Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Nate Robinson's killer crossover on Williams!

Check out this nasty crossover from Nate Robinson as he fakes out Deron Williams and connects with the tough one-handed scoop shot as he gets fouled for the ...
From: NBA
Views: 94658
2063 ratings
Time: 00:40 More in Sports

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7s5y2Fp2LA&feature=youtube_gdata

Atlanta Falcons New York Knicks

NASCAR driver Jeremy Clements indefinitely suspended after racial remark

NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Jeremy Clements did just about the dumbest thing you could do? just when NASCAR was trying to introduce a new audience to the sport, Mr. Clements does his best to send them back to Civil War era.
MTV reporter Marty Beckerman was speaking Clements and a NASCAR official, when Clements used ?a phrase that used the n-word? in a conversation about driving and not in reference to another driver, according to report from USA Today.
On Wednesday, NASCAR indefinitely suspended Clements for the ?intolerable and insensitive remark? and violating its ?Code of Conduct.?
The question is, what exactly did Clements say? All we know is that it was�in reference to driving and somehow included the n-word.
Beckerman says the driver called him to apologize for the remark.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/motor_sports/article_external/nascar_driver_jeremy_clements_indefinitely_suspended_after_racial_remark/13033693

New Orleans Saints New Orleans Hornets

2016 forward De?Ron Davis ?very interested? in Indiana

It didn?t take long for Indiana to notice De?Ron Davis.
The Hoosiers were the first to offer Davis a scholarship last July, and it?s safe to say he?s an early priority for Indiana in the 2016 class.
Associate head coach Steve McClain was in Denver to watch Davis play with his Colorado Hawks 16-under team on Friday at the Mile High Classic, and Davis noticed. The Hawks fell in Sunday?s championship game by four points.
It was the second straight weekend McClain watched Davis as the Hawks were in Dallas for the adidas Exclusive Run for the first April evaluation period.
?I?m very interested in them,? Davis, who plays at Overland High School, told Inside the Hall on Sunday night. ?It was pretty exciting to see them there. It?s cool to have them after me.
?Indiana was my first offer. It does mean a lot, but right now I?m not really focused on any of my offers or schools that are on me right now just because I have a long journey and I?m trying to stay focused on the task at hand.?
Davi

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/2016_forward_deron_davis_very_interested_in_indiana/13510316

Los Angeles Lakers San Francisco 49ers

Metta World Peace gives interesting answer to Jason Collins coming out

As the big news of Jason Collins coming out has spread throughout the Internet, Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace decided to weigh in on his thoughts about the news during an exit interview.
Metta was wearing a Cookie Monster t-shirt while answering the questions and below is the full quote from LA Times columnist Mark Medina:
Whether it?s a free country or not, you should be free to act as you want to do as long as it?s not violent. No matter what it is. I came here in a Cookie Monster shirt because I wanted to, and I was going to wear the pants. But I thought you guys were going to judge me. I was going to wear the hat too. But I thought you guys would judge me. I didn?t want Mitch [Kupchak] to judge me. So that?s why I didn?t wear the hats and the pants. But I should?ve wore it. You should be free to do and act how you want to act.?
If we were all only as accepting as Metta?
***
Metta responds to Collins coming out [Sulia]

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/metta_world_peace_gives_interesting_answer_to_jason_collins_coming_out/13513442

Houston Rockets Utah Jazz

Louis Oosthuizen's colossal 500-yard drive is pretty funny

Louis Oosthuizen already averages more than 300 yards per drive on the European Tour this season, but not usually in the manner he did in the Ballantine's Championship.



Oosthuizen's tee-shot on the 583-yard first hole at Blackstone Golf Club was pushed right of the fairway and bounced onto a winding cart path running down the side of the hole. It then rolled downhill for more than a minute and a half, picking up speed after almost coming to a halt at one point and rolling past two confused spectators before coming to a halt against a curb around 500 yards from the tee ? or nearly a third of a mile away.



From there the Big O took a free drop and pitched back onto the fairway, eventually recording a par five on his way to a round of 71 and four-under-par halfway total of 140.



It is still not known whether Oosthuizen's drive ended up further than the previous longest hit in tournament history - courtesy of 64-year-old Mike Austin, who hit 515 yards on a 450-yard par 4 in Las Vegas.



Enjo

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/louis_oosthuizens_colossal_500_yard_drive_is_pretty_funny/13498907

Cleveland Cavaliers New Orleans Saints

Monday, April 29, 2013

NBA Nightly Highlights: April 27th

Check out the full highlights from all the incredible playoff action tonight including the triple overtime thriller in Chicago & Kevin Durant's career-perfor...
From: NBA
Views: 54247
1249 ratings
Time: 01:35 More in Sports

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXtT4X7iRj8&feature=youtube_gdata

Pittsburgh Steelers Seattle Seahawks

Dale Jr. living a driver's nightmare

Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn't want to climb out of the No. 88 car this weekend -- or any weekend.

Finally, the pieces had come together. In his fifth season at Hendrick Motorsports, Earnhardt had blossomed under the direction of crew chief Steve Letarte. Earnhardt had led the point standings for the first time in eight years. After a four-season drought, he returned to Victory Lane. And for the second consecutive season, Earnhardt had earned a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

In 2012, Earnhardt finally had a legitimate shot at the championship -- until Sunday.

What appeared to be a relatively benign crash -- at least by Talladega Superspeedway standards -- compounded symptoms from an earlier accident Earnhardt experienced during a tire test at Kansas Speedway on Aug. 29.

On Wednesday, Earnhardt was diagnosed with a concussion. Consequently, he withdrew from the next two races on the Sprint Cup schedule -- Charlotte and Kansas.

"It's frustrating," Earnhardt said. "I really didn'

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/dale_jr_living_a_drivers_nightmare/11938954

Miami Heat Oklahoma City Thunder

Regan Smith to drive for Phoenix Racing

Regan Smith and Kurt Busch are trading places - at least for now.

Smith, 29, will drive the No. 51 Phoenix Racing Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway while Busch takes over the seat in the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet for the remainder of the season and on to next year.

"We're looking forward to having Regan in our car," said Phoenix Racing general manager Steve Barkdoll. "Regan performed the tire test at Kansas and that should be helpful at intermediate tracks. We believe he can help get our program back on track and help attract sponsorship going forward."

Smith has competed in NASCAR since 2002 and in the Sprint Cup Series since 2007. His sole official win came last year at Darlington Raceway, but Smith came incredibly close to his first victory here at Talladega in the fall of 2008. However, in NASCAR's judgment, Smith was dropped from first to 18th after the race for passing below the yellow line to advance his position.

Smith is currently a career-best 23rd in the Cup

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/regan_smith_to_drive_for_phoenix_racing/11900806

San Diego Chargers Memphis Grizzlies

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Faxon and Sluman lead Champions Tour team event

Brad Faxon's steady putting helped he and teammate Jeff Sluman to 10 birdies and a one-shot lead in the Champions Tour's Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf.

Faxon had seven birdies as the duo combined for a 10-under-par round in the better-ball team competition at the Club at Savannah Harbor.

Champions Tour points leader Bernhard Langer and teammate Tom Lehman were next and will be paired with Faxon and Sluman in Saturday's second round of the 54-hole event.

Eight-time major champion Tom Watson and partner Andy North finished the opening round in a three-way tie for third at 8-under. Craig Stadler and Kirk Triplett also teamed for a 64, along with Tom Kite and Gil Morgan.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/golf/article_external/faxon_and_sluman_lead_champions_tour_team_event/13493203

Los Angeles Clippers

What does the Los Angeles Lakers? future hold?

After losing Kobe Bryant to a season-ending injury, the Lakers face a summer full of questions. �Will they keep the core of Kobe, Nash, Gasol, and Howard together or will they start brand new? �Will Dwight Howard re-sign with the team or will he bolt to another team? �Will Kobe Bryant be the same player when he returns from his achilles injury?
If it is over for the Lakers, there is nothing to be ashamed of. �They have been blessed enough to have one of the greatest competitors of all-time in Kobe Bryant. �Since last year, the Lakers have been the big brother of the Los Angeles Clippers. �Kobe?s squad has had a dynamite winning percentage over the last ten seasons or so.
Pau Gasol came to Kobe Bryant?s rescue in the 2007-2008 season. �Kobe had demanded a trade but the Lakers were able to convince him to stay by trading for Gasol. �The Lakers won back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010. �Their run as one of the NBA?s elite teams ended after the 2010-2011 season. �The Lakers were despera...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/what_does_the_los_angeles_lakers_future_hold/13502054

Kansas City Chiefs Miami Heat

2013 NFL Draft: Overview of the Atlanta Falcons? Draft Picks

Saturday marked the end of the NFL Draft, the three day extravaganza that allows all thirty-two teams to add the most talented prospects from the college level to their rosters in order to fill some of the holes that had opened during the offseason.
This draft was considered to be of the utmost importance for the Falcons, who appeared to be a piece or two away from being ready to be a legitimate run at the Super Bowl in 2013. With eleven picks to play with going into the draft, the Falcons? wheeling and dealing resulted in the team closing the selection process with eight new players.
Let?s take a closer look at each of these players, some of their college achievements, and how well they appear to fit with the Falcons:
First Round, #22 (#22 overall)
Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Measurables:�6?0?, 186 lbs
Pick Grade:�A. The Falcons desperately needed to bring in a cornerback to make up for the loss of Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson, and they were halfway there with bringing in Tr...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/2013_nfl_draft_overview_of_the_atlanta_falcons_draft_picks/13502222

Cincinnati Bengals Indiana Pacers

Regan Smith to drive for Phoenix Racing

Regan Smith and Kurt Busch are trading places - at least for now.

Smith, 29, will drive the No. 51 Phoenix Racing Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway while Busch takes over the seat in the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet for the remainder of the season and on to next year.

"We're looking forward to having Regan in our car," said Phoenix Racing general manager Steve Barkdoll. "Regan performed the tire test at Kansas and that should be helpful at intermediate tracks. We believe he can help get our program back on track and help attract sponsorship going forward."

Smith has competed in NASCAR since 2002 and in the Sprint Cup Series since 2007. His sole official win came last year at Darlington Raceway, but Smith came incredibly close to his first victory here at Talladega in the fall of 2008. However, in NASCAR's judgment, Smith was dropped from first to 18th after the race for passing below the yellow line to advance his position.

Smith is currently a career-best 23rd in the Cup

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/regan_smith_to_drive_for_phoenix_racing/11900806

San Francisco 49ers Dallas Mavericks

Kyle Busch's New $7.5M Mega Mansion

((HT: WCNC-TV))

Not bad to have a disposable $7.5-million or so, right...???

Kyle Busch bought a 13,000-square-foot home on Lake Norman (NC) last month for a Charlotte-area record $7.5 million...

Evidence below...



Local attorney Cliff Homesley, who is identified in the records as trustee of the private trust that owns the home, represented Busch in his 128-in-a-45 speeding case last year.

Homesley declined this week to say who bought the home. ?It?s confidential,? he said. ?I can?t verify anything.?

Of course, he can't...

The previous record for a sale price in the area was a little over $6.3-million in 2007.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/kyle_buschs_new_75m_mega_mansion/11917975

New York Giants Los Angeles Lakers

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Milner fitness boost for City

James Milner is confident he will be fit to face West Ham this weekend after suffering a hamstring injury against Tottenham last Sunday.

The City midfielder was replaced at half-time during the 3-1 Premier League defeat to Spurs at White Hart Lane, but is comfortable with his recovery this week.

"I had a tight hamstring and as frustrating as it was to come off, I think it was the right decision," he told the club's official website.

"Obviously we were 1-0 up at White Hart Lane when I went off and it was such a big game so you want to play every minute you can.

"But I think it was the right decision to come off, if I had stayed on the pitch I might have torn my hamstring and been out for the rest of the season.

"I've done some work with the physios the past few days and didn't take part in my charity golf day, which was disappointing - but football comes first.

"I'm hoping to get back into training and hopefully be fine for the weekend which is obviously a po

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/milner_fitness_boost_for_city/13480390

Cleveland Browns Dallas Cowboys

Suarez ban 'fair' - Barton

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez's 10-game ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has attracted differing reactions on Twitter.

Here TEAMtalk carries comments on how the ban has been received.

Joseph Barton @Joey7Barton: Think its a fair ban for Suarez. Mine was 2 longer and deservedly so in my eyes. Liverpool and the player, shouldn't appeal. Its a fair ban!

Gary Lineker @garylineker: 10 game ban for Luis Suarez. Very strong punishment. Vital now that @FA are consistently strong on all issues eg racism, abusing refs etc. Also this ridiculous, if the ref saw it they can't punish retrospectively nonsense, has to be addressed!

Nicky Butt @NickyButt: Food for thought: Ten game ban for Luis Suarez. Seems fair. #LFC

Mark Bright @Mark--Bright: Repeat offense, no complaints with the 10 game ban for #Suarez he needs some help, he'll now have plenty of time to get it. #lfc

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/suarez_ban_fair_barton/13477108

Minnesota Timberwolves Kansas City Chiefs

NBA Nightly Highlights: April 24th

The Daily Zap recaps all of Wednesday`s playoff action. Visit http://www.nba.com/video for more highlights. About the NBA: The NBA is the premier professiona...
From: NBA
Views: 8803
513 ratings
Time: 01:48 More in Sports

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

Los Angeles Clippers Boston Celtics

Nicklaus: Ruling correct on Woods at Augusta

Jack Nicklaus thinks Tiger Woods got the proper ruling at the Masters.

However, he's not so sure he agrees with the slow-play penalty given to 14-year-old Chinese phenom Guan Tianlang.

Woods' third shot on the par-5 15th in the second round hit the flagstick and ricocheted back into the water. He took his drop from 2 yards farther back - contrary to the rules - from the spot where he hit originally, and ended up making a 6. Tournament officials later said he deserved a two-stroke penalty for the violation, but not disqualification.

''Could they have disqualified him? Probably,'' Nicklaus said Wednesday at a luncheon celebrating his support and that of his Memorial Tournament for Nationwide Children's Hospital. ''But you've got all the best rules heads together and they said that they thought there was no intent to do anything (improper) and that two strokes was a strong enough penalty. And you move on.''

Nicklaus, a winner of 18 major professional championsh

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/golf/article_external/nicklaus_ruling_correct_on_woods_at_augusta/13476133

Kansas City Chiefs Miami Heat

J.R. Smith's fantastic yearbook quote

Words of wisdom T? Sixth Man of the Year JR Smith put up 19 pts in the Knicks 87-71 win over the Celtics last night. The Knicks guard has always lived hard and scored quick, and his motto from his high school yearbook clearly reflects his score first mentality. This was too good not to post.-TO J.R. Has More Than One Girlfriend at a Time? Rihanna Spent Holiday Weekend with J.R. Smith

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/jr_smiths_memorable_quote_in_high_school_yearbook/13472923

Houston Rockets Utah Jazz

Friday, April 26, 2013

Nik Stauskas Drains 46 Straight 3-Pointers, Draws Challenge From Stephen Curry: Video

Nik Stauskas is back in Canada and back practicing his jump shot on his home court. The early result: Another eye-popping YouTube video of Stauskas? shooting prowess, this one featuring the Michigan guard draining 46 consecutive (!!!) 3-pointers in the rain:

Granted, that 3-point line might be closer to high school regulations than NCAA, but ? still, come on.

And Stauskas? latest show was impressive enough that it drew the attention of NBA star Stephen Curry, despite Curry being in the thick of the playoffs right now.
3pt contest sometime @nstauskas11 ????? this is Impressive youtube.com/watch?v=yuH5mq?
? Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) April 25, 2013

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/nik_stauskas_drains_46_straight_3_pointers_draws_challenge_from_stephen_curry_video/13481926

Dallas Mavericks New York Jets

College Football Playoff: What Should the Selection Committee Look Like?

It's nervous time.

College football's future is in the hands of a currently faceless, nameless entity.

For now, this entity is referred to as the BCS Selection Committee. And although it hasn't been officially named, count on its name to be the Selection Committee since the BCS decided to call the college football playoff the College Football Playoff. 

The actual name of this committee doesn't really matter, but the makeup of this committee is crucial. The people selected to form this committee will have to determine which four teams are the best in the country and deserve to play for a spot in a championship game. 

Good luck sleeping well at night, committee members.

Because if the BCS does this right, fans will know every committee member's name, school and/or conference affiliation (if any) and which four teams he or she selected to play in the College Football Playoff. This isn't for the faint of heart. 

So who should be sitting on this committee?

First off, media members with digital skeletons in the closet are a no-no. Any published material that shows any bias toward or against a particular team or conference should be heavily weighed in considering his or her acceptance into the committee.

School presidents or athletic directors (current or former) are usually a safe bet but more so for former presidents and athletic directors. Remember, if a BCS school plays in a BCS bowl, every school in that conference receives a percentage of the bowl's revenues.

Obviously, that potential financial windfall can elicit some biased voting from pollsters who are employed by a school. 

For example, if a president of a Pac-12 school is debating between sending a Pac-12 team and a Big 12 team to the college football playoff, which selection bolsters his conference's coffers? 

No matter how he votes, he can't really avoid criticism. The Pac-12 president will either be accused of conference nepotism or overcompensating conference bias. It's best to avoid this potential conflict of interest and only select former administrators to sit on the committee.

Media members (digital, print and broadcast) who cover college football on a national basis would be perfect committee members.

They're generally familiar with all the conferences and avoid covering one particular conference.

Moreover, they are paid to report on college football, so their analysis (and job security) is usually dependent on accuracy and thoughtful insight. Not all national media members are ideal candidates—those who have an agenda should not be considered.

Current coaches should also be taken out of the mix and the biggest reason why is they simply don't have the time required to do this right.

Committee members should be spending all week looking at videos of the previous weekend's games—not just checking box scores—and determining which teams proved their mettle week in and week out.

A head coach should be going over game film and preparing for next week's opponent. 

Some coaches have admitted they don't really vote and that the task has been handed off to another staffer. Other coaches have voted so far out of the box that they can't even defend their voting records. Some of the bigger coach-voting controversies can be read here.

Coaches have enough on their plates—don't force them into a impossible situation.

Finally, the committee should be comprised of members who live in all parts of the country. Each member must commit to watching high-profile games from every conference, even if that requires very late-night viewing.

And each member must be able to defend his or her selections to the committee in detail so that the rest of the committee knows how that decision was made. That his or her decision was not just whimsy, an afterthought or based on some other influential factors. 

The system is not perfect.

But the system needs to be perfectly transparent.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1619321-college-football-playoff-what-should-the-selection-committee-look-like

Tennessee Titans Miami Dolphins

Recruit gets bizarre letter from Rutgers

We don?t care whether or not the rash of unconventional college football recruiting letters that... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/rutgers_joins_recruiting_letter_absurdity/13481014

Denver Broncos Houston Texans

Messi: Barcelona shouldn't give up hope

Lionel Messi says Barcelona must not give up hope in the Champions League semifinals after being overwhelmed 4-0 at Bayern Munich in the first leg.

Messi says the return leg at the Camp Nou next week will be ''a very tough match'' given the seemingly insurmountable four-goal difference, but ''you have to go for it and try to achieve it. They are very good, but we will try it.''

Nobody was less impressive than Messi, who didn't fire a shot at goal. He was in doubt until hours before the match, when he was medically cleared to play following a hamstring injury.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/messi_barcelona_shouldnt_give_up_hope/13471381

Dallas Cowboys Denver Nuggets

Suspenders, bow tie for Cordarrelle Patterson

Cordarrelle Patterson was definitely trying to make a fashion statement at the NFL Draft. The former Tennessee wide receiver showed up to Radio City Music Hall wearing about every type of accessory possible. Patterson had his hair up almost in a bun, sunglasses, a Tennessee orange handkerchief, a gold watch, gold bracelets, and a bow tie. But the most confounding part of his outfit was that he was wearing suspenders AND a belt. Can you make it more obvious that you?re just going for the fashion statement? ?I just like to stand out,? Patterson said of his style during an interview with ESPN?s Suzy Kolber. ?I like to be different. Fashion is so big. Every time I step out, I just make sure I look the best because you never know who you?re going to run into.? Now that?s the attitude. You can see his jewelry better in this shot via ESPN: And here is his Tennessee hanky: Patterson spent two seasons at Hutchinson CC in Kansas following high school. He was considered the top JUCO player in the c

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/cordarrelle_patterson_rocked_suspenders_and_bow_tie_to_draft/13485019

Lenny Wilkens New England Patriots

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Tiger Woods voted for Barry Sanders

The Madden 2014 cover vote for the 25th anniversary edition has ended, the votes are being counted, but the best running back to ever play the game of football received a ringing endorsement from arguably golf's best golfer before it was all said and done:�


I?m voting for @barrysanders for the Madden 25 cover #Madden25Barry es.pn/13jszbX
? Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 24, 2013


The winner is being revealed right now on ESPN2. We'll update as soon as it's announced.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/golf/article_external/tiger_woods_voted_for_barry_sanders/13477480

Dallas Cowboys Denver Nuggets

Eric Fisher Reportedly Will Be No. 1 Overall Pick in 2013 NFL Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs have found the left tackle they'll be taking with the No. 1 overall pick—it's just not man most expected heading into NFL draft week.

According to Charean Williams of Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Chiefs will be taking Central Michigan offensive tackle Eric Fisher when the draft gets underway at Radio City Music Hall:

Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk confirmed the report, noting a source close to the organization told Mike Florio that Fisher would be the the pick. 

That being said, if these reports are true, Fisher is still in the dark. According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the Central Michigan tackle has not been informed by Kansas City that he'll be taken No. 1:

Though momentum has been building to a crescendo for Fisher, this news will undoubtedly come as a shock to those who haven't followed the flurry of late-breaking information. 

For months Texas A&M product Luke Joeckel had been expected to shake commissioner Roger Goodell's hand first on Thursday. Joeckel, an All-American who helped spur Johnny Manziel's Heisman trophy run, was viewed largely as a can't-miss prospect. His collegiate pedigree and ability to step in Week 1 made him look like the perfect fit for the Chiefs, who have made moves to compete in 2013 all offseason.

However, Fisher's top-pick momentum slowly built over the process and reached a crescendo over the past 24-48 hours. Listed at 6'7" and 306 pounds, Fisher spent his entire collegiate career demoralizing opposing edge-rushers at Central Michigan. Though the level of competition is a question, Fisher's quick burst off the line and commitment to staying low through his blocks made many feel his potential was higher than Joeckel. 

And as the hours waned prior to Thursday night's festivities, more and more reports came pouring in that Fisher was quickly overtaking Joeckel on Kansas City's board.

Even so, there were few who had concrete word about which way the Chiefs were leaning, with reports of discord within the Kansas City organization only clouded things further. Bleacher Report NFL draft lead writer Matt Miller reported Wednesday that new Chiefs head coach Andy Reid wanted Fisher, while general manager John Dorsey was pushing for Joeckel:

Assuming that Williams' report proves correct, it seems that Reid has gotten his way. 

Which tackle position Fisher will be playing in 2013 remains up in the air. While he will eventually shift over to the left tackle spot, incumbent left tackle Branden Albert's future with the Chiefs remains to be determined. Albert has been the subject of trade rumors (h/t Yahoo! Sports' Jason Cole) in the pre-draft process, but nothing is cemented at this time. 

Nevertheless, Fisher reportedly is the left tackle of the future, but whether making that risky move is a good choice remains to be seen. 

 

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1618015-eric-fisher-reportedly-will-be-no-1-overall-pick-in-2013-nfl-draft

Green Bay Packers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Vonn's mom approves of Tiger

Tiger Woods missed his chance at winning the Masters, but he doesn?t have to worry about winning over his girlfriend?s parents ? he already has. Lindsey Vonn?s parents said Tiger Woods has their vote of confidence despite his record of serial cheating.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/golf/article_external/tiger_woods_wins_approval_of_lindsey_vonns_parents/13468426

Green Bay Packers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Wade Sails In for the Putback Slam

Dwyane Wade cleans up the miss with the filthy putback slam. Visit nba.com/video for more highlights. About the NBA: The NBA is the premier professional bask...
From: NBA
Views: 55687
962 ratings
Time: 00:31 More in Sports

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxYOr8eVZWo&feature=youtube_gdata

Dallas Mavericks New York Jets

Vanderbilt Football: The Truth Behind Coach James Franklin's Success

Do you know who currently holds the longest active winning streak in the SEC? It is not Alabama, Georgia, LSU or even Florida. It is none other than the Vanderbilt Commodores.

It doesn’t seem like that long ago that Vanderbilt was the bottom feeder of the SEC. From 2000-2010 they had an overall record of 36 wins and 93 losses.

Moreover, their football struggles did not begin during the 2000 season. Vanderbilt began playing college football in 1890. However, prior to the hiring of Coach James Franklin, they had only played in a bowl game four times.

Coach Franklin had the Commodores competitive in his first season as head coach during the 2011 season.  They finished the regular season 6-6, and Vanderbilt was selected to play in just their second bowl game since 1983.  However, their overall record only told a small portion of the story. 

For the first time in my lifetime, the Commodores were not a team you could just look over. Five of their losses on the season were only one touchdown away from being victories.

It was a good start, but it appears to be just the beginning for the Commodores. In 2012, Vanderbilt won nine games for the first time since 1915. Their nine-win season also included their longest win streak (7) since 1949.  Perhaps their most impressive win was their 41-18 victory over their in-state rival, Tennessee.

Yes, things have changed in the state of Tennessee, and Coach Franklin is the reason why. Now it seems with every vacant head coaching position that comes open, Franklin’s name is mentioned. However, don’t look for him to leave Vanderbilt anytime soon. The Commodores realize what they have in Franklin, and he is content with building his legacy, much like Steve Spurrier did at Florida. Prior to Spurrier’s arrival, Florida had never won an SEC championship.

Before I write the rest of this article, I have a confession. I was not always a believer in Coach Franklin. I never doubted his ability to motivate his team or his impressive game time coaching ability. I was convinced that Franklin lacked the maturity to be a successful SEC coach.

As it turns out, I could not have been more wrong.

Coach Franklin’s outburst following the Georgia and Tennessee games was not a lack of maturity. Instead, it was the manifestation of his deep passion for his players and Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt is not a stepping stone for Coach Franklin; it is home.

The success that the Commodores have had over the past two seasons is not going to be the end of the story. Of this, I am certain. My experience with Coach Franklin at the Franklin American Mortgage Company Music City Bowl has turned me into a believer, and it had nothing to do with Vanderbilt’s impressive 38-24 victory over North Carolina State on the field.

To win at Vanderbilt consistently, you have to be a different kind of football coach. You can’t be distant and moody like Nick Saban at Alabama, and you can’t even be corky and lovable like Les Miles at LSU. You have to be genuine and approachable like Coach Franklin.

I covered the Music City Bowl from the press box. However, I was able to have a special friend of mine in the press box with me. Along with covering SEC sports, I also pastor a church about an hour and 45 minutes away from Nashville.

There is a young man in my church by the name of Austin Borens, who was born with cerebral palsy. Because of this disease, he has had over 10 surgeries despite only being 11 years old. Austin will never be able to play college football but dreams of one day being the head football coach at Vanderbilt, his favorite school. I am convinced that this is a goal he might very well reach.

Over the past year, Austin has become like a family member to me. So, when the opportunity arose for me to be able to take him to the Music City Bowl with me, I was very excited. His face was lit with joy the whole game, as his beloved Commodores were dominant for four quarters.

After the game, we went on the field to watch the post-game celebration. Austin’s dad carried him on his shoulders, so he got a perfect view of the trophy presentation. Little did we know that this was just the beginning.

As the celebration was coming to an end, we were standing behind the Music City Bowl MVP Zac Stacy. It was at that moment that Coach Franklin walked past us to inform Stacy that it was time to return back to the locker room.

As coach Franklin was heading back to the locker room, he caught a glimpse of Austin. He had met Austin in a brief encounter a few months earlier. He came over to Austin and gave him a hug as if two best friends had been reunited. From there, we went to the press room for the post-game interview. After we got done, Austin and his father were ushered into the Vanderbilt locker room.

Once in the locker room, Coach Franklin began talking with Austin again. Coach Franklin then proceeded to introduce his children to Austin and have his star players take pictures with Austin and the Music City Bowl trophy.

The most impressive part of this event was that Coach Franklin had no idea I was a reporter. He had no idea that anyone was viewing his good deed. In other words, this was not a PR move. This was a man who loves and appreciates his fan base.

A great coach could come to Vanderbilt and win a handful of games and move on. A great coach who loves his University can come to Vanderbilt and build a genuine contender.

James Franklin is that man, and Vanderbilt and the SEC are better because he is here.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1617114-vanderbilt-football-the-truth-behind-coach-james-franklins-success

Baltimore Ravens Atlanta Falcons

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Wayne Rooney Posts Facebook Picture Wearing Four Premier League Medals (Photo)

Wayne Rooney�has won five Premier League titles with Manchester United, and he wants the world to know it.
The United forward posted a photo on his Facebook page, in which he wore four Premier League winners? medals around his neck.
Rooney included a caption with the photo which said ?Can?t wait to get my 5th Premier League medal!?
Rooney played a key roel in United?s league championships in 2006-07, 2007-08, 20008-09 and 2010-11.
United clinched the 2012-13 Premier League title Monday, after Robin van Persie?s hat-trick�(and wonderful volley on the second goal) saw the Red Devils ease to a 3-0 win over Aston Villa. The three points gave United an insurmountable 16-point lead (with five games to play) over Manchester City, so Rooney will soon collect that fifth medal.
Whether he will stay at Old Trafford long enough to collect a sixth is uncertain. The 27-year-old is the subject of transfer speculation saying United will sell him this summer. French club Paris Saint-Germain is thoug...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/wayne_rooney_posts_facebook_picture_wearing_four_premier_league_medals_photo/13475140

Detroit Lions Pittsburgh Steelers

Evra mocks Suarez by pretending to bite fake arm

Patrice Evra may have reopened his feud with Luis Suarez by pretending to bite into a fake dismembered arm during Manchester United's title-winning celebrations.

Suarez likely faces a suspension for biting Branislav Ivanovic's upper arm during Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.

Evra appeared to make fun of Suarez after United's 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Monday, collecting a joke arm when it was thrown onto the field from the crowd at Old Trafford and gesturing to bite into it. He then posed for pictures with the arm.

Suarez served an eight-game suspension last season for racially abusing Evra during an on-field confrontation, and then snubbed the defender during pregame handshakes later in the season.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/evra_mocks_suarez_by_pretending_to_bite_fake_arm/13463731

Carolina Panthers Phoenix Suns

Dwight Howard called out fan who made sign about his alleged baby mamas

Like many other superstar professional athletes, there are a lot of rumors and gossip that surround the life of Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard. For lack of a better term, Howard appears to have a lot of baby mama drama. Earlier this month, a fan apparently got a rise out of Howard when she brought a sign to a game against the Portland Trailblazers telling him she is willing to become his ?6th baby mama.? Below is a photo of the tweet the young lady sent that included a picture of the sign she brought to the game, courtesy of Vlad TV: The fan was obviously looking for a response from Howard, and that?s exactly what she got. The big man did not find the sign to be humorous. Again, there are a lot of theories about what goes on in Howard?s personal life. If you want a summary of most of the rumors, you can read one here. We don?t know how many children Howard has by how many different women, but it?s obvious he is sensitive about it. Otherwise, he would have just ignored the tweet like h

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/dwight_howard_called_out_fan_who_made_sign_about_his_alleged_baby_mamas/13464805

New Jersey Nets Tennessee Titans

NFL linebacker retires while on a mountaintop

Linebacker Scott Fujita is currently away in Peru and decided to sign a one-day contract to retire as a member of the New Orleans Saints. ?I?ve been fortunate to play in this league for a long time and for some great organizations, but there is no doubt that my times spent in New Orleans were some of the best years of my life,? Fujita said. ?The way the team and the community embraced us when we first arrived, and the way they continue to do so, even today, shows how deep this connection is. I?m honored to be a part of this organization and so proud to retire as a New Orleans Saint.? Fujita, 33, signed his contract provided to him by the Saints in Machu Picchu, located in the Andes Mountains in the Urubamba Valley in Peru, South America. He is accompanying former New Orleans Saints teammate Steve Gleason on an adventure of the fabled Inca tribe in the South American mountains. Gleason, the founder of Team Gleason, is leading a valiant battle against ALS and raising awareness while c...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/scott_fujita_signs_a_one_day_contract_in_peru_to_retire_as_a_member_of_the_saints/13456996

Indianapolis Colts Lenny Wilkens

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Dutch soccer fan gets nailed in back of head by stray ball during warmups (Video)

NAC Breda forward Anthony Lurling was warming up for a Dutch Eredivisie soccer match against Utrecht earlier this month when he shot a ball over the crossbar into the stands and accidentally nailed a fan square in the back of the head.

Fortunately the man was OK, although it took him a few seconds to figure out what happened once he regrouped himself down on the ground.

Kudos to the impressive camera work in this video, as the shot follows the ball perfectly off Lurling's foot all the way to the back of the man's head. Lurling should also get credit for his "accuracy", or lack thereof, depending on your point of view.

H/T Dirty Tackle.
Visit us at holdoutsports.com and follow us on Twitter @HoldoutSports.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/dutch_soccer_fan_gets_nailed_in_back_of_head_by_stray_ball_during_warmups_video/13453273

Indianapolis Colts Lenny Wilkens

Is Luis Suarez bad for Liverpool?

Is Luis Suarez bad for Liverpool? - originally posted on Soccerlens.comThe antics of Luis Suarez on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Anfield have generated much brouhaha in the footballing world. Commentators on the game ? ranging from ex-players to newspapers to various fan forums have been forthcoming and fulsome in their opinions on Suarez biting Chelsea?s defender Branislav Ivanovic.
Some have been downright critical on the Uruguayan suggesting he should never again adorn the Liverpool shirt while others have been moderate on their counsel, prescribing just a fine and lengthy ban. One thing stands clear ? pundits have unequivocally agreed on the culpability of Suarez regarding his bizarre act.
A moment of madness ruined all the good works of Luis Suarez
Strangely a section of commentators have heaped scorn on Suarez and suggested that despite his near-indispensable performances this season (and in past seasons), Liverpool should take a firm statement and dispose off Suarez to keep th...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/is_luis_suarez_bad_for_liverpool/13461343

New England Patriots Philadelphia Eagles

Adam Scott in consideration to be the next ?Bachelor?

Adam Scott, you know, the golfer your girlfriend cares about more than you? Yeah, well, his popularity exploded on Sunday after he won the Masters, and now it looks like the TV show ?Bachelor? has interest in bringing him aboard. After he won the Masters, ABC executive Robert Mills tweeted about the possibility of the golfer becoming the next ?Bachelor? So??Adam Scott as the next #Bachelor??What say you, #Bachelornation? ? Robert Mills(@Millsy11374) April 14, 2013 The Adam Scott as #Bachelor idea has exploded. Will try and meet. And Ryan Lochte-this is what it means to have interest in you as #Bachelor ? Robert Mills(@Millsy11374) April 15, 2013 I love how supportive @chrisbharrison is of the Adam Scott as #Bachelor idea. We know why he?s doing it-he wants to play 18 holes at Augusta ? Robert Mills(@Millsy11374) April 15, 2013 Chris Harrison to whom Mills referred in his last tweet is the host of the show. Would Scott have interest in doing the show? Only he knows, but I have to imagi

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/golf/article_external/adam_scott_in_consideration_to_be_next_bachelor/13414585

San Francisco 49ers Dallas Mavericks

Foul ball nearly takes Bautista's head off

Your browser does not support iframes.Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista had a scary brush with potential injury Monday night in Baltimore.The incident came in the third inning when teammate Munenori Kawasaki fouled a pitch off into the Blue Jays dugout. This wasn't just any foul ball, though. It was a screaming missile that sent many players scattering in the dugout.Good thing Bautista kept his head on a swivel, because it might just have saved him a huge headache, or perhaps something far worse.Via MLB.com

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/video_jose_bautista_ducks_for_cover_in_dugout_to_avoid_foul_ball/13460419

Phoenix Suns New York Giants

Winners, losers from the NBA's early entry deadline

The NCAA?s early entry draft deadline, moved up to April 16, functioned more like a suggestion rather than any sort of rule this season. A...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/college_basketball_winners_and_losers_for_the_draft_early_entry_deadline/13419694

Portland Trail Blazers Carolina Panthers

Monday, April 22, 2013

Isner's stay at Monte Carlo cut short

While Novak Djokovic was deciding to risk his recently injured ankle and play in the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters, John Isner was realizing he had taken a leap too far in trying to play here -- 5,410 miles from the scene of his title-winning triumph in Houston on Sunday.

After winning the first set against Latvia's Ernests Gulbis, Isner lost a bit of potency on his thundering serve and soon found he did not have the legs to chase the drop shots that Gulbis unkindly began delivering with great accuracy at awkward moments.

The sun was starting to set on a gloriously sunny but cool Cote d'Azur day by the time Isner started feeling the effects of a long journey coupled with the effort he had expended in winning his first-ever clay-court title.

"I was starting to feel a little tired after the first set," Isner admitted. "But that's not an excuse. I didn't really serve as big as I usually do and he started playing a lot better as the match went on. At two all or something in the secon

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/tennis/article_external/isners_stay_at_monte_carlo_cut_short/13413325

Cleveland Browns Dallas Cowboys

Phoenix Suns Fire General Manager Lance Blanks with Rebuild in Full Swing

On the heels of their second-worst season in franchise history, the Phoenix Suns have fired general manager Lance Blanks.

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated was the first to report the move:

It was later confirmed via the Suns' official Twitter account:

Blanks, a former NBA player, had one year remaining on his contract.

He joined the franchise in August 2010 after serving as the assistant to the general manger with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Phoenix assembled a 98-132 record during his tenure, although that figure is a bit skewed; the Suns played near-.500 ball during his first two seasons (73-75) before bottoming out this season (25-57), their first without former MVP Steve Nash.


His run was a tumultuous one with the organization still reeling from Amar'e Stoudemire's departure, a move necessitated by the six-time All-Star opting out of his contract in the summer of 2010. Phoenix balked at investing a large sum of money (five years, $99.7 million) in a player with a history of knee injuries and eventually agreed to a sign-and-trade for the big man with the New York Knicks.

Blanks tried to keep the franchise relevant after Stoudemire's exit, landing Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, Mickael Pietrus and a 2011 first-round draft pick from the Orlando Magic in exchange for Earl Clark, Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu. He then swapped that pick and Goran Dragic to the Houston Rockets for Aaron Brooks at the 2011 trade deadline.

Mannix later took the same approach after Nash and veteran Grant Hill left last summer, searching for veteran talent on the free-agent market. His attempt to delay the inevitable rebuilding project saw him reach free-agent deals with players like Dragic (four years, $34 million) Luis Scola (three years, $13.5 million), Michael Beasley (three years, $18 million) and Jermaine O'Neal (one year, $1.35 million).


He also tried to pry Eric Gordon away from the New Orleans Hornets and reached a four-year, $58 million agreement on a contract offer sheet with the former Indiana Hoosier. But despite the scoring guard's pleas (via Jimmy Smith of The Times-Picayune), the Hornets ultimately matched the offer.

Ultimately the moves proved fruitless as the Suns sputtered to the Western Conference's worst record and the franchise's lowest winning percentage (.305) since its debut NBA season in 1968-69 (via Basketball-Reference.com).

Blanks' dismissal follows the in-season firing of former coach Alvin Gentry, who came to a mutual agreement to leave the team after five seasons in January (via ESPN.com). According to Sam Amick of USA Today, the move could also foreshadow an ominous end for Gentry's replacement, interim coach Lindsey Hunter:

According to what a source told Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, Hunter "did not fare well in his player evaluations." Another source reportedly said bluntly, "Players don't want him back."

 

Whoever fills Blanks' vacated position will have no easy task ahead of them. Phoenix already has more than $46 million committed to next year's payroll (via HoopsHype.com), and that figure could increase if the Suns pick up options on Hamed Haddadi, P.J. Tucker and rookie Diante Garrett.

The Suns should have a high lottery pick in the upcoming draft, but the 2013 class greatly lacks any surefire stars.

Phoenix is also an older team than most rebuilding clubs, as its most common starting five (Dragic, Jared Dudley, Tucker, Scola and Gortat) carried an average age of 28 (via Basketball-Reference.com).

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1613882-phoenix-suns-fire-general-manager-lance-blanks-with-rebuild-in-full-swing

Atlanta Hawks San Antonio Spurs

Top 10 Denver Broncos Draft Picks of All Time

Check out the top 10 Denver Broncos draft picks of all time!

Note: These are the 10 best draft picks in franchise history, regardless of where the player spent the majority of their career. 

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1613501-top-10-denver-broncos-draft-picks-of-all-time

Denver Broncos Houston Texans

Kevin Harlan Thinks Chris ?Birdman? Andersen?s ?Sweet Mohawk? Helped Him on this Dunk [Video]

'Flapping his wings and soaring for the sweet flush.'

Source: http://www.thebiglead.com/index.php/2013/04/21/kevin-harlan-thinks-chris-birdman-andersens-sweet-mohawk-helped-him-on-this-dunk-video/

Phoenix Suns New York Giants

What's wrong with Roush Fenway?

Where is the Roush Fenway Racing organization that led the points for 21 of the first 26 races before the Chase for the Sprint Cup began?

Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth were so incredibly consistent throughout the regular season that it's hard to believe that the two Roush Fenway Racing entries competing in NASCAR's "playoffs" now sit in the Chase cellar after the first three races.

Yes, you can say that Roush has never been competitive at Chicagoland Speedway. And no, the organization hasn't quite been gangbusters at New Hampshire. But this is Dover for goodness sakes, a track where Jack Roush has nine wins, most recently with Kenseth last year.

But on Sunday, Roush's most recent winner asked if his crew "was trying to kill" him after a truck arm broke off the back of the No. 17 - for a second time on Lap 317. From Kenseth's first pit stop, however, he was already off the lead lap. And his future teammates Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin added insult to injury every time

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/whats_wrong_with_roush_fenway/11855974

Detroit Lions Pittsburgh Steelers

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Top 10 Circus Shots from the 2012-2013 Regular Season

About the NBA: The NBA is the premier professional basketball league in the United States and Canada. The league is truly global, with games and programming ...
From: NBA
Views: 85119
1917 ratings
Time: 03:14 More in Sports

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrL3m8mmrbs&feature=youtube_gdata

Denver Nuggets San Diego Chargers

NASCAR driver Jeremy Clements indefinitely suspended after racial remark

NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Jeremy Clements did just about the dumbest thing you could do? just when NASCAR was trying to introduce a new audience to the sport, Mr. Clements does his best to send them back to Civil War era.
MTV reporter Marty Beckerman was speaking Clements and a NASCAR official, when Clements used ?a phrase that used the n-word? in a conversation about driving and not in reference to another driver, according to report from USA Today.
On Wednesday, NASCAR indefinitely suspended Clements for the ?intolerable and insensitive remark? and violating its ?Code of Conduct.?
The question is, what exactly did Clements say? All we know is that it was�in reference to driving and somehow included the n-word.
Beckerman says the driver called him to apologize for the remark.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/motor_sports/article_external/nascar_driver_jeremy_clements_indefinitely_suspended_after_racial_remark/13033693

Buffalo Bills Atlanta Hawks

David Ortiz Assures Boston: ?This is Our F***ing City? [Video]

Big Papi going big.

Source: http://www.thebiglead.com/index.php/2013/04/20/david-ortiz-assures-boston-this-is-our-fing-city-video/

Indiana Pacers

NBC?s Brian Williams Threw it to an NBC Affiliate Who Summed it All Up: ?We Don?t Know S***? [Video]

NBC's Brian Williams Threw it to an NBC Affiliate Who Summed it All Up: "We Don't Know S***" [Video]

Well said.

Source: http://www.thebiglead.com/index.php/2013/04/19/nbcs-brian-williams-threw-it-to-a-reporter-who-sums-it-all-up-we-dont-know-s-video/

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Indianapolis Colts

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Rose being sued for missed season?

Well, this is an entertaining lawsuit according to HipHop365 in which a��25-year old Peoria Illinois man is suing the injured Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose for missing the current NBA season that led to mental depression and his obesity.� A 25 year old Peoria Illinois man filed a lawsuit Thursday against Chicago Bulls Superstar Derrick [...]The post Report: Man Suing Derrick Rose For Missing 2012-2013 Season appeared first on The NBA Mistress.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/report_man_suing_derrick_rose_for_missing_2012_2013_season/13434643

Denver Nuggets San Diego Chargers

Rare footage of Jackie Robinson playing football for the UCLA Bruins

Jackie Robinson made history on the diamond, but most people have never seen footage of him playing football for the UCLA Bruins. Until now, that is.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/rare_footage_of_jackie_robinson_playing_football_for_the_ucla_bruins/13420000

Portland Trail Blazers Carolina Panthers

Blues coach not happy with late-game hit

ST. LOUIS Ken Hitchcock shot straight.

"Not happy at all," the St. Louis Blues coach said.

His team had just notched a 2-1 shootout victory over the Phoenix Coyotes (18-17-8) on Thursday night at the Scottrade center, a win that improved the Blues' record to 25-16-2.

Instead, Hitchcock was more fired up about a "dangerous play" he believed went unpenalized late in the third period, the same incident that caused him to earn a game misconduct penalty following the final horn.

Moments before Phoenix's Radim Vrbata backhanded a power-play goal past Blues' goalie Brian Elliot with 1:07 left in the game, Alex Pietrangelo was hit hard in the back by Martin Hanzal. Following the goal, a Blues' crowd of more than 17,000 erupted. But no cross-check penalty came.

"Nope," Hitchcock said when asked if he heard from the game's referees. "No explanation. I didn't wait around."

The goal led to a game spilling into overtime, followed by a tense shootout in

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/blues_coach_not_happy_with_late_game_hit/13438048

Kansas City Chiefs Miami Heat

Michigan Basketball?s Tim Hardaway Jr to enter NBA Draft

Tim Hardaway Jr
On Wednesday afternoon, Michigan Basketball?s Tim Hardaway Jr announced he will forego his final season of eligibility and enter the NBA Draft. Hardaway was an All-Big Ten first-team selection and averaged 14.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for the Wolverines.
Hardaway is being projected as a late-first round early-second round pick in the draft. He becomes the 12th player in school history to leave early for the NBA. Hardaway made the following statement in a press release:
?After talking it over with my family, the coaching staff, and others in my support system, I have decided to pursue my dream of playing in the NBA,? said Hardaway. ?I have appreciated everyone?s support and patience while I made this decision. It has always been a dream of mine to play in the NBA and I feel that I am ready to work toward this dream.
?There will be challenges ahead, but I am looking forward to what the future holds. I know with what I have learned about being a Michigan Man, I...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/michigan_basketballs_tim_hardaway_jr_to_enter_nba_draft/13421896

Charlotte Bobcats Oakland Raiders

Jackson interested in NBA return

Phil Jackson is intrigued by a management position for the first time in his career.

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/phil_jackson_interested_in_returning_to_nba/13423456

Oakland Raiders Cincinnati Bengals

Friday, April 19, 2013

EA Sports releases 'NCAA Football 14' tease

The countdown is on until the release of EA Sports' NCAA Football 14 on July 9. In the meantime, EA Sports has been teasing what's new about the gameplay and presentation in their annual college football series. As usual, there are cosmetic changes coming to the game which will turn you into a screaming smash-your-controller-into-a-thousand-pieces lunatic if you try to play it online. This time, we'll look at the presentation. More Authentic Broadcast Feel In terms of presentation, the game will be more like an ESPN broadcast you watch on Saturdays. For instance, this year's edition includes new broadcast elements, including the ESPN Living Game Clock that provides key stats after each play and a new halftime show featuring Rece Davis and David Pollack. Also, Brad Nessler and Kirk Herbstreit focus on impact players and provide smart analysis on key moments throughout the game. Halftime Show? No thanks (this remains the only acceptable video game halftime...

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/ncaa_football_14_brings_realism_to_presentation/13432270

Pittsburgh Steelers Seattle Seahawks

Bayern coach Heynckes heaps praise on Lionel Messi

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes compared Lionel Messi to some of football greatest players.

''He is a phenomenon. He is in the league of Zinedine Zidane, Diego Maradona, Pele and Johan Cruyff,'' Heynckes said Wednedsay. ''Anyone who scores 50 goals in a season is extra-terrestrial.''

Bayern will come up against Messi when it plays Barcelona in the Champions League semifinals on Tuesday in Munich.

Bayern director Matthias Sammer also had good things to say about the four-time FIFA player of the year, calling the Argentina forward a ''genius, a fantastic player.''

Heynckes said Barcelona for many years had been ''an example'' for his team. But the Bayern coach sad he was stressing the past tense.

Bayern is enjoying a remarkable season. It became the earliest champion in Bundesliga history, and advanced to the German Cup final by beating Wolfsburg 6-1 on Tuesday.

''We have shown that we are a power, a great team,'' Heynckes s

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/bayern_coach_heynckes_heaps_praise_on_lionel_messi/13420465

San Diego Chargers Memphis Grizzlies

What's wrong with Roush Fenway?

Where is the Roush Fenway Racing organization that led the points for 21 of the first 26 races before the Chase for the Sprint Cup began?

Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth were so incredibly consistent throughout the regular season that it's hard to believe that the two Roush Fenway Racing entries competing in NASCAR's "playoffs" now sit in the Chase cellar after the first three races.

Yes, you can say that Roush has never been competitive at Chicagoland Speedway. And no, the organization hasn't quite been gangbusters at New Hampshire. But this is Dover for goodness sakes, a track where Jack Roush has nine wins, most recently with Kenseth last year.

But on Sunday, Roush's most recent winner asked if his crew "was trying to kill" him after a truck arm broke off the back of the No. 17 - for a second time on Lap 317. From Kenseth's first pit stop, however, he was already off the lead lap. And his future teammates Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin added insult to injury every time

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/whats_wrong_with_roush_fenway/11855974

New England Patriots Philadelphia Eagles

What's Next for Philadelphia 76ers After Disappointing 2012-13 NBA Season?

Following a terrible 2012-13 season that featured zero games played by Andrew Bynum and a wasted breakout by Jrue Holiday, the Philadelphia 76ers are set to embark on what needs to be a transformational summer.

But before getting to what's next, it's worth a look back at the gory specifics of how the Sixers got to where they are.

Any analysis has to begin and end with the abject failure of the Bynum trade. The big man was supposed to help bring the Sixers' offense (ranked 17th in 2011-12) into the modern era. Instead of low-percentage jumpers from inside the three-point line, Philly was supposed to thrive in an inside-out game that would generate more long-range attempts and better spacing.

But the season-long absence of Bynum, combined with a series of questionable personnel moves leading up to the season (I'm looking at you, Nick Young), resulted in a major step backward for an already poor Sixers offense. Philly lost nearly two points per 100 possessions on offense this past season, dropping their overall efficiency all the way to 26th in the NBA.

For what it's worth, a shrewd (but humble) writer predicted the Sixers' woes before the season even began.

In sum, Philly barely had the personnel to be successful with Bynum. But without him, uninventive coaching and a lack of talent meant the Sixers' lottery fate was sealed by early February.

 

Offseason Overview

Through with the painful retrospective on what went wrong with the Sixers' season, it's time to look ahead.

Heading into next season, Philadelphia has about $46 million in salary commitments—assuming Kwame Brown exercises his $3 million option for 2013-14. Bynum, Dorell Wright, Nick Young and Damien Wilkins are the only significant Sixers who'll hit unrestricted free agency, so Philly can make a max-money pitch to Bynum if it wants to.

Whether or not the 76ers choose to make Bynum an offer is probably the team's biggest offseason decision. Considering how things went this past year, not to mention team adviser Julius Erving's not-so-sunny take on the injured center, it seems highly unlikely that Philadelphia will put itself through the headache of another go-round with Bynum.

On the coaching side, Doug Collins' resignation on April 18 means the team will also be in search of a new sideline stalker. It's hard to overstate how important the Sixers' coaching selection will be.

The team is in desperate need of a forward-thinker who'll put forth a strategic plan that doesn't feature something akin to Collins' outdated emphasis on gut feelings and low-percentage offensive plays. The Sixers don't need an MIT grad with a degree in advanced analytics, but they've got to have someone capable of embracing the changing landscape of the league.

In other words, painfully simple high school plays that yield long jumpers in isolation just won't cut it.

The good news is that Collins is off of the bench; the bad news is that as a member of the front office he'll still have input into the coaching selection. Sixers fans had better hope his gut makes the right choice.

 

Draft Needs

The Sixers have less than a one-percent shot at the top pick in the 2013 NBA draft, and based on their record, they'll most likely end up with the No. 11 selection.

It's hard to suggest the best use of that pick without being sure about whether Bynum will be back, but assuming he's a goner, Philadelphia would be wise to use its selection on a young big man who could serve in a backup role initially, but possibly unseat the mighty Spencer Hawes from the starting center position at some point during the year.

Gonzaga's Kelly Olynyk and Maryland's Alex Len seem like realistic options at No. 11, but the lack of "wow" factor those names evoke is a good indication of just how weak this year's draft truly is.

 

Trade Market

Evan Turner doesn't seem to think he's on the trading block, but because the Sixers need to seriously consider a thorough housecleaning, he might want to dial back his confidence a bit: 

Sure, Evan. Who wouldn't want an unathletic tweener whose rate stats showed no growth despite a pressure-free environment and ample playing time last year?

If the Sixers don't trade Turner, it'll only be because no other team wants a below-average player on a lottery-pick deal with an extension decision looming in the summer of 2014. They should definitely see what they can get for him, though.

 

Free-Agent Decisions

Philadelphia's complete list of unrestricted free agents this summer includes Bynum, Young, Wright, Wilkins, Royal Ivey, Charles Jenkins and Justin Holiday. And as I mentioned, Brown has a player option for $3 million he seems likely to exercise—he's probably not going to do any better on the open market after missing almost the entirety of his past two seasons.

The danger of bringing Bynum back is clear, and that risk should probably be one the Sixers allow another team to take.

Young has absolutely no place on a winning team, as his atrocious shot selection and complete inability to make anyone around him better make him a player that lacks any real value. Unless Young pays the Sixers, there's no scenario in which his return could be construed as a good move.

Of the rest of Philly's free agents, only Wright has much use. His three-point stroke has hovered between 36 and 39 percent for the past six seasons, and although he does almost nothing else at an above-average level, there's value in a consistent floor-stretching shooter. If the Sixers can bring him back for something like the $4 million he made last season, they probably wouldn't regret it.

 

Free-Agent Targets

Nikola Pekovic

Minnesota Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic will be on the market this summer and he'd be a solid fit for the Sixers. His brutal strength in the post would draw defenders the way Philadelphia hoped Bynum's would.

Best of all, he'll probably command less than a max salary and has two functional knees.

 

Paul Millsap

Everyone seems to value Al Jefferson more highly than his unrestricted free-agent teammate, but Paul Millsap is a a gritty, competitive forward that plays better two-way ball than Jefferson. Remember, half of the game is defense and Jefferson doesn't play any.

The Sixers could do worse than a Millsap-Thaddeus Young pairing in the frontcourt. That duo would be among the league's most versatile tandems and could provide excellent spacing and good defense in pick-and-roll situations.

Millsap made $7 million last season, but even with a slight raise, the Sixers could afford to bring him in if they let Bynum walk.

 

Nate Robinson

Nate Robinson would not only help with the bad-shot withdrawal symptoms Sixers fans would likely feel after Nick Young's departure, he'd also represent a dangerous backup option behind Holiday.

The Chicago Bulls' spark plug averaged 13.1 points in just 25 minutes per game this year, and his energy could really invigorate a stale, stagnant Sixers attack. After making just $1 million in 2012-13, Robinson could be had on the market for much more than that and still constitute a bargain.

Really, though, there are probably a few D-League options that would improve the 76ers' backup point guard situation. It was that bad this year.

 

On the Rise: Thaddeus Young

Thaddeus Young saw a marked uptick in his minutes per game last season and aside from a curious 20-percent decline in his free-throw shooting, his overall productivity remained steady. That's a good sign for a player who's at a turning point in his career.

For the rangy, athletic forward, 2013-14 is going to be the season he either takes another step forward into stardom or levels off as a good (but not great) rotation player.

Young is a good defender in the pick-and-roll, shoots a high percentage from the floor (53 percent in 2012-13) and has excellent athleticism. Freed of the restrictive Collins, perhaps Young will also be allowed to shoot more threes.

Remember, he hoisted about two per game in 2008-09 and 2009-10 at a 34 percent clip. More long-range shots would only increase Young's value as a stretch-4 in a more modern Sixers offense.

 

Biggest Question Going Forward: Is Jrue Holiday for real?

It's easy to accumulate good numbers on a bad team. Somebody is bound to score, log assists and pull in rebounds.

But it's hard to know how valuable those stats are when they come in meaningless games.

Holiday posted career bests of 17.7 points, eight assists and 4.2 rebounds this past season and despite almost no help from his teammates, he still managed to up his overall efficiency rating from 14.74 in 2011-12 to 16.74 in 2012-13.

Plus, he competed on defense and the stats show that his on-court presence improved the Sixers' defensive rating by over five points per 100 possessions.

And Holiday did give Sixers fans a glimpse of his ability to step up in big moments:

Those are great signs that point to Holiday being a very good player. But his overall numbers last year were far from elite. He'll have to shoot better than 43 percent from the field and cut his turnovers from 3.7 per game before he proves he belongs on the the upper tier of young point guards alongside Stephen Curry, Ty Lawson and Russell Westbrook.

The Sixers are committed to Holiday for the foreseeable future, having signed the point guard to a $44 million deal through the 2016-17 season. But they can't know what they've really got in him until their games matter more.

Hopefully, an offseason of changes will allow the Sixers to play in a few more games that actually count for something next season. That'd go a long way toward determining whether Holiday really can become a franchise cornerstone.

 

Projected Power Ranking Entering 2013-14: 18

Depending on how wisely the Sixers handle their free-agent decisions and spend their cap space, they've got a lot of power-ranking mobility. Simply assuming slight improvements for Holiday and Young and projecting replacement-level performances from whichever free agents take over the minutes of guys like Nick Young and Turner, the Sixers can expect a modest improvement overall.

If they hit it big with a free agent or two, the playoffs are a real possibility. Although in the marshmallow-soft lower tier of the Eastern Conference, that's not necessarily saying much.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1610019-whats-next-for-philadelphia-76ers-after-disappointing-2012-13-nba-season

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