Friday, February 28, 2014

Jacksonville ABA Team Sets Scoring Mark

In 2012, the Jacksonville Giants set the high point mark with a 211-84 win over the Columbus Riverballers. They also scored 209 in another 2012 game...

Paul Westhead is, probably, frothing at the mouth over these numbers...

Three weeks ago, they broke that record with a 222-100 win over the Georgia Roadrunners.

“It really created a bond, everybody working together. It’s not just the points, it’s the teamwork that allowed us to break those records,” said Jacksonville coach Kevin Waters after the 222-point performance.

The 211-point performance was the fifth time in four seasons the Giants have scored 200 points or more- twice in 2011 beating the Georgia Gwizzlies 206-102 and the Florida Makos 204-85.

But tonight in Jacksonville, they broke that record in a 233-73 win over the Gainesville Heat...

Just to give you an idea as to how prolific the Giants are, here are some highlights of a game from a month ago against the Southwest Warriors...
((HT: TwinSportsTV))


The Giants have lost only once this ABA season...

Fan Rushes Cleveland Court To Meet Kyrie Irving

((HT: gifdsports Vine))

This is equally silly and scary...

Cleveland had no problems with a visiting Utah Jazz team tonight, but this wasn't in anyone's plans...


The fan in question was, obviously, subdued and arrested...
But stuff like this is not smart and should challenge security around all leagues- not just the NBA

Ryan Miller Speaks And There's Trade Analysis, Too...

((HT: TSN/MSG))

Buffalo Sabres Ryan Miller and Steve Ott got the opportunity to address their move to St. Louis earlier this evening...


And here's analysis as both teams move forward with Geno Reda et al.


Christian Ehrhoff has submitted a list of teams that he will accept a trade. For anyone who wants to pick up the rest of his contract, it's seven years and the balance of the $40-million that he signed for...

And It Begins: Ryan Miller To St. Louis

Trade Deadline Day is just around the corner... and we now have our first salvo in the run...

Ryan Miller and Jaroslav Halak were straight up dealt to and from Buffalo and St. Louis

The full deal is:

Ryan Miller and captain Steve Ott to St. Louis for Halak, forward Chris Stewart, prospect William Carrier, a 2015 first-round pick and a 2016 third-round pick.

When asked about it yesterday, Miller said: "I'm trying not to be too sentimental.I think everyone in Buffalo kind of knows how I feel about the city. [I've] always enjoyed the people, I've always enjoyed the city."

Sabres General Manager Tim Murray had talked with teams about a deal for Miller. “The route that we’re looking at is to get value for him, to put him in a position to succeed,” Murray said. He went on to call Miller a “good soldier” two days ago when all this was initially discussed...

Ott and Miller are both unrestricted free agents after this season- Ott makes $3.2-million and Miller $6.25-million

Stewart has one more year left on his deal at $4.2-million. Carrier is under an entry-level deal in the minors. Halak is an unrestricted free agent after this season at $4.5-million.

The Sabres now possess 10 picks in the first two rounds of the 2014 and 2015 Drafts.

The larger question for the Sabres is who may be next out the door by Wednesday- Tallinder, Ehrhoff, and Moulson all may be in someone's crosshairs by the time we're done. Murray admits that there are no untouchable players and that this is a complete rebuild.

Murray appeared on Hockey Central to admit that Miller says its time to go...
((HT: Sportsnet))

Darren Sharper Facing More Rape Charges

Yes, that's right, former All-Pro and Super Bowl winning NFL Safety Darren Sharper keeps adding to his ever growing list of rape charges.

Along with the multiple charges Sharper is facing in Los Angeles, you can now add two more charges that were filed in New Orleans. Sharper and another man are facing two aggravated rape charges in New Orleans where Sharper played for several years.

He turned himself in to Los Angeles police Thursday night, he's been ordered to not leave L.A by a judge while he's on bond for the charges in the city. Did we mention that his bail has been revoked in light of the new charges?

The other man in the New Orleans charges, an Erik Nunez, turned himself into police Friday morning.

Read more from CNN.com RIGHT HERE

A note here--Sharper has not been charged, but is a suspect in two more incidents, one in Nevada and one in Arizona. All of the incidents he's been linked to have taken place since October of last year.

We told you about the earlier incidents and the belief by many authorities that Mr. Sharper can be classified a serial rapist.

You can read the story from Feb 15th, RIGHT HERE

KCBS gives us the TV story on Mr. Sharper's adventures:


Southern University's Ban Continues

((HT: WAFB-TV))

Southern University couldn't get it done in time...

The improvements in their academic data that the NCAA wanted to have in place were not done in time for the winter sports to keep from being banned in the postseason upcoming...

Southern's men's basketball team have clinched at least a tie for the SWAC regular-season title and the women are in second place, a half-game behind Texas Southern with a few games remaining in the regular season. The men's team found at the decision at practice yesterday.

The NCAA requires information in and around the Athlete Performance Program and APR. The information initially given to the NCAA was incomplete and a full review and revision was requested. As a result, the athletic program was given a post-season ban that would be revisited for the winter sports.

But it didn't work out...

Reaction on campus is, obviously, rough...
WAFB 9 News Baton Rouge, Louisiana News, Weather, Sports

The NCAA and the university issued a joint statement that said, in part:

“The NCAA has informed us of the enormity of the challenge before us, but we continue to work exhaustively in our efforts to comply with their requests, and share in their goals to provide the best institutional support for student athletes,” said William Broussard, athletics director at Southern. “As stated in the initial press conference to announce the post-season ineligibilities due to the ongoing data review, the NCAA has partnered extensively with our coordinated, campus-wide effort to report data from previous years accurately, perform and recommend corrections, and re-design policies and procedures for reporting accurate data in the future.”

NCAA staff members began working closely with Southern in March 2013 in an effort to help the school resolve its data issues. Staff also expedited internal deadlines and continues to work on a compressed timeline in all matters related to the school’s athletic teams.

“Our staff is committed to working with Southern on its data issues,” said Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president for academic and membership affairs. “We hope the result of this collaboration is a fully-functioning, robust system of tracking retention and eligibility on Southern’s campus, to help student-athletes achieve academically and get the support they need to succeed.”

OSG Prem: Tan Says He May Leave Cardiff

((HT: Fox Sports))

Receiving the same kind of grief that Hull City's Assem Allam is getting these days, Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan is now saying that he will check out if the "abuse" he is receiving from the fan base doesn't stop...

He did so in an interview with the BBC


In the interview, he slams Malky Mackay and still firmly believes that a vocal minority are spoiling it for the rest of the true fans who didn't mind when he changed everything from blue to red...

Yeah... about that...

There's a reason they're called "bluebirds..."

And there's also a good chance they'll get relegated- Cardiff City play Spurs this weekend...

New Candidate For Save Of The Year...???

((HT: Sportsnet))

Okay...

You tell us...

What do you think...???

Tim Thomas and Mike Green... and Green didn't win out on the breakaway...

OSG High: One Helluva Of A Half Court Shot

((HT: Max Preps))

Last night, St. Louis University was playing Christian Brothers and as part of their "Coaches against Cancer" game, they wanted to award $100 for sinking a half court shot...

This is what happened...


Max Bredenkoetter, who has no right arm below his elbow, made the shot and immediately donated the hundy to cancer research- and THAT is way cool...

5 Top 25's Go Down In One Night...

It was not a night to be a ranked team in the world of college hoops...

Indiana fans wore hard hats at Assembly Hall as Indiana took care of 20th ranked Iowa 93-86
Will Sheehey scored a career-high 30
((HT: BTN))


And Penn State swept Ohio State with their win over the Buckeyes 65-63... and they stormed the court...
Surprising no one...
((HT: BTN))


Arkansas also got their season sweep over Kentucky with their overtime win IN LEXINGTON!!!

Which, the HQ is sure, has sent the entire Big Blue nation into some kind of histrionics
((HT: SEC on ESPN))
Houston's Danuel House scored 19 off the bench as the Cougars knocked off #21 Memphis 77-68 Mark Followill and Chris Walker discuss ((HT: CBS Sports Network))
And, finally, St. Louis' 19-game winning streak came to a screeching halt with their loss to Duquesne...
It was Duquesne's first over a Top 10 team since a 72-68 win over #9 Xavier on February 7, 2009, and it was DU's first road win over a Top 10 team since a 73-72 win at #6 Bradley on March 5, 1962...

OSG High: $60M Stadium Closed For Repairs

((HT: WFAA-TV))

The HQ knows all about the idea that high school football stadia are cathedrals in their home towns for fans, students, and parents. But the Allen (TX) ISD constructed a $60-million stadium for the Allen High School football team...

After only 18 months, it is now closed down because of a bunch of cracked concrete...
And that's not a good thing...

For Allen ISD or, especially, the contractor Pogue Construction...

Here's the response from the Allen ISD
Whoops...

Utah Valley-NMSU Brawl Includes Fans, Under WAC Review... (UPDATED)

((HT: UVU SBS))

This was the end of the game between Utah Valley and New Mexico State- and it wasn't pretty...


Here's a little more from the stands...
((HT: thejadedsunrise))


So, here's the deal...

The Aggies lost a 7-point lead in regulation and lost 66-61 in overtime...

NMSU guard KC Ross-Miller was the one who chucked the ball at Utah Valley's Holton Hunsaker and then...

Jason Groves of the Las Cruces Sun-News caught up with Aggies head coach Marvin Menzies:

"What was embarrassing was (Ross-Miller's) actions," said Menzies when reached by the Sun-News. "As far an anything after, I'm going to wait to see what their fans did, what the security was like.

"We were going to shake hands. The game was over. They had fans on the floor and our guys felt threatened by that. One thing led to another. The film doesn't lie. I'm just thoroughly disappointed with (Ross-Miller's) actions. I'm disappointed with the way he handled himself. ... Guys were trying to hit our guys, and our guys were trying to defend themselves. We had staff pulling guys away. It turned into a free-for-all there for a moment. There were 50-75 fans on the floor. Before I can pass judgement, I have to watch the film."


WAC Commish Jeff Hurd is set to review the tapes Friday morning...

FRIDAY UPDATE: Ross-Miller has been suspended for his actions on the floor...

Jeff Gordon Exacts Revenge On Writer In New Pepsi Ad

((HT: PepsiMax their own self))

You remember the first version of dressing up Jeff Gordon in a lot of make-up and freaking out a car salesman...

One writer over at Jalopnik thought the whole thing was a work...

So, PepsiMax comes out with a new ad with Gordon and the writer who went off...

It's classic... and it's revenge...

Thursday, February 27, 2014

BUZZER BEATER: UNC Beats NC State Again

((HT: ACCDN))

Wasn't it just a little bit ago that we were all throwing dirt on North Carolina and head coach Roy Williams...???

Now, after last night, they've won ten in a row and are causing some serious trouble in the ACC...

Last night, Marcus Paige was responsible for the 16th win in the last 17 efforts against the Wolfpack


We'll leave the Roy Williams silent sit-in to Brother Wilkie...

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Seeberg Family Goes Public After Shembo Comments

((HT: Chicago Tribune/Lighty and Campbell))

Prince Shembo came forward at the NFL Combine saying he was the unnamed Notre Dame player accused of attacking Lizzy Seeberg in 2010 before she eventually committed suicide. Lizzy's parents knew it was Shembo, but since he was never charged the name never was released as part of the process.

Lizzy Seeberg typed a statement to police after their meeting August 31, 2010 in Shembo's room- a place where she didn't feel safe.

From the Tribune:

Seeberg then described how she cried and her body froze as the alleged attack ensued. Her allegations did not describe penetration; the campus police log listed the complaint as an alleged sexual battery. She said Shembo licked her breast. The incident ended when the player's cellphone distracted him, Seeberg said.

On Sept. 2 she received a text message from one of Shembo's friends, telling her, "Don't do anything you would regret. Messing with notre dame football is a bad idea."

She killed herself Sept. 10, overdosing on prescription medication.


Notre Dame conducted an investigation- not interviewing Shembo until five days after Seeberg's suicide. Shembo's attorney maintains the incident was consensual.

Chicago Tribune Deputy Metro editor Mark Jacob talks with Lighty about Shembo coming forward, having Lizzy Seeberg's father talk about the case (or the lack of one going forward) and any possible repercussions...


The biggest stink the HQ sees in this- among many of them- is that no one from the university has even addressed any remorse over the Seeberg suicide and the family's feelings in the matter...

Pair this with the death of the GA in high winds and there's too much to say about how a big business in a small town rules the town... and that will never change...

Does St. Louis Want To Head To Broadway...???

((HT: Sportsnet))

Apparently so...

With a wife from Connecticut and a house in Greenwich, he may have asked Lightning GM Steve Yzerman for some movement...

His only requested destination... New York to be with the Rangers...

But the only thing that comes to the HQ's mind is that St. Louis would be the leader of the new round of these guys...


In all reality... it would be an interesting change of address and success...

Chris Simpson, Kyper, and FOSG Jafar discuss...

Trade deadline should be interesting...

"In The Ring With Ronda Rousey" With Pete Holmes

((HT: Pete Holmes Show/TBS))

The HQ will give Pete Holmes a lot of credit...

First, for getting the tine slot after Conan...
Second, for getting in the ring with Ronda Rousey...

Rousey shows a great sense of humor as Holmes dances around a lot of topics that late night guys can dance around...


See...???
Sense of humor...

OSG Prem: Chelsea Maintains, Real Destroys Schalke

((HT: UEFA/Fox Soccer))

Let's face it...

There are a couple of words that come to mind with the absolute dismantling that Real Madrid had of Schalke today in Champions League play. When it's 6-1, sometimes it's hard to find an adjective that will fit...

But surgical comes to mind... two goals each from Benzema, Bale, and CR7... in order, in each half...


And, then, with all of the reporter shenanigans in and around the joke The Chosen One told in confidence about Samuel Eto'o, you wondered if something would be up with their match against Galatasaray in Turkey...

But Chelsea maintained... they got their road goal setting up a return of Drogba to Stamford Bridge in a game that means something...

Kawasaki's World Cup Predictions

((HT: Sportsnet))

Gotta love Kawasaki...

And by that, we mean the second baseman for the Blue Jays and not the motorcycle...

Barry Davis went up to him and asked about the upcoming World Cup of Soccer in Rio...
This is how his predictions went...

Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Japan, and Canada...

That just sings success...

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

#SmellTheChange In Allentown

((HT: WFMZ-TV))

The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs are the triple-a team for the Philadelphia Phillies...

But, as the team heads for their 7th season, the uniform is heading for a little change...
And, to be honest, you can't go wrong with bacon...
video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player It's either in the form of "Mouth-Watering Bacon" or "Molten Steel" as the weekend uniforms go different from an all-black look to the bacon strip on the hat. The full rundown of the new looks are here and they are amazing...
It even involves scratch and sniff...

And that is the amazing part...

OSG High: Florida LB Arrested For Sex With Cousin

((HT: WPTV/West Palm Beach))

The HQ is unsure as to the proper adjective to describe the situation in Fort Pierce, Florida...

Sharieff Inuka Rhaheed-Muhammad was a star linebacker at Central High School who has signed a letter of intent to play college football at Louisville.

But... and this is a big but...

He was arrested recently for impregnating his cousin and was charged on a felony of lewd lascivious behavior. The victim was apparently having sex with Rhaheed-Muhammad between the ages of 12 to 16- having been touched inappropriately for the first time at age 11. The victim even went as far to say that the sex wasn't forced when it began.

It was determined, as part of a four month investigation by Fort Pierce police, that it was with "greater than 99.99 percent probability" Rhaheed-Muhammad fathered a child with the girl when she was 14. She later had an abortion once her mother administered a pregnancy test.

Here's the early story after Rhaheed-Muhammad was released from the juvenile detention facility in Fort Pierce...


Louisville is aware... and head coach Bobby Petrino released a statement: “Coach Bobby Petrino is aware of the situation."
The school isn't saying anything else...

The even-more odd part is that the family of the cousin has signed a prosecution waiver- meaning that they don't want to prosecute Rhaheed-Muhammad...

So, what emotion fits here...??? Disgust is a good start...

OSG Prem: Chosen One Slams Chosen Reporter

((HT: London Telegraph))

There are lines...and there are LINES...

Reporters will go to certain lengths to get a story, but the HQ has seen what the European press do to get people to frequent their websites, buy their newspapers, or mention a by-line...

Chelsea is in a battle for the Champions League and manager Jose Mourinho is more than happy to deflect the pressure off his team and be the center of the universe to get maximum results and maximum effect...

Like titles... a lot of them...

But the players have to be HIS players... evidence the benching and dismissal of Juan Mata...

Samuel Eto'o is one of his guys... for now...

But...

Mourinho was caught on camera at a commercial event as he told a businessman: "I have a team but no striker."
He also joked about Eto'o's age: "I have Eto'o but he is 32, maybe even 35."

He didn't apologize for the joke, and instead went after the reporter who leaked the information


Chelsea now faces Galatasaray in the next round of Champions League play...

TMZ: Hernandez Gets Into Fight In Jail

((HT: MyFoxBoston))

And so it goes... without a whole lot of surprise...

Violence begets more violence and history repeats itself... et cetera, et cetera, et cetera...

According to TMZ Sports, Aaron Hernandez got into a fight with another inmate at the Bristol County Jail. Apparently, the gentleman at the end of Hernandez's beating had been jaw-jacking him all day. And, as it happens, the inmate and Hernandez got to cross paths in a hallway.

Normally, the former Patriots tight end is away from the rest of the jail population. But not in this case...

The HQ is shocked...
Here's the latest on the incident that the jail, as of yet, hasn't confirmed...
Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

OSG Prem: ManU Flaming Out In Champions League

((HT: Fox Sports/UEFA))

Let's face it... this is not a good team, and there are not a lot of folks who give a tinker's damn about how bad they are...

Opening Round of the Group of 16 in Champions League has ManU at Olympiakos...

And it went as well as expected for the Fergie-less Red Devils...

Evidence below...


Postgame on all elements social media have been aflame with rage by Manchester United fans...
And the HQ wonders just how much patience the fans will have with David Moyes- the guy saddled with all this stuff that is supposed to resemble a world-class roster...

The front office seems ready to spend for Moyes, but will pressure let him stay...???

Michael Carrick was a stand-up guy to answer questions afterwards...

Ovi Apologizes For Sochi Performance

((HT: CSNWashington))

Stand up guy...

That's all the HQ can say about Alexander Ovechkin as he came back to the States...

He did this for his home fans...


Some of the Team USA squad did the same thing, but the fan base can take count in the idea that USA at least made it to the medal round...

Dominica's Scam In Sochi

((HT: IOC/Deadspin/AP))

This looks like a really cool story- even if it's financially augmented...

A married couple living in the US represented the tiny island nation of Dominica in Sochi as skiers...


But Dave McKenna wrote a brilliant piece for Deadspin detailing how, apparently, most of the credentials of Gary di Silvestri and Angelica Morrone are either false or hiding some kind of corruption...

Neither di Silvestri nor Morrone went far in their ski competitions- citing injury- Morrone didn't even start...

Dominica lets you be a citizen by dropping $175,000 in one of their banks and paying a $3,530 tariff. The New Yorker and the Italian did that, from their house in Montana, and walked in Sochi.

As a matter of fact, a guy from di Silvestri's old high school even edited this as a source of pride for the school itself.


But di Silvestri's creds don't hold up...

McKenna went into the wrestling background and found out it didn't match, and also found that Morrone was at the heart of a scandal in the late 1990's involving car manufacturer Fiat and the buying of votes for international competitions.

So, this shows that if you've got the dollars, you can do pretty much whatever you want, even if it isn't true...

Monday, February 24, 2014

Wranglers Moving Up In The World, Literally...

((HT: KLAS-TV))

The ECHL's Las Vegas Wranglers used to play in the Orleans Hotel Arena, but they couldn't agree on a new lease...

So, they were this/close to leaving town until the leadership of the franchise came up with a unique idea to keep them around...

Like... renovating the top of a parking structure...

Here's the live shot from downtown to talk about it...
8 News NOW

It is interesting to see a double-a hockey franchise investing seven figures to keep themselves in town...

It will be just as interesting to see how well the franchise adapts to being a property owner as the project goes forward...

Tim And Sid Make It Famous In Britain Over Gold Medal Celebration

((HT: Sportsnet))

You remember the reaction of FOSG Tim and Sid when the Canadians beat the US in the gold medal women's ice hockey game...

Their reaction has now made it back across the pond...

Funny stuff... even if it was "Gold Medal In The Face..."

Aztecs RB Leaves Combine Because "God Told Him To..."

((HT: SDSU/Mountain West/youtube))

San Diego State RB Adam Muema was heading to Indianapolis like every other running back who was looking for a professional career

Here's part of what he did in his final season at SDSU


Muema ran for 1,244 yards and 15 TDs, but he stopped short of appearing for the NFL because "God told him to..."

Michael Gelken of the San Diego Union-Tribune caught up with the running back who claims he speaks to his God through numbers:

"(God) told me to sit down, be quiet, and enjoy the peace."

Muema can still work out in front of NFL personnel at the SDSU Pro Day and believes that he should play for the Seattle Seahawks...

This Is What Happens When You Forget The Donuts

((HT: KSL Sports))

Rookies have their responsibilities... that much is true...

Utah Jazz rookie Rudy Gobert forgot the donuts for the veterans...

This is what happened to Gobert... at least, he'll enjoy the movies the next time out...

Shreveport Pitcher On The Comeback Trail

((HT: KSLA-TV))

This is the short version of the story of Shreveport-Bossier City pitcher Logan Norris...

Norris was a top-flight high school pitcher who stayed local for college.
He and his family have gone through a lot of tragedy- including a family murder, with possible accomplices still on the loose after three years and a conviction.

And that's only a part of the beginning...
KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana News Weather

Jose Reyes Can Wrap

((HT: Sportsnet))

This is what you discover at Spring Training- the talents of athletes, hidden or otherwise, since you have a lot of time to fill as a media outlet...

Evidence here from Dunedin with Jose Reyes and talented anchors

The HQ has no idea what Reyes said, but it sounded solid...

Sunday, February 23, 2014

OSG Prem: Liverpool, Swansea Forget Defense, Big Win For Norwich

((HT: ESPNFC))

Liverpool's fits and starts are maddening to the Reds and their fans...

They were on full display Sunday in the match against Swansea City- up 2-0, tied at 2, up 3-2, up 4-2, win 4-3

Newcastle needed three points and got it going against Aston Villa, winning 1-0

And in, what was told to be a mandatory must-win situation for manager Chris Hughton, got the mandatory must win for Hughton to stay another week as Norwich boss in a 1-0 win over Tottenham...

Here's the recap of the Premier League Sunday...

More Of The Metrodome Goes Boom

((HT: KARE-TV))

We all know that the Minnesota Vikings are heading over to the University for the next few seasons while they build the new barn downtown.

But to construct, you have to destruct...

And the beauty of dynamite is that it can do the work for you...

Here's the newest stage of the destruction...

Syracuse Radio Call Of Jim Boeheim Going Bonkers Toward The Officials

Here's the Syracuse version of Saturday night's game against Duke with the Voice of the Orange Matt Park describing the action

Jim Boeheim's tirade happens at 2:12.

Thanks Syracuse Orange:


Here's post game sound from Tyler Ennis and C.J. Fair talking about the end of the game.



Stephen F. Austin Wins on Buzzer Beating Dunk

((ht: cbssports.com))

Well, this sure is something you don't see everyday.

Stephen F. Austin University from the Southland Conference is on a roll. They've now won 22-games in a row.

Yes, 22.

And they got number 22 only because the way Saturday's game with Northwestern State ended.

Here's the setup: Clock winding down in a tie game. Northwestern with the ball. All of a sudden, Jacob Parker breaks on a pass, steals it, races down court and throws it down as the buzzer sounds.

Austin wins, game over....


Boeheim Goes Nuts as Duke Edges Syracuse

Well, so far Duke and Syracuse have faced off twice in ACC basketball games. And both games have been pretty darn good.

We're guessing though, most basketball fans will remember the second game, played Saturday night.

It was memorable because it was played well. A back and forth struggle at an extra loud Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils were led by freshman Jabari Parker who had 19 points and the Orange led by Jerami Grant who had 17.

But a play by Duke's Rodney Hood with 10 seconds to go is what everyone will remember. Hood drew a very questionable charge call on C.J Fair and Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim responded by leaping up and running across the floor to argue the call with referee Tony Greene.

And it appears that most everyone, from commentators to non-Duke fans watching the game agreed with the call.

But Boeheim's going beserk drew a double technical foul, got him tossed from the game and gave Duke the chance to pull away and get the 66-60 win.

ESPN.com has your highlights and our partners at the ACC Network have sound from Coach Boeheim:




BUZZER BEATER: Antonius Cleveland's Halftcourt Bomb Wins It For SEMO 77-74

On Saturday in Martin, Tennessee the bank was open for Antonius Cleveland of Southeast Missouri State.

With time running out and SEMO tied with UT-Martin Cleveland launched from half court and banked it in.

Thanks Go SoutheastRedhawks:


I knew when I got the ball with four seconds left I knew I had to go." Cleveland told the seMissourian.com. I knew that if you pass the ball a couple times we weren't going to get a good shot off. I wanted to keep it and get myself in a good position to knock the shot down, and, man, it just went in. When it released I kind of knew it was going in."

Cleveland would end up with 14 points for SEMO.  Jarekious Bradley led the Red Hawks with 22 points.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

OSG Prem: Chelsea And Man City Escape, United, Hull, Arsenal Roll...

It was an interesting day...

It went until the bitter end for Chelsea before they knocked off Everton 1-0...
John Terry with the game-winner...

The Chosen One seemed a little shell-shocked at his fortunes...
((HT: BBCSport))


Arsenal put the hammer down against the Black Cats...up 3-0 early and 4-1 final...
Arsene Wenger called it a "vital and convincing win..."
((HT: SkySports))


Manchester United got a huge three points at Crystal Palace- one of the goals coming from Wayne Rooney


Manchester City held off Stoke 1-0 and the action at the bottom made life interesting...
Hull City got two from Nikica Jelavic and smoked Cardiff 4-0
West Ham took care of Southampton in a bit of a surprise 3-1
And West Brom and Fulham resolved nothing in a 1-1 draw...

Chelsea remains a point ahead of Arsenal atop the table. Man City is third with 57 points. Liverpool are fourth with 53 points. The Europa League spot is Spurs at the moment as they're five points clear of both United and Everton.

Relegation remains Sunderland, Cardiff City, and Fulham

Friday, February 21, 2014

Bielema Apologizes, Sandy Barbour Explodes

((HT: ESPN/Arkansas Razorbacks))

Here's where it all started with Bret Bielema...


And it finally got to the point where Coach Bielema apologized (finally) for dragging the name of deceased Cal football player Ted Agu into the discussion that said, in part:

"In my press conference last night, I referenced information about the tragic loss of a life of a student-athlete. My comments were intended to bring awareness to player safety and instead they have caused unintended hurt. As a head coach who works with young individuals every day, the passing of Ted Agu is a reminder to us all how short and precious life is. I would like to extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the Agu family, Coach Sonny Dykes and to the University of California family."

Cal AD Sandy Barbour responded in kind via her Twitter:

"Bret Bielema’s comments about our Ted Agu are misinformed, ill-advised and beyond insensitive.”

“Using the tragic loss of one of our student athletes as a platform to further a personal agenda in a public setting is beyond inappropriate.”


Bielema even went further in a ridiculous interview before the apology discussing why he brought Agu into the discussion...

From Sports Illustrated:

"The reason I brought up the Cal player is this: We all have sickle cell players. To me, it's the most scary individual thing we face. There are no signs. There are no indicators. You test every one of your players when they come in. And there are players who come in that have no idea they have it. Then you've got to call the parents, sit the kid down and talk to them what it means -- what the possibilities of things happening are. It's a scary deal..."

Bielema's interview in SI is mandatory reading for its silliness and stupidity over the idea of clock stoppages and instant diagnoses of athletes physical problems...

Oh...

Arkansas has their season opener at Auburn...
How do you think that will go...???

Kinda like this...???
((HT: Auburn Athletics))


And the prevailing opinion on the Plains will go a little something like this...

A Tie...??? How Does This End In A Tie...??/

((HT: Hot Clicks))

When you shatter a light overhead and can't do a anything about it...

There is no alternative (???)

Johnson C. Smith and Winston-Salem State had a buzzer beater smash a light that was dangling overhead and the officials decided to make a game a wash...

Here's head coach Bobby Collins and the play in question...


Winston-Salem State moves to 15-9-1 while Johnson C. Smith moves to 14-10-1.

The Cruelty Of The Games

((HT: 11Alive.com))

This is what happens sometimes... and it sucks...

There are more members of a team than there are participants. And Kyle Carr of suburban Atlanta had made his dream of being on a team for the United States in short track speed skating. He had been a part of the semi-finals team that had qualified for the finals, and had been told by his coaches that he would skate in the finals.

But then, things changed... before the final Jordan Malone was subbed in and Kyle's mom was visibly upset.

FOSG Jaye Watson is over there and got the reaction first-hand...
The team finished second for the silver... and Carr will not get a medal for his efforts...

Dodger Legend Sandy Koufax Takes A Foul Ball Off His Head

[HT: mlb.com]

This is a bit scary.

Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax took and line drive foul ball of the bat of Andre Eithier off his head at Dodgers spring training camp during batting practice Friday.

Here's a photo of Koufax after the incident.


















"I'm fine." Koufax said an hour later.

After a CT scan Koufax returned to the Dodgers spring training camp.

According to the Dodger legend this is the first time he's ever been hit in the head by a baseball.

When Eithier was asked if he was worried his response was.

"Wouldn't you be?" Eithier said. "Not just because of who he is, but anybody who gets hit. It's scary. I've seen it happen."



Look Out Here Comes Carolina. Tar Heels Take Round One 74-66 Over Duke

After starting ACC play 0-3 North Carolina may have righted the ship right on time.

Thursday night the Tar Heels won their eighth in a row defeating rival Duke 74-66 in round one of the Battle of the Blues.

Here's the highlights, Thanks GoHeelsTV



Marcus Paige scored all of his 13 points in the second half to lead the Carolina comeback.

This game morphed into a heavyweight slugfest you would expect from the rivalry.

"For a few minutes there both teams were fighting so hard it wasn't very pretty."  North Carolina head coach Roy Williams said.  "It's really two teams that fought awfully hard and understand where they stand in this 
rivalry."

"I think it's an emotional game."  Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said.  "No matter what you talk about until you're in it, you don't know. They're kids, kids, men-it can affect you. The atmosphere was sensational, but we should want that and we do. That's a great atmosphere to play in, but sometimes it can hurt your communication patterns. You can start to think of what you're doing instead of what we're doing. That can have an impact, no question."

On Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, North Carolina it was party time.

Thanks WTVD Raleigh, NC



Duels At Daytona End In Flames

((HT: NASCAR on FOX))

You had a feeling that, since the first Duel at Daytona was a clean 60-lap race, the second race was going to be messy...

And it was at the end...

Johnson apologized as the initial thoughts were that the 48 ran out of gas, but it seems more like someone got out of line and wobbled Johnson into the heart of the traffic pattern..

It also made for some interesting allowances into the race at Daytona- both Labonte brothers DROVE their way in... and there are seven rookies in the field carrying the yellow back bumper tape...

Race is Sunday...

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Tim And Sid See Team Canada Win Live...

((HT: Sportsnet))

Okay, we get that Team Canada won...

Tim and Sid celebrate accordingly...

Harumph...

Garth Snow Hot Over Tavares Injury...And He Has A Good Reason...

((HT: NHL))

And the HQ is in his corner on this one...

The Islanders GM, Garth Snow, is livid over the season-ending injury to star forward John Tavares at the hands of Latvian defenseman Arturs Kulda- even wondering if the IIHF and IOC wold pay his season ticket holders back since Tavares is done for the year...

“It’s a joke. They want all the benefits from NHL players in Olympics and don’t want to pay when our best player gets hurt,” Snow told Arthur Staple of Newsday. “It wouldn’t matter if we were 10 points up on a playoff spot or 10 points out. We lost our best player and he wasn’t playing for us.”

Snow now joins a small chorus of folks who aren't fans of the renewal of the agreement between the NHL and IIHF for the 2018 games in Korea. But that answer will come in the next six months or so...

Here's reaction from morning skate for the Islanders...


It's a meniscus tear and an MCL tear for Tavares' left knee and, separately, the chorus for the return of the World Cup of Hockey is returning...

OSG Minors: Will Sand Gnats Stay In Savannah...???

((HT: The Coastal Source))

The short answer... and stop the HQ if you've heard this before...

If the city builds a new downtown stadium to replace the aging Grayson Stadium...

Jason Freier and Hardball Capital are looking for a new stadium to take over for the historic facility. But the big beef that the folks in Savannaha have is that Freier made the same overtures to the city of Columbia, South Carolina and has met with the Savannah City Council twice to reinforce his point...

And the folks in Savannah are less than pleased at the end run...

Team Canada Takes Gold In Overtime

((HT: Sportsnet))

Yes, the HQ is full of dammit, dammit, dammit right now...

After hitting a post on what could have been an empty-netter that could have sealed the gold medal for Team USA...

It still smarts when the top two countries in the world when it comes to women's hockey trade blows into sudden death overtime...

And Team USA doesn't come out on top...

Daren Millard and John Shannon discuss what it means to Team Canada...
This is what Millard is referring to... ((HT: NBC/IOC))
Clever... and jingoistically unfunny...

Bryan Stow Beating Defendants Sentenced

((ht: cbssports.com))

The two Los Angeles men convicted of beating San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow at Dodger stadium after a baseball game will be spending some time in prison.

Marvin Norwood, after pleading guilty to an assault charge likely to produce bodily injury, was sentenced to 4-years in a state prison. Louie Sanchez, who pled to a charge of mayhem with the intent to critically injure, was sentenced to 8-years.

The beating incident left Stow in a coma for months and he's still disabled and will require major medical care for the rest of his life.

No real reason was given for what happened other than Stow being an out of town fan at the wrong place at the wrong time.

You can support the Bryan Stow Fund by clicking on the link HERE

Video of Stow's father and others testifying during the sentencing hearing Thursday morning from KRON-TV:

 

Syracuse's 2-Tone Uniform Will Be Locked Up Permanently, Boston College Upsets #1 Orange

Syracuse broke out their throwback jerseys Thursday night against Boston College and instead was thrown down by the Eagles in overtime 62-59.

The Eagles came into the game 2-10 in the ACC, 6-19 overall.  Loss number 20 for Boston College wasn't happening in the Carrier Dome.

Here's the highlights with FOSG Matt Park on the call. Thanks Syracuse Orange


Here's Eagles head coach Steve Donahue after the game.

Donahue is referring to Boston College men's basketball sports information director and FOSG Dick Kelley who passed away last Thursday after a three year battle fighting ALS.

Syracuse's shooting was just awful.  The Orange only shot 32 percent from the field and 16 percent from the 3 point line.

“We’re not putting the ball in the basket." Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim said. "We’re not going to win games shooting 32 percent, 16 percent from the three. It’s pretty simple, it’s not complicated. We need to be better on offense, it’s that simple.”

Boston College did shoot much better going 42 percent from the field and 50 percent from the three point line.

Eagle sophomore guard Olivier Hanlan led all scorers with 20 points.

It doesn't net easier for Syracuse and the Orange have #5 Duke on the docket for Saturday night.  It will mark the first time a Syracuse team has put their sneakers on the floor of Cameron Indoor Stadium.

"Right now we need to think about having two good days of preparation and Duke is one of the toughest places to play in the last five years and I’m sure they have one of the best home records of any team in the last five years."  Boeheim said.  "And they’re playing really well and they attacked us really well here. It’ll be a great challenge for us and that’s something we need for us to regroup. We have plenty of time to reflect back on the season when the season is over.”

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Ray Rice... It's Up To You...

((HT: WBAL-TV/TMZ Sports))

As Peter King put it on his Twitter feed:

In other news, Ray Rice had better have one heck of an explanation for Atlantic City.

Eloquence in simplicity there...

Here's what the folks over at TMZ Sports have from Rice and his fiancee's incident in Atlantic City...


The bottom line...

Rice and his fiancee, Janay Palmer, were in the Revel Casino in Atlantic City and were involved in some kind of physical "altercation" around 3AM Saturday. Rice, allegedly, struck Palmer at one point rendering her unconscious. Rice and Palmer were charged with simple assault-domestic violence and were both released on a summons to appear in court.

The above video released by TMZ is the end of the incident...

This from the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office:

"The domestic violence incident in Atlantic City involving Ray Rice has been referred to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office for review. The Atlantic City Police Department has requested the Prosecutor’s Office review the case to ensure all appropriate charges are considered. The matter remains under investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office in conjunction with the Atlantic City Police Department. At the present time, Mr. Rice remains charged with simple assault, a disorderly person's offense."

The Ravens and Ozzie Newsome are letting the legal system do their thing.

Here's the complaint, thanks to ABC2 in Baltimore...

Ray Rice Complaint

DEVELOPING: Dolphins Fire OL Coach Turner And Trainer O'Neill As Incognito Fallout Continues...

You figured something like this would be happening sooner or later...

The buck stops where...???

Apparently, the Dolphins offensive line as the team has fired OL coach Jim Turner and head trainer Kevin O'Neill as part of the Richie Incognito fallout...

Here's part of the statement by the team:

“The language and behavior as described in the Ted Wells report are against the core values of our organization,” Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said in a statement. “After receiving the report, I conducted my own internal review of the facts to determine the appropriate steps for our organization. Jim Turner and Kevin O’Neill are good people who care a great deal about their profession and the players whom they serve, but both exhibited poor judgment at times which led me to this conclusion. As owner, I know firsthand of the high-character and dedicated professionals in our building. I believe in our team and know the hard work and sacrifices they make every day on the field and in the community.”

O'Neill had been with the team for 18 years and Turner for 2. Ross went on to call the entire saga a "teaching moment."

Here's head coach Joe Philbin's statement:

“As the Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins, it is my responsibility to create an atmosphere that allows each player the opportunity to reach his full potential. As Stephen Ross said, and I agree, the language and behavior outlined in Ted Wells’ report was disappointing and unacceptable. Since I first arrived in Miami, it has been my goal to have a team which honors our proud tradition and represents our fan base the right way both on and off the field. It is not possible for a team to accomplish its goals when the fundamental values of respect are violated. That ultimately rests on my shoulders and I will be accountable moving forward for making sure that we emphasize a team-first culture of respect towards one another."

The HQ still wonders how Philbin was unaware...

Here's WSVN's coverage from when the Wells Report was initially released...
WSVN-TV - 7NEWS Miam Ft. Lauderdale News, Weather, Deco

What's The 411 On Canada's Lack Of Offense...???

((HT: Sportsnet))

It showed in the barrage against Latvian goalie Kristers Gudlevskis- who stopped 53 of 55 shots against Team Canada...

And the HQ has seen, like the rest of the world, that the Canadian defense has more points in the Sochi tournament than the front lines... and THAT is the cause of concern as they head into the semi-finals against Team USA

Tim and Sid discuss...
Steve Yzerman chose wisely when he drafted him for the Lightning's depth in the position...

Since When Is Eating Pasta An NCAA Violation

[HT: newsok.com]

Tuesday the University of Oklahoma released a list of NCAA secondary violations from 2013 the program self reported.  Most of this involves text messages, impermissible calls, etc.

This secondary violation caught the eye of us in the OSG HQ:

May 10, 2013
Violation: Three current student-athletes received food in excess of NCAA regulation at a graduation banquet. The three had graduated from the school but returned for an additional season of competition. The players were provided pasta in excess of the permissible amount allowed. Resolution: The three were required to donate $3.83 each (the cost of the pasta serving) to a charity of their choice in order to be reinstated. The department provided rules education to applicable athletics department staff members.
That's right, an excess in pasta in an NCAA secondary violation.
Let that be a lesson for you student athletes if your attending a dinner of some kind, that second helping of spaghetti might cost you and force you school to be slapped on the wrist.
All for just under four dollars.
The pasta had no comment.

Nkemdiches In Deep Doo Doo In Oxford

((HT: Jackson Clarion Ledger/Kellenberger))

The recruitment of Grayson (GA) High DE Robert Nkemdiche was one of those southern soap operas only National Signing Day could hold- was he going to Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, or Ole Miss...???

There was the picture from the summer camp with his friends where they were all wearing Clemson jerseys. But, not so fast...

Robert's older brother, Denzel, was already at Ole Miss and Mama Nkemdiche wasn't about to let Robert out of some kind of supervision- thus, the declaration of Ole Miss over Alabama and Clemson in the end.

Flash forward ahead a little bit...

Denzel turned 21 over the weekend and was a little rowdy about it. He was charged with disorderly conduct (failure to comply with a police officer) and disturbing the peace. Denzel and Serderius Bryant have been suspended pending results from the partying...

But, now in the Kellenberger article, it is alleged that both Nkemdiches were involved in an on-campus fight only 11 days after Robert signed to play in Oxford. At a fraternity house, an unrelated fight happened and the fraternity asked everyone to leave the house. After the defendant in the case, Matthew Baird, his girlfriend and friend were in the process of leaving it is alleged that Denzel, Robert, and five other (currently identified as) John Doe's came from behind and beat Baird unconscious.

The suit says Baird's friend jumped on top of him to shield him, but the beating continued- injuring the friend as well.

From Kellenberger:

A 911 call was made, but the defendants are alleged to have left before law enforcement arrived. The plaintiff was unconscious on the scene for 12-15 minutes and his body began to convulse in a seizure. He was treated for multiple injuries, include a closed head injury.

Baird is seeking $1 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages, based on the alleged battery, emotional distress and loss of future earnings.


“When this alleged incident occurred, the proper authorities investigated the matter and could find no evidence of wrong-doing related to Denzel and Robert Nkemdiche or any other members of our football program,” Ole Miss AD Ross Bjork said in a statement. “This is a personal matter for them and we will support Denzel and Robert while they defend themselves in this civil case.”

The larger question the HQ has is can the plaintiff prove that the police were notified and didn't follow through on a charge...

That's the rub in all of this to us...

Here's a feature on Denzel run by the folks in Bristol...
((HT: ESPNU))


More when we know more, but OSG sources close to the situation on campus say that coaches are ruing the day that the younger Nkemdiche came to The Grove as he has been bad news ever since showing up...

And this civil suit may be case in point...

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Champions League: Barca and PSG Roll

((HT: UEFA/youtube))

Barcelona has had traditional issues winning in Manchester, but that went away today with a 2-0 win over Manchester City.

A Demichelis red led to a Messi PK and Dani Alves scored in the end for a comfortable win


And PSG blew out Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 off an Ibra double...
It wasn't even that close...


Leverkusen is even thinking about resting players in the away leg if the series since things are so out of hand in their match-up...

Atleti and Milan go tomorrow as well as Arsenal and Bayern Munich...

One Of The Worst Brawls You'll Ever See...

((HT: Baseball America))

Take you to Cuban baseball for this one...

First, just watch... pretty wild...


Now, the background...

Villa Clara pitcher Freddy Alvarez gives up a homer and then hits two batters afterwards. After the second batter got buzzed, a player came in from the dugout with the bat and started swinging...

You saw the self-defense. Now, the HQ just wonders how much of a suspension that Matanzas player Demis Valdes will get...
Even with a swing and a miss...

Jamaican Bobsled Team Has No Regrets

((HT: ITN))

As well they shouldn't...

They finished 29th out of 30 squads in Sochi, but as they reach their 12th year of competing, they still hold one of the more popular teams out there...

Here's the wrap-up on their efforts from Russia...


And here's to hoping that they keep coming back to compete...

Roddy White Fails To Appear, Gets Arrested

Gwinnett County (GA) authorities arrested Atlanta Falcons WR Roddy White on "failure to appear" charges related to the tint on his windows- which was deemed to be illegal (translation: probably too dark)
.

White (pictured right, thanks MyFoxAtlanta/Gwinnett County Police Department) posted bond and was arrested in connection with a bench warrant from Recorders Court. The violation was recorded a year ago.

The Atlatna Falcons released a statement concerning the arrest on Tuesday morning:

"We are aware of the incident involving Roddy White. We anticipate this will be resolved shortly and we will have no further comment at this time."

More when we know more...

Monday, February 17, 2014

OSG High: Sixers Sign Down's Syndrome HS Student To Contract

((HT: CSN Philly))

The HQ showed the efforts of Kevin Grow a few days ago...

He is the Pennsylvania high schooler with Down's Syndrome who hit four three-pointers on Senior Night for Bensalem (PA) High School. Because of his efforts on and off the court, the Sixers are signing him to a two-day contract where he will take part in a team's practice, eat dinner with the team, and get some SIxers gear out of the deal.

When the Sixers host the Cavaliers on Tuesday, Grow gets a jersey, his own locker in the locker room, and will stand with his new teammates for the National Anthem.

Here's the signing at Bensalem High...


Grow and his teammates will be honored during the Cavs game during a timeout as well...