Good old soccer. �It?s the most popular sport in the world, but it has never caught on in the US. �Maybe it?s the lack of physicality or the flopping that would make Vlade Divac blush. �Either way, soccer always seems to be a sport where acting gets rewarded more than skill from time to time. �However, the ending to this Bosnian Cup match might get more US viewers if it happens more often.
Thanks to Bar Stool Sports�for the story on this. �The match took place between the teams of Velez and Zrinjski. �These two teams are bitter rivals, based on an ethnic divide. �The Zrinjski fans didn?t react so well to Velez scoring a goal in extra team. �They did what any irrational fan base would do. �THEY CHARGED THE FIELD TO ATTACK VELEZ!
I have never seen anything like that before. �Velez sprinted towards the parking lot to avoid any further confrontation and possible curb stomping. �I?ve seen sports fans do some crazy things, but Zrinjski just made Philadelp...
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Sunday, October 2, 2011
Week 4 Fantasy Football Projections: Ray Rice and 3 Players Set to Light It Up in Primetime
There are going to be plenty of fantasy points to be had in the final two games of Week 4. So, if you are heading into these games trailing, and you have any of the following three players on your roster, fear not.
Baltimore Ravens' RB Ray Rice
Last week, Darren McFadden obliterated any fear of starting running backs against the New York Jets' defense. Ray Rice is a must start, and he is going to produce.
The Ravens have a similar physical offensive line to the Oakland Raiders. They are going to open up rushing lanes for Rice.
Even if the Jets do manage to cut off the running lanes, Rice can do damage in the passing game. He has 14 catches on the season for 178 yards and two touchdowns.
New York Jets' QB Mark Sanchez
The Ravens have the sixth ranked rush defense. The Jets have the 25th ranked rush offense. The Jets will be throwing plenty in this contest.
The Jets are 10th in the NFL in passing yards. Mark Sanchez has plenty of weapons to throw to and he will be going against a very average Ravens secondary. The Ravens are ranked 17th against the pass.
They also don't have the corners to match up with the Jets' wide receivers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' RB LaGarrette Blount
Blount is getting better with every start. He had 15 yards his first game, 71 the next and 81 last game.
Those numbers will assuredly keep progressing up this week. Blount and the Buccaneers will be taking on a weak Colts rush defense.
The Colts are giving up 113 yards rushing per game. This has them ranked 22nd in the NFL. The Buccaneers will exploit this matchup.
They will also likely have a lead in this game and plenty of time to run the ball.
Delonte West got himself a real job
Delonte West just posted to his Twitter page that he is "now an official employee of Regency Furniture." Not sure what his exact role will be, but he included a picture of his first day on the job. Delonte also posted his job application, in which he said he could start working as soon as yesterday, and replied to a question about whether he had ever been convicted of a crime by saying it was a "misunderstanding." On Twitter, Delonte claimed that he needed "a 2nd job to stay afloat during the lockout." I wonder what his first job is? Did he ever get the gig at Home Depot? Click on "Read More" to see the picture of Delonte's job application...
Saturday, October 1, 2011
No. 8 Nebraska falls to No. 7 Wisconsin 48-17
Big Red wasn't quite ready for the best of the Big Ten.
Neither was Taylor Martinez.
Martinez threw three interceptions and No. 8 Nebraska failed in a tough first test in its new conference, getting routed by No. 7 Wisconsin 48-17 at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday night.
''We didn't make plays,'' Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said. ''I'm embarrassed. I apologize to the fans of Nebraska.''
Martinez was 11 of 22 for 176 yards, and his big mistakes wiped out some of the momentum Nebraska (4-1, 0-1) built early on. Martinez wasn't much of a threat in the running game, either.
Martinez said he had a hard time making the right read.
''I need to dump it off to the back and know when not to throw it (downfield),'' Martinez said.
And the Huskers' defense struggled to stop Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for another.
Montee Ball ran for 151 yards and four touchdowns for the Badgers (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten). But Wilson was the main attraction for a primetime audience as Wisconsin overcame a slow start to solidify its status as the class of the conference.
Rex Burkhead had 18 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown for the Huskers.
''We need some guys to step up and man up and start playing football,'' Pelini said. ''A lot of those things that happened out there today weren't any different. We need to get it fixed. We haven't fixed this. We've got to get it fixed.''
By the time the Camp Randall Stadium public address system blared ''Jump Around'' to get fans hopping before the fourth quarter, the game already was in the bag for the Badgers.
It was the sixth meeting between the teams and the first since 1974, but clearly the biggest and one of the most anticipated games in recent memory for Wisconsin. The Badgers fans didn't exactly have Camp Randall to themselves.
The crowd of 81,384 was filled with plenty of Nebraska fans - they wore black to differentiate themselves from Wisconsin fans who wear a similar shade of red - amid reports earlier in the week that thousands of fans were expected to make the trip to Madison this weekend for the Huskers' first conference game as a member of the Big Ten.
The Badgers sent them home disappointed, but the two teams could be on track to meet again.
Wisconsin is in the Leaders division of the Big Ten and Nebraska is in the Legends division, meaning the two teams could play in the conference championship game.
It was another big step for Wilson, the former North Carolina State quarterback who gave up minor league baseball to return to college football and play for a Badgers team that seemed to have all the pieces of a BCS bowl contender but needed a quarterback.
Five games into the season, there's no reason to think otherwise.
Wilson had played well in his first four games for the Badgers after joining them over the summer, but hadn't yet been tested by a top-level opponent since his days with the Wolfpack.
And Wilson found himself under pressure early, especially by standout Nebraska defensive tackle Jared Crick. But then Wilson started showing his ability to scramble out of trouble and extend plays - and Nebraska's defense couldn't keep up.
Wisconsin's defense also appeared to be in for a long night, allowing a pair of early - and easy - touchdown drives to Martinez and the Huskers that put the Badgers behind 14-7 early in the second quarter.
Wilson answered with a drive, and Ball scored his second touchdown of the day. The extra point try was blocked by Crick, and Nebraska still led 14-13.
Later in the quarter, Wisconsin's defense picked off Martinez on two straight possessions, the first by linebacker Mike Taylor and the second by safety Aaron Henry.
Wilson made the Huskers pay for both turnovers, firing a 36-yard touchdown to Jared Abbrederis, then a 46-yard touchdown to Nick Toon with 0:32 left. Nebraska missed a 50-yard field goal try near the end of the second quarter, and Wisconsin took a 27-14 lead into halftime.
Martinez then threw another interception on the first play from scrimmage in the second half, this time to cornerback Antonio Fenelus.
Wilson helped the Badgers cash in again, this time with his legs. On first-and-goal at the 10, Wilson faked a handoff and took off running, leaving the Huskers' defense in his dust on a touchdown run. Wisconsin took a 34-14 lead, effectively ending the game early in the third quarter.
Neither was Taylor Martinez.
Martinez threw three interceptions and No. 8 Nebraska failed in a tough first test in its new conference, getting routed by No. 7 Wisconsin 48-17 at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday night.
''We didn't make plays,'' Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said. ''I'm embarrassed. I apologize to the fans of Nebraska.''
Martinez was 11 of 22 for 176 yards, and his big mistakes wiped out some of the momentum Nebraska (4-1, 0-1) built early on. Martinez wasn't much of a threat in the running game, either.
Martinez said he had a hard time making the right read.
''I need to dump it off to the back and know when not to throw it (downfield),'' Martinez said.
And the Huskers' defense struggled to stop Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for another.
Montee Ball ran for 151 yards and four touchdowns for the Badgers (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten). But Wilson was the main attraction for a primetime audience as Wisconsin overcame a slow start to solidify its status as the class of the conference.
Rex Burkhead had 18 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown for the Huskers.
''We need some guys to step up and man up and start playing football,'' Pelini said. ''A lot of those things that happened out there today weren't any different. We need to get it fixed. We haven't fixed this. We've got to get it fixed.''
By the time the Camp Randall Stadium public address system blared ''Jump Around'' to get fans hopping before the fourth quarter, the game already was in the bag for the Badgers.
It was the sixth meeting between the teams and the first since 1974, but clearly the biggest and one of the most anticipated games in recent memory for Wisconsin. The Badgers fans didn't exactly have Camp Randall to themselves.
The crowd of 81,384 was filled with plenty of Nebraska fans - they wore black to differentiate themselves from Wisconsin fans who wear a similar shade of red - amid reports earlier in the week that thousands of fans were expected to make the trip to Madison this weekend for the Huskers' first conference game as a member of the Big Ten.
The Badgers sent them home disappointed, but the two teams could be on track to meet again.
Wisconsin is in the Leaders division of the Big Ten and Nebraska is in the Legends division, meaning the two teams could play in the conference championship game.
It was another big step for Wilson, the former North Carolina State quarterback who gave up minor league baseball to return to college football and play for a Badgers team that seemed to have all the pieces of a BCS bowl contender but needed a quarterback.
Five games into the season, there's no reason to think otherwise.
Wilson had played well in his first four games for the Badgers after joining them over the summer, but hadn't yet been tested by a top-level opponent since his days with the Wolfpack.
And Wilson found himself under pressure early, especially by standout Nebraska defensive tackle Jared Crick. But then Wilson started showing his ability to scramble out of trouble and extend plays - and Nebraska's defense couldn't keep up.
Wisconsin's defense also appeared to be in for a long night, allowing a pair of early - and easy - touchdown drives to Martinez and the Huskers that put the Badgers behind 14-7 early in the second quarter.
Wilson answered with a drive, and Ball scored his second touchdown of the day. The extra point try was blocked by Crick, and Nebraska still led 14-13.
Later in the quarter, Wisconsin's defense picked off Martinez on two straight possessions, the first by linebacker Mike Taylor and the second by safety Aaron Henry.
Wilson made the Huskers pay for both turnovers, firing a 36-yard touchdown to Jared Abbrederis, then a 46-yard touchdown to Nick Toon with 0:32 left. Nebraska missed a 50-yard field goal try near the end of the second quarter, and Wisconsin took a 27-14 lead into halftime.
Martinez then threw another interception on the first play from scrimmage in the second half, this time to cornerback Antonio Fenelus.
Wilson helped the Badgers cash in again, this time with his legs. On first-and-goal at the 10, Wilson faked a handoff and took off running, leaving the Huskers' defense in his dust on a touchdown run. Wisconsin took a 34-14 lead, effectively ending the game early in the third quarter.
Unser Jr. arrested on DWI charge
Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr. has been arrested on charges of drunken driving and reckless driving in New Mexico.
KRQE-TV reports that the 49-year-old was arrested Thursday morning in Albuquerque, where he lives. Authorities say Unser was drag racing another car in his Suburban and was going over 100 mph (160 kph).
He was charged with reckless driving and aggravated driving while intoxicated.
Unser was released from jail on his own recognizance.
It was unclear if he had an attorney. No one answered a phone call to a number listed under his name.
Unser, who is retired, won the Indianapolis 500 in 1992 and 1994.
KRQE-TV reports that the 49-year-old was arrested Thursday morning in Albuquerque, where he lives. Authorities say Unser was drag racing another car in his Suburban and was going over 100 mph (160 kph).
He was charged with reckless driving and aggravated driving while intoxicated.
Unser was released from jail on his own recognizance.
It was unclear if he had an attorney. No one answered a phone call to a number listed under his name.
Unser, who is retired, won the Indianapolis 500 in 1992 and 1994.
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/unser_jr_arrested_on_dwi_charge/7107907
Tigers manager Leyland getting back in hunt
DETROIT ? As the MLB playoff picture hit full scramble mode this week, Jim Leyland enjoyed the certainty of one thing, the most important thing.
"We're in," the Detroit Tigers manager said the other day. "Why should we be worried about anything? We're gonna have our chance. I don't know what we're gonna do with it, but we're in. There's no chaos."
That was left for Tampa Bay, Boston, St. Louis and Atlanta. Leyland was glad it wasn't him. Instead, there was calm, American League Central Division championship signs going up and playoff tickets moving at Comerica Park.
As madness unfolded elsewhere Wednesday night, Leyland's club simply played on and won again, wrapping up a 95-win season. Home-field advantage would have been nice, but no one pressed. The Tigers were among the eight clubs left standing. Tonight, they start their division series against the Yankees in New York.
In his 20th season as a big league manager, 25 years after taking the Pirates' helm, Leyland savored the moment ? and the calm ? before starting the second season. Let the fans and media get worked up over "this scenario, that scenario," he said. "I'm happy."
Leyland wasn't smiling, of course. He is baseball's resident curmudgeon, often described as "crusty," as if he were a menu item. And when he says "happy," he means for his players, toward whom he deflects all the credit with no apparent false modesty.
"I don't think I had anything to do with it," he said. "I think there were a lot of guys ... who would have gotten this team to the postseason. I'd like to say I'm the only one, but it would be a total lie."
Leyland, who will return home to Thornburg "as soon as the season's over," said he liked his team coming out of spring training but did not anticipate this. A slow start, including a seven-game losing streak in May, offered cause for concern. Media reports suggested his contract might not be extended.
But that was before right-hander Justin Verlander became Sandy Koufax and general manager Dave Dombrowski swung several key trades. The Tigers won 46 of their last 68 games, winning 12 straight earlier this month to settle the division race. Leyland and Dombrowski got multiyear extensions, although Leyland said he was never concerned.
"It's been a rewarding season because this is what we try to do," he said. "This is what you go to spring training for. When you accomplish something like this, you can't explain to people how good it feels.
"It's fun. It's an accomplishment. We're getting our chance to play for the big prize like seven other teams, and that's what you do this for. You have a chance to thrill your fans; you have a chance to disappoint. You don't know what's gonna happen. But at least we've earned this right, and that's the hardest step."
Leyland lauds his old pal Dombrowski, who in July landed a No. 3 hitter (outfielder Delmon Young), starting third baseman (Wilson Betemit) and right-hander Doug Fister, who pitched even better than Verlander in the past month.
As Florida Marlins general manager, Dombrowski hired Leyland after he left the cash-poor and ultimately doomed Pirates in 1996. The pair immediately won a world championship. In 2006 in Detroit, Dombrowski enticed Leyland to end a six-year managing hiatus, and the Tigers went to the World Series, losing to St. Louis.
"We have a very good relationship," Leyland said. "He basically gives me the players, and I manage 'em. And I kind of stay out of his way. He stays out of mine. But we share ideas, we share opinions and we have a real good working relationship."
At 66, Leyland acknowledged he has calmed since his emotionally charged days of erupting before players, umpires and reporters. Others concur.
"He's still fiery, but he's mellowed out," veteran third baseman Brandon Inge said. "The thing is, he understands. The very first day he came in and said, 'It's not about me.' "
"He knows how to treat guys, but at the same time, he lets you know who's boss," said Verlander, a 24-game winner and Cy Young Award favorite. "He's very direct, and I think that's a trait in a great manager."
The essence of Leyland's approach is "how he handles men and how loyal he is to them," said former Tigers great Al Kaline, who works in the front office. "He's a very honest guy, and if he has something to say, he says it. He tells the truth. He treats 'em fair."
Leyland said there is nothing extraordinary about this. It's how he was raised in Ohio amid a large family, the son of a factory man also named Jim whose principles and ironclad work ethic rubbed off.
"Most of managing is like any other form of supervisor or foreman," Leyland said. "My dad was a supervisor and a foreman in a factory, so he was dealing with people all the time. He was one of 16, so there were a lot of aunts and uncles, a lot of personalities. You watched 'em all, you listened to 'em all. My wife's one of 11. I'm one of seven. You're around a lot of different people. Everyone's not the same. I think that really helped me.
"I treat people like I like to be treated. I think it's pretty simple. It's a common-sense thing."
"We're in," the Detroit Tigers manager said the other day. "Why should we be worried about anything? We're gonna have our chance. I don't know what we're gonna do with it, but we're in. There's no chaos."
That was left for Tampa Bay, Boston, St. Louis and Atlanta. Leyland was glad it wasn't him. Instead, there was calm, American League Central Division championship signs going up and playoff tickets moving at Comerica Park.
As madness unfolded elsewhere Wednesday night, Leyland's club simply played on and won again, wrapping up a 95-win season. Home-field advantage would have been nice, but no one pressed. The Tigers were among the eight clubs left standing. Tonight, they start their division series against the Yankees in New York.
In his 20th season as a big league manager, 25 years after taking the Pirates' helm, Leyland savored the moment ? and the calm ? before starting the second season. Let the fans and media get worked up over "this scenario, that scenario," he said. "I'm happy."
Leyland wasn't smiling, of course. He is baseball's resident curmudgeon, often described as "crusty," as if he were a menu item. And when he says "happy," he means for his players, toward whom he deflects all the credit with no apparent false modesty.
"I don't think I had anything to do with it," he said. "I think there were a lot of guys ... who would have gotten this team to the postseason. I'd like to say I'm the only one, but it would be a total lie."
Leyland, who will return home to Thornburg "as soon as the season's over," said he liked his team coming out of spring training but did not anticipate this. A slow start, including a seven-game losing streak in May, offered cause for concern. Media reports suggested his contract might not be extended.
But that was before right-hander Justin Verlander became Sandy Koufax and general manager Dave Dombrowski swung several key trades. The Tigers won 46 of their last 68 games, winning 12 straight earlier this month to settle the division race. Leyland and Dombrowski got multiyear extensions, although Leyland said he was never concerned.
"It's been a rewarding season because this is what we try to do," he said. "This is what you go to spring training for. When you accomplish something like this, you can't explain to people how good it feels.
"It's fun. It's an accomplishment. We're getting our chance to play for the big prize like seven other teams, and that's what you do this for. You have a chance to thrill your fans; you have a chance to disappoint. You don't know what's gonna happen. But at least we've earned this right, and that's the hardest step."
Leyland lauds his old pal Dombrowski, who in July landed a No. 3 hitter (outfielder Delmon Young), starting third baseman (Wilson Betemit) and right-hander Doug Fister, who pitched even better than Verlander in the past month.
As Florida Marlins general manager, Dombrowski hired Leyland after he left the cash-poor and ultimately doomed Pirates in 1996. The pair immediately won a world championship. In 2006 in Detroit, Dombrowski enticed Leyland to end a six-year managing hiatus, and the Tigers went to the World Series, losing to St. Louis.
"We have a very good relationship," Leyland said. "He basically gives me the players, and I manage 'em. And I kind of stay out of his way. He stays out of mine. But we share ideas, we share opinions and we have a real good working relationship."
At 66, Leyland acknowledged he has calmed since his emotionally charged days of erupting before players, umpires and reporters. Others concur.
"He's still fiery, but he's mellowed out," veteran third baseman Brandon Inge said. "The thing is, he understands. The very first day he came in and said, 'It's not about me.' "
"He knows how to treat guys, but at the same time, he lets you know who's boss," said Verlander, a 24-game winner and Cy Young Award favorite. "He's very direct, and I think that's a trait in a great manager."
The essence of Leyland's approach is "how he handles men and how loyal he is to them," said former Tigers great Al Kaline, who works in the front office. "He's a very honest guy, and if he has something to say, he says it. He tells the truth. He treats 'em fair."
Leyland said there is nothing extraordinary about this. It's how he was raised in Ohio amid a large family, the son of a factory man also named Jim whose principles and ironclad work ethic rubbed off.
"Most of managing is like any other form of supervisor or foreman," Leyland said. "My dad was a supervisor and a foreman in a factory, so he was dealing with people all the time. He was one of 16, so there were a lot of aunts and uncles, a lot of personalities. You watched 'em all, you listened to 'em all. My wife's one of 11. I'm one of seven. You're around a lot of different people. Everyone's not the same. I think that really helped me.
"I treat people like I like to be treated. I think it's pretty simple. It's a common-sense thing."
MLB Playoff Predictions Go Here
The MLB playoffs begin tonight, so throw on your cleats, your glove, your drinking helmet and your cape and prepare for the battle.
Source: http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/09/30/mlb-playoff-predictions-go-here/
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