Sports Folk | Sports News, Fantasy Scores, NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, FIFA and: March 2010

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Help end Fan-Sign persecution, Lacrosse Fight, Links

My first observation here is a strange one but truthfully, it’s valid. Why are there so many people at a Lacrosse game. And is it me or does this fight actually look staged.

Fighter taps out but his knee is ruined {Chicago’s MMA}

Journey to the Tourney: Help End Fan-Sign Persecution {Joe Sports Fan}

Who will win: Butler/MSU preview {MSF}

Fans talking trash at the Final Four {GSF}

Sidney Crosby’s little sister is a Red Wing {PSAMP}

Are advanced stats changing basketball {Stacheketball}

Kid with perfect bracket goes 0-4 {Steady Burn}

Diary of a McDonald’s All-American {HHR}

Full story at http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NeswSports/~3/tuTOz3ZnZMk/

William Gallas back for Arsenal as Cesc Fabregas call goes to the wire

William Gallas delivered Arsenal a timely boost by declaring himself fit to face Barcelona and Cesc Fabregas will be given as long as possible to shake off a knee injury.

Full story at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1262353/William-Gallas-Arsenal-Cesc-Fabregas-goes-wire.html?ITO=1490

Howard Mocks Barkley, Wants to Settle MVP Race in Playoffs

Filed under: Cavaliers, Magic, NBA Awards, NBA Media Watch

ORLANDO, Fla. - Dwight Howard doesn't stand a chance against LeBron James -- or even Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant -- when it comes to public opinion, and the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award.

But he's itching incredibly to settle the issue on the court at playoff time.

"What I do is not flashy. I don't do it with a lot of style,'' Howard said. "The MVP is something good for your resume, but I want a (championship) ring. I want the Finals MVP. That's better than winning the regular season MVP.''

As hard as he tries to dance past the subject of not being considered seriously for the NBA's most prestigious individual award today, Howard is bothered quietly that his dominance as the league's best center the past couple years is overshadowed by the highlights made by perimeter players.

He lets you know in his own, good-natured impersonation of basketball television analyst Charles Barkley, and the way he gushes most nights about James. Settling for another Defensive Player of the Year Award, whiles others compete for the MVP, makes Howard a little jealous.

Just listen. It's Howard talking, but in a nasally version of Barkley's own down-home drawl:

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/03/30/howard-mocks-barkley-wants-to-settle-mvp-race-in-playoffs/

Cappie Pondexter Heads to New York in 3-Team WNBA Trade

Filed under: WNBA

One of the WNBA's biggest stars will now be playing on the biggest stage.

The New York Liberty completed one of the highest-profile deals in league history Tuesday, acquiring All-Star guard Cappie Pondexter from league champion Phoenix as part of a three-team deal.

The Liberty got Pondexter and guard Kelly Mazzante from the Mercury. The Liberty sent forwards Shameka Christon and Cathrine Kraayeveld to the Chicago Sky, and Chicago sent forward Candice Dupree to Phoenix.

Liberty general manager Carol Blazejowski called it a "franchise-changing acquisition."

"Rarely do you get to trade for a player of this magnitude," Blazejowski said.

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/03/30/cappie-pondexter-heads-to-new-york-in-3-team-wnba-trade/

The Daily Wrap-up, Monday: Arnold Palmer Invitational (PGATOUR.com)

The Daily Wrap-up, Monday: Arnold Palmer Invitational

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The Daily Wrap-up, Monday: Arnold Palmer Invitational (PGATOUR.com)

Full story at http://www.officialsportsbetting.com/golf-betting/the-daily-wrap-up-monday-arnold-palmer-invitational-pgatour-com/

Izzo says Oregon has not contacted him

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said Monday he is happy with his current job, responding to a report that Oregon wants to make him the richest coach in the nation. KEZI-TV in Eugene, Ore., citing anonymous sources, reported the school plans to offer Izzo college basketball’s largest contract with help from Nike Inc.

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Full story at http://www.officialsportsbetting.com/ncaa-basketball-betting/izzo-says-oregon-has-not-contacted-him/

Monday, March 29, 2010

Barcelona star Iniesta's injury lifts Arsenal after Birmingham setback

Twelve hours after boarding the Barcelona team bus without a hint of a limp or visible pain, Andres Iniesta was ruled out of Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg at Arsenal.

Full story at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1261414/Barcelona-star-Andres-Iniestas-injury-lifts-Arsenal-Birmingham-setback.html?ITO=1490

NBA Mock Draft 1.0: The Poetry of Upside

Filed under: NBA Draft

Everyone does mock drafts for their own reasons. Some truly have inside knowledge and help set a real tone for how things will go when David Stern takes the podium. Others think they have inside knowledge and make fools of themselves. Some insist they know what teams ought to do and belittle the GMs who think differently. Others truly do know what teams ought to do, are never wrong, and present their analysis in impeccably stylish format.

This last subset consists of FanHouse (did I mention "modesty" in there?), so allow me to present our first mock draft of the season. Because mock drafts are inherently boring, I set this version to senryu, which looks a lot like haiku, except that it doesn't revolve around the anatomy of caterpillars or which way the wind blows at the river's bend. Senryu, for our purposes, is all about finger guns, Indiana's affinity for unathletic white Americans and KAAAAAAHN!

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Note that draft order won't be set until May -- the order for our draft follows the standings. Note that Utah owns the Knicks' pick, and the Bucks will get the Bulls pick provided the Bulls earn a top-10 pick. Also note that I have zero inside information, and I cannot be trusted to correctly prognosticate any of the choices, especially that of the Kings, the team which I know best.

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/03/28/nba-mock-draft-1-0-the-poetry-of-upside/

Redick, Duke Have Big Night Together

Filed under: Magic, Nuggets

ORLANDO -- As he was leaving Amway Arena Sunday night after his best game as an NBA player, J.J. Redick was serenaded by fans on his way to the parking lot.

"Go Blue Devils. Go Blue Devils,'' was the chant he kept hearing on his walk out. It only made him smile more.

It certainly was a good, good night for the Dookies.

At almost the same time that storied Duke University returned to the NCAA Final Four for the first time in six years, one of its most celebrated alums was having a wonderful night of his own.

Redick, whose NBA assent has been a slow, often-frustrating climb, must have thought he was back in college again. It has been years since he played like this.

"This was a very satisfying night,'' he understated. "One of the best of my career.''

Redick, now in his fourth NBA season, had career highs in minutes played (46:25), rebounds (7) and assists (8), also scoring 23 points to lead the Magic to a 103-97 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/03/28/redick-and-duke-have-their-big-night-together/

Haier Play of the Day

James Johnson comes flying in to clean up the Rose miss.

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Full story at http://www.officialsportsbetting.com/nba-betting/haier-play-of-the-day-345/

Haier Play of the Day

Carmelo Anthony knocks down the game-winner against the Toronto Raptors.

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Full story at http://www.officialsportsbetting.com/nba-betting/haier-play-of-the-day-346/

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Wenger feels the pressure: Title race tension gets to Arsenal boss

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger lost his cool after a late goal from Birmingham striker Kevin Phillips dented his side's Premier League title hopes.

Full story at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1261210/Wenger-feels-pressure-Title-race-tension-gets-Arsenal-boss.html?ITO=1490

Gilbert Arenas Sentenced to 30 Days in Halfway House

Filed under: Wizards, NBA Police Blotter

WASHINGTON --Dressed in a dark blue pinstriped suit, Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas held back tears as he addressed District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Robert E. Morin Friday afternoon.

"I am very sorry that this all happened," Arenas said in soft, even tones. "Every day, I wake up and I wish it didn't happen."

Morin said Arenas was remorseful for his role in a December locker room confrontation and "basically a good person" before he sentenced Arenas to 30 days in a halfway house and two years supervised probation. Arenas, who pleaded guilty to a single felony count of possessing a gun without a license, will also be required to serve 400 hours of community service, donate $5,000 to a victims of violent crimes fund and register as a gun offender in Washington.

Arenas and his lawyer, Kenneth Wainstein, left the courtroom without speaking to reporters, but later issued a statement.

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/03/26/gilbert-arenas-sentenced-to-30-days-in-halfway-house/

Wolves Plan to Re-Sign Darko Milicic

Filed under: Timberwolves

ORLANDO - The Minnesota Timberwolves are making plans to offer enigmatic center Darko Milicic a new multi-year contract this summer when he becomes a free agent, believing they can tap the potential that others saw but never could convert consistently.

Milicic, 24, joined the Wolves last month in a trade from the Knicks, the fourth team in the league to give up on him, despite having all the physical skills to be a productive NBA center.

At 7-0 and 245 pounds, Milicic has been labeled a bust since coming into the NBA with Detroit as the No. 2 pick in the 2003 Draft - ahead of Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh - but he may have found his NBA home in Minnesota.

"He has provided us with something we sorely needed. He has the height and size and mobility,'' Wolves coach Kurt Rambis told FanHouse Friday. "He can play well at both ends of the floor. He gives us what we need at center. We've shown him that he could fit in well here.''

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/03/27/wolves-plan-to-re-sign-milicic-this-summer/

Spartans reach round of 8 with Lucas out

Its star player on the bench, Michigan State has gotten through by getting everyone involved. Once so reliant on Kalin Lucas, the Spartans have spread the load around since the junior point guard ruptured his Achilles’ tendon in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Korie Lucious has filled Lucas’ spot admirably, barely blinking at the pressure thrust upon him.

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Full story at http://www.officialsportsbetting.com/ncaa-basketball-betting/spartans-reach-round-of-8-with-lucas-out/

Binghamton coach files racial complaint

The suspended coach of the Binghamton University men’s basketball team has filied a racial discrimination complaint against the school. Kevin Broadus was put on paid leave in October after his starting point guard was arrested on drug charges and five teammates were dismissed for other violations.

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Full story at http://www.officialsportsbetting.com/ncaa-basketball-betting/binghamton-coach-files-racial-complaint/

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Gianfranco Zola insists he won't quit West Ham after clash with Sullivan

Gianfranco Zola said on Friday he would not walk out on West Ham, despite the pressure of losing the past five games and his row with co-chairman David Sullivan.

Full story at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1261101/Gianfranco-Zola-insists-wont-quit-West-Ham-clash-owner-David-Sullivan.html?ITO=1490

Gilbert Arenas Sentenced to 30 Days in Halfway House

Filed under: Wizards, NBA Police Blotter

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/03/26/gilbert-arenas-sentenced-to-30-days-in-halfway-house/

Wolves Plan to Re-Sign Darko Milicic

Filed under: Timberwolves

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/03/27/wolves-plan-to-re-sign-milicic-this-summer/

Blazers owner supports GM Pritchard

Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen issued a statement affirming his support of general manager Kevin Pritchard as rumors fly concerning Pritchard’s future with the team. “I support everyone who works for me, including Kevin Pritchard, and that’s why he’s our general manager,” Allen’s statement said.

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Full story at http://www.officialsportsbetting.com/nba-betting/blazers-owner-supports-gm-pritchard/

Karl might miss rest of regular season

The Denver Nuggets might not have coach George Karl back on the sideline until the playoffs begin next month. Karl is undergoing treatment for throat and neck cancer and, according to a blog by his girlfriend, he was hospitalized this week with blood clots in his lungs and a leg. Adrian Dantley has served as acting head coach for eight games since Karl announced just after the All-Star break that…

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Full story at http://www.officialsportsbetting.com/nba-betting/karl-might-miss-rest-of-regular-season/

Friday, March 26, 2010

Is Tiger dumping his caddie, Tom Izzo, Links

Knicks Cheerleader Flip Fail - Watch more Funny Videos

Who picked whom in the NCAA tournament? {Steady Burn}

Justin Morneau/Justin Verlander video {Star Tribune}

Why Mike Bianchi is an idiot {MLJ}

Intense pictures of Tom Izzo {MSF}

Steve Yzerman isn’t a fan of Mike Green {Gunaxin}

Umpire ejections and the hilarity that ensues {Unathletic}

Tiger ditching his caddy after the Masters {SBB}

The new balloon boy hoax {Guyism}

Full story at http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NeswSports/~3/n89WZP7Zjnw/

Craig Bellamy probe: Manchester City striker at the centre of Everton spat

Craig Bellamy is involved in another Manchester City investigation after allegations of an incident in the players’ tunnel at the end of his team’s 2-0 defeat by Everton at Eastlands on Wednesday night.

Full story at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1260762/Craig-Bellamy-probe-Manchester-City-striker-centre-Everton-spat.html?ITO=1490

Slide of Duncan, Spurs Ends an Era

Filed under: Lakers, Magic, Mavericks, Nuggets, Spurs

It's hard to feel sorry for a team that still has a shot at its 11th consecutive 50-win season. Yet it's happening now.

The downslide of a dynasty can be unsettling to watch as it unravels, scrambling to avoid the inevitable crash.

And make no mistake, the much-lauded San Antonio Spurs are running out of gas. The franchise that has been held up for many years as the glowing example for others to see -- with one of the league's all-time greats -- is limping toward its finish line.

The reign at the top ended a couple of years ago. The fall has been gradual, but undeniably clear.

It was accentuated recently by franchise center/forward Tim Duncan, the future Hall of Famer who has had two of the worst games of his career in the last 10 days. One could be excused as an aberration. Two makes it a trend.

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/03/25/slide-of-duncan-spurs-ends-an-era/

Report: Miami Heat to Call-Up Alade Aminu

Filed under: Heat, NBA D-League

At NBA All-Star weekend, watching the D-League All-Star game, I leaned over to Steve Weinman and pointed out Alonzo Gee and Alade Aminu. I told my colleague that those two players were the best NBA-talents on the floor. There were other players more worthy of call-up (Mike Harris for example), but those two rookies were far and away the best athletic players under 25. Gee is currently logging minutes for the Washington ~~Trainwreck~~ Wizards, and now Aminu will get his shot.

Ridiculous Upside is reporting that the Miami Heat plan to call-up Alade Aminu from the Bakersfield Jam. The background on Aminu's twitter page seems to confirm it.

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/03/26/report-miami-heat-to-call-up-alade-aminu/

Saints won?t match Eagles for RB Bell

Mike Bell is joining the Philadelphia Eagles. A spokesman for the New Orleans Saints said the team will not match Philadelphia’s offer to the restricted free-agent running back. The Saints had until midnight Tuesday to match the Eagles’ one-year offer, but vice president of communications Greg Bensel told The Associated Press in an e-mail the team would not.

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Full story at http://www.officialsportsbetting.com/nfl-betting/saints-wont-match-eagles-for-rb-bell/

Orton to remain Broncos? starting QB

Kyle Orton remains the Denver Broncos’ starting quarterback, and Brady Quinn is going to have to unseat him if he wants to be the one under center when the season starts in six months. “He is our starter. There is no question,” coach Josh McDaniels said of his incumbent at the AFC coaches’ breakfast at Orlando, Fla., on Tuesday, reiterating what he’s been saying both privately…

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Full story at http://www.officialsportsbetting.com/nfl-betting/orton-to-remain-broncos-starting-qb/