criticizing teammates, and who is well known for his meltdowns for Mexico against the United States.
New York bully: Rafael Marquez's dirty tactics cost him a chance to play in the return leg at The Home Depot Center. (Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images)
The funny thing is New York might wind up being better off because of Marquez's moment of madness. Galaxy midfielder Juninho also received a red card for the post-game melee that followed Marquez's post-game antics, and it can be argued that he is more important and as tougher to replace for LA than Marquez is for New York.
Actually, the Red Bulls showed late in the year that they can win without Marquez, and with Dax McCarty ready to slide in the lineup, New York shouldn't really miss a beat because of the Marquez suspension. In fact, with starting right back Jan Gunnar Solli ready to return from suspension, the Red Bulls should be a stronger side on Thursday than the one that pushed the Galaxy to the brink on Sunday.
That, along with the increased tension brought on by Sunday's post-match scuffle, should hike up the intensity on Thursday to new levels, and Marquez's absence won't alleviate that. If anything, Landon Donovan's comments after Sunday's match, where he trashed New York as a dirty team, should provide some extra spice to the series.
"In all my years in this league, I've not played against a cheaper team, and they've been doing it all year," Donovan said of the Red Bulls. "We saw it a few weeks ago with (Thierry) Henry kneeing someone in the back. You've seen that stuff all year, and you just deal with it.
"It's part of it, but at the end of it, the cream rose to the top and the better team won."
The Galaxy have yet to win the series though. They simply won the first battle, but if Sunday's tightly-contested match is any indication, Thursday's rematch is going to be even more intense, as the Red Bulls fight for survival and the Galaxy try to move a step closer to the championship they are expected to win.
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/donovan_red_bulls_are_a_dirty_team/7774237
Red Sox, Mackanin to meet
According to a report, Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin will be interviewed by the Boston Red Sox early this week for their open managerial position.
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/red_sox_mackanin_to_meet/7748413
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Richt calls Georgia's win over Gators 'a big deal'
A six-game winning streak hasn't cured all of Georgia's woes.
Georgia's special teams are a mess. There are depth problems on the offensive line and at running back. Georgia still needs another team to beat South Carolina if the Bulldogs are to have a chance to play in the Southeastern Conference championship game.
But with his team's 24-20 win over Florida on Saturday, the concerns could wait. Coach Mark Richt says nothing could spoil that win.
By ending a three-game losing streak to Florida, No. 18 Georgia kept pace with South Carolina atop the SEC East. It was only Richt's third win in 11 tries against Florida, and he says ''it was a big deal'' for his team and for him.
Georgia's special teams are a mess. There are depth problems on the offensive line and at running back. Georgia still needs another team to beat South Carolina if the Bulldogs are to have a chance to play in the Southeastern Conference championship game.
But with his team's 24-20 win over Florida on Saturday, the concerns could wait. Coach Mark Richt says nothing could spoil that win.
By ending a three-game losing streak to Florida, No. 18 Georgia kept pace with South Carolina atop the SEC East. It was only Richt's third win in 11 tries against Florida, and he says ''it was a big deal'' for his team and for him.
90's Roundtable: Competitors
 | Scottie Pippen, Clyde Drexler, David Robinson, and Robert Horry talk about their careers and competing against each other in the 1990's. | From: NBA Views: 18161   219 ratings |
| Time: 06:30 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSk0bbtJdug&feature=youtube_gdata
Is Fisher in Stern's back pocket?
This is opinion: The latest NBA lockout stalemate is all about the basketball-related-income split. The owners want 50-50. The players want 52-48.
This is fact: The belief that NBA Players Association president Derek Fisher has been co-opted by commissioner David Stern -- and promised the commish he could deliver the union at 50-50 -- caused NBAPA executive director Billy Hunter and at least one member of the union's executive committee to confront Fisher on Friday morning and make him reassess his 50-50 push, a source familiar with the negotiations told FOXSports.com Friday afternoon.
A veteran NBA player familiar with the negotiations characterized the concerns about Fisher's allegiance as similar to the concerns about Michael Curry in 2005, the year of the league's last collective-bargaining agreement.
Curry, an 11-year NBA player who earned around $15 million for his career, was the union's player president from July 2001 through late June 2005. At age 36, he played 18 games for the Indiana Pacers during the 2004-05 season, his last season. The NBA and the union agreed in principle on the now-expired labor deal on June 21, 2005. A week later, Michael Curry stepped down as the union's president. On Sept. 8, 2005, David Stern announced that his alleged former labor-agreement adversary would be vice president, player development for the NBA Development League.
"Michael has always expressed an interest in helping to develop young players whose potential has yet to be realized," Stern stated in a 2005 release. "His personal experience in development leagues and ultimately as a valued NBA veteran, makes him a perfect fit to contribute to the mission of the D-League."
In August of 2006, Stern announced Curry would be promoted to NBA vice president, basketball operations. Curry left that job a year later to serve as an assistant coach on Flip Saunders' Detroit Pistons staff. A year later, Joe Dumars and Pistons ownership made the bizarre decision to turn their team over to the highly inexperienced Curry, giving him a 3-year, $7.5 million contract. Curry was fired after one season -- $7.5 million richer.
Do I need to connect all of the dots?
The player rollbacks began in earnest with the 2005 deal. With Fisher -- a 15-year veteran who has earned $57 million -- allegedly in Stern's hip pocket, the owners are determined to remake the system and reduce the players' BRI to 50 percent.
In my earlier column exposing Fisher's and his assistant Jamie Wior's inappropriate role in these labor negotiations, I pegged Fisher as a real-life Stringer Bell, the smooth-talking drug kingpin whose reckless ambition got him killed at the end of Season 3 of "The Wire." The truth is, Curry was Stringer Bell. Fisher is the real-life Cheese Wagstaff, the loose-lipped, double-dealing idiot who got Prop Joe killed.
As I said in my original column, David Stern is a real-life Marlo Stanfield.
Guess that makes me Slim Charles, and "this is for Joe."
According to my source, at least one five-time champion, NBA superstar with the initials K.B. was on board with Fisher's push for a 50-50 split. Hunter is firm that the players should not accept less than 52-48. According to my source, Hunter and a member of the executive committee convinced Hunter to stand firm at 52-48 after they questioned the Lakers point guard about his relationship with Stern and deputy commissioner Adam Silver.
According to reports, Hunter ended today's negotiating session telling Stern the union would not budge on 52-48.
It has been my belief throughout this process that Fisher is the wrong person to be the president of the union. He has earned a substantial amount of money from playing in the NBA. But not enough that he can't be influenced and baited by the NBA establishment.
Earlier this week, I contacted Steve Nash and Grant Hill to talk about the lockout. They are the kind of mature, super-wealthy, thoughtful players who should be at the head of the union.
Union president is a difficult job. Looking out for the best interests of superstars, stars, role players and bench players is extremely complex. The difference between 52 and 50 percent won't come out of the salaries of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki. It's the bottom 325 players who are going to be squeezed financially.
This is opinion: Billy Hunter has to answer to the bottom 325 players. Derek Fisher has to answer to the superstars and David Stern.
This is fact: Fisher and Hunter haven't been on the same page throughout this lockout.
This is fact: The belief that NBA Players Association president Derek Fisher has been co-opted by commissioner David Stern -- and promised the commish he could deliver the union at 50-50 -- caused NBAPA executive director Billy Hunter and at least one member of the union's executive committee to confront Fisher on Friday morning and make him reassess his 50-50 push, a source familiar with the negotiations told FOXSports.com Friday afternoon.
A veteran NBA player familiar with the negotiations characterized the concerns about Fisher's allegiance as similar to the concerns about Michael Curry in 2005, the year of the league's last collective-bargaining agreement.
Curry, an 11-year NBA player who earned around $15 million for his career, was the union's player president from July 2001 through late June 2005. At age 36, he played 18 games for the Indiana Pacers during the 2004-05 season, his last season. The NBA and the union agreed in principle on the now-expired labor deal on June 21, 2005. A week later, Michael Curry stepped down as the union's president. On Sept. 8, 2005, David Stern announced that his alleged former labor-agreement adversary would be vice president, player development for the NBA Development League.
"Michael has always expressed an interest in helping to develop young players whose potential has yet to be realized," Stern stated in a 2005 release. "His personal experience in development leagues and ultimately as a valued NBA veteran, makes him a perfect fit to contribute to the mission of the D-League."
In August of 2006, Stern announced Curry would be promoted to NBA vice president, basketball operations. Curry left that job a year later to serve as an assistant coach on Flip Saunders' Detroit Pistons staff. A year later, Joe Dumars and Pistons ownership made the bizarre decision to turn their team over to the highly inexperienced Curry, giving him a 3-year, $7.5 million contract. Curry was fired after one season -- $7.5 million richer.
Do I need to connect all of the dots?
The player rollbacks began in earnest with the 2005 deal. With Fisher -- a 15-year veteran who has earned $57 million -- allegedly in Stern's hip pocket, the owners are determined to remake the system and reduce the players' BRI to 50 percent.
In my earlier column exposing Fisher's and his assistant Jamie Wior's inappropriate role in these labor negotiations, I pegged Fisher as a real-life Stringer Bell, the smooth-talking drug kingpin whose reckless ambition got him killed at the end of Season 3 of "The Wire." The truth is, Curry was Stringer Bell. Fisher is the real-life Cheese Wagstaff, the loose-lipped, double-dealing idiot who got Prop Joe killed.
As I said in my original column, David Stern is a real-life Marlo Stanfield.
Guess that makes me Slim Charles, and "this is for Joe."
According to my source, at least one five-time champion, NBA superstar with the initials K.B. was on board with Fisher's push for a 50-50 split. Hunter is firm that the players should not accept less than 52-48. According to my source, Hunter and a member of the executive committee convinced Hunter to stand firm at 52-48 after they questioned the Lakers point guard about his relationship with Stern and deputy commissioner Adam Silver.
According to reports, Hunter ended today's negotiating session telling Stern the union would not budge on 52-48.
It has been my belief throughout this process that Fisher is the wrong person to be the president of the union. He has earned a substantial amount of money from playing in the NBA. But not enough that he can't be influenced and baited by the NBA establishment.
Earlier this week, I contacted Steve Nash and Grant Hill to talk about the lockout. They are the kind of mature, super-wealthy, thoughtful players who should be at the head of the union.
Union president is a difficult job. Looking out for the best interests of superstars, stars, role players and bench players is extremely complex. The difference between 52 and 50 percent won't come out of the salaries of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki. It's the bottom 325 players who are going to be squeezed financially.
This is opinion: Billy Hunter has to answer to the bottom 325 players. Derek Fisher has to answer to the superstars and David Stern.
This is fact: Fisher and Hunter haven't been on the same page throughout this lockout.
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/is_fisher_in_sterns_back_pocket/7721911
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Pope the key cog for Seton Hall with Hazell gone
After undergoing heart surgery 15 months ago and struggling somewhat last season, Seton Hall senior forward Herb Pope is healthy and ready to return to the premier status he enjoyed two seasons ago.
"I feel like I'm a little better than 100 percent," Pope said. "My ultimate goal this year is to be the Big East Player of the Year. I totally respect the others in the league.
"But I now feel like I am one of the best power forwards in the country."
That's a complete resurrection for the 6-foot-8 Pope, who was a mere shell of himself last season. He averaged 9.8 points and 7.9 rebounds, a year after averaging 11.5 and a conference-leading 10.7, becoming the first Seton Hall player to lead the league in rebounding since Glenn Mosley in 1976-77.
"I feel like I'm a little better than 100 percent," Pope said. "My ultimate goal this year is to be the Big East Player of the Year. I totally respect the others in the league.
"But I now feel like I am one of the best power forwards in the country."
That's a complete resurrection for the 6-foot-8 Pope, who was a mere shell of himself last season. He averaged 9.8 points and 7.9 rebounds, a year after averaging 11.5 and a conference-leading 10.7, becoming the first Seton Hall player to lead the league in rebounding since Glenn Mosley in 1976-77.
Trailer: "Run TMC: The Power of Three"
 | In "Run TMC: The Power of Three", one of the most exciting trios in NBA history joins host Ahmad Rashad to reminisce about their two exciting seasons together in the early 1990s with the Golden State Warriors. All-Stars Mitch Richmond and Tim Hardaway join Hall of Famer Chris Mullin to talk about their electric, end-to-end scoring style, how they earned their memorable nickname, playing for Head Coach Don Nelson, their 1991 playoff run - in which they beat the Spurs and fell to the eventual conference champion Lakers - and how Run TMC came to an end, when Mitch Richmond was traded to Sacramento before the 1991-'92 season. "Run TMC: The Power of Three"...premieres October 25th at 7:30pm ET on NBA TV. | From: NBA Views: 66701 429 ratings |
| Time: 01:54 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyFuoo0kXzw&feature=youtube_gdata
Asics Hits Ground Running With Multi-Media Campaign At NYC Marathon
Athletic sportswear and shoe company Asics, which is an official sponsor of the 2011 ING New York City Marathon, will unveil its 2012 national advertising campaign on Oct. 31, less than a week before the Nov. 6 event. The campaign comes with a new tagline, "Stop at Never," which the company said is meant to [...]
Friday, October 28, 2011
D-League Players Prepare for the Pan Am Games
 | The Pan Am Games are underway in Guadalajara, Mexico. The United States has not won this competition since 1983, when a team led by Michael Jordan, Wayman Tisdale, and Sam Perkins brought home the gold. This year, players from the D-League were chosen to carry the hopes of the United States. We visited team USA in training camp as they got ready for their upcoming challenge. | From: NBA Views: 10429 120 ratings |
| Time: 02:30 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQprBDQn1kA&feature=youtube_gdata
Last chance for payback at Martinsville
NASCAR's short tracks are known for close-quarters, fender-banging racing, and nowhere is the competition closer than at the half-mile Martinsville Speedway.
The flat, concrete track is difficult to negotiate with 43 cars packed tightly on the paper-clip-shaped oval.
It usually takes a fender to get to the front and a sturdy bumper and good car control to stay there.
The bumper-car action also causes tempers to flare, leading to some classic dust-ups. It's a track where feuds are not only born, but where they often escalate and reignite.
With drivers racing door-to-door and bumper-to-bumper, Martinsville is a place where scores are settled.
Here's a look at a few that could be settled this weekend:
Kurt Busch vs. Jimmie Johnson
This one has been building and building and has the makings of a classic. They've been feuding for more than a year, and now both are seemingly out of championship contention, so the gloves may come off at Martinsville.
They also have proven they will go at it on a short track, tangling at Richmond in the last race before the Chase.
Prior to that, the two traded paint last year at New Hampshire, with Johnson knocking Busch out of the way for the win. They went at it again in two of the past three races at Pocono. The last one, in August, led to a verbal confrontation on pit road.
Then, at Richmond, with both drivers already locked into the Chase, Busch sent Johnson for a spin early in the race. Johnson quickly retaliated, wrecking Busch and knocking them both out of the race.
That led to more verbal sparring and showed that their feud is far from over.
Busch called Johnson "a five-time chump."
Johnson said, a bit more diplomatically, "If he can stop running into my (car), everything would be just fine."
Johnson and Busch are likely to be factors at Martinsville. And with their Chase hopes all but over, there is likely to be some more fender-banging between the two.
Juan Pablo Montoya vs. Clint Bowyer, Jimmie Johnson, et al.
Montoya has ticked off numerous drivers this season, compiling a long list of enemies. As a result, he is likely to get bounced around like a pinball at Martinsville.
Montoya has stirred up so much trouble with his aggressive driving that Ryan Newman allegedly punched him in the NASCAR hauler, Bowyer called him a "*******" and an "idiot," and Johnson declared, "Three strikes for the 42. ... He's out of mulligans."
Though he runs well at Martinsville and has nothing to lose, Montoya will need to watch his bumper ... and his door ... and everything else on his car.
Kyle Busch vs. Kevin Harvick
Harvick has bullied and taunted the younger Busch all season long, and now he's in danger of paying for it.
Dearly.
Harvick wrecked Busch intentionally in the season finale at Homestead last year. Then, after Busch wrecked him during a wild three-car wreck at Darlington, Harvick tried to punch him on pit road.
A month later, Harvick's team owner Richard Childress finished the job, grabbing Busch in a headlock and punching him in the garage at Kansas Speedway.
Even after that, Harvick continued to harass Busch, running him low on the track at Pocono and acting as if he was going to wreck him again.
While Busch has tried to take the high road and put the incidents behind them, Harvick has continued to stir up their feud, taking verbal jabs at Busch whenever possible.
Now, Harvick is still racing for the championship while Busch's Chase hopes are all but over. That does not bode well for Harvick.
The two likely will be racing at the front at Martinsville. It might be the perfect time and place for Busch to get even.
Kyle Busch vs. Richard Childress Racing
Childress proved that Harvick isn't the only one who has issues with Busch. The whole organization appears to be out to get him.
Childress made that clear at Kansas when he slugged Busch after Busch ran into one of RCR's trucks during the Camping World Truck Series race.
RCR has just one car in the Chase. The rest have nothing to lose.
While Harvick is Busch's main worry, he can't ignore the other three RCR cars as well.
Kyle Busch vs. Carl Edwards
How many enemies does Kyle Busch have?
A few, and he could meet up with more than one at Martinsville.
Busch and Edwards have a history, too, but both have tried hard to keep it from getting out of control.
Busch sent Edwards for a spin earlier this year at Phoenix and quickly apologized, causing Edwards to back off and refrain from retaliating.
Then, two weeks ago, Edwards was not happy with the way Busch raced him for second at Charlotte and confronted him on pit road after the race.
This all started, of course, in 2008, when Edwards knocked Busch out of his way to win at Bristol.
Now, Edwards has a lot on the line, and Busch doesn't.
Will he give Edwards a break and cut him some slack at Martinsville, or choose to send a message that he's not going to be bullied by the series points leader?
Jeff Gordon vs. Matt Kenseth
Surprisingly, these typically mild-mannered drivers also have a history together, dating back to a wreck and pit road confrontation at Bristol in 2006, followed by Gordon wrecking Kenseth to win at Chicago later that year.
The last time they tangled was in April at Martinsville, where they bumped and banged during a battle for the lead and Gordon wound up knocking Kenseth out of the top spot.
Kenseth is racing for the championship while Gordon has fallen out of contention. Will Gordon give Kenseth a break, or will he lean on him and rough him because of their past run-ins?
Tony Stewart vs. The Field
Blocking. Stewart can't stand it and has threatened to move any driver who tries to block him on the track.
He made an example of Brian Vickers at Infineon Raceway in June, spinning him intentionally for what he claimed was blocking. (Vickers then intentionally wrecked Stewart, sending his car crashing onto the top of a tire barrier.)
Racing at Martinsville is one big rolling roadblock. You can't help but block. It's either block or pull over and get out of the way.
Stewart is still in the championship race, but no doubt a bit frustrated after falling behind after winning the first two Chase races.
Will Stewart lose his cool while trying to get around some of the rolling roadblocks at Martinsville?
Jeff Burton vs. Kevin Harvick
While it's unlikely that two teammates would get into it at this point of the season, particularly when one is in the Chase, it didn't stop Burton and Harvick from trading paint and having words in this race last year.
The two RCR teammates were battling for second when Burton appeared to cut off Harvick, and Harvick didn't like it, ramming Burton in the bumper several times and expressing his displeasure under caution.
"I have done nothing wrong," Burton yelled over his team radio. "I will not put up with it. I am a good teammate, and I am not going to take him running into me."
"He's out of mulligans," Harvick responded. "That's the third time he's done it to me."
Their rift shows how easy it is for tempers to flare at Martinsville.
Harvick, who won at Martinsville in April, is in the thick of the championship race again and desperately needs a good run to gain some ground on Edwards, the points leader.
Burton, meanwhile, has had a terrible season and is desperate for a win or a good run. Martinsville is one of his best tracks, and it would not be surprising to see the two teammates battling again.
Denny Hamlin vs. Denny Hamlin
Hamlin has spent the season racing his own demons and his own team.
Still smarting from throwing away the championship last year, Hamlin has had a disappointing season. Thanks to misfortune, mishaps and cars not to his liking, he needed a wild card just to make the Chase and quickly wasted it with finishes of 31st, 29th and 18th in the first three races.
Now, last in the Chase and way out of contention, Hamlin is looking to win and gain momentum for next season.
Martinsville is Hamlin's best track, and he's won three of the past four races there. He would like nothing better than to win again and relive some of the frustration of a disappointing season.
But can he overcome the myriad problems that have plagued him and his race team this year?
The flat, concrete track is difficult to negotiate with 43 cars packed tightly on the paper-clip-shaped oval.
It usually takes a fender to get to the front and a sturdy bumper and good car control to stay there.
The bumper-car action also causes tempers to flare, leading to some classic dust-ups. It's a track where feuds are not only born, but where they often escalate and reignite.
With drivers racing door-to-door and bumper-to-bumper, Martinsville is a place where scores are settled.
Here's a look at a few that could be settled this weekend:
Kurt Busch vs. Jimmie Johnson
This one has been building and building and has the makings of a classic. They've been feuding for more than a year, and now both are seemingly out of championship contention, so the gloves may come off at Martinsville.
They also have proven they will go at it on a short track, tangling at Richmond in the last race before the Chase.
Prior to that, the two traded paint last year at New Hampshire, with Johnson knocking Busch out of the way for the win. They went at it again in two of the past three races at Pocono. The last one, in August, led to a verbal confrontation on pit road.
Then, at Richmond, with both drivers already locked into the Chase, Busch sent Johnson for a spin early in the race. Johnson quickly retaliated, wrecking Busch and knocking them both out of the race.
That led to more verbal sparring and showed that their feud is far from over.
Busch called Johnson "a five-time chump."
Johnson said, a bit more diplomatically, "If he can stop running into my (car), everything would be just fine."
Johnson and Busch are likely to be factors at Martinsville. And with their Chase hopes all but over, there is likely to be some more fender-banging between the two.
Juan Pablo Montoya vs. Clint Bowyer, Jimmie Johnson, et al.
Montoya has ticked off numerous drivers this season, compiling a long list of enemies. As a result, he is likely to get bounced around like a pinball at Martinsville.
Montoya has stirred up so much trouble with his aggressive driving that Ryan Newman allegedly punched him in the NASCAR hauler, Bowyer called him a "*******" and an "idiot," and Johnson declared, "Three strikes for the 42. ... He's out of mulligans."
Though he runs well at Martinsville and has nothing to lose, Montoya will need to watch his bumper ... and his door ... and everything else on his car.
Kyle Busch vs. Kevin Harvick
Harvick has bullied and taunted the younger Busch all season long, and now he's in danger of paying for it.
Dearly.
Harvick wrecked Busch intentionally in the season finale at Homestead last year. Then, after Busch wrecked him during a wild three-car wreck at Darlington, Harvick tried to punch him on pit road.
A month later, Harvick's team owner Richard Childress finished the job, grabbing Busch in a headlock and punching him in the garage at Kansas Speedway.
Even after that, Harvick continued to harass Busch, running him low on the track at Pocono and acting as if he was going to wreck him again.
While Busch has tried to take the high road and put the incidents behind them, Harvick has continued to stir up their feud, taking verbal jabs at Busch whenever possible.
Now, Harvick is still racing for the championship while Busch's Chase hopes are all but over. That does not bode well for Harvick.
The two likely will be racing at the front at Martinsville. It might be the perfect time and place for Busch to get even.
Kyle Busch vs. Richard Childress Racing
Childress proved that Harvick isn't the only one who has issues with Busch. The whole organization appears to be out to get him.
Childress made that clear at Kansas when he slugged Busch after Busch ran into one of RCR's trucks during the Camping World Truck Series race.
RCR has just one car in the Chase. The rest have nothing to lose.
While Harvick is Busch's main worry, he can't ignore the other three RCR cars as well.
Kyle Busch vs. Carl Edwards
How many enemies does Kyle Busch have?
A few, and he could meet up with more than one at Martinsville.
Busch and Edwards have a history, too, but both have tried hard to keep it from getting out of control.
Busch sent Edwards for a spin earlier this year at Phoenix and quickly apologized, causing Edwards to back off and refrain from retaliating.
Then, two weeks ago, Edwards was not happy with the way Busch raced him for second at Charlotte and confronted him on pit road after the race.
This all started, of course, in 2008, when Edwards knocked Busch out of his way to win at Bristol.
Now, Edwards has a lot on the line, and Busch doesn't.
Will he give Edwards a break and cut him some slack at Martinsville, or choose to send a message that he's not going to be bullied by the series points leader?
Jeff Gordon vs. Matt Kenseth
Surprisingly, these typically mild-mannered drivers also have a history together, dating back to a wreck and pit road confrontation at Bristol in 2006, followed by Gordon wrecking Kenseth to win at Chicago later that year.
The last time they tangled was in April at Martinsville, where they bumped and banged during a battle for the lead and Gordon wound up knocking Kenseth out of the top spot.
Kenseth is racing for the championship while Gordon has fallen out of contention. Will Gordon give Kenseth a break, or will he lean on him and rough him because of their past run-ins?
Tony Stewart vs. The Field
Blocking. Stewart can't stand it and has threatened to move any driver who tries to block him on the track.
He made an example of Brian Vickers at Infineon Raceway in June, spinning him intentionally for what he claimed was blocking. (Vickers then intentionally wrecked Stewart, sending his car crashing onto the top of a tire barrier.)
Racing at Martinsville is one big rolling roadblock. You can't help but block. It's either block or pull over and get out of the way.
Stewart is still in the championship race, but no doubt a bit frustrated after falling behind after winning the first two Chase races.
Will Stewart lose his cool while trying to get around some of the rolling roadblocks at Martinsville?
Jeff Burton vs. Kevin Harvick
While it's unlikely that two teammates would get into it at this point of the season, particularly when one is in the Chase, it didn't stop Burton and Harvick from trading paint and having words in this race last year.
The two RCR teammates were battling for second when Burton appeared to cut off Harvick, and Harvick didn't like it, ramming Burton in the bumper several times and expressing his displeasure under caution.
"I have done nothing wrong," Burton yelled over his team radio. "I will not put up with it. I am a good teammate, and I am not going to take him running into me."
"He's out of mulligans," Harvick responded. "That's the third time he's done it to me."
Their rift shows how easy it is for tempers to flare at Martinsville.
Harvick, who won at Martinsville in April, is in the thick of the championship race again and desperately needs a good run to gain some ground on Edwards, the points leader.
Burton, meanwhile, has had a terrible season and is desperate for a win or a good run. Martinsville is one of his best tracks, and it would not be surprising to see the two teammates battling again.
Denny Hamlin vs. Denny Hamlin
Hamlin has spent the season racing his own demons and his own team.
Still smarting from throwing away the championship last year, Hamlin has had a disappointing season. Thanks to misfortune, mishaps and cars not to his liking, he needed a wild card just to make the Chase and quickly wasted it with finishes of 31st, 29th and 18th in the first three races.
Now, last in the Chase and way out of contention, Hamlin is looking to win and gain momentum for next season.
Martinsville is Hamlin's best track, and he's won three of the past four races there. He would like nothing better than to win again and relive some of the frustration of a disappointing season.
But can he overcome the myriad problems that have plagued him and his race team this year?
What Do We Know About the Capitals at This Point In the Season?
While the Capitals are taking their longest break since opening night, it seemed appropriate to consider what we?ve learned about them after nearly 10% of the regular season has come and gone.� Most people who follow hockey know that Washington is the only undefeated team in the NHL, currently riding a 7-0 record. Without demeaning a perfect record, it?s fair to say that that mark doesn?t tell the whole story, however.� A couple of points that are worth considering are:
In five of Washington?s games, they faced their opponents? backup goalies.
In three of the Caps games, their opponents had played the evening before.
Five of Washington?s seven games have been played at home, and they have only had to travel as far as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
The Capitals remain in the bottom of the league in shots allowed per game (32.7 shots allowed per game ? worst in the NHL is 34.1).� Were it not for the incredible goaltending by Tomas Vokoun, who ranks fourth in save percentage for g...
In five of Washington?s games, they faced their opponents? backup goalies.
In three of the Caps games, their opponents had played the evening before.
Five of Washington?s seven games have been played at home, and they have only had to travel as far as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
The Capitals remain in the bottom of the league in shots allowed per game (32.7 shots allowed per game ? worst in the NHL is 34.1).� Were it not for the incredible goaltending by Tomas Vokoun, who ranks fourth in save percentage for g...
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Pickens, Switzer Poke Fun at UT?s Brown
Texas bills itself as the Big 12?s big boy, but the Longhorns are getting beat up like the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
Benny the Bull Gives Back in Chicago
 | Benny the Bull and Chicago Bulls announcer Stacey King visit a local supermarket to make some friends, pay for people's groceries, and cause some havoc along the way. | From: NBA Views: 10224 387 ratings |
| Time: 03:35 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlYLP9KW4B4&feature=youtube_gdata
Changing routes: UPS switching to Carl Edwards
UPS is ending its primary sponsorship of David Ragan and will become an associate sponsor for Carl Edwards.
UPS also says it will be Edwards' primary sponsor for the Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky.
The shift leaves Roush Fenway Racing in search of two primary sponsors for its 2012 Sprint Cup program. The team has not yet announced sponsorship for championship contender Matt Kenseth.
The team has announced sponsorship for Greg Biffle, and is steadily putting together its funding package for Sprint Cup Series points leader Edwards.
UPS says it will remain an official sponsor of NASCAR for a 13th season, and continue its hospitality program at select events.
UPS also says it will be Edwards' primary sponsor for the Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky.
The shift leaves Roush Fenway Racing in search of two primary sponsors for its 2012 Sprint Cup program. The team has not yet announced sponsorship for championship contender Matt Kenseth.
The team has announced sponsorship for Greg Biffle, and is steadily putting together its funding package for Sprint Cup Series points leader Edwards.
UPS says it will remain an official sponsor of NASCAR for a 13th season, and continue its hospitality program at select events.
Knicks Win Game 5 in 1970 Without Reed
 | Knicks' star center, Willis Reed, goes down with an injury in Game 5 of the 1970 Finals against Los Angeles but his teammates rally to come back and defeat the the Lakers in Madison Square Garden. | From: NBA Views: 8258 83 ratings |
| Time: 00:53 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPg1-IX-1po&feature=youtube_gdata
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
UNC unveils uniforms for the Carrier Classic
Wow. Very cool. Color me impressed. And after taking a gander at these uniforms the Tar Heels will wear at the 2011 Quicken Loans Carrier Classic on Nov. 11, that color would be blue. The accompanying press release, via TarHeelBlue.com: CHAPEL HILL ? The North Carolina men?s basketball team will wear specially-designed camouflaged, light blue [...]
Souray, Stars go on defensive
Pete Peeters sometimes tells a story about the time he stood in net against Sheldon Souray.
Peeters was a goaltending consultant in Edmonton a few years back and, as he occasionally does, put on full goalie pads and faced shots in an Oilers practice when Souray unloaded his signature hard shot.
"I didn't see it but I heard it," said Peeters, now a goalie coach with the Anaheim Ducks. "I heard it go by."
The same can be said for Souray's career revival and the upstart Dallas Stars: Nobody truly saw it coming but plenty are hearing about it.
Dallas is off to a 6-2 start, serving notice that it could be a factor in the Pacific Division. Souray has fit into a conservative, defensive system run by first-year coach Glen Gulutzan.
Playing on the second defense pairing with Stephane Robidas, Souray has five points in eight games with a team-high plus-6 rating.
But Gulutzan points to Souray's contributions at the other end.
"He's defended really, really well," Gulutzan said. "Everybody's caught up in (his) points. But we're just glad to have him for the presence he brings us on the back and how defensive he's played for us.
"He's got some veteran savvy. He's got a great stick. He's hard to defend. Guys pay a price coming toward the net, and that stuff has been big for our club."
Much skepticism surrounded Souray, whose baggage is well documented.
He demanded a trade out of Edmonton. The Oilers put him on waivers and told him not to report to training camp before eventually sending him to the AHL, where Souray played last season even after he cleared waivers a second time at the trade deadline.
Souray, 35, signed a one-year deal with Dallas in July amid doubts about whether he could get back to being an effective NHL defenseman.
"Some of it's probably warranted," Souray said before he added, "A lot of it probably is."
But Souray said he's motivated in a different way.
"I have a certain belief in myself and I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to come here and show I still have some hockey left in me," he said. "But I don't necessarily use that as motivation. My biggest measuring stick is myself. That's been my motivation to come out and show that I can play and be healthy. It's important for me to come back and not prove other people wrong, but prove myself right."
The Stars are trying to prove they belong in the playoffs. They missed the eighth spot by two points last season and then lost free agent Brad Richards to the New York Rangers.
That left the club well under the radar.
"I don't think there are many people that give us a chance to make the playoffs," Robidas said. "You look at every expert, TV analyst and newspaper and they say we're going to be one of the bottom teams. We feel we have a pretty good group, good depth. ... I think we have the right mix of different players."
The Stars' trapping style isn't conducive to the highlight reel. Dallas is getting outshot by an average of 32.8 to 25.1 shots per game and leans heavily on goalie Kari Lehtonen. It has all of three power-play goals in 28 chances.
Only two of its six victories have come against teams with winning records, but Dallas flashed its credentials over the weekend, nearly pulling off a back-to-back sweep at Anaheim and Los Angeles.
"They're really committed to the defensive part of the game," Kings coach Terry Murray said. "There's a lot of pulling out, waiting in the middle of the ice. Five back to the front of their net. They're taking away and limiting those grade-A scoring chances. Everybody's on board with it."
Souray said that focus was evident when he arrived.
"I think, to a man, the guys who have been here feel like they can contribute more and take on a bigger role," he said. "Since I've got here, guys have been prepared to do that. That's a powerful thing when you have guys wanting to do more and not just say it, but go out and do it."
Pacific Division Notes:
Mike Richards' value to the Kings was bookended Saturday, when he fought Steve Ott in an attempt to spark his team (Richards' first fighting major in a year) in the first period, then won a faceoff that led to the third-period game winner in a 1-0 victory against Dallas. ... Look for San Jose to get rolling: Martin Havlat had assists in back-to-back games in his debut in wins at New Jersey and Boston. The Sharks face big tests this week at Nashville and Detroit. ... Whatever honeymoon Anaheim enjoyed ended abruptly Sunday when it was charged with 15 giveaways in a 5-4 loss to Phoenix. The Ducks start a seven-game road trip Tuesday. ... Phoenix's poor start trickles down to its fourth line: Petteri Nokelainen was traded for a prospect Sunday and Raffi Torres has only one point in seven games.
Peeters was a goaltending consultant in Edmonton a few years back and, as he occasionally does, put on full goalie pads and faced shots in an Oilers practice when Souray unloaded his signature hard shot.
"I didn't see it but I heard it," said Peeters, now a goalie coach with the Anaheim Ducks. "I heard it go by."
The same can be said for Souray's career revival and the upstart Dallas Stars: Nobody truly saw it coming but plenty are hearing about it.
Dallas is off to a 6-2 start, serving notice that it could be a factor in the Pacific Division. Souray has fit into a conservative, defensive system run by first-year coach Glen Gulutzan.
Playing on the second defense pairing with Stephane Robidas, Souray has five points in eight games with a team-high plus-6 rating.
But Gulutzan points to Souray's contributions at the other end.
"He's defended really, really well," Gulutzan said. "Everybody's caught up in (his) points. But we're just glad to have him for the presence he brings us on the back and how defensive he's played for us.
"He's got some veteran savvy. He's got a great stick. He's hard to defend. Guys pay a price coming toward the net, and that stuff has been big for our club."
Much skepticism surrounded Souray, whose baggage is well documented.
He demanded a trade out of Edmonton. The Oilers put him on waivers and told him not to report to training camp before eventually sending him to the AHL, where Souray played last season even after he cleared waivers a second time at the trade deadline.
Souray, 35, signed a one-year deal with Dallas in July amid doubts about whether he could get back to being an effective NHL defenseman.
"Some of it's probably warranted," Souray said before he added, "A lot of it probably is."
But Souray said he's motivated in a different way.
"I have a certain belief in myself and I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to come here and show I still have some hockey left in me," he said. "But I don't necessarily use that as motivation. My biggest measuring stick is myself. That's been my motivation to come out and show that I can play and be healthy. It's important for me to come back and not prove other people wrong, but prove myself right."
The Stars are trying to prove they belong in the playoffs. They missed the eighth spot by two points last season and then lost free agent Brad Richards to the New York Rangers.
That left the club well under the radar.
"I don't think there are many people that give us a chance to make the playoffs," Robidas said. "You look at every expert, TV analyst and newspaper and they say we're going to be one of the bottom teams. We feel we have a pretty good group, good depth. ... I think we have the right mix of different players."
The Stars' trapping style isn't conducive to the highlight reel. Dallas is getting outshot by an average of 32.8 to 25.1 shots per game and leans heavily on goalie Kari Lehtonen. It has all of three power-play goals in 28 chances.
Only two of its six victories have come against teams with winning records, but Dallas flashed its credentials over the weekend, nearly pulling off a back-to-back sweep at Anaheim and Los Angeles.
"They're really committed to the defensive part of the game," Kings coach Terry Murray said. "There's a lot of pulling out, waiting in the middle of the ice. Five back to the front of their net. They're taking away and limiting those grade-A scoring chances. Everybody's on board with it."
Souray said that focus was evident when he arrived.
"I think, to a man, the guys who have been here feel like they can contribute more and take on a bigger role," he said. "Since I've got here, guys have been prepared to do that. That's a powerful thing when you have guys wanting to do more and not just say it, but go out and do it."
Pacific Division Notes:
Mike Richards' value to the Kings was bookended Saturday, when he fought Steve Ott in an attempt to spark his team (Richards' first fighting major in a year) in the first period, then won a faceoff that led to the third-period game winner in a 1-0 victory against Dallas. ... Look for San Jose to get rolling: Martin Havlat had assists in back-to-back games in his debut in wins at New Jersey and Boston. The Sharks face big tests this week at Nashville and Detroit. ... Whatever honeymoon Anaheim enjoyed ended abruptly Sunday when it was charged with 15 giveaways in a 5-4 loss to Phoenix. The Ducks start a seven-game road trip Tuesday. ... Phoenix's poor start trickles down to its fourth line: Petteri Nokelainen was traded for a prospect Sunday and Raffi Torres has only one point in seven games.
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/souray_stars_go_on_defensive/7647682
?Occupy UCLA? Targets Football Program
We have “Occupy Wall Street,” “Occupy Herbstreit” and now “Occupy... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Bruins to Provide Melted Championship Ice From TD Garden to Every Hockey Rink in New England
Looking for a little home ice advantage at your local rink? Nathan Horton might know a thing or two about that. Horton, you may remember, squirted water from the TD Garden onto the Canucks' home ice before Game 7 of last year's Stanley Cup Finals. The Bruins had won all three games on their home ice in convincing fashion so Horton hoped to carry that mojo into Vancouver. Luckily for local rinks, the Bruins melted all the ice from the Garden after their Stanley Cup-winning season and are now providing every hockey rink in New England a water bottle's worth...
1965 Eastern Finals: "Havlicek Stole the Ball"
 | John Havlicek seals the win for the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals against Wilt Chamberlain and thePhiladelphia 76ers by knocking away Hal Greer's inbounds pass in the final seconds. | From: NBA Views: 11109 128 ratings |
| Time: 00:36 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4fTjcJwImw&feature=youtube_gdata
Monday, October 24, 2011
Fantasy Football Week 8: Michael Bush and 5 TD Targets You Must Play
Week 7 was brutal for running back injuries.
Darren McFadden sprained his foot, Tim Hightower tore his ACL, Beanie Wells hurt his knee, Willis McGahee broke his hand, Earnest Graham tore his ACL, and Marshawn Lynch continues to deal with back issues.
It’s hard to stay healthy in the NFL, and in the fantasy world that means one simple question…who's up next?
Here are five backs to help ease the pain of all the injuries the NFL has thrown in our direction.
Wallace wins Talladega subbing for Sadler
Mike Wallace proved to be a suitable substitute for Elliott Sadler at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday.
Wallace picked up his first victory in the Truck Series since 2000 when Ron Hornaday Jr. pushed him to the win. Wallace was making his 115th career start in the series, but only second this year.
He drove a Kevin Harvick Inc. Chevrolet in place of Sadler, who stayed home awaiting the birth of his second child.
Hornaday finished second and was followed by championship contender James Buescher.
Austin Dillon finished seventh and had his lead over Buescher sliced to three points. Dillon was in position to race for the win until NASCAR ordered him back to 17th for failing to maintain reasonable speed during the last caution.
Wallace picked up his first victory in the Truck Series since 2000 when Ron Hornaday Jr. pushed him to the win. Wallace was making his 115th career start in the series, but only second this year.
He drove a Kevin Harvick Inc. Chevrolet in place of Sadler, who stayed home awaiting the birth of his second child.
Hornaday finished second and was followed by championship contender James Buescher.
Austin Dillon finished seventh and had his lead over Buescher sliced to three points. Dillon was in position to race for the win until NASCAR ordered him back to 17th for failing to maintain reasonable speed during the last caution.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Packers WR Jennings hurts hand
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings injured his right hand in Sunday's victory at Minnesota.
Jennings continued to play after he hurt in the hand in the first half and caught six passes for 121 yards in the second half, including a 79-yard scoring pass.
He said his hand felt numb for long stretches in the second half and he left the stadium with an ice bag wrapped around the top of the hand.
Jennings has 42 receptions for 677 yards and five touchdowns for the unbeaten Packers, who are on bye next week.
Jennings continued to play after he hurt in the hand in the first half and caught six passes for 121 yards in the second half, including a 79-yard scoring pass.
He said his hand felt numb for long stretches in the second half and he left the stadium with an ice bag wrapped around the top of the hand.
Jennings has 42 receptions for 677 yards and five touchdowns for the unbeaten Packers, who are on bye next week.
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/packers_wr_jennings_hurts_hand/7608835
Bowling Green's Stroh Center gets rap song
Bowling Green State University is opening up a new basketball/volleyball arena on campus this fall. Former BGSU trustee Kermit Stroh and his late wife Mary Lu donated $7.7 million to help build it. Of course the Falcon faithful are excited and proud. So proud that they have dedicated a rap to their new house. Featured in the rap are various student athletes and Kermit Stroh himself (left).
Bulls' Rose passenger as friend arrested for DUI
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose was a passenger in a car as friend Randall Hampton was arrested for driving under the influence in Los Angeles on Friday.
The reigning NBA Most Valuable Player was with Hampton in a black BMW when police pulled them over at 2 a.m. Hampton was arrested after a field sobriety test while Rose was allowed to walk, according to TMZ.
Rose exited the police station and ignored a question from the TMZ reporter, who asked the basketball player for a comment.
Hampton serves as a personal assistant for the 23-year-old Rose, who guided the Bulls to an NBA-best 62 wins in the regular season. Chicago was bounced by the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference final.
The reigning NBA Most Valuable Player was with Hampton in a black BMW when police pulled them over at 2 a.m. Hampton was arrested after a field sobriety test while Rose was allowed to walk, according to TMZ.
Rose exited the police station and ignored a question from the TMZ reporter, who asked the basketball player for a comment.
Hampton serves as a personal assistant for the 23-year-old Rose, who guided the Bulls to an NBA-best 62 wins in the regular season. Chicago was bounced by the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference final.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
BCS Rankings 2011: Where Will Boise State Finish?
Fifth-ranked Boise State defeated the Air Force Academy 37-26 earlier today, finishing out a game that never should have been so close. Kellen Moore and the offense looked solid, but the defense allowing 26 points was unusual.
Now, as the Broncos continue to roll, watch for their BCS Championship hopes to begin to die off. With powerful teams like Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Alabama and LSU all ranked above them, it will be extremely hard to break into the top four considering the rest of BSU's opponents.
With that in mind, the Broncos also need to watch their backs. The Badgers take on a tough Michigan State team later tonight, and with a win there Wisconsin could jump above Boise State in the BCS standings.
Stanford also takes on a ranked opponent tonight, fighting it out with the No. 25 Washington Huskies. A strong win there would convince voters they belong in the Top 10, yet shouldn't change anything in their ranking.
Clemson finished out a strong game against North Carolina, scoring 58 points. Boyd and the offense performed admirably, putting up huge numbers on a decent Tar Heel defense. The Tigers shouldn't be able to encroach on the Broncos' position at No. 5 until they take on a strong South Carolina team in their regular season finale.
While OU and Alabama face off later tonight against unranked Texas Tech and Tennessee, Oklahoma State and LSU's victories earlier today help solidify the rankings of teams above Boise State.
Air Force is one of the stronger teams in the MWC, but BSU should have had no problem defeating them at home. The close game today might represent a weaker team than we initially thought existed up in Idaho, and could make an impact in the USA Today Coaches Poll (one-third of BCS rankings input).
A blowout by the Badgers could represent a huge problem for the Broncos in the polls. Michigan State looked extremely strong against Michigan last week, defeating them easily, and the Badgers showing up a team that looked brilliant just last week at home would have a huge effect on the voters.
Wisconsin proving themselves in East Lansing will make a win all the more meaningful.
The Broncos will lose their No. 5 position if Wisconsin takes down the Spartans. The computers haven't been kind so far to Boise, ranking them No. 6.
Wisconsin's high rankings in the Harris and Coaches' Polls should stay high with a win, while the computer rankings will improve and give them that extra boost needed to jump the Broncos in the overall standings.
Unfortunately for the Broncos, their weak schedule and lack of ranked opponents will hurt them for the rest of the year. Expect Boise to run the table but end up ranked the lowest of the all the undefeated teams, possibly around No. 6.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/903477-boise-state-predicting-the-broncos-bcs-ranking
SF Giants Rumors: Cecil Fielder Lists The Giants As A Possible Destination For Prince Fielder
Cecil Fielder (Prince Fielder?s dad) went on a radio show in Toronto (SportsNet 590, The Fan) with Jeff Blair. Fielder chimed in on his son hitting the free agent market. He believes Prince will stay in the National League. ?With the Cubs doing what they did with Epstein, the Dodgers now getting themselves together, the San Francisco Giants getting themselves together cause they know they need some hitting,? Fielder on possible destinations for Prince.Fielder is not predicting any teams, but it?s nice to see the Giants mentioned in his speculations.Prince Fielder?s 2011 StatsG 162 AVG .299, HR 38, RBI 120, R 95, OBP .415The Giants haven?t had a force like this in the lineup since Home Run King Barry Bonds. I would be on board for the Fielder signing. What?s your thoughts?~King of Cali (Steven)———-——–—-——-——––———————-—...
Gretzky: I couldn't score 200 pts. now
When asked how he'd fair in today's NHL, the Great One admitted that he probably wouldn't be the prolific scorer he was during his heyday.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Scarlet Knights smote in Louisville
Chris Philpott tied a school record with a 52-yard field goal, and Teddy Bridgewater threw a touchdown pass in the third quarter as Louisville beat Rutgers 16-14 Friday night, snapping a three-game skid.
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Louisville (3-4, 1-1 Big East) also capped a week in which coach Charlie Strong signed a new contract. The Cardinals picked off three passes, ending Rutgers' first two drives and Dexter Heyman picked off Gary Nova with 1:41 left to preserve the victory.
Jeremy Wright ran for a career-high 108 yards on just 11 carries, the first Cardinals running back to top 100 yards this season. Dominique Brown also ran for a TD.
Rutgers (5-2, 2-1) came in atop the Big East having won four straight and might have got caught looking ahead a week to the Scarlet Knights' game with No. 11 West Virginia.
:
Louisville (3-4, 1-1 Big East) also capped a week in which coach Charlie Strong signed a new contract. The Cardinals picked off three passes, ending Rutgers' first two drives and Dexter Heyman picked off Gary Nova with 1:41 left to preserve the victory.
Jeremy Wright ran for a career-high 108 yards on just 11 carries, the first Cardinals running back to top 100 yards this season. Dominique Brown also ran for a TD.
Rutgers (5-2, 2-1) came in atop the Big East having won four straight and might have got caught looking ahead a week to the Scarlet Knights' game with No. 11 West Virginia.
Mavs Roundtable: Their Journey with Basketball
 | Ahmad Rashad sits down with the stars of the 1980's Dallas Mavericks as Mark Aguirre, Sam Perkins, Derek Harper, and Rolando Blackman talk about what it meant to be in the NBA and what basketball has given them in life. | From: NBA Views: 6853  86 ratings |
| Time: 02:50 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NttMLXm5jtI&feature=youtube_gdata
Soccer flopping hits an all-time low
During the Inter vs. Lille Champions League match on Tuesday, Aurelien Chedjou added another awful chapter to soccer?s flopping history. As evidenced by the below video, Giampaolo Pazzini and Aurelien got tangled up briefly near the sidelines. Pazzini made a very light contact with Chedjou?s face and the Lille defender went into diving mode and even accompanied it with extremely loud screams. Truly embarrassing.
Click here to view the embedded video.
via Deadspin
Link to original article: Soccer Flopping Reaches Same Low It Always Has Article found on: Cosby Sweaters
Click here to view the embedded video.
via Deadspin
Link to original article: Soccer Flopping Reaches Same Low It Always Has Article found on: Cosby Sweaters
Thursday, October 20, 2011
At 98, fan attending 18th World Series
Clementine Wilkerson has been to every World Series the Cardinals have ever played in, beginning with the 1926 Fall Classic when St. Louis faced Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees.
Zanotti takes clubhouse lead at Castello Masters
Paraguayan golfer Fabrizio Zanotti shot a 5-under 66 to take a one-shot clubhouse lead over hometown favorite Sergio Garcia in the opening round of the Castello Masters on Thursday.
Zanotti, ranked No. 280, made five birdies in a row starting at the 11th hole and had just one bogey in his round.
Garcia had five birdies of his own on the back nine and was tied with South Africa's George Coetzee and England's Robert Coles at 4-under 67.
Defending champion Matteo Manassero shot a 2-under 69 despite a double-bogey at No. 15, while last week's Portugal Masters champion Tom Lewis recovered from a poor start and finished with a par 71.
Ryder Cup veterans Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal, along with Americans John Daly and Anthony Kang, teed off in the afternoon.
Zanotti, ranked No. 280, made five birdies in a row starting at the 11th hole and had just one bogey in his round.
Garcia had five birdies of his own on the back nine and was tied with South Africa's George Coetzee and England's Robert Coles at 4-under 67.
Defending champion Matteo Manassero shot a 2-under 69 despite a double-bogey at No. 15, while last week's Portugal Masters champion Tom Lewis recovered from a poor start and finished with a par 71.
Ryder Cup veterans Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal, along with Americans John Daly and Anthony Kang, teed off in the afternoon.
Rafa Nadal Enjoys a Day of Golf
I don't grunt when I swing in golf T...
It?s always interesting to see Superstar athletes try their hand at different sports?.Here is Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal enjoying a golf day with his good buddy Sergio Garcia?If I?m seeing correctly, Nadal golfs righty, and judging by his back swing, looks half-way decent..-TO
Nadal Poses For 2011 Armani Campaign
Rafael Nadal Cramps Up At Pess Conference
It?s always interesting to see Superstar athletes try their hand at different sports?.Here is Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal enjoying a golf day with his good buddy Sergio Garcia?If I?m seeing correctly, Nadal golfs righty, and judging by his back swing, looks half-way decent..-TO
Nadal Poses For 2011 Armani Campaign
Rafael Nadal Cramps Up At Pess Conference
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/tennis/article_external/rafa_nadal_enjoys_a_day_of_golf/7517629
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Jerry West opens up about past on the Dan Patrick Show
The Logo discussed the abuse he had to endure as a child from his father and the extreme measure he had to take to make it stop.
DALGLISH: "They let themselves down, and it will not be accepted..."
Kenny Dalglish has slammed Liverpool's underperforming players after the woeful performance against Rangers. In typically non-nonsense style, Liverpool's manager questioned the attitude and commitment of some of his players, and made it clear that such a lack of effort would not be tolerated. Clearly disappointed by the display, Dalglish said:"You can?t go and play like that if you want to play for Liverpool football club.It?ll not be accepted. "It?s only a friendly but it doesn?t mean you can?t put in effort and commitment. We?re disappointed from that side of it.Many of the club's squad players were given a run out, and the names on the pitch showed the depth of Liverpool's squad, but Dalglish was disappointed some players didn't take their chance to impress:"The beauty of having a good squad is putting the other players under pressure. I gave them the opportunity to put them under pressure, and one or two of them let themselves down. "They...
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The NFL's unsung heroes of Week 6
The NFL always provides unsung heroes and Week 6 was no exception. This weekâ??s unsung heroes include a man in a dark suit, a cult hero in Tampa Bay and a longtime kicker who nailed one of the longest and most important kicks of his career â?? yet nobody seemed to notice.....
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/the_nfls_unsung_heroes_of_week_6/7497538
Cole Mining: uncovering why the Erik Cole experiment is not working
I?m going to make my point right away so there is no confusion: a serious error was made by management when they decided to sign Erik Cole. This is not an Erik Cole issue as he is a very good hockey player. In fact, at the time, many (myself included) were encouraged when GM Pierre Gauthier signed the power forward to a 4 year deal that would see him earn an average of $4.5M per season.
Here?s the issue; when you pay a forward $4.5M, it is generally assumed that the player can play on your top 2 lines and will see some time on the powerplay. If the player can?t be counted on for both, then the value that forward adds to your team is limited. To put it bluntly, the team in question would have drastically overpaid, considering there are less than 70 forwards in the league (including those injured) who earn that kind of money.
Right now, here are Erik Cole?s average time on ice numbers per game:
13:29 at even strength (#6 among forwards)
1:08 on the powerplay (#9 among forwards)
0:00 w...
Here?s the issue; when you pay a forward $4.5M, it is generally assumed that the player can play on your top 2 lines and will see some time on the powerplay. If the player can?t be counted on for both, then the value that forward adds to your team is limited. To put it bluntly, the team in question would have drastically overpaid, considering there are less than 70 forwards in the league (including those injured) who earn that kind of money.
Right now, here are Erik Cole?s average time on ice numbers per game:
13:29 at even strength (#6 among forwards)
1:08 on the powerplay (#9 among forwards)
0:00 w...
Top 5 Celtics That Never Were. #3: Joe Johnson
Drafted with the 10th overall pick in 2001, Joe Johnson was another prize awarded to Boston in exchange for years of failure. In 6 years the Boston Celtics had drafted 5 players in the top 10, yet up to that point it had little effect on The Celtic's on-court success. Joe Johnson would to grow into the third superstar to play alongside Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce. That's what was expected of him... at least by the fans.
Joe was a 6'8" shooting guard who could also play at the small forward spot. He shot .406 from behind the arc in college, and despite starting off inconsistently, he would find his stroke. The rookie averaged nearly 30 mins, 10 pts, 4 reb, and 2 ast in his first full month of NBA action. Johnson scored double digits in 12 of his 48 games in Boston, but towards the trade deadline he'd see his playing time drop through the floor. On February 16th, in a 20 point blowout loss, J.J. only saw 2:00 minutes of playing time. After that game teammate...
Joe was a 6'8" shooting guard who could also play at the small forward spot. He shot .406 from behind the arc in college, and despite starting off inconsistently, he would find his stroke. The rookie averaged nearly 30 mins, 10 pts, 4 reb, and 2 ast in his first full month of NBA action. Johnson scored double digits in 12 of his 48 games in Boston, but towards the trade deadline he'd see his playing time drop through the floor. On February 16th, in a 20 point blowout loss, J.J. only saw 2:00 minutes of playing time. After that game teammate...
Three Reasons that Prince Fielder Should go to the Cubs
I?ve been more excited about this years free agent class, than I have been about the last five years worth of free agent classes. Don?t ask me why, because I?m not entirely sure. Maybe it?s because there are plenty of big names that are likely to be out on the market. Maybe it?s because there are so many different rumors and possibilities swirling around about those star players, that has you guessing non-stop about where they should go. All that being said, I?m going to focus on one of those star players, and one of the many rumors surrounding where he may be playing next season. Prince Fielder is the athlete that today?s article is about, and I look forward to hearing all your thoughts and opinions on what I write here today.
1. The Re-Building of a Great Franchise
The Chicago Cubs have been down in the deepest hole for a long, long time. With the hiring of former Red Sox GM Theo Epstein, the Cubs are hoping that things will begin to chang...
1. The Re-Building of a Great Franchise
The Chicago Cubs have been down in the deepest hole for a long, long time. With the hiring of former Red Sox GM Theo Epstein, the Cubs are hoping that things will begin to chang...
Monday, October 17, 2011
Time for Boise to head to the Big East
Having seemingly done all they can as a mid-major, the time is now right for Chris Petersen and the Broncos to take their talents to a bigger conference.
TNA Wrestling: Is Hulk Hogan Responsible for Bobby Roode's Loss at BFG?
PWInsider.com is reporting that Hulk Hogan is responsible for Kurt Angle defeating Bobby Roode in the main event of TNA's Bound For Glory pay-per-view event Sunday night.
Earlier in the weekend, Hogan appeared on the Sirius Radio show Busted Open and discussed Roode's impending, at the time, TNA World Heavyweight Championship match with Kurt Angle and whether or not he thought Roode was the guy to step up and lead TNA into the future.
"Nah, he's not ready. He's not the next guy. Ya' know, they might think he is. Dixie Carter might think he is. The whole world might think he is. He's not the next guy." Hogan would continue, "I have a very strong feeling Kurt Angle's going to clean his clock performance wise, and carry the match, and basically remains the champion." (Credit: PWInsider.com)
These are hardly the comments any company wants their most recognized star making days before their most prestigious pay-per-view event, on which a young star is slated to compete in his first major main event match. Bobby Roode, to his credit, remained quiet throughout the blossoming controversy but long-time TNA star, and one of the few young stars that broke through the glass ceiling and became a major attraction for the company, AJ Styles, did not. He took to Twitter and indirectly criticized Hogan.
"Frustration setting in when your own guys bury the company that u have worked so hard for...Brother!"
Hogan would respond through his own Twitter account later in the day, claiming his comments were in character. At the same time, indirectly criticizing AJ and the company's younger talent for not hitting the new broadcasts and talk show circuit to hype and advertise Bound For Glory. As Sunday approached, it appeared as though Hogan was doing everything possible to alienate the youth in the locker room. What unfolded did nothing to help the situation.
Hulk Hogan and Sting went on in the semi-final main event position and, to the surprise of many, exceeded expectations. The fans in Philadelphia cheered Sting and Hogan as they stood tall in the center of the ring, having fought off Immortal and the evil Eric Bischoff. Everything was cupcakes and rainbows as the main event approached, a main event that most assumed would end with Bobby Roode leaving Philly as the new TNA World Champion.
That did not happen.
Instead, TNA concluded the biggest show of their year with a controversial finish that saw Kurt Angle retain his title via pin-fall, despite Roode's arm being underneath the bottom rope and Angle, himself, holding onto the middle rope. The finish of the contest was panned by fans and critics across the internet, many echoing the belief that that sort of finish belongs on Impact or one of the other monthly shows, not the biggest event the company has to offer. Sunday night, there was great anger and outrage being voiced by TNA's fanbase.
On Monday morning, PWInsider.com reported that Hulk Hogan lobbied, and was successful, in having the planned Bobby Roode title win changed to a successful title defense by Angle because, as Hogan continually reiterated, Roode "wasn't ready." Also according to the website, resentment of Hogan in the TNA locker room is high and was heightened when Hogan criticized AJ Styles on Twitter, despite knowing that Styles had suffered a death in the family over the weekend.
In one weekend, Hulk Hogan took everything that should have been special about the Bound For Glory event and made it negative. Rather than put the focus on the highly-talented roster and, more importantly, Bobby Roode, Hogan chose to shine the spotlight on himself. Never one to miss out on the opportunity to remind everyone how great he was, and how big of a star he was or is. Hogan proved his ignorance when it comes to what fans in 2011 really want.
Was Hogan wrong about Bobby Roode? Maybe, though not necessarily. But at what point does Dixie Carter and those in control of her company realize that constantly pushing former WWE stars and those far passed their expiration date in the business over younger, more athletic and more exciting stars has done nothing to help business or elevate stagnant TV ratings? At some point, it will be up to Dixie Carter to put her foot down and make a decision to benefit her company, rather than relying on the older and out-of-touch to give her advice which, to this point, has proven worthless.
Until that happens, controversy like we saw this past weekend at Bound For Glory will continue to pop up and those that have proven to be the building blocks of TNA Wrestling will continue to feel alienated and disgruntled.
Vikings vs. Bears: Video Highlights
Vikings vs. Bears: Video highlights of Chicago's 39-10 win.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/897577-vikings-vs-bears-video-highlights
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Report: Negotiations for Epstein compensation turning ugly
Negotiations between the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs regarding compensation for general manager Theo Epstein have reportedly hit a snag.Reports out of Chicago suggest the Red Sox aren't satisfied with what the Cubs are offering in exchange for the chance to hire Epstein as their new GM. Boston has already tabbed Ben Cherington as the team's next general manager, but still has Epstein under contract for one more year and may be considering not letting him leave the organization until his deal expires.The main problem reportedly concerns Epstein's insistence on bringing specific members of his staff with him to Chicago.Epstein has reportedly agreed to a multi-year deal with the Cubs, hoping to turn around a franchise that has gone without a World Series title for more than a century.The young executive helped build a Boston juggernaut that ended a long World Series drought in 2004, and won it all again in 2007.
Alex Smith is Playing Great Now, Just Like He Should Be
I remember how great Alex Smith was, becoming a star quarterback out of Utah, then becoming the first overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft, being selected by the San Francisco 49ers.His first season in the league was god-awful, throwing for 875 yards with one touchdown, but eleven interceptions! He would finish with a 40.8 rating.Smith got a chance to shine the next season, playing okay with 2,890 passing yards and 16 touchdowns and 16 interceptions with a 74.8 rating; playing all 16 games.However, he only played seven games the next year in 2007, finishing with 914 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions, plummeting down to a 57.2 rating.Smith did improve the next two seasons, but only played eleven games each with other quarterback problems that arose. With Smith struggling, the 49ers switched around several times with their QB's, even starting Troy Smith for a bit.Smith would have 2,350 yards with 18 touchdowns and twelve interceptions for a 81.5 rating in 2009. The ne...
Losing Bowyer might benefit Childress
Richard Childress Racing is preparing to run three full-time Sprint Cup cars in 2012.
With Clint Bowyer exiting for Michael Waltrip Racing at the end of this season, RCR's roster would include Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Paul Menard. Childress said he hopes to run his grandson, Austin Dillon, in a couple of races as well.
"Right now, we're looking at three Cup cars with an occasional Cup race (for a fourth car)," Childress said Thursday. "Who knows what may come up between now and then? I've had offers to race people and race drivers and had another full sponsorship with a driver; I just want to make sure it's the right move when we make it.
"So we're still, as of right now, we're three Cup teams."
In the past five years, the four-car model has not worked to RCR's advantage.
In 2007 and 2008, each member of the three-car squad of Burton, Harvick and Bowyer qualified for the Chase for the Sprint Cup. But when the organization added a fourth car for Casey Mears in 2009, the highest RCR car finished 15th (Bowyer). Mears lasted only that season because Jack Daniels pulled out of the sport afterward.
RCR went back to three cars in 2010, and Harvick, Bowyer and Burton returned to the Chase.
This season, Childress added a fourth fully funded team that included Paul Menard, but only Harvick qualified for the Chase. Bowyer missed the Chase cutoff by 13 points.
Childress reiterated Thursday that Bowyer was not retained purely for financial reasons. The numbers just didn't work.
"We knew what our financial model was, and Clint knew where he needed to be and we just could never come together to make it work," Childress said. "We had the car completely sponsored, but it just didn't really work out and I'm very sad that it didn't because I really like Clint.
"He's going to be a great driver. Never say never. Hopefully he will be back someday at RCR."
Childress is not counting out a fourth car -- should proper funding come along. However, Childress will not tax the other three teams to scrape together enough money just to put a fourth car on the track.
"I think everybody's business model changed a couple of years ago, and we're all having to adjust to it. But at RCR we've been very fortunate, we've been able to re-sign sponsors, been able to have really good corporate interest. We've got a lot of new companies that are looking at us that hopefully in the near future will be making some announcements.
"So things are looking pretty good for RCR, and I think it's looking good for the sport, as well. There's a lot of interest, TV ratings have been up; we're getting the seats (filled) in the stands, so I'm really happy with what I see with the sport today."
More questions than answers
Kyle Busch's Chase for the Sprint Cup has not gone as he expected.
Busch, who won four races in the regular season and started the Chase first in points, is eighth in the standings.
Although Busch's performance in the first 26 races shows true championship potential, the No. 18 team has struggled to capitalize in the Chase.
Busch experienced a similar conundrum in 2008 when he entered the Chase on top and finished a disappointing 10th in the standings.
"It's not the second time; it's every time," Busch said of his Chase performance. "Trust me, if I knew, I'd love to fix it. I have no idea. You know, years past we may have had wrecks or mechanical failures or something to that respect. This year it's not anything in particular, it's just we're not finishing where we've been running.
"Fuel issue, obviously, at Chicago. Not being the best, me not being the best and the car not being the best at Loudon. Dover, we kind of missed it on the last run. And Kansas, we kind of got back in traffic a little bit when we came for two tires and some other guys stayed because they could make it the rest of the way.
"So, it's just been little things, but certainly little things can take you out of the running."
Busch's sentiments Thursday echoed what Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin has been saying the past week -- the cars have lost speed compared to where the performance was earlier in the season.
Busch's current average finish in the Chase is 12.5, compared with points leader Carl Edwards' average of 5.0.
"Certainly, there was a point earlier this year about summertime with Kentucky and Michigan -- we were the class of the field those days, really good," Busch said. "We haven't had cars like that the last few weeks, and whether that's me not giving the right information to (crew chief) Dave (Rogers) or us not being able to have the perfect setup.
"It takes so much to get everything exactly right. Jimmie Johnson last week was in a class of his own -- I mean, he was gone. It looked like the rest of us were Nationwide cars.
"That's the car that you look for; that's what you try to hit on when you're in the Chase. We're working on it."
But Busch cannot point to a single problem with the cars or the team -- just a combination of issues.
"It's just a few things," Busch said. "Whether it's bodies or engines or not having the right setup, pit strategy, having the guys on pit road have their head in the game -- you know all that stuff -- the driver having his head in the game. You have to hit it all on a perfect day, and we haven't had that yet.
"I'm not saying we couldn't have it here in Charlotte. I'd certainly love to have it the next four weeks and all of a sudden be the one everyone is worried about. We'll play it one week by a time."
Busch believes he still has a "fighting shot," but he'll be starting in the 25th spot for the Bank of America 500 on Saturday.
Coming back
Jeff Gordon had his third "did not finish" of the season last week at Kansas Speedway when he had a piston issue. He finished 34th with just his first engine failure of the season.
Although this week's venue, Charlotte Motor Speedway, is also an intermediate track, Gordon said his failure last week was more a result of the conditions at Kansas Speedway.
"It is always concerning when it happens," said Gordon, who will start 23rd on Saturday. "We saw some things at Kansas earlier in the year and it seems to be a little more related to the track -- the throttle trace and the demand on the engines.
"Not as concerned about it here, and I know I have the best engine shop in the world to address it. They can react fast and we feel good from here on out."
Gordon will have the next six races to recover from last week -- when he dropped to 10th in the points standings. Gordon has 21 wins on five of the next six tracks. The only track in the Chase where Gordon has yet to win is Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Say what?
NASCAR drivers aren't shy when it comes to taking jabs at fellow drivers. It's just a matter of who can dish it out versus who can take it. Harvick remembers an interesting moment last season during the news conference leading to the season finale when he and Jimmie Johnson were taking shots at Hamlin.
"The mind-games thing, it's all just a matter of circumstances as to how it works out," Harvick said. "I knew sitting on the stage last year that (Hamlin's) No. 11 wasn't going to win the championship because he couldn't hardly sit still and was so nervous going into that race that he couldn't hardly stand it. I could see it, Jimmie was gouging, gouging at it. . . . I think when you've been in these situations -- and for us we were fortunate to be in these situations before, and especially last year -- you just do your thing."
With Clint Bowyer exiting for Michael Waltrip Racing at the end of this season, RCR's roster would include Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Paul Menard. Childress said he hopes to run his grandson, Austin Dillon, in a couple of races as well.
"Right now, we're looking at three Cup cars with an occasional Cup race (for a fourth car)," Childress said Thursday. "Who knows what may come up between now and then? I've had offers to race people and race drivers and had another full sponsorship with a driver; I just want to make sure it's the right move when we make it.
"So we're still, as of right now, we're three Cup teams."
In the past five years, the four-car model has not worked to RCR's advantage.
In 2007 and 2008, each member of the three-car squad of Burton, Harvick and Bowyer qualified for the Chase for the Sprint Cup. But when the organization added a fourth car for Casey Mears in 2009, the highest RCR car finished 15th (Bowyer). Mears lasted only that season because Jack Daniels pulled out of the sport afterward.
RCR went back to three cars in 2010, and Harvick, Bowyer and Burton returned to the Chase.
This season, Childress added a fourth fully funded team that included Paul Menard, but only Harvick qualified for the Chase. Bowyer missed the Chase cutoff by 13 points.
Childress reiterated Thursday that Bowyer was not retained purely for financial reasons. The numbers just didn't work.
"We knew what our financial model was, and Clint knew where he needed to be and we just could never come together to make it work," Childress said. "We had the car completely sponsored, but it just didn't really work out and I'm very sad that it didn't because I really like Clint.
"He's going to be a great driver. Never say never. Hopefully he will be back someday at RCR."
Childress is not counting out a fourth car -- should proper funding come along. However, Childress will not tax the other three teams to scrape together enough money just to put a fourth car on the track.
"I think everybody's business model changed a couple of years ago, and we're all having to adjust to it. But at RCR we've been very fortunate, we've been able to re-sign sponsors, been able to have really good corporate interest. We've got a lot of new companies that are looking at us that hopefully in the near future will be making some announcements.
"So things are looking pretty good for RCR, and I think it's looking good for the sport, as well. There's a lot of interest, TV ratings have been up; we're getting the seats (filled) in the stands, so I'm really happy with what I see with the sport today."
More questions than answers
Kyle Busch's Chase for the Sprint Cup has not gone as he expected.
Busch, who won four races in the regular season and started the Chase first in points, is eighth in the standings.
Although Busch's performance in the first 26 races shows true championship potential, the No. 18 team has struggled to capitalize in the Chase.
Busch experienced a similar conundrum in 2008 when he entered the Chase on top and finished a disappointing 10th in the standings.
"It's not the second time; it's every time," Busch said of his Chase performance. "Trust me, if I knew, I'd love to fix it. I have no idea. You know, years past we may have had wrecks or mechanical failures or something to that respect. This year it's not anything in particular, it's just we're not finishing where we've been running.
"Fuel issue, obviously, at Chicago. Not being the best, me not being the best and the car not being the best at Loudon. Dover, we kind of missed it on the last run. And Kansas, we kind of got back in traffic a little bit when we came for two tires and some other guys stayed because they could make it the rest of the way.
"So, it's just been little things, but certainly little things can take you out of the running."
Busch's sentiments Thursday echoed what Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin has been saying the past week -- the cars have lost speed compared to where the performance was earlier in the season.
Busch's current average finish in the Chase is 12.5, compared with points leader Carl Edwards' average of 5.0.
"Certainly, there was a point earlier this year about summertime with Kentucky and Michigan -- we were the class of the field those days, really good," Busch said. "We haven't had cars like that the last few weeks, and whether that's me not giving the right information to (crew chief) Dave (Rogers) or us not being able to have the perfect setup.
"It takes so much to get everything exactly right. Jimmie Johnson last week was in a class of his own -- I mean, he was gone. It looked like the rest of us were Nationwide cars.
"That's the car that you look for; that's what you try to hit on when you're in the Chase. We're working on it."
But Busch cannot point to a single problem with the cars or the team -- just a combination of issues.
"It's just a few things," Busch said. "Whether it's bodies or engines or not having the right setup, pit strategy, having the guys on pit road have their head in the game -- you know all that stuff -- the driver having his head in the game. You have to hit it all on a perfect day, and we haven't had that yet.
"I'm not saying we couldn't have it here in Charlotte. I'd certainly love to have it the next four weeks and all of a sudden be the one everyone is worried about. We'll play it one week by a time."
Busch believes he still has a "fighting shot," but he'll be starting in the 25th spot for the Bank of America 500 on Saturday.
Coming back
Jeff Gordon had his third "did not finish" of the season last week at Kansas Speedway when he had a piston issue. He finished 34th with just his first engine failure of the season.
Although this week's venue, Charlotte Motor Speedway, is also an intermediate track, Gordon said his failure last week was more a result of the conditions at Kansas Speedway.
"It is always concerning when it happens," said Gordon, who will start 23rd on Saturday. "We saw some things at Kansas earlier in the year and it seems to be a little more related to the track -- the throttle trace and the demand on the engines.
"Not as concerned about it here, and I know I have the best engine shop in the world to address it. They can react fast and we feel good from here on out."
Gordon will have the next six races to recover from last week -- when he dropped to 10th in the points standings. Gordon has 21 wins on five of the next six tracks. The only track in the Chase where Gordon has yet to win is Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Say what?
NASCAR drivers aren't shy when it comes to taking jabs at fellow drivers. It's just a matter of who can dish it out versus who can take it. Harvick remembers an interesting moment last season during the news conference leading to the season finale when he and Jimmie Johnson were taking shots at Hamlin.
"The mind-games thing, it's all just a matter of circumstances as to how it works out," Harvick said. "I knew sitting on the stage last year that (Hamlin's) No. 11 wasn't going to win the championship because he couldn't hardly sit still and was so nervous going into that race that he couldn't hardly stand it. I could see it, Jimmie was gouging, gouging at it. . . . I think when you've been in these situations -- and for us we were fortunate to be in these situations before, and especially last year -- you just do your thing."
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