((HT: Sky Sports))
For those of you unfamiliar, it was one of the darkest days in all of football...
96 fans lost their lives and another 766 people were injured after a crush in an enclosed and overcrowded terrace at Sheffield Wednesday's stadium on April 15, 1989. This happened during the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest...
Here's how ITV News covered the disaster
In some of the most shameful cover-ups ever, it was discovered by the Hillsborough Independent Panel in September 2012 that no Liverpool fans were responsible for the deaths. Attempts had been made by local police authorities to conceal what happened- including the changing the content of 116 witness statements relating to the disaster.
British Prime Minister David Cameron, the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police- David Crompton, Football Association Chairman- David Bernstein, and Kelvin MacKenzie, then-editor of The Sun newspaper, all apologized at the time.
Here's how BBC's "Panorama" program covered all the shenanigans...
In September 2012, the Panel concluded that up to 41 of the 96 fatalities might have been avoided had they received prompt medical treatment.
A new series of inquests were ordered in December 2012 when the High Court set aside the original death verdicts. The proceedings are expected to last up to 12 months as families hope they finally get the answers they have been chasing for a quarter-century.
The Ministry of Justice has built the biggest courtroom in England and Wales in an office building near the town of Warrington, to host them. A jury will hear the evidence and will be asked to decide on the verdict- an unusual step in inquests like these.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Kurt Busch And Keselowski Want A Piece Of Each Other...Still...
((HT: NASCAR on FOX))
And the HQ is going to look for a race where Rowdy is in no condition to do well on a speedway and Keselowski will get his for his modifieds grind-and-go at Martinsville Sunday...
It all started around the competition caution in and around Lap 40...
Keselowski had to check out for 30 laps or so and came back onto the track looking very modified...
And looking for payback...
((HT: NASCAR.com))
But that didn't go over well on the radio...
And even led to the Blue Deuce's PDE for Busch out the window...
Busch would eventually win the race and get his grandfather clock...
And addressed it after the race here...
And here...
"He tried to flatten all four of my tires," Busch said. "That's a no fly zone. ... He will get what he gets back when I decide to give it back."
So, what race, dear reader will Busch get his revenge...???
You tell us...
And the HQ is going to look for a race where Rowdy is in no condition to do well on a speedway and Keselowski will get his for his modifieds grind-and-go at Martinsville Sunday...
It all started around the competition caution in and around Lap 40...
Keselowski had to check out for 30 laps or so and came back onto the track looking very modified...
And looking for payback...
((HT: NASCAR.com))
But that didn't go over well on the radio...
And even led to the Blue Deuce's PDE for Busch out the window...
Busch would eventually win the race and get his grandfather clock...
And addressed it after the race here...
And here...
"He tried to flatten all four of my tires," Busch said. "That's a no fly zone. ... He will get what he gets back when I decide to give it back."
So, what race, dear reader will Busch get his revenge...???
You tell us...
Sunday, March 30, 2014
SO Many Jokes, So Little Space... FHL Fight Doesn't...
((HT: Canoe.ca/SLAM-Larson))
The HQ showed you a fight that evolved into a hug a week or so ago...
Refresh your memory hyah...
This "fight" (more like a square-off) below on Friday night in the Federal Hockey League took the hug and went all Stone Cold on us...
So, dear reader...
Was the Felton-Puntureri act worth it...??? Was it "too cute...???"
You tell us... although, the HQ has always dug the Whalers look...
Oh, there was no penalty given. But I would be concerned about open container laws...
The HQ showed you a fight that evolved into a hug a week or so ago...
Refresh your memory hyah...
This "fight" (more like a square-off) below on Friday night in the Federal Hockey League took the hug and went all Stone Cold on us...
So, dear reader...
Was the Felton-Puntureri act worth it...??? Was it "too cute...???"
You tell us... although, the HQ has always dug the Whalers look...
Oh, there was no penalty given. But I would be concerned about open container laws...
One Soccer Player Saves Another's Life On The Pitch
((HT: Fox Sports via SB Nation))
And for this initially disturbing, but subsequently life-saving, video we go to the Ukranian Premier League with a game between Dnipro and Dynamo Kiev...
Dynamo Kiev midfielder Oleh Husyev was knocked unconscious when he collided with the Dnipro goalkeeper’s knee- knocked unconscious to the point that his tongue was blocking his airway.
Dnipro’s Jaba Kankava dove into action- and it's pretty wild...
Husyev seems to only have a concussion, a broken jaw, and a lost tooth...
Thank (insert divine being here)...
And for this initially disturbing, but subsequently life-saving, video we go to the Ukranian Premier League with a game between Dnipro and Dynamo Kiev...
Dynamo Kiev midfielder Oleh Husyev was knocked unconscious when he collided with the Dnipro goalkeeper’s knee- knocked unconscious to the point that his tongue was blocking his airway.
Dnipro’s Jaba Kankava dove into action- and it's pretty wild...
Husyev seems to only have a concussion, a broken jaw, and a lost tooth...
Thank (insert divine being here)...
OSG Prem: Reds At The Top Of The Table, Fulham Still Bottom
((HT: Sportsnet))
The lead at the top of the table is now Liverpool's to keep... even as Manchester City has two games in hand on the bunch...
The Reds have now gone their last 13 without a defeat- including 8 wins and a dismantling of Spurs at Anfield this afternoon. Makes the HQ wonder just how much patience the front office will have with caretaker manager Tim Sherwood after another throttling by a top five club...
Here's the wrap...
Elsewhere, the matinee on Sunday was Everton trying to put another nail in Fulham's relegation quest with a win at Craven Cottage. Believe it or not, the reserves were the ones coming through over and over again as Roberto Martinez's squad solidified their top-5 place... ((HT: ProSoccerTalk))
The lead at the top of the table is now Liverpool's to keep... even as Manchester City has two games in hand on the bunch...
The Reds have now gone their last 13 without a defeat- including 8 wins and a dismantling of Spurs at Anfield this afternoon. Makes the HQ wonder just how much patience the front office will have with caretaker manager Tim Sherwood after another throttling by a top five club...
Here's the wrap...
Elsewhere, the matinee on Sunday was Everton trying to put another nail in Fulham's relegation quest with a win at Craven Cottage. Believe it or not, the reserves were the ones coming through over and over again as Roberto Martinez's squad solidified their top-5 place... ((HT: ProSoccerTalk))
Arizona Students Riot in Streets After Loss?
((ht: kgun))
Okay, maybe we are just old, but the whole thing about college students rioting and destroying things after a game makes no sense to us.
A pretty large group of University of Arizona students inexplicably hit the streets of Tuscon near campus and were met with a pretty large group of police officers there to disperse them. This on the heels of the Wildcats losing to Wisconsin in overtime for a shot at going to the Final Four.
Of course once on the streets of Tuscon, chaos ensued and fifteen or so students were arrested and a handful were injured as police launched pepper spray into the crowd.
If there's a reason that fans do things like this, we'd love to know. Though we supposed this isn't as silly/stupid as the whole couch burning thing that University of Kentucky students did Friday night after their win, which only got them to the Elite 8.
Why riot? Why destroy stuff? Because you can? Because it's a chance to burn off steam and vent? Once upon a time, back in the dark ages, we went to college and don't remember that being a prerequisite for the school's sports teams having success.
But then again, we're old.
Here's your TV story from KGUN-TV in Tuscon:
Okay, maybe we are just old, but the whole thing about college students rioting and destroying things after a game makes no sense to us.
A pretty large group of University of Arizona students inexplicably hit the streets of Tuscon near campus and were met with a pretty large group of police officers there to disperse them. This on the heels of the Wildcats losing to Wisconsin in overtime for a shot at going to the Final Four.
Of course once on the streets of Tuscon, chaos ensued and fifteen or so students were arrested and a handful were injured as police launched pepper spray into the crowd.
If there's a reason that fans do things like this, we'd love to know. Though we supposed this isn't as silly/stupid as the whole couch burning thing that University of Kentucky students did Friday night after their win, which only got them to the Elite 8.
Why riot? Why destroy stuff? Because you can? Because it's a chance to burn off steam and vent? Once upon a time, back in the dark ages, we went to college and don't remember that being a prerequisite for the school's sports teams having success.
But then again, we're old.
Here's your TV story from KGUN-TV in Tuscon:
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Bad Night To Be A Miller... Florida And Wisconsin Advance
((HT: March Madness TV))
Two Millers had a chance to get to the last four teams to play this season in men's college basketball...
And neither will get to North Dallas...
Archie Miller and his Dayton Flyers lost by ten to Florida, 62-52, so Billy Donovan and the Gators go...
In the last game of the night, Sean Miller had a chance to get there- first surviving regulation with Wisconsin and playing another five minutes. But, the extra five ended really goofy...
An offensive foul call down one led to an inbounds pass that had a 37-minute review before a reversal that gave Arizona another chance at getting the game-winner...
Actually, in all fairness, the review wasn't 37 minutes... but it seemed that long...
But they did get it right...
But, more interestingly, the offensive foul call was the more debatable of the two calls by officials late-late-late in the free hoops portion of the program...
Props to Bo Ryan and to the B1G- the conference has a team in the last three games of the year for the 11th time in last 16 years - but Michigan State in 2000 is the only team to get a title...
Two Millers had a chance to get to the last four teams to play this season in men's college basketball...
And neither will get to North Dallas...
Archie Miller and his Dayton Flyers lost by ten to Florida, 62-52, so Billy Donovan and the Gators go...
In the last game of the night, Sean Miller had a chance to get there- first surviving regulation with Wisconsin and playing another five minutes. But, the extra five ended really goofy...
An offensive foul call down one led to an inbounds pass that had a 37-minute review before a reversal that gave Arizona another chance at getting the game-winner...
Actually, in all fairness, the review wasn't 37 minutes... but it seemed that long...
But they did get it right...
But, more interestingly, the offensive foul call was the more debatable of the two calls by officials late-late-late in the free hoops portion of the program...
Props to Bo Ryan and to the B1G- the conference has a team in the last three games of the year for the 11th time in last 16 years - but Michigan State in 2000 is the only team to get a title...
Just Don't Call Them The 26'ers Anymore...
((HT: CSNPhilly))
Brett Brown was proven wrong...
His Philadelphia26'ers76'ers team DID actually win another game this NBA season...
And it wan't even that close...
It was a 123-98 win over Detroit and will keep Philly as a part of history instead of making it on their own...
Thaddeus Young and Michael Carter-Williams scored 21 points each. Henry Sims added 16 points. And, frankly, the HQ can't remember the last time the team scored 70 in the first half- leading by 19 at 70-51. The Sixers led by 30 at one point- after the third quarter.
Their previous largest margin of victory this season was 15 against the Cavaliers on November 8th.
Marshall Harris discusses
The Sixers, now 16-57, also snapped an 18-game home losing streak- one shy of the all-time mark of 19 held by the 1993-94 Dallas Mavericks.
Brett Brown was proven wrong...
His Philadelphia
And it wan't even that close...
It was a 123-98 win over Detroit and will keep Philly as a part of history instead of making it on their own...
Thaddeus Young and Michael Carter-Williams scored 21 points each. Henry Sims added 16 points. And, frankly, the HQ can't remember the last time the team scored 70 in the first half- leading by 19 at 70-51. The Sixers led by 30 at one point- after the third quarter.
Their previous largest margin of victory this season was 15 against the Cavaliers on November 8th.
Marshall Harris discusses
The Sixers, now 16-57, also snapped an 18-game home losing streak- one shy of the all-time mark of 19 held by the 1993-94 Dallas Mavericks.
OSG Prem: Mourinho Concedes Title, Man City-Arsenal Rules The Afternoon
((HT: BPL/Sky Sports/NBCSN))
The early morning started with protests above Old Trafford, but a big win inside as Manchester United went down a goal early. They came back to win 4-1 over Aston Villa thanks to two Wayne Rooney goals.
Elsewhere...
Southampton continued their claim to the top half by blowing out an outgunned Newcastle side 4-0.
Peter Odemwingie scored to give Stoke a 1-0 over Hull City
Two goals from de Guizman gave Swansea a big three points in a 3-0 over Norwich
Now, to the wild stuff...
The last time Chelsea's John Terry gave up an own goal was, like, in 1934 or something. But his OG in the 52nd minute gave Crystal Palace their first win over the Blues since 1990. The Eagles got a HUGE three points taking them 5 points clear of the drop. Afterwards, Jose Mourinho all but conceded the title...
West Brom and Cardiff had all the appearance of a six-pointer with the Bluebirds in the drop zone and the opponents hovering just above it. The game had its huge swings of momentum, and the Baggies' Morgan Amalfitano gave Paul Merson fits...
((HT:Sky Sports))
And then, there was all the late drama of stoppage time...
Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer seemed to get a good laugh out of the last two minutes along with counterpart Pepe Mel. He still seemed a little shocked about getting a point out of the deal...
((HT: BBC Sport))
So, that put everything into the courts of Man City and Arsenal- who were the nightcap at the Emirates.
David Silva had the Citizens up at the break, but his squad gave up their first goal since February 3rd to Flamini. The game ends in a 1-1 draw and keeps Chelsea one up on Liverpool with City another point back- with two games in hand.
Arsenal are three back of third with the Reds playing tomorrow.
The early morning started with protests above Old Trafford, but a big win inside as Manchester United went down a goal early. They came back to win 4-1 over Aston Villa thanks to two Wayne Rooney goals.
Elsewhere...
Southampton continued their claim to the top half by blowing out an outgunned Newcastle side 4-0.
Peter Odemwingie scored to give Stoke a 1-0 over Hull City
Two goals from de Guizman gave Swansea a big three points in a 3-0 over Norwich
Now, to the wild stuff...
The last time Chelsea's John Terry gave up an own goal was, like, in 1934 or something. But his OG in the 52nd minute gave Crystal Palace their first win over the Blues since 1990. The Eagles got a HUGE three points taking them 5 points clear of the drop. Afterwards, Jose Mourinho all but conceded the title...
West Brom and Cardiff had all the appearance of a six-pointer with the Bluebirds in the drop zone and the opponents hovering just above it. The game had its huge swings of momentum, and the Baggies' Morgan Amalfitano gave Paul Merson fits...
((HT:Sky Sports))
And then, there was all the late drama of stoppage time...
Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer seemed to get a good laugh out of the last two minutes along with counterpart Pepe Mel. He still seemed a little shocked about getting a point out of the deal...
((HT: BBC Sport))
So, that put everything into the courts of Man City and Arsenal- who were the nightcap at the Emirates.
David Silva had the Citizens up at the break, but his squad gave up their first goal since February 3rd to Flamini. The game ends in a 1-1 draw and keeps Chelsea one up on Liverpool with City another point back- with two games in hand.
Arsenal are three back of third with the Reds playing tomorrow.
Vin Scully Does Earthquake Play-by-Play: And It Was Awesome
((ht: sportingnews.com))
There are few things in the world more enjoyable than listening to a broadcasting legend call a baseball game. And Friday night, one of those legends, Los Angeles Dodgers voice, Vin Scully, was doing just that.
Scully was calling an exhibition game between the Dodgers and the Angels when a fairly strong, 5.1 earthquake shook Chavez Ravine (home of the Dodgers).
True pro, Scully's tone and voice never changed, he just described it as a tremor and wondered aloud if anyone else had felt it.
"A tremor and only a tremor"
The great ones never panic and try their hardest to make sure nobody else does either.
Listen to Vin Scully call an earthquake: (thanks MLB.com)
There are few things in the world more enjoyable than listening to a broadcasting legend call a baseball game. And Friday night, one of those legends, Los Angeles Dodgers voice, Vin Scully, was doing just that.
Scully was calling an exhibition game between the Dodgers and the Angels when a fairly strong, 5.1 earthquake shook Chavez Ravine (home of the Dodgers).
True pro, Scully's tone and voice never changed, he just described it as a tremor and wondered aloud if anyone else had felt it.
"A tremor and only a tremor"
The great ones never panic and try their hardest to make sure nobody else does either.
Listen to Vin Scully call an earthquake: (thanks MLB.com)
NCAA Friday: It Wasn't The Two Fours, But It Did Bring An 8
((HT: March Madness TV))
The HQ thought that the most underrated seeds in the men's college basketball tournament were the two 4's in Michigan State and Louisville...
Turns out the 8-seed Kentucky has something to say about that...
In a back-and-forth game that resembles any regular season meeting between the two, UK beat U of L to move on to the final 8 teams left and will get Michigan Sunday night.
Here's the ending...
Michigan State held off Virginia in the other Friday game- knocking out a 1-seed- by a team a lot of people thought should never be a 4-seed...
There are 3 B1G schools in the Elite 8 for 1st time since 2005- when it was Illinois, Michigan State, and Wisconsin. The Illini and MSU made the Final 4, but UNC won the title that year.
The HQ thought that the most underrated seeds in the men's college basketball tournament were the two 4's in Michigan State and Louisville...
Turns out the 8-seed Kentucky has something to say about that...
In a back-and-forth game that resembles any regular season meeting between the two, UK beat U of L to move on to the final 8 teams left and will get Michigan Sunday night.
Here's the ending...
Michigan State held off Virginia in the other Friday game- knocking out a 1-seed- by a team a lot of people thought should never be a 4-seed...
There are 3 B1G schools in the Elite 8 for 1st time since 2005- when it was Illinois, Michigan State, and Wisconsin. The Illini and MSU made the Final 4, but UNC won the title that year.
OSG High: How To Take Advantage Of A Rain Delay
((HT: KAIT-TV))
FOSG Chris Hudgison is the Sports Director at Channel 8 in Jonesboro, Arkansas...
As is the case with sportscasts, when the producer gives you time you use all of it or you may never get it back...
So, sometimes, you stumble across funny stuff to use at the end- or to kill time when a story pans differently than you expect...
Like rain delays at high school baseball games...
We'll let Chris explain...
KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports
FOSG Chris Hudgison is the Sports Director at Channel 8 in Jonesboro, Arkansas...
As is the case with sportscasts, when the producer gives you time you use all of it or you may never get it back...
So, sometimes, you stumble across funny stuff to use at the end- or to kill time when a story pans differently than you expect...
Like rain delays at high school baseball games...
We'll let Chris explain...
KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports
DEVELOPING: 49ers Culliver Arrested For Felonies And Misdemeanors
((HT: NBC Bay Area))
Allegedly...
Chris Culliver is supposed to be a key cog in the San Francisco 49ers defense in the 2014 season. But his status is now up in the air after his arrest in a hit-and-run incident involving himself, a bicyclist, and the after-effects...
The 49ers cornerback was booked in Santa Clara County (CA) jail for felony hit-and-run, felony reckless driving with injury, felony possession of brass knuckles, misdemeanor hit-and-run and misdemeanor driving on a suspended license.
The team "is aware" of the situation and isn't commenting any further than:
"We will remain in contact with Chris and the local authorities as we continue to gather the facts regarding this situation. As this is an ongoing legal matter, we will reserve further comment at this time.”
More when we know more...
Allegedly...
Chris Culliver is supposed to be a key cog in the San Francisco 49ers defense in the 2014 season. But his status is now up in the air after his arrest in a hit-and-run incident involving himself, a bicyclist, and the after-effects...
The 49ers cornerback was booked in Santa Clara County (CA) jail for felony hit-and-run, felony reckless driving with injury, felony possession of brass knuckles, misdemeanor hit-and-run and misdemeanor driving on a suspended license.
The team "is aware" of the situation and isn't commenting any further than:
"We will remain in contact with Chris and the local authorities as we continue to gather the facts regarding this situation. As this is an ongoing legal matter, we will reserve further comment at this time.”
More when we know more...
Friday, March 28, 2014
Baseball Returns To The Big Owe
((HT: MLB/Sportsnet))
The Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Mets in the first of a two-game tease for baseball fans in Montreal...
One Expo in particular has been trying to get baseball back in town full-time...
Warren Cromartie, who was referenced on the liner notes of the Rush album "Signals" (Look it up, it's true...) spent some time with Buck Martinez and the Blue Jays crew discuss his passion these days...
The Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Mets in the first of a two-game tease for baseball fans in Montreal...
One Expo in particular has been trying to get baseball back in town full-time...
Warren Cromartie, who was referenced on the liner notes of the Rush album "Signals" (Look it up, it's true...) spent some time with Buck Martinez and the Blue Jays crew discuss his passion these days...
Eagles Release DeSean Jackson
((HT: ESPN))
And the question now, is, whether or not this message will be received by one of the top ten receivers in the NFL
Field Yates has a little bit of the why...
He was supposed to make $10.5 million in 2014 and was owed $30.5 million over the remainder of his deal, but none of that money was guaranteed. The Eagles were shopping Jackson, but couldn't find any takers- considering Anquan Boldin as dealt for a 6th round pick. It made you wonder what the value in a trade for Jackson was if yu thrown in the reported baggage...
That the Eagles knew about...
Eliot Shorr-Parks and AJ Perez go into great detail of Jackson's activity that was in part:
Despite Jackson's name having come up in connection with two gang-related murders involving Crips, (LAPD detective Eric) Crosson said police have no hard evidence that Jackson is a member of the gang, which was formed in the late 1960’s and has an estimated 35,000 members across the country. Crosson said, however, the Jackson routinely flashes Crip gang signs in photos on social media -- and even on television during an NFL game.
"You don't want to see anybody throwing up gang signs like he did in the Redskins game last year," Crosson said. "Those were neighborhood Crip gang signs and he flashed them during a game. He may not be affiliated with the gang, but they don't [ordinarily] take kindly to those not in the gang throwing up those gang signs."
And with the Aaron Hernandez case still a part of the NFL landscape, the Eagles want none of it...
The HQ will be interested to see where the message goes from here...
And the question now, is, whether or not this message will be received by one of the top ten receivers in the NFL
Field Yates has a little bit of the why...
He was supposed to make $10.5 million in 2014 and was owed $30.5 million over the remainder of his deal, but none of that money was guaranteed. The Eagles were shopping Jackson, but couldn't find any takers- considering Anquan Boldin as dealt for a 6th round pick. It made you wonder what the value in a trade for Jackson was if yu thrown in the reported baggage...
That the Eagles knew about...
Eliot Shorr-Parks and AJ Perez go into great detail of Jackson's activity that was in part:
Despite Jackson's name having come up in connection with two gang-related murders involving Crips, (LAPD detective Eric) Crosson said police have no hard evidence that Jackson is a member of the gang, which was formed in the late 1960’s and has an estimated 35,000 members across the country. Crosson said, however, the Jackson routinely flashes Crip gang signs in photos on social media -- and even on television during an NFL game.
"You don't want to see anybody throwing up gang signs like he did in the Redskins game last year," Crosson said. "Those were neighborhood Crip gang signs and he flashed them during a game. He may not be affiliated with the gang, but they don't [ordinarily] take kindly to those not in the gang throwing up those gang signs."
And with the Aaron Hernandez case still a part of the NFL landscape, the Eagles want none of it...
The HQ will be interested to see where the message goes from here...
Charles Wang Looking To Sell The Islanders...???
New York Islanders owner Charles Wang is talking to potential buyers about selling the majority of his stake in the team.
TSN's Bob McKenzie Tweeted this out shortly after midnight:
NYI owner Charles Wang in talks to sell majority stake in NHL franchise. Nothing done yet, no telling if it gets done, but talks underway.
The franchise loses eight-figures a year. Josh Kosman over at the New York Post, reported over a year ago, that Wang was looking at the Raine Group to kick the tires on a sale. IN the same article, Kosman says that Wang and the Islanders face a $75 million loan repayment at the end of this season.
Wang has been the Islanders' majority stakeholder since 2004, when he bought out the share of business partner Sanjay Kumar. He wanted to (and rightfully so) get the team out of the craphole that is the Nassau Coliseum. Wang suggested a multi-billion dollar redevelopment of commercial, residential, and athletic space called the Lighthouse Project.
The measure failed after almost a decade of debate on the Island and Wang's frustration has been evident since.
The Islanders are set to move to the Barclays Center for the start of the 2015-16 season. Here was an interview Wang did with Mike Francesa at the time of the announcement
((HT: YES Network))
Islanders fans seem excited about the deal moving the team in town...
TSN's Bob McKenzie Tweeted this out shortly after midnight:
NYI owner Charles Wang in talks to sell majority stake in NHL franchise. Nothing done yet, no telling if it gets done, but talks underway.
The franchise loses eight-figures a year. Josh Kosman over at the New York Post, reported over a year ago, that Wang was looking at the Raine Group to kick the tires on a sale. IN the same article, Kosman says that Wang and the Islanders face a $75 million loan repayment at the end of this season.
Wang has been the Islanders' majority stakeholder since 2004, when he bought out the share of business partner Sanjay Kumar. He wanted to (and rightfully so) get the team out of the craphole that is the Nassau Coliseum. Wang suggested a multi-billion dollar redevelopment of commercial, residential, and athletic space called the Lighthouse Project.
The measure failed after almost a decade of debate on the Island and Wang's frustration has been evident since.
The Islanders are set to move to the Barclays Center for the start of the 2015-16 season. Here was an interview Wang did with Mike Francesa at the time of the announcement
((HT: YES Network))
Islanders fans seem excited about the deal moving the team in town...
Sixers Tie Record With 26th Straight Loss: It Wasn't Close
How much would it suck being on a professional sports team and lose 26 straight games?
That's a question Philadelphia 76ers fans and players are asking themselves today after the Sixers got blown out....again.
The Houston Rockets sent Philly to their record tying loss with a 120-98 win Thursday night in Houston.
Just to emphasize how bad the Sixers are, their last win came in January.
James Harden had a triple-double for the Rockets, while James Anderson managed to score nearly 1/3 of Philly's points himself, tallying 30 on the night.
The loss puts the Sixers record at 15-57, which oddly, even if they lose out this season, won't give them the worst all-time record in NBA history.
That honor belongs to a much older Philadelphia 76ers team that went 9-73 back in the early 1970's.
And while everyone involved with this years team says they aren't tanking to grab the top pick in next years draft, they aren't doing themselves or their fans any good by just being outmanned night in and night out either.
We'll see what happens.
Highlights from NBA.com:
That's a question Philadelphia 76ers fans and players are asking themselves today after the Sixers got blown out....again.
The Houston Rockets sent Philly to their record tying loss with a 120-98 win Thursday night in Houston.
Just to emphasize how bad the Sixers are, their last win came in January.
James Harden had a triple-double for the Rockets, while James Anderson managed to score nearly 1/3 of Philly's points himself, tallying 30 on the night.
The loss puts the Sixers record at 15-57, which oddly, even if they lose out this season, won't give them the worst all-time record in NBA history.
That honor belongs to a much older Philadelphia 76ers team that went 9-73 back in the early 1970's.
And while everyone involved with this years team says they aren't tanking to grab the top pick in next years draft, they aren't doing themselves or their fans any good by just being outmanned night in and night out either.
We'll see what happens.
Highlights from NBA.com:
Thursday, March 27, 2014
College Analyst Charles Barkley May Be More Fun Than NBA Version
((HT: Larry Brown Sports/CBS Sports))
Halftime of the Florida-UCLA game gave Charles the opportunity to reflect on 1984 and what has happened since according to a CBS graphic...
And, then, Round Two came after Shaq (who was not there in studio) Tweeted to Charles about his opening salvo...
Words of warning...
Do not...
Ever...
Give Charles any ammunition to come after you...
Never...
Ever...
Never...
Halftime of the Florida-UCLA game gave Charles the opportunity to reflect on 1984 and what has happened since according to a CBS graphic...
And, then, Round Two came after Shaq (who was not there in studio) Tweeted to Charles about his opening salvo...
Words of warning...
Do not...
Ever...
Give Charles any ammunition to come after you...
Never...
Ever...
Never...
A 13-Round Shootout... Really...
((HT: NHL/SunSports))
The end of the Tampa Bay-Islanders game may have set back the idea of the shootout hundreds of years...
It went 13 rounds before it was settled...
Here's the ending...
Maybe, the international rules in the shootout- namely, having shooters come back in unlimited numbers (remember TJ Oshie over in Sochi...?) is the solution... or, is it 3-on-3...???
You tell us...
The end of the Tampa Bay-Islanders game may have set back the idea of the shootout hundreds of years...
It went 13 rounds before it was settled...
Here's the ending...
Maybe, the international rules in the shootout- namely, having shooters come back in unlimited numbers (remember TJ Oshie over in Sochi...?) is the solution... or, is it 3-on-3...???
You tell us...
Vandy News: 3 Footballers Wouldn't Have Made Academics, Went To Happy Valley
((HT: The Dirty South Sports Report))
Here's another round from contributor Jackson Martin and paragraph 2 is the more interesting part...
The biggest news out of the AD office today is that Vanderbilt has offers from three different BCS schools to play a future home and home series with the Commodores. A potential matchup with Stanford — new Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason’s former employer — is the most exciting possibility by far, but some fans would rather see less successful programs in Georgia Tech or Boston College on the schedule. Vanderbilt has never played Stanford in football, but has played Boston College three times (most recently defeating the Eagles in the 2008 Music City Bowl) and former SEC-member Georgia Tech 37 times (most recently in 2009).
Another potentially shocking story comes from our source who says, ”Three of the six recruits that Franklin ‘stole’ from Vandy were denied admission on academic grounds.” What isn’t known is the timeline here: did the recruits flip and then were denied by the school, or did they flip because they were denied?
Our source also told us, “DW and all SEC ADs are opposed to 9 game SEC schedule. Some coaches are in favor.” That’s unfortunate news to this writer, who would be in favor of adding an extra conference game so that teams don’t see non-rivals from the opposite division only once every six years.
A small bit of uniform-centric news: the team will not have names on the back of the jerseys in the fall. Former head coach Bobby Johnson was a big believer in the “team-first” mentality and didn’t have names on the jerseys either, though Franklin did put the names on the uniforms during his tenure.
Dime Store Analysis:
The HQ isn't all that shocked that coaches would have their prospects flip from old school to new school, but the timing will turn out to be interesting...
John Stuetz from the Daily Collegian detailed some of the flippers around National Signing Day and it included OL Chance Sorrell and Ashburn, Virginia QB Trace McSorely.
The others, according to the Collegian, are Tampa-Gaither DB Amani Oruwariye, The Lovett School (Atlanta) CB Grant Haley, and Park Ridge, Illinois OT Brendan Brosnan. LB Troy Reeder from Wilmington-Salesianum out of Delaware had an offer from Vandy as well.
Here's Franklin addressing his NSD2014 with the media...
((HT: Centre Daily Times))
Here's another round from contributor Jackson Martin and paragraph 2 is the more interesting part...
The biggest news out of the AD office today is that Vanderbilt has offers from three different BCS schools to play a future home and home series with the Commodores. A potential matchup with Stanford — new Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason’s former employer — is the most exciting possibility by far, but some fans would rather see less successful programs in Georgia Tech or Boston College on the schedule. Vanderbilt has never played Stanford in football, but has played Boston College three times (most recently defeating the Eagles in the 2008 Music City Bowl) and former SEC-member Georgia Tech 37 times (most recently in 2009).
Another potentially shocking story comes from our source who says, ”Three of the six recruits that Franklin ‘stole’ from Vandy were denied admission on academic grounds.” What isn’t known is the timeline here: did the recruits flip and then were denied by the school, or did they flip because they were denied?
Our source also told us, “DW and all SEC ADs are opposed to 9 game SEC schedule. Some coaches are in favor.” That’s unfortunate news to this writer, who would be in favor of adding an extra conference game so that teams don’t see non-rivals from the opposite division only once every six years.
A small bit of uniform-centric news: the team will not have names on the back of the jerseys in the fall. Former head coach Bobby Johnson was a big believer in the “team-first” mentality and didn’t have names on the jerseys either, though Franklin did put the names on the uniforms during his tenure.
Dime Store Analysis:
The HQ isn't all that shocked that coaches would have their prospects flip from old school to new school, but the timing will turn out to be interesting...
John Stuetz from the Daily Collegian detailed some of the flippers around National Signing Day and it included OL Chance Sorrell and Ashburn, Virginia QB Trace McSorely.
The others, according to the Collegian, are Tampa-Gaither DB Amani Oruwariye, The Lovett School (Atlanta) CB Grant Haley, and Park Ridge, Illinois OT Brendan Brosnan. LB Troy Reeder from Wilmington-Salesianum out of Delaware had an offer from Vandy as well.
Here's Franklin addressing his NSD2014 with the media...
((HT: Centre Daily Times))
Baseball Returns To Montreal This Weekend
((HT: Global News/Montreal))
It's a cool thing, and sadly, it's a tease...
But pro baseball is returning to Montreal for two days to end the exhibition season...
As it should... and you'll notice FOSG Annakin Slayd is a centerpiece...
The HQ thinks that with a downtown barn that isn't the "Big O"- Major League Baseball will have as good a home as they did the first time the Expos were in town...
Keep an eye on the Tampa Bay Rays as the team to shift...
Not sometime soon, but some time...
It's a cool thing, and sadly, it's a tease...
But pro baseball is returning to Montreal for two days to end the exhibition season...
As it should... and you'll notice FOSG Annakin Slayd is a centerpiece...
The HQ thinks that with a downtown barn that isn't the "Big O"- Major League Baseball will have as good a home as they did the first time the Expos were in town...
Keep an eye on the Tampa Bay Rays as the team to shift...
Not sometime soon, but some time...
Sad Day In Boston Hits Close To Tom Brady
((HT: WEEI Radio Boston))
The Pats QB has a loft near the location of the Back Bay fire in Boston yesterday...
He was in a position to see what was going on up close and was just as shaken up as the rest of the city...
Here's Brady's interview with Dennis and Callahan and his comments were spot on and poignant...
"
Props to Captain America for his words on a tough day...
The Pats QB has a loft near the location of the Back Bay fire in Boston yesterday...
He was in a position to see what was going on up close and was just as shaken up as the rest of the city...
Here's Brady's interview with Dennis and Callahan and his comments were spot on and poignant...
"
Props to Captain America for his words on a tough day...
MAGIC JOHNSON???!!! MAGIC JOHNSON???!!! "Jeopardy" Epic Fail On Hockey
((HT: Pensblog/King World))
This game show contestant is, obviously, not a hockey fan...
EVEN AS IT IS THE EASIEST HOCKEY QUESTION IN THE WORLD!!!
Get after it, Trebek!!!
This game show contestant is, obviously, not a hockey fan...
EVEN AS IT IS THE EASIEST HOCKEY QUESTION IN THE WORLD!!!
Get after it, Trebek!!!
FSU Tweaking Logo For 2014 Season...
Capitalizing on the national title in football, it appears the HQ's alma is fiddling with their look...
Evidence from the university themselves below...
Looks like pieces of the logo are being changed- removing the "Florida State" from the feather and replacing it with "FSU" further up...
Here's a screen cap from Die Hard Sport's investigations
As one who was a little skeezed by the block-lettering "FSU" logo that is out there now...
Until the new one is out in full, we'll reserve judgment...
Evidence from the university themselves below...
Looks like pieces of the logo are being changed- removing the "Florida State" from the feather and replacing it with "FSU" further up...
Here's a screen cap from Die Hard Sport's investigations
As one who was a little skeezed by the block-lettering "FSU" logo that is out there now...
Until the new one is out in full, we'll reserve judgment...
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Stolarz Banned 8 For Lumberjacking
((HT: Sportsnet/Cogeco))
Here's what London Knights goalie Anthony Stolarz did a day back when he didn't like what happened to him...
As a result of his retaliation to Josh Ho-Sang, Stolarz gets eight games on the bench... He won't be available until (at the earliest) the Western Conference Finals... “I apologize for my actions on Tuesday night. It’s an unfortunate situation and in no way did I intend to injure my opponent, Joshua Ho-Sang,” Stolarz said...
In a prepared statement... the HQ believes...
Here's what London Knights goalie Anthony Stolarz did a day back when he didn't like what happened to him...
As a result of his retaliation to Josh Ho-Sang, Stolarz gets eight games on the bench... He won't be available until (at the earliest) the Western Conference Finals... “I apologize for my actions on Tuesday night. It’s an unfortunate situation and in no way did I intend to injure my opponent, Joshua Ho-Sang,” Stolarz said...
In a prepared statement... the HQ believes...
Masiello In Trouble At USF And Manhattan
Manhattan head coach Steve Masiello had to face his mentor Rick Pitino in the first round of this year's March NCAA tournament in one of those 4-13 match-ups... and it wasn't really fair...
But Masiello got to parlay the Jaspers success into a job offer from the University of South Florida- who was looking at a replacement for Stan Heath...
Problem...
Masiello's resume claims that he majored in communications and graduated from Kentucky in 2000. However, in the verification process, USF found out that Masiello did not in fact graduate from UK...
The job offer from USF has been withdrawn and he is now on administrative leave at Manhattan...
"The agreement was pending a verification of credentials," South Florida said in a statement. "Through the verification process it was determined the candidate's credentials could not be substantiated and therefore he did not meet the requirements for the position."
"As a result of a background check commissioned by the University of South Florida, Manhattan College has learned there is a question of the validity of head men's basketball coach Steve Masiello's undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky," reads a statement from Manhattan. "Masiello is currently in the process of reviewing his degree status with the University of Kentucky. Manhattan College has placed Masiello on leave while he completes this process with the university."
Jeff Goodman discusses
((HT: ESPN))
But Masiello got to parlay the Jaspers success into a job offer from the University of South Florida- who was looking at a replacement for Stan Heath...
Problem...
Masiello's resume claims that he majored in communications and graduated from Kentucky in 2000. However, in the verification process, USF found out that Masiello did not in fact graduate from UK...
The job offer from USF has been withdrawn and he is now on administrative leave at Manhattan...
"The agreement was pending a verification of credentials," South Florida said in a statement. "Through the verification process it was determined the candidate's credentials could not be substantiated and therefore he did not meet the requirements for the position."
"As a result of a background check commissioned by the University of South Florida, Manhattan College has learned there is a question of the validity of head men's basketball coach Steve Masiello's undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky," reads a statement from Manhattan. "Masiello is currently in the process of reviewing his degree status with the University of Kentucky. Manhattan College has placed Masiello on leave while he completes this process with the university."
Jeff Goodman discusses
((HT: ESPN))
UMass Football Asked to Leave the MAC
Insert joke here...No seriously. The University of Massachusetts and the Mid-American Conference will part ways in 2015. And aside from the requisite jokes being made due to the ineptitude of the Minutemen football program, there's actually a reason for this.
UMass was a football only member of the MAC, the basketball team plays in the Atlantic 10.
According to ESPN.com, UMass was asked to be a full-time member of the MAC, but decided to pass. The problem: The Atlantic 10 is a basketball only conference. And the MAC, well, they wanted all or nothing from the Minutemen.
Read more from ESPN.com RIGHT HERE
So...this has little to no impact on the MAC. They will become a 12-team conference. No big deal, even scheduling in 2016.
UMass has a bigger problem. Perennially one of the worst teams in the FBS (Division 1), they are a bad team now with no home. The school wants to stay where they are, the problem is, where do they go? Most of the smaller College Football programs in the Northeastern U.S are FCS (1-AA) teams. There are several that play in FBS, but they are all in power conferences. None of which would have any interest.
Not a huge story on the Sports landscape here, but an interesting one never the less and one that further enhances a question we often ask: What happens to the non-power schools in the FBS after the playoff and split happens?
And no, there's not a simple answer....
NLRB: Northwestern Football Players Allowed to Unionize (UPDATE: NCAA Disagrees)
That sound you heard may be the college sports landscape shaking.Early Wednesday afternoon, the National Labor Relations Board Office in Chicago agreed with a petition filed by football players, at Northwestern University including QB Kain Colter,
to form a union.
The NLRB ruling gives those players collective bargaining rights and as employees of the school opens the door to them getting paid. The reasoning behind the ruling is fairly cut and dried: (a) They are compensated for their services (scholarships), (b) have supervisors (coaches), (c) must abide by rules and regulations and (d) are held to different standards then normal students in that they can lose their scholarships for violating any set rules and/or standards and (e) must abide by the set rules by agreeing to them to maintain their scholarships
A link to the ruling from ESPN.com is RIGHT HERE
For now, the ruling only applies to student athletes at private schools, but it does open the door for public schools to make the same petition to their state labor boards.
The players filed the petition based on pretty good reasoning: They wanted fully guaranteed scholarships, improved medical protections for injured players and a fund to help them continue their education after they exhaust their scholarships.
For their part, the school (Northwestern) has stated they will appeal to the National NRLB Office in Washington, D.C.
This is a pretty important ruling for several reasons:
1) It opens the door for College Football and Basketball players to become paid employees.This is going to happen. Soon. And it will further split the College Sports landscape. Only the top 50-60 Division I schools can afford to do this.
2) The NCAA is going to lose some money. Between the Ed O'Bannon lawsuit and a few other pending legal challenges, the group is in trouble. They (the NCAA) have been profiting from players and their likenesses for years. That is likely to stop.
3) Even if Northwestern's appeal overturns the decision, there will be more attempts at doing this. Now that someone has made a ruling in the players favor, look for more teams to file petitions on the regional, state and national level. They will win again at some point.
Stay tuned folks, College Sports as you and I know it are beginning to change. It's not going to happen overnight, but this is another in a long series of steps that are going to do it.
1645 UPDATE: The NCAA has responded and, naturally, they're not liking what the courts are saying...
“While not a party to the proceeding, the NCAA is disappointed that the NLRB Region 13 determined the Northwestern football team may vote to be considered university employees. We strongly disagree with the notion that student-athletes are employees.
We frequently hear from student-athletes, across all sports, that they participate to enhance their overall college experience and for the love of their sport, not to be paid.
Over the last three years, our member colleges and universities have worked to re-evaluate the current rules. While improvements need to be made, we do not need to completely throw away a system that has helped literally millions of students over the past decade alone attend college. We want student athletes – 99 percent of whom will never make it to the professional leagues – focused on what matters most – finding success in the classroom, on the field and in life.”
Bonnie Bernstein discusses with Kristi Dosh
((HT: Campus Insiders))
Navy's McKamey Passes Overnight
((HT: WBIR-TV))
Navy freshman football player Zack McKamey collapsed Saturday morning during a football practice at Annapolis. The reason for this collapse is unknown at present, but sadly McKamey died Tuesday night after slipping into a coma. He never regained consciousness after surgery to relieve swelling and bleeding in his brain.
The former Mister Football in the state of Tennessee was 19.
Here's the morning report out of Baltimore...
((HT: WJZ-TV))
“We are all so very heartbroken by the death of Midshipman Will McKamey,” said Naval Academy Superintendent Mike Miller in a release. “This is devastating news for his family, his classmates, his teammates and the entire Naval Academy family. We offer our deepest condolences to Will's family, friends and shipmates in the wake of this tragedy.”
“During this most difficult of times, first and foremost, our prayers and thoughts turn to Randy, Kara and their beautiful family,” said Ken Niumatalolo, Navy head football coach, said in the same release. “Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to their entire family and friends. As our Navy football family mourns the loss of one of our brothers, we also celebrate and honor his life. He loved his family, his friends and his teammates. The Brotherhood loves you! Keep the ball ‘high and tight’ in Heaven.”
McKamey suffered head trauma after a game against South Pittsburg in the 2012 season, but after MRI and CAT scans he was cleared for release and did not play any kind of contact sport for nine months...
Here's the original story from Knoxville from October of 2012...
McKamey, was a member of the Third Company at the Naval Academy, and was a 2013 graduate of Grace Christian Academy where he was a two-time All-State selection. Grief counselors have been made available on campus at Annapolis.
Navy freshman football player Zack McKamey collapsed Saturday morning during a football practice at Annapolis. The reason for this collapse is unknown at present, but sadly McKamey died Tuesday night after slipping into a coma. He never regained consciousness after surgery to relieve swelling and bleeding in his brain.
The former Mister Football in the state of Tennessee was 19.
Here's the morning report out of Baltimore...
((HT: WJZ-TV))
“We are all so very heartbroken by the death of Midshipman Will McKamey,” said Naval Academy Superintendent Mike Miller in a release. “This is devastating news for his family, his classmates, his teammates and the entire Naval Academy family. We offer our deepest condolences to Will's family, friends and shipmates in the wake of this tragedy.”
“During this most difficult of times, first and foremost, our prayers and thoughts turn to Randy, Kara and their beautiful family,” said Ken Niumatalolo, Navy head football coach, said in the same release. “Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to their entire family and friends. As our Navy football family mourns the loss of one of our brothers, we also celebrate and honor his life. He loved his family, his friends and his teammates. The Brotherhood loves you! Keep the ball ‘high and tight’ in Heaven.”
McKamey suffered head trauma after a game against South Pittsburg in the 2012 season, but after MRI and CAT scans he was cleared for release and did not play any kind of contact sport for nine months...
Here's the original story from Knoxville from October of 2012...
McKamey, was a member of the Third Company at the Naval Academy, and was a 2013 graduate of Grace Christian Academy where he was a two-time All-State selection. Grief counselors have been made available on campus at Annapolis.
Gators And Seminoles Brawl, Jameis Winston Gets Involved
It's a fact of life in Florida, Gators and Seminoles don't get along.
Tuesday night in Jacksonville the top ranked Florida State Seminoles faced Florida in a college baseball game and the fireworks went off in the eighth inning.
FSU's D.J. Stewart collided with UF left-handed pitcher Danny Young hustling down the line. Gator first baseman Zack Powers took exception shoving Stewart.
Then it was on.
What makes this more interesting is that Heisman Trophy winner and FSU closer Jameis Winston was involved in the brawl.
Florida ended up winning the game 4-1.
Florida State head coach Mike Martin who is known to deliver some great quotes had some good ones summing up this game for the Florida Times-Union.
There's no doubt that the testosterone and the adrenaline kicked in." Martin said. "Those men are very strong and very active. The hands got a little quicker. The motivation rose. Just very proud of our baseball team, and the way that we fought. We certainly didn't back down from anything, and that makes every Seminole proud, because that's what we're about."
Tuesday night in Jacksonville the top ranked Florida State Seminoles faced Florida in a college baseball game and the fireworks went off in the eighth inning.
FSU's D.J. Stewart collided with UF left-handed pitcher Danny Young hustling down the line. Gator first baseman Zack Powers took exception shoving Stewart.
Then it was on.
What makes this more interesting is that Heisman Trophy winner and FSU closer Jameis Winston was involved in the brawl.Florida ended up winning the game 4-1.
Florida State head coach Mike Martin who is known to deliver some great quotes had some good ones summing up this game for the Florida Times-Union.
There's no doubt that the testosterone and the adrenaline kicked in." Martin said. "Those men are very strong and very active. The hands got a little quicker. The motivation rose. Just very proud of our baseball team, and the way that we fought. We certainly didn't back down from anything, and that makes every Seminole proud, because that's what we're about."
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Carey Price Is Not Afraid Of Anyone
((HT: Sportsnet/TSN))
Much less the Buffalo Sabres...
Actually, there aren't a whole lot of folks afraid of the Sabres...
Carey Price got the shut out tonight against them and things got out of hand in front of his own net...
And he wasn't having any of it...
Much less the Buffalo Sabres...
Actually, there aren't a whole lot of folks afraid of the Sabres...
Carey Price got the shut out tonight against them and things got out of hand in front of his own net...
And he wasn't having any of it...
What In The Blue Hell Was Anthony Stolarz Thinking...???
((HT: Sportsnet/Cogeco))
London and Windsor are going at it in the Ontario Hockey League tonight...
The HQ is just going to show you this exchange with the Knights goalie and Windsor Spitfire's Josh Ho-Sang
If the OHL office doesn't come down hard on Stolarz, then something is seriously wrong...
Ho-Sang chopped Stolarz... yes, the HQ gets that...
But, even as the Knights are rolling in their first round quarterfinal series with a 10-2 win Tuesday night, it doesn't mean you should pop somebody on the back of their head like a kid being disciplined by his grandfather.
With the thick end of your goalie stick...
London and Windsor are going at it in the Ontario Hockey League tonight...
The HQ is just going to show you this exchange with the Knights goalie and Windsor Spitfire's Josh Ho-Sang
If the OHL office doesn't come down hard on Stolarz, then something is seriously wrong...
Ho-Sang chopped Stolarz... yes, the HQ gets that...
But, even as the Knights are rolling in their first round quarterfinal series with a 10-2 win Tuesday night, it doesn't mean you should pop somebody on the back of their head like a kid being disciplined by his grandfather.
With the thick end of your goalie stick...
DEVELOPING: Bills Owner Ralph Wilson Dies
((HT: WGRZ-TV))
One of the men responsible for the growth of football as we know it passed away in hospice care in Michigan at the age of 95.
Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson was one of the original AFL owners who picked up a franchise for $90,000 in 1960. He turned that faith in the sport into being an AFL champion and a contender for the NFL title with an unheard of 4-time run to the Roman Numeral Classic.
He left a mark on his adopted town and will be missed by an entire region...
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009- only becoming the fourth owner to be inducted at the time...
One of the men responsible for the growth of football as we know it passed away in hospice care in Michigan at the age of 95.
Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson was one of the original AFL owners who picked up a franchise for $90,000 in 1960. He turned that faith in the sport into being an AFL champion and a contender for the NFL title with an unheard of 4-time run to the Roman Numeral Classic.
He left a mark on his adopted town and will be missed by an entire region...
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009- only becoming the fourth owner to be inducted at the time...
OSG Prem: Barkley Efforts Help Everton, City Shuts Out United
((HT: BPL on NBC/Everton Vines))
It was one of the two make-up days for the Premier League this week to swap out games in hand from all the Europa, Champions League, and FA Cup ties...
Everton got to make an early statement against Newcastle and it came from Ross Barkley as the Blues held a league at the half, 1-0 and went on to win 3-0...
Here's the Barkley coast-to-coaster
The Manchester Derby showed how City is City this season and United is United...
It took Edin Dzeko all of 42 seconds to get the Citizens on the board and he repeated the idea in the second half to, pretty much, destroy any ideas of making the Europa League qualifications for ManU this season...
Here's the first...
An abject disaster for the fans at Old Trafford as City won 3-0 with goal 3 coming from Yaya Toure...
Elsewhere, Lucas Podolski scored twice in a two minute span to (one would have thought) save Arsenal from certain embarrassment hosting Swansea at the Emirates. But a Flamini own goal in the 90th minute gave the Swans a needed point...
Two games Wednesday with Liverpool taking on Sunderland and West Ham taking on Hull City
It was one of the two make-up days for the Premier League this week to swap out games in hand from all the Europa, Champions League, and FA Cup ties...
Everton got to make an early statement against Newcastle and it came from Ross Barkley as the Blues held a league at the half, 1-0 and went on to win 3-0...
Here's the Barkley coast-to-coaster
The Manchester Derby showed how City is City this season and United is United...
It took Edin Dzeko all of 42 seconds to get the Citizens on the board and he repeated the idea in the second half to, pretty much, destroy any ideas of making the Europa League qualifications for ManU this season...
Here's the first...
An abject disaster for the fans at Old Trafford as City won 3-0 with goal 3 coming from Yaya Toure...
Elsewhere, Lucas Podolski scored twice in a two minute span to (one would have thought) save Arsenal from certain embarrassment hosting Swansea at the Emirates. But a Flamini own goal in the 90th minute gave the Swans a needed point...
Two games Wednesday with Liverpool taking on Sunderland and West Ham taking on Hull City
Stamkos Has Awesome Hand-Eye Coordination
((HT: Sportsnet))
Just watch what he was able to do last night in putting the puck in the net against Ottawa...
More than anything, the HQ is impressed that he was able to choke up on the bat and make contact...
Nicely done...
Just watch what he was able to do last night in putting the puck in the net against Ottawa...
More than anything, the HQ is impressed that he was able to choke up on the bat and make contact...
Nicely done...
Oscar Pistorius Trial: Day 17- Pistorius May Take Stand
((HT: SABC Digital News))
The prosecution in Oscar Pistorius’ murder trial rested their case and the defense asked for time to ask questions of the more than 100 state witnesses who did not take the stand.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel wrapped and the defense will start their part of the case Friday. Defense lawyer Brian Webber says that it’s "likely" Pistorius will take the stand, but he did not say when the athlete would testify.
Here's the first segment of Tuesday's trial
The prosecution in Oscar Pistorius’ murder trial rested their case and the defense asked for time to ask questions of the more than 100 state witnesses who did not take the stand.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel wrapped and the defense will start their part of the case Friday. Defense lawyer Brian Webber says that it’s "likely" Pistorius will take the stand, but he did not say when the athlete would testify.
Here's the first segment of Tuesday's trial
Monday, March 24, 2014
Darren Sharper Denied Bail Again
((HT: KABC-TV))
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Renee Korn rejected the defense idea that former NFL'er Darren Sharper should be granted bail and be held under house arrest until trial as he appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Monday. Judge Korn is waiting to see if the state of Arizona will pursue extradition proceedings...
Prosecutors say the Arizona governor's office is preparing to extradite Sharper even as Sharper's defense team is saying the opposite is true.
Basically, Sharper is still in trouble in more than one state and it will all start in Los Angeles at some point...
Jovana Lara is outside the courtroom
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Renee Korn rejected the defense idea that former NFL'er Darren Sharper should be granted bail and be held under house arrest until trial as he appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Monday. Judge Korn is waiting to see if the state of Arizona will pursue extradition proceedings...
Prosecutors say the Arizona governor's office is preparing to extradite Sharper even as Sharper's defense team is saying the opposite is true.
Basically, Sharper is still in trouble in more than one state and it will all start in Los Angeles at some point...
Jovana Lara is outside the courtroom
DEVELOPING: Jim Kelly Back To NYC For Cancer Treatments
((HT: WGRZ-TV))
Buffalo Bills Hall of Famer Jim Kelly is heading back to a New York City hospital for a Thursday operation as it seems his cancer has no only recurred, but apparently, spread...
Fellow Class of '83'er John Elway was asked about Kelly at the NFL Owners Meetings in Orlando today. The Buffalo News Tim Graham caught up with Elway in the scrums...
"It's sad to me to hear what's taken place since two weeks ago. From what I understand it's not a good report."
Elway, Kelly, and Joe Montana were all in Vail, Colorado for a speaking engagement. Elway saw that Kelly's jaw was not doing well after the restructure surgery from June...
“Unfortunately, it has been determined that his cancer has returned,” ECMC’s Dr. Thom Loree said in a statement released by the hospital ten days ago when the initial diagnosis was given to the media. “Our team of head and neck cancer specialists is determining a course of treatment that will allow Mr. Kelly to battle this cancer successfully. Mr. Kelly has asked that you keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Kelly was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma a year ago and last June doctors had to remove part of Kelly’s upper jaw, part of the roof of his mouth and teeth before the restructuring of his jaw. Lorre performed the initial surgery.
Here's his coach Marv Levy discussing his QB's cancer when it was first announced Kelly was heading back into hospital...
Kelly has no idea how he got the cancer since he never smoked. He called it "luck of the draw...I guess."
Obviously, we'll keep you posted on all of this...
Buffalo Bills Hall of Famer Jim Kelly is heading back to a New York City hospital for a Thursday operation as it seems his cancer has no only recurred, but apparently, spread...
Fellow Class of '83'er John Elway was asked about Kelly at the NFL Owners Meetings in Orlando today. The Buffalo News Tim Graham caught up with Elway in the scrums...
"It's sad to me to hear what's taken place since two weeks ago. From what I understand it's not a good report."
Elway, Kelly, and Joe Montana were all in Vail, Colorado for a speaking engagement. Elway saw that Kelly's jaw was not doing well after the restructure surgery from June...
“Unfortunately, it has been determined that his cancer has returned,” ECMC’s Dr. Thom Loree said in a statement released by the hospital ten days ago when the initial diagnosis was given to the media. “Our team of head and neck cancer specialists is determining a course of treatment that will allow Mr. Kelly to battle this cancer successfully. Mr. Kelly has asked that you keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Kelly was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma a year ago and last June doctors had to remove part of Kelly’s upper jaw, part of the roof of his mouth and teeth before the restructuring of his jaw. Lorre performed the initial surgery.
Here's his coach Marv Levy discussing his QB's cancer when it was first announced Kelly was heading back into hospital...
Kelly has no idea how he got the cancer since he never smoked. He called it "luck of the draw...I guess."
Obviously, we'll keep you posted on all of this...
A Possible Explanation for UF Football Struggles: Grammar
((ht: cbssports.com))
We wonder how much money the sign that University of Florida got appropriated for this.
Although what may be worse is the fact that Offensive Line Coach Mike Summers took a picture of it and appears to have tweeted out with pride.
Take a CLOSE look at the phrasing here:
Apparently, at least according to Summers Twitter feed, the sign was flagged after he posted the picture. Summers says a new sign has been printed and replaced the one with poor grammar.
Thanks coach. You may be a football coach, but Grammar still counts....
We wonder how much money the sign that University of Florida got appropriated for this.
Although what may be worse is the fact that Offensive Line Coach Mike Summers took a picture of it and appears to have tweeted out with pride.
Take a CLOSE look at the phrasing here:
Games are won in the trenches! #Gators pic.twitter.com/ApEX1PxedQ
— Mike Summers (@CoachMSummers) March 24, 2014
Apparently, at least according to Summers Twitter feed, the sign was flagged after he posted the picture. Summers says a new sign has been printed and replaced the one with poor grammar.
Reprint! Good thing we hadn't hung that one up yet #ThanksGrammarPolice pic.twitter.com/nSygWPvLXo
— Mike Summers (@CoachMSummers) March 24, 2014
Thanks coach. You may be a football coach, but Grammar still counts....
Search Continues For Mike Williams' Brother After Stabbing
((HT: MyFoxTampaBay))
We have, the HQ is sure, all had run-ins with siblings...
Maybe, we've been shot at with BB guns or had to be pushed out of a tree or something...
But this one is a little new...
Tampa Bay Bucs receiver Mike Williams was stabbed in the thigh and the suspect is still on the loose...
His brother...
Here's the overnight report...
FOX 13 News
The Bucs reaction is understandably tepid:
"We are aware of the situation that occurred at the residence of Mike Williams and are working with him and the authorities to get additional information. While we have limited knowledge at this time, our primary concern is for the safety and well-being of all involved. We will refrain from further comment until we can get a better understanding of the situation."
Keith Morelli's coverage for tbo.com is hyah and he caught up with first-year GM Jason Licht:
“We’ve reached out to Mike; we’ve yet to hear from him,” said Licht, contacted Monday at the NFL owners’ meetings in Orlando. “From what I understand, he’s been treated and released, so that’s a good start. We’re trying to gather all the facts we can. We’ve reached out, but we have not spoken with him yet.
“We’re disappointed just that we had a player in that situation that could have been seriously injured. ... I don’t know any other facts right now. We do want to find out how he is health-wise and also what his mindset is.”
Williams signed a 6-year, $40-million contract at the beginning of the 2013 season...
We have, the HQ is sure, all had run-ins with siblings...
Maybe, we've been shot at with BB guns or had to be pushed out of a tree or something...
But this one is a little new...
Tampa Bay Bucs receiver Mike Williams was stabbed in the thigh and the suspect is still on the loose...
His brother...
Here's the overnight report...
FOX 13 News
The Bucs reaction is understandably tepid:
"We are aware of the situation that occurred at the residence of Mike Williams and are working with him and the authorities to get additional information. While we have limited knowledge at this time, our primary concern is for the safety and well-being of all involved. We will refrain from further comment until we can get a better understanding of the situation."
Keith Morelli's coverage for tbo.com is hyah and he caught up with first-year GM Jason Licht:
“We’ve reached out to Mike; we’ve yet to hear from him,” said Licht, contacted Monday at the NFL owners’ meetings in Orlando. “From what I understand, he’s been treated and released, so that’s a good start. We’re trying to gather all the facts we can. We’ve reached out, but we have not spoken with him yet.
“We’re disappointed just that we had a player in that situation that could have been seriously injured. ... I don’t know any other facts right now. We do want to find out how he is health-wise and also what his mindset is.”
Williams signed a 6-year, $40-million contract at the beginning of the 2013 season...
Oscar Pistorius Trial: Day 16- Reeva Scared Of Oscar
((HT: SABC Digital News))
Text messages were revealed in open court today that displayed a fear Reeva Steenkamp had of her boyfriend, Oscar Pistorius. Police pulled more than 1,000 texts from her phone that, prosecutors think, give a history of his anger and feelings toward her when the two were not together.
A neighbor was also called to the stand to discuss the night of the Steenkamp death where "terrifying screams" were heard by Anette Stipp early in the morning of the model's death. Stipp's husband previously testified about the same things.
Here's the beginning of the day
The prosecution says they are wrapping up their case this week.
Judicial officials say the trial will continue until May 16, with a recess in April...
Text messages were revealed in open court today that displayed a fear Reeva Steenkamp had of her boyfriend, Oscar Pistorius. Police pulled more than 1,000 texts from her phone that, prosecutors think, give a history of his anger and feelings toward her when the two were not together.
A neighbor was also called to the stand to discuss the night of the Steenkamp death where "terrifying screams" were heard by Anette Stipp early in the morning of the model's death. Stipp's husband previously testified about the same things.
Here's the beginning of the day
The prosecution says they are wrapping up their case this week.
Judicial officials say the trial will continue until May 16, with a recess in April...
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Nothing Like Crawling After An Opponent For A Fight
((HT: WCIU/AHL/Eye On Hockey, Peters))
Rockford lost to Chicago 6-0 in the American Hockey League over the weekend...
Here's the long version of the highlights...
((HT: wolfkeeper.org))
You noticed Rockford's Bobby Shea took out the Wolves Ty Rattie on the ice and Rattie had to leave the game...???
Something went in Shea's synapses as he was escorted off the ice and he went after Rattie again...
Here's the after effects of the stuff on the ice...
Shea has been suspended eight games by the AHL for fighting off the playing surface and for the elbow he gave in the fight on the ice that gave Rattie his injuries.
Rockford lost to Chicago 6-0 in the American Hockey League over the weekend...
Here's the long version of the highlights...
((HT: wolfkeeper.org))
You noticed Rockford's Bobby Shea took out the Wolves Ty Rattie on the ice and Rattie had to leave the game...???
Something went in Shea's synapses as he was escorted off the ice and he went after Rattie again...
Here's the after effects of the stuff on the ice...
Shea has been suspended eight games by the AHL for fighting off the playing surface and for the elbow he gave in the fight on the ice that gave Rattie his injuries.
El Clasico Certainly Was
((HT: La Liga/Star Sports))
When Benzema put Real Madrid in front of Barcelona 2-1, you thought it was going to be a two-team race for the top of the La Liga ladder. But if you thought that, you were sadly mistaken...
A Messi hat trick (of course) put FCB in front for a hotly and highly-contested 4-3 final that puts these two teams and Athletico Madrid all separated by one point in the top of the table...
Here's the goals...
Cristiano, of course, after the match felt he wuz robbed...via Football Espana
“We played against 12. It's always the same. They don't allow us. Maybe they wanted Barca back in the League. I don't want to leave this inside of me and I’m not looking for excuses, but the ref is not at the required level for a game like this. If Barca lost today they would have been out. After five years here, I understand how things work."
He also promised the team would win the league and feels Real Madrid never gets their calls in game...
Ah, rivalry...
When Benzema put Real Madrid in front of Barcelona 2-1, you thought it was going to be a two-team race for the top of the La Liga ladder. But if you thought that, you were sadly mistaken...
A Messi hat trick (of course) put FCB in front for a hotly and highly-contested 4-3 final that puts these two teams and Athletico Madrid all separated by one point in the top of the table...
Here's the goals...
Cristiano, of course, after the match felt he wuz robbed...via Football Espana
“We played against 12. It's always the same. They don't allow us. Maybe they wanted Barca back in the League. I don't want to leave this inside of me and I’m not looking for excuses, but the ref is not at the required level for a game like this. If Barca lost today they would have been out. After five years here, I understand how things work."
He also promised the team would win the league and feels Real Madrid never gets their calls in game...
Ah, rivalry...
Weird Ending For Women's Game With UNC and Tenn-Martin
((HT: WTVD-TV))
First, a little context...
This shut down the UNC-CH campus Sunday afternoon...
At the same time, the Tarheels were playing the Skyhawks at Carmichael on campus...
UT-M had a 12-point lead at the half and an 18-point lead in the second half. But, as is normally the case, the home team came storming back in the late stages. Even after the game, fans were forced to stay inside Carmichael after police announced there was an armed and dangerous person near the campus.
But... here's where the fun starts...
Rebecca, Kara, and Kevin discuss...
The Tarheels get Michigan State next...
First, a little context...
This shut down the UNC-CH campus Sunday afternoon...
At the same time, the Tarheels were playing the Skyhawks at Carmichael on campus...
UT-M had a 12-point lead at the half and an 18-point lead in the second half. But, as is normally the case, the home team came storming back in the late stages. Even after the game, fans were forced to stay inside Carmichael after police announced there was an armed and dangerous person near the campus.
But... here's where the fun starts...
Rebecca, Kara, and Kevin discuss...
The Tarheels get Michigan State next...
Tire Issues Cloud Fontana All Race Long
((HT: NASCAR on FOX))
The HQ will maintain that if it walks like a duck and quacks like same, then...
Well, you know...
We'll show you what happened all day at the NASCAR event in Fontana...
The ending...
Kevin Harvick on Lap 20
Roush-Fenway drivers driving
And Jimmie Johnson
But NASCAR is not hearing that Goodyear is at any kind of fault...
From Twitter:
Motor Racing Network @MRNRadio 22m
#NASCAR's Robin Pemberton says tire issues not a @GoodyearRacing problem. "I think Goodyear has done a pretty good job with it"
Obviously, the drivers were going way too fast...
The HQ will maintain that if it walks like a duck and quacks like same, then...
Well, you know...
We'll show you what happened all day at the NASCAR event in Fontana...
The ending...
Kevin Harvick on Lap 20
Roush-Fenway drivers driving
And Jimmie Johnson
But NASCAR is not hearing that Goodyear is at any kind of fault...
From Twitter:
Motor Racing Network @MRNRadio 22m
#NASCAR's Robin Pemberton says tire issues not a @GoodyearRacing problem. "I think Goodyear has done a pretty good job with it"
Obviously, the drivers were going way too fast...
Junior Hockey Player Loses Finger On Slapshot
((HT: Sportsnet/Some Hockey Videos))
Okay, before you click...
The story is more gross than the video below...
From the QMJHL, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies Jason Fuchs was playing D and the power of the shot sheared his finger from his hand. It was, thankfully, sewn back on and he will be able to recover. But there's no timetable on his return to the ice in his team's playoff series with the Quebec Remparts...
Okay, before you click...
The story is more gross than the video below...
From the QMJHL, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies Jason Fuchs was playing D and the power of the shot sheared his finger from his hand. It was, thankfully, sewn back on and he will be able to recover. But there's no timetable on his return to the ice in his team's playoff series with the Quebec Remparts...
Vin Scully Can Do No Wrong... Frankly, Everything Is Right...
((HT: MLB.com))
And that is reinforced here with his open from the Sydney Cricket Ground...
How cool is that...???
Pretty cool...
Welcome back, baseball...
Well, only parts of you...
And that is reinforced here with his open from the Sydney Cricket Ground...
How cool is that...???
Pretty cool...
Welcome back, baseball...
Well, only parts of you...
Saul Phillips Personifies What This Tourney Is All About...
((HT: NDSU Athletics))
Some of us had North Dakota State in our picks for the early part of the tournament...
A lot of you did not...
But it's "teams" that do well early on if they get the chance to hang around against higher seeds, and the Bison did that beating Oklahoma.
Along with teams like Mercer, Dayton, and Stephen F. Austin, it has reminded us what makes this month one of the best 30-day stretches in the calendar year (see Brother Phil's ode hyah to reinforce the theory)
But, no, the Bison didn't make it past their match-up with San Diego State to go further. But we will remember the Basketball Bison for a lot of reasons- head coach Saul Phillips' exultation after the first win is only a part of it. It's his remembrance i=of this first weekend that's a big part of it...
Here's his presser... and the moment the HQ is talking about is just short of the 11-minute mark...
Some of us had North Dakota State in our picks for the early part of the tournament...
A lot of you did not...
But it's "teams" that do well early on if they get the chance to hang around against higher seeds, and the Bison did that beating Oklahoma.
Along with teams like Mercer, Dayton, and Stephen F. Austin, it has reminded us what makes this month one of the best 30-day stretches in the calendar year (see Brother Phil's ode hyah to reinforce the theory)
But, no, the Bison didn't make it past their match-up with San Diego State to go further. But we will remember the Basketball Bison for a lot of reasons- head coach Saul Phillips' exultation after the first win is only a part of it. It's his remembrance i=of this first weekend that's a big part of it...
Here's his presser... and the moment the HQ is talking about is just short of the 11-minute mark...
BUZZER BEATER: D3 Title Decided At The Last
((HT: CBS Sports Network/ESPN))
Williams (Mass) had the lead on Wisconsin-Whitewater with time running out, but Quardell Young did his best Tyus Edney-Danny Ainge routine in Salem, Virginia...
Whitewater wins 75-73 for their second title in the last three years...
Williams (Mass) had the lead on Wisconsin-Whitewater with time running out, but Quardell Young did his best Tyus Edney-Danny Ainge routine in Salem, Virginia...
Whitewater wins 75-73 for their second title in the last three years...
OSG High: HS Student Gives CPR To Ump During Game
((HT: WSB-TV))
Here's a really cool story...
And it also reminds us of the value of helping others...
A high school baseball umpire was having chest pains during a game and when those around were asking for help and others called 9-1-1, someone stepped in to help before the ambulances arrived...
A 16-year-old baseball player...
Here's a really cool story...
And it also reminds us of the value of helping others...
A high school baseball umpire was having chest pains during a game and when those around were asking for help and others called 9-1-1, someone stepped in to help before the ambulances arrived...
A 16-year-old baseball player...
Brackets Continue Implosion With UConn and Dayton
((HT: WSYR-TV Syracuse))
Tyler Ennis' jumper with time running out didn't go in for a change and Dayton's run in the March tournament continued with a 55-53 win over 3rd-seed Syracuse in Round 3...
It was the first game since the Big East Tournament in 1995 that Syracuse failed to make a three-pointer as the Flyers packed it in the paint defensively and dared the Orange to make a shot from outside.
Three of Syracuse's last four losses were by five points or less.
By the way, if the math escaped you temporarily, Syracuse lost six of their last nine. All that after being ranked number one in the country at one point in the season and winning their first 25 in a row before losing to Georgia Tech in ACC play to start the down slide that ended in their second game of the tournament...
Here's the look from Syracuse...
"That thing was on line and he went for the win," Dayton head coach Archie Miller said postgame. "The thing that went through my head was the game at Pitt, when I saw that highlight 7,000 times when he banged the 3. I thought he was going to go to the basket. When I saw him raise up, I didn't feel good about it. But Buffalo's been good to us these last couple of days on the buzzer shots."
The 11-seed now moves on to play the winner of Kansas-Memphis...
The other big win Saturday came from UConn over former Big East counterpart Villanova... a 7-seed knocking off a 2...
Nova had a lead early in the game, but hit a stretch of 11:24 without hitting a shot from the field before sinking a three near the end of the first half to go in trailing 25-24. But, for the second game in a row, UConn's Shabazz Napier carried the Huskies- even with a bruised shin that kept him on the sidelines for a while late in the game.
Napier had 21 in the second half and 25 in the game...
The Huskies play the winner of North Carolina and Iowa State in New York City...
Here's a part of their second half of success...
((HT: NCAA March Madness))
Tyler Ennis' jumper with time running out didn't go in for a change and Dayton's run in the March tournament continued with a 55-53 win over 3rd-seed Syracuse in Round 3...
It was the first game since the Big East Tournament in 1995 that Syracuse failed to make a three-pointer as the Flyers packed it in the paint defensively and dared the Orange to make a shot from outside.
Three of Syracuse's last four losses were by five points or less.
By the way, if the math escaped you temporarily, Syracuse lost six of their last nine. All that after being ranked number one in the country at one point in the season and winning their first 25 in a row before losing to Georgia Tech in ACC play to start the down slide that ended in their second game of the tournament...
Here's the look from Syracuse...
"That thing was on line and he went for the win," Dayton head coach Archie Miller said postgame. "The thing that went through my head was the game at Pitt, when I saw that highlight 7,000 times when he banged the 3. I thought he was going to go to the basket. When I saw him raise up, I didn't feel good about it. But Buffalo's been good to us these last couple of days on the buzzer shots."
The 11-seed now moves on to play the winner of Kansas-Memphis...
The other big win Saturday came from UConn over former Big East counterpart Villanova... a 7-seed knocking off a 2...
Nova had a lead early in the game, but hit a stretch of 11:24 without hitting a shot from the field before sinking a three near the end of the first half to go in trailing 25-24. But, for the second game in a row, UConn's Shabazz Napier carried the Huskies- even with a bruised shin that kept him on the sidelines for a while late in the game.
Napier had 21 in the second half and 25 in the game...
The Huskies play the winner of North Carolina and Iowa State in New York City...
Here's a part of their second half of success...
((HT: NCAA March Madness))
Another Night Of Edmonton Sweater Toss And Exploding Water Bottles
((HT: Hockey Night In Canada/CBC/NHL))
There is no breaking news here...
The Edmonton Oilers are a bad hockey club...
And one of the ways the rabid, loyal fans have been protesting is this way...
And it didn't get any better for the Oil as Curtis Glencross got a hat trick and Matt Stajan had a four-point night on his own (considering everything he and his family have gone through... Good on you, Matt) as the Flames won 8-1
The night got even more interesting as Taylor Hall had issues with his water bottle and, then, his head coach Dallas Eakins...
But Eakins, really, should be Coach of the Year for having to put up with all this crap...
Here's the highlights...
((HT: Sportsnet))
There is no breaking news here...
The Edmonton Oilers are a bad hockey club...
And one of the ways the rabid, loyal fans have been protesting is this way...
And it didn't get any better for the Oil as Curtis Glencross got a hat trick and Matt Stajan had a four-point night on his own (considering everything he and his family have gone through... Good on you, Matt) as the Flames won 8-1
The night got even more interesting as Taylor Hall had issues with his water bottle and, then, his head coach Dallas Eakins...
But Eakins, really, should be Coach of the Year for having to put up with all this crap...
Here's the highlights...
((HT: Sportsnet))
Saturday, March 22, 2014
OSG Prem: The Top Stays Top, Except For Arsenal...
((HT: BPL on NBC/SkySports))
It was an unbelievable first twenty minutes for Chelsea against Arsenal...
Earlier in the week The Chosen One (Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho) maintained that his counterpart, Arsene Wenger, was only good at being a "specialist in failure." He kept pushing buttons and made sure everyone was on edge as the game started...
Eto'o and Schurrle made it 2-0 in the first 8 minutes, and then an odd call from referee Andre Marriner gave a red to Kieran Gibbs instead of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain- who lobbied for it and still wasn't given the dismissal...
The red card will be transferred to AOC from Gibbs on Monday, by the way...
And the final was 6-0...congrats to Arsene Wenger in his 1000th appearance as manager... (???)
Mourinho still believes the title is Man City's to lose and after today's display against Fulham, who can really complain about that assessment. Yaya Toure scored on two PK's early on before this strike from the outside gave him his hat trick in a 5-0 win over Fulham...
Not to be outdone, Luis Suarez and Liverpool had their hands full with Cardiff for the first 55 minutes or so, then the Reds took over winning 6-3 as Suarez had a hat trick himself to go with Skrtel and Sturridge
Elsewhere, Hull City shut out West Brom 2-0, Everton held off Swansea 3-2 to keep a look at the Europa qualifier, Newcastle's Cisse scored near the death and dedicated the goal to suspended manger Alan Pardew in a big win over Crystal Palace, Norwich shut out Sunderland 2-0 as well, but the interesting story line late came from West Ham and Manchester United.
Rooney's 50-yarder on Adrian gave the Red Devils enough momentum to pull out a 2-0 win themselves...
Here's the goal- again- because we can... and Beckham's reaction was priceless...
It was an unbelievable first twenty minutes for Chelsea against Arsenal...
Earlier in the week The Chosen One (Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho) maintained that his counterpart, Arsene Wenger, was only good at being a "specialist in failure." He kept pushing buttons and made sure everyone was on edge as the game started...
Eto'o and Schurrle made it 2-0 in the first 8 minutes, and then an odd call from referee Andre Marriner gave a red to Kieran Gibbs instead of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain- who lobbied for it and still wasn't given the dismissal...
The red card will be transferred to AOC from Gibbs on Monday, by the way...
And the final was 6-0...congrats to Arsene Wenger in his 1000th appearance as manager... (???)
Mourinho still believes the title is Man City's to lose and after today's display against Fulham, who can really complain about that assessment. Yaya Toure scored on two PK's early on before this strike from the outside gave him his hat trick in a 5-0 win over Fulham...
Not to be outdone, Luis Suarez and Liverpool had their hands full with Cardiff for the first 55 minutes or so, then the Reds took over winning 6-3 as Suarez had a hat trick himself to go with Skrtel and Sturridge
Elsewhere, Hull City shut out West Brom 2-0, Everton held off Swansea 3-2 to keep a look at the Europa qualifier, Newcastle's Cisse scored near the death and dedicated the goal to suspended manger Alan Pardew in a big win over Crystal Palace, Norwich shut out Sunderland 2-0 as well, but the interesting story line late came from West Ham and Manchester United.
Rooney's 50-yarder on Adrian gave the Red Devils enough momentum to pull out a 2-0 win themselves...
Here's the goal- again- because we can... and Beckham's reaction was priceless...
OSG Prem: Rooney Golazo Puts ManU Up Early
((HT: BPL))
A truly ridiculous strike by Rooney put Manchester United up 1-0 early at West Ham...
NBCSN clocked it at 51 yards... and Rooney added a poacher's goal for the 2-0 margin at the half...
The HQ will have your full day report a litter later on this afternoon...
A truly ridiculous strike by Rooney put Manchester United up 1-0 early at West Ham...
NBCSN clocked it at 51 yards... and Rooney added a poacher's goal for the 2-0 margin at the half...
The HQ will have your full day report a litter later on this afternoon...
Why March Madness is Better Than The College Football Playoffs
How awesome is March Madness...or what's more commonly known as the NCAA Basketball Tournament?Tiny Mercer University from the Atlantic Sun Conference beats the legendary Duke Blue Devils of the ACC. North Dakota State of the Summit League beats Oklahoma from the Big 12. Wichita State of the Missouri Valley Conference is a #1 seed and Dayton from the Mid-American Conference beats Ohio State from the Big 10.
None of this could ever happen in College Football.
EVER...
No, these aren't marquee teams, they aren't household names and they don't draw viewers like an Alabama or Oregon in Football, but they draw pretty darn well in their own right.
That's why March Madness is more fun. Much more fun.
You know who is going to be in the College Football playoff. At least one, if not two SEC teams, a team from the Pac 10 and a team from the Big 10. And they haven't even played yet.
None of the teams mentioned in the second paragraph could EVER win College Football's national title. But they could in basketball.
Don't think for a minute Wichita State can't compete with a Kentucky or Florida or any ACC team in Basketball. They can. And they can win.
Remember the Shockers? Yeah, they were in last years Final Four.
Think Mercer could beat Duke in Football? Not a chance. But put the Senior laden Bears on the court with a Duke team chock full of Freshman. When the pressure is on, the seniors pulled away and won.
In basketball, experience usually wins. In basketball a good team beats good individual players. You don't have to have five 5-Star recruits to be successful in basketball.
College Football is all about size and depth. You want to know why the Alabama's and Oregon's of the world win year in and year out? Their 2nd and 3rd team players are better than your starters. They roll out 3 teams of 6-5, 300 lb linemen and three waves of 230 lb running backs who run a 4.4 40 yard dash.
That matters.
March Madness is more fun because it's more random. If you get in, you, in theory have a chance. If you get in, chances are, if you shoot lights out and your opponent doesn't, you could win.
Not in Football. No team from the Sun Belt could beat a top level SEC team. (Yes, we know Lousiana-Monroe beat Auburn a couple years ago and Ga. Southern beat Florida last year.) Your Sun Belt champ will NEVER be in the College Football playoff.
But the Sun Belt champ could win March Madness. Or at least win a couple of games. That will never happen in the College Football Playoff.
I submit to you this: Sure, College Football has bigger names and gets more publicity, but what is more fun to watch? An SEC team vs. the Pac 12 for the College Football championship or an NCAA Championship game featuring an underdog like a Butler, a school that doesn't even play football?
Seriously. How often will the football game be more dramatic? How likely is the football game to have an upset?
If you watch March Madness, it could happen in any game....
Here's a breakdown of Friday's Tournament in Raleigh, NC from CBSSports.com:
More from Spokane, Washington:
And Another 5-12 Goes To Stephen F. Austin
With all apologies up front to Richmond sports talk show host and FOSG Greg Burton...
VCU got bit, too...
A lot of people are wondering where the foul came from with VCU leading four as time ran out in regulation...
Frankly, the HQ can't find it... but here's the play in question...
((HT: NCAA March Madness/SnappyTV))
Desmond Haymond gets credit for the four-point play and with this game being the fifth OT game of the opening rounds- according to the Elias Sports Bureau, that sets the record for the most OT games in the opening two days.
There were two previous Round of 64's with 4 overtime games: 1995 and 2000.
And when you win, you celebrate in your locker room...
((HT: NCAA March Madness/SnappyTV))
VCU got bit, too...
A lot of people are wondering where the foul came from with VCU leading four as time ran out in regulation...
Frankly, the HQ can't find it... but here's the play in question...
((HT: NCAA March Madness/SnappyTV))
Desmond Haymond gets credit for the four-point play and with this game being the fifth OT game of the opening rounds- according to the Elias Sports Bureau, that sets the record for the most OT games in the opening two days.
There were two previous Round of 64's with 4 overtime games: 1995 and 2000.
And when you win, you celebrate in your locker room...
((HT: NCAA March Madness/SnappyTV))
And The Zinger From Macon For Mercer
((HT: Macon Telegraph))
The Mercer win over Duke blew up plenty of brackets around the planet...
So, it was the Telegraph's turn to show the world what it meant...
Ain't it cool...
The Mercer win over Duke blew up plenty of brackets around the planet...
So, it was the Telegraph's turn to show the world what it meant...
Ain't it cool...
Friday, March 21, 2014
NCAA Upset: Mercer Beats Duke, No Really, They Did (Update at bottom)
God bless the NCAA Basketball tournament, in College Football, games and upsets like this would never happen.
The Mercer Bears from Macon, Georgia made tons of casual College Basketball fans happy and sad at the same time after they beat the mighty Duke Blue Devils 78-71 in their NCAA Tournament opener.
The Atlantic Sun champs kept the game close all the way through and actually began to pull away from a very cold shooting Duke team as the game progressed.
We should note that as happy as many fans who hate Duke are, there are now tons of NCAA Tournament Bracket challenges that can be thrown away because quite honestly, how many people picked a #14 seed to beat a #3 seed.
The Bears were led by Jakob Gollon with 20 points and the team shot 56 percent on the game. By contrast, Duke shot 35 percent.
Here's the ending...
((HT: NCAA March Madness/SnappyTV))
Check out Mercer's Kevin Canevari's celebration dance:
CBSSports.com gives us reaction from Mercer coach Bob Hoffman and others:
***UPDATE***---We feel like this should be mentioned: We give Duke grief for being the New York Yankees of College Basketball, but it should be noted that coach Mike Krzyzewski took time after the game to go to the Mercer locker room, congratulate them and say "If we got beaten, at least we got beaten by a hell of a basketball team". Nice...
The Mercer Bears from Macon, Georgia made tons of casual College Basketball fans happy and sad at the same time after they beat the mighty Duke Blue Devils 78-71 in their NCAA Tournament opener.
The Atlantic Sun champs kept the game close all the way through and actually began to pull away from a very cold shooting Duke team as the game progressed.
We should note that as happy as many fans who hate Duke are, there are now tons of NCAA Tournament Bracket challenges that can be thrown away because quite honestly, how many people picked a #14 seed to beat a #3 seed.
The Bears were led by Jakob Gollon with 20 points and the team shot 56 percent on the game. By contrast, Duke shot 35 percent.
Here's the ending...
((HT: NCAA March Madness/SnappyTV))
Check out Mercer's Kevin Canevari's celebration dance:
CBSSports.com gives us reaction from Mercer coach Bob Hoffman and others:
***UPDATE***---We feel like this should be mentioned: We give Duke grief for being the New York Yankees of College Basketball, but it should be noted that coach Mike Krzyzewski took time after the game to go to the Mercer locker room, congratulate them and say "If we got beaten, at least we got beaten by a hell of a basketball team". Nice...
The Art Of The Zinger: Dayton Daily News
Here's their headline...
And it's well-played...
How 'bout that...???
And it's well-played...
How 'bout that...???
Bison And Flyers Help Thursday Be Thursday
((HT: ValleyNewsLive))
Just so you see what it as like in these two towns after the fact...
Here's the late live shot from Fargo/Spokane
Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks
And Dayton
((HT: WDTN-TV))
So let Friday be Friday...
Just so you see what it as like in these two towns after the fact...
Here's the late live shot from Fargo/Spokane
Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks
And Dayton
((HT: WDTN-TV))
So let Friday be Friday...
And Then There Was The ASU-Texas Finish
((HT:NCAA March Madness))
Jonathan Holmes missed his three-pointer wide right, but Cameron Ridley was camped out underneath the basket as time expired. A lot of folks think Ridley would not have made the basket he made this season as his put-back gave Texas the win over Arizona State.
It's the first Texas win in the March tournament in three years
Here's the finish...
Jonathan Holmes missed his three-pointer wide right, but Cameron Ridley was camped out underneath the basket as time expired. A lot of folks think Ridley would not have made the basket he made this season as his put-back gave Texas the win over Arizona State.
It's the first Texas win in the March tournament in three years
Here's the finish...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)