(Image source: ESPN)

BY HANK KOEBLER

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

The NBA Draft Lottery awarded the top pick to the New Orleans Hornets, and some think the situation smells fishier than a crawfish boil in the bayou.

The Hornets are owned by the NBA, and several NBA players tweeted their suspicions about a league-owned team winning the top pick…

The Portland Traiblazers’ Jonny Flynn announced... “The fix is in.”

Timberwolves star Kevin Love channeled his inner Al Gore, saying... “I demand a recount!!!”

Love’s teammate Derrick Williams wondered out loud about televising the process, saying... “I just wanna know why they don't show the lottery balls getting picked anymore.”

And The Grizzlies’ Quincy Pondexter responded to Williams, simply saying “You know why.”

A columnist for Yahoo! Sports dives deeper into the conspiracy talk, saying the draft lottery is the latest in a series of shady events since the NBA took over the Hornets.

“This was the fitting end to one of the darkest, most unseemly episodes in the history of the NBA, the perfect punctuation on the commissioner's manipulation of the sale and salvation of a lost franchise.”

The Yahoo! article also notes — even other team owners were concerned the NBA rigged the draft to help New Orleans. ESPN’s Chris Broussard says he doesn’t believe the conspiracy talk, but says it’s a cost of the conflict-of-interest the NBA created by buying the Hornets.

“This is just going to fuel that type of conspiracy-type talk. And that’s unfortunate, because I don’t think it was rigged. But it’ll fuel that type of talk.”

A writer for SB Nation’s Sacramento Kings blog says the lottery doesn’t appear rigged because if it were rigged, it would make much more sense to give the pick to someone else.

“If there is a team in the lottery that probably needs the #1 pick the least from a marketing standpoint, it may be New Orleans. The Kings desperately need the pick (whether they are staying or going), as do Michael Jordan’s Bobcats (and if we’re talking about who the NBA owes, MJ is a good place to start).”

Kentucky star Anthony Davis is widely presumed to be whom the Hornets will take with the top pick in the draft. 

(Image Source: NFL.com)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

After talks of cancelling the Pro Bowl game — the NFL announced it will hold the 33rd Pro Bowl back in Hawaii this year. ESPN’s Tedy Bruschi gives his opinion on the game as a former player.

“Players still look at it still as a goal to make the Pro Bowl.  To say at least one time or multiple times you made the Pro Bowl, but I don’t care where it's played, when it’s played, but how it’s played because it has deteriorated.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said cancelling the game was a possibility due to a lack of effort by the players. Many believe the players are scared of injuring themselves and therefore don’t give 100 percent. The Bleacher Report’s lead NFL blogger says Drew Brees’s elbow injury in 2007 during the game was a turning point for the competitiveness of the game.

“It's not hard to understand why, as there is a lot of money riding on their ability to play football the following fall. Jeopardizing that ability for a meaningless exhibition game is foolish—at best. Brees' injury seemed to wake a lot of guys up to that fact.”

But some players still look forward to giving it all during the game. The Bengals’ rookie quarterback Andy Dalton played in his first Pro Bowl last year.  NFL.com quotes Dalton on his postive experince.

"I don't think you saw the receivers going any slower than they normally would. The pass rush is obviously lacking quite a bit but as a quarterback you like that. It's not like a normal game. Guys don't want to get hurt when you are enjoying the time out there."

Some say the league needs to add something to the Pro Bowl weekend. The NFL and NBA have skill competitions during their all-star weekends. A blogger for NBC Chicago says the NFL could spice it up.  

“Who wouldn't want to see a foot race between speedy receivers like Hester and Calvin Johnson? An accuracy test of the league's best quarterbacks and a kick-off for the best kickers would make for great television.”

The game will be played the week before the Super Bowl on January 27.

(Image source: Sky News)

BY MEGAN RICE

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Fear of racism has been a major concern in the upcoming Euro 2012 tournament. One thing Italian striker, Mario Balotelli, has made clear:  He won’t put up with any slurs. Here’s SkyNews with the story.

“Mario Balotelli has said he will walk off the pitch if he is racially abused at Euro 2012. The Manchester City and Italy striker has also claimed he would kill anyone who threw a banana at him, in the street.”

Analysts fear neo-Nazi gangs in the host countries of Poland and Ukraine are going to target black players and fans at the tournament. The BBC interviewed Football Association Chairman David Bernstein.

“Where we go along, positive and hopeful that these things won't happen. These are important occasions for the two countries concerned and sure they will be policed efficiently.”

Balotelli says he has zero tolerance for racism because he’s been a victim in the past. Sportige reports.

“This season, in a Europa League match against Porto, Balotelli encountered monkey chants from a Porto fan....And there was the disgusting incident in Rome, when he had bananas thrown at him by three people in a Bar.”

However, one Bleacher Report columnist thinks Balotelli’s reaction might be over the top.

“While there's no problem with taking a strong stance against racism, threatening to kill people crosses the line. It will only add more tension to an already sticky situation that has the potential to overshadow the tournament if things get out of hand.”

On Twitter, Balotelli’s receiving mixed reviews.

One Twitter user says, “Mario Balotelli will kill anyone who racially abuses him at Euro 2012... this guy has lost his mind...”

While another Twitter user says, “For the first time Mario Balotelli is in the news for a good thing.”

Euro 2012 opens June 8th.  Italy and Balotelli’s first round will begin June 10th against Spain.

(Image Source: WHDH)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling is feeling the heat instead of delivering it this spring. His entrepreneurial video-game venture has reportedly failed and now taxpayers are out money.  WHDH has the story.

“Kurt Schilling’s video game company received a $75 million loan guarantee from Rhode Island, but still jobs there could not be saved.”

Schilling named the company 38 Studios, after the number he wore while he pitched in Boston. 38 Studios fired all 380 of its employees last week.

The company released two video games in 2012, but in May failed to make a one million dollar interest payment to the state of Rhode Island.  The release date for its biggest project, Copernicus, was a year away.

 The business needed $4 million a month to stay running, and Rhode Island’s governor said — no more money. The state now owns the company.

So now 38 Studios is out of business and many are wondering why Schilling was given the loan in the first place. One CNN analyst says, the Rhode Island officials who made the deal may have been starstruck by Schilling’s World Series rings.

“They just think it was good business, but an awful lot of people feel that if his name had been Curt Smith, none of this would have happened.”

Schilling and the Red Sox also invested in the company.  Schilling spoke to the Providence Journal about the situation —  blaming the state for going back...

“...on a deal to approve film tax credits to which 38 Studios was legally entitled, and to allow the company to defer a $1.12-million payment … Schilling also criticized [the governor’s] ‘devastating’ public remarks about 38 Studios' financial health, which he says scared off private investors.”

There could be a way out of this bad situation for Rhode Island and Schilling.  An investor could decide to buy the company to finish Copernicus, but according to a WBUR reporter — that’s a longshot.

“Tens of millions more dollars would have to be invested to complete the game. The state of Rhode Island says it would allow Schilling to find such an investor or buyer if there is one. But Sliwinski says the market for these types of games is not good.”

(Image source: Miami Herald)

BY HANK KOEBLER

LeBron, make some room for the Dolphins and their camera crews. HBO’s Hard Knocks, is taking its talents to South Beach. WTVT has the details:

“OK, forget about Tim Tebow and New York. HBO has chosen the Miami Dolphins as the subject of this year's Hard Knocks. The series documents NFL training camp. This is the show's seventh season.”

According to an NFL.com analyst, Dolphins coach Joe Philbin surprised the media when he announced his team would be on the show this season.

“When Philbin came up to the announcement to say that he had an announcement to make, the media contingent did not at all expect this to be what it was. Keep in mind this is a first-year head coach.”

The decision may have be a surprising choice coming from HBO — but Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic says it was will bring much-needed attention to the Dolphins.

“They need to generate some buzz. They are not putting butts in the seats down there. It is a good move by them. I like it.”

Good publicity for the Dolphins — but will a team with only one winning season in the past six years make for good TV? An ESPN blogger says not to worry about that.

“HBO made an interesting decision to pick the Miami Dolphins, but what they don’t have in talent and star power I think they make up for in storylines.”

One such storyline will be the development of rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill
as he battles to earn playing time this season. The Dolphins drafted Tannehill out of Texas A&M with the No. 8 pick in the draft, and announced he will compete with veterans David Garrard and Matt Moore for the starting job.

A guest on AOL’s Sporting News says the presence of the cameras and attention could create outside pressure that affects the quarterback competition.

“I think It could put a little more pressure on the Dolphins to play Ryan Tannehill right away. It’s certainly gonna put them in a fishbowl environment and we’re going to see right away how ready Ryan Tannehill is to play in the NFL.”

But a CBS Sports writer suggests — the most interesting players to watch will be outside the glow of the quarterback spotlight.

“ … every year during Hard Knocks, we're surprised when we find out that certain players on a team's roster are far more interesting than we could ever think. Which, by the way, is a great way to sum up the 2012 Dolphins as a whole.”
 
According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Seahawks, 49ers, Redskins, Texans, Jets and Falcons all turned down Hard Knocks before the Dolphins agreed to be on the show.

(Image Source: NBA.com)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

The San Antonio Spurs are hot and chasing history.  Analysts say a mix of great coaching, a deep bench, and veteran leadership has the Spurs up 2-0 in the Western Conference Finals. HLN has the story.

“Duncan is not playing like an old man. Leading the Spurs to a twenty-game winning streak. The longest to ever carry over from the regular season into the playoffs in the history of the NBA.”

That’s not the only record the squad is chasing.  One more win and the Spurs tie the Lakers’ record for most consecutive wins to start the playoffs — at 11.  Fox Sports has head coach Gregg Popovich on what sets this team apart from other years.

“I think that the combination of penetrate and pitch and post-up with Timmy is probably the best that we’ve had”

So how long can this winning streak last? ESPN’s J.A. Andande believes the Spurs could win out for a total of 26 in a row.

“No other team has been blessed with such a perfect alignment: a well-balanced squad that won't see a team properly equipped to beat it.”

But some say the Spurs playoff opponent the Oklahoma City Thunder shouldn’t worry — with its stand out players Durant, Harden, and Westbrook combining for 88 points last game. A Bleacher Report columnist says this youthful trio gives OKC hope.

“Any time you have three players who can produce like those three youngsters can, you're going to have a great chance to win, no matter how dominant the competition may be.”

The teams travel to Oklahoma City for game three Thursday night.

(Image Source: NBA.com)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

There’s no place like home-- at least not for Tim Duncan. KDFW has the story.

“One of the greatest players in NBA history wants to end his career where it began. Tim Duncan says he will not enter the free agent market calling himself a Spur for life.”

Duncan is a free agent after this NBA season. He was drafted by San Antonio as the number one overall draft pick in 1997. One Yahoo! writer says Duncan is used to the familiar faces in San Antonio.

“The only coach he’s known is Popovich. The Spurs’ All-Star guards – Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili – have played with Duncan for 11 and 10 seasons, respectively. This isn’t normal. Not in today’s pack-for-South-Beach NBA.”

That’s a reference to Lebron James’ decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers, his hometown and the team that drafted him, to play alongside Dwyane Wade in Miami. A Bettor.com blogger says Duncan is loved in San Antonio for multiple reasons.

“The San Antonio Spurs fans idolize Tim Duncan not only for his immeasurable talent and stupendous performances over the years, but also for his unwavering loyalty to them and to the franchise.”

Some say that loyalty has brought Duncan four NBA Championships and three finals MVP’s. A writer for Air Alamo says he isn't surprised Duncan wants to come back to win more championships, and believes the perennial all-star would sacrifice dollars to do so.

“Knowing Duncan it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that he takes a significant pay cut to give the Spurs’ front office more financial flexibility. Every dollar counts and it could open up interesting opportunities to add more depth.”

Duncan’s Spurs are still in the NBA playoffs – up one game to zero over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game two is Tuesday night.

(Image Source: SBNation)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

ANCHOR LOGAN TITTLE

“Come on, Eddie.” Those three little words to the referee are all it took for Celtics head coach Doc Rivers to get a technical foul Monday night against the Miami Heat. Boston’s WCVB has the coaches reaction to the call.

“I don't know how long I've been in the league but that has to rank as the worst I ever had.  I would have loved to earn it, but we should never get them and I told our guys that.”

Referees Ed Malloy and Danny Crawford handed out techs to Boston starts Rondo, Allen, and Garnett.  Boston added a defensive three seconds to make a total of 5 T’s for the game.

A Comcast Sportsnet Celtic Insider points out while the fouls...

“Accounted for just three additional points for the Heat. There was no mistaking that the calls certainly threw the C's off stride.”

The Celtics were tied with the Heat at halftime. The Heat pulled away in the third quarter and won the game decisively 93-79. ESPN’s Stephen A Smith explains these fouls held the Celtics back.

“You feel you have to guard and monitor everything you do. That is ridiculous. It makes no sense whatsoever and the league really really needs to fall back.”

Smith said he thought the calls were so bad, it looked like the refs were intentionally favoring the Heat. But a blogger for Boston.com says ultimately it was bad play, not bad calls, that cost the Celtics the game.

“The refs had little to do with any of this. While Malloy may have been wearing a Heat jersey, he wasn't playing defense.”

Rivers reaction to his technical was so animated, an SB Nation writer made GIFs out of it and called it perfect. He joked about the call...

“I’d love to have the power of incurring that kind of reaction simply for people shouting my name. … I can’t blame Maloy too much. It is a lot of fun to mess with people like this.”

The teams meet again Wednesday night for game two of the Eastern Conference Finals.

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)  

BY MEGAN RICE

ANCHOR CARISSA LOETHEN

A tennis ace served up history to start the French Open. That’s right, Roger Federer wins again, but this time his latest Grand Slam victory ties an all-time record. Here’s the BBC with the headline.

“Roger Federer’s first round win at the French Open today over Germany’s Tobias Kamke was his 233rd Grand Slam match win, equaling the record set by Jimmy Connors.”

Analysts have called Federer one of the greatest tennis players of all time. ATP World Tour has what Federer had to say about to tying Connors.

“Jimmy is obviously one of the greats of all time, and was around for 20 years. ... I have been so successful for such a long time and to already tie that record, which is 30 years old is pretty incredible, so I'm very happy.”

One of Connors’ records down and another one to go. The Daily Mail reports...

“Federer also revealed Connors' record of 109 tournament titles is one he has in his sights, although he is a long way off at the moment on 74.”

Despite tying Connors’ record and winning in his first round, the 30 year-old might not be considered a favorite on the clay. Sportige writes...

“His chances of winning in Paris? Slim to none, but still there... Because Federer just doesn’t have the legs to beat Nadal and Djokovic on clay, especially in a five set match.”

Federer has a handful of other records including 16 Grand Slam singles titles one of them including a 2009 French Open title. But the one to watch is Rafeal Nadal, who has won 6 of the last 7 French Opens. Here’s ESPN on Nadal...

“He would break a record if he won this as far as betting Bjorn Borg’s record so he has to have that extra incentive going for him and this lets face it he has great memories here Roland Garros it’s been probably his most successful tournament.”

Federer will face Romania’s Adrian Ungur in the second round.

(Image Source: UFC.com)

BY JON REHAGEN

ANCHOR NEVILLE MILLER

The world of mixed martial arts is now set for a rematch between its two top heavyweights. Plans are in motion to put current champion Junior Dos Santos up against former champion Cain Velasquez.  Here’s KLAS.

“... Well as we found out last night the most likely scenario, a rematch with Cain Velasquez, and remember Dos Santos took the title from Cain in a first round knockout back in November...”

Both fighters are coming off dominating performances.

Dos Santos retained his belt Saturday night. Velasquez demolished another challenger, settting up the rematch. UFC President Dana White spoke with Fuel TV about Velasquez following Saturday night’s event

“... well he was undefeated. I mean he was an undefeated champion, he wins a fight, and you know he gets another shot at Junior.”

The last time these two met it was the most-watched UFC event ever. And while the rematch isn’t official yet, ESPN blogger Mark Gross says he expects a better show the second time around.

“...But aren't you curious to see if Velasquez has much more for Dos Santos than he showed last November? I am. I think he does, and I believe a rematch would bring out the best in both fighters.”

Not everyone believes that. A writer for Bleacher Report’s UFC section thinks the last fight was pretty one-sided.

“...Junior dos Santos knocked out Cain Velasquez in one minute and four seconds. Those are the facts. No shaky judges' decision. No freaky eye poke. No controversial stoppage. … Therefore, no glaring need to rush the two fighters back into a rematch as if some wrong occurred that needs to be righted.”

An MMATorch contributor says while no one else has a stronger claim to the title than Valesquez, he’d rather see new blood in the octagon.

“I think Daniel Cormier has a better claim to the belt than Velasquez does. ... I would be much more interested in a fresh matchup.”

If the rematch does go forward, it’s possible it could land right at a year after the first fight.

(Image source: WhiteHouse.gov)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR ALLIE SPILLYARDS

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

Memorial Day is being remembered around the country. In Washington, President Obama will lay a traditional wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. Fox News reports on other ceremonies planned for today.

“The President along with vice president Joe Biden will then visit the Vietnam War Memorial. The President will deliver the keynote address during a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War.”

Tropical Storm Beryl made landfall overnight near Jacksonville, Florida. The storm is almost powerful enough to be classified as a hurricane, and is expected to dump nearly a foot of rain in some areas. CNN explains it’s rare to have such a powerful storm this time of year.

“Unusual to have not one but two tropical storms in the month of May — we’re not even to the beginning of hurricane season yet. And this one made landfall. We haven’t seen that in decades.”

Former UK prime minister Tony Blair testified in the inquiry over the News of the World phone hacking scandal. Sky News has a clip where Blair defended his administration’s ties to Rupert Murdoch’s media empire.

“I cannot believe we are the first and only government that has ever wanted to put the best possible gloss on what you’re doing. I would be surprised if governments hadn’t done that throughout the ages.”

Sunday’s Indy 500 paid tribute to Dan Wheldon, an IndyCar champion who was killed in a crash last October. The race began with Wheldon’s car taking a ceremonial lap, and finished with Wheldon’s closest friends sweeping the race. Here’s HLN.

“Wheldon’s three best friends on the track — Franchitti, Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan — finished 1-2-3 in the race. Kanaan said afterward, ‘Wherever Wheldon is right now, he’s smiling.’”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Allie Spillyards, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

(Image source: Los Angeles Times)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

The United Nations Security Council is meeting to discuss the massacre in the Syrian village of Houla.
Diplomats say the closed meeting was called after Russia rejected a joint U.K.-French statement condemning the killings.
U.K. Foreign Secretary William Hague explained the decision to the BBC.

“It’s not in the interest of Russia, just as it’s not in the interest of anybody in the world for Syria to descend into an even bloodier situation and into full-scale civil war. And that is now the danger.”

Iran’s nuclear chief said on state television the country won’t halt production of enriched uranium — that’s from a New York Times report.

A foreign affairs columnist weighs in on Fox News.

“This is the second time the Iranians have been caught with highly enriched uranium. … Iran is a nuclear criminal … This is a red line.”

Subtropical storm Beryl is now Tropical Storm Beryl.
A meteorologist for CNN explains what drove the change.

“What a difference a day makes, because yesterday, Beryl was just choked off with dry air. Winds were like 45 miles per hour. …  Today, this is a different animal.”

Dario Franchitti won his third Indianapolis 500 Sunday.
The race had a record 35 lead changes.
Here’s ABC.

“And I ask you — is there a more elegant race car driver in the world than Dario? … You couldn’t ask for a better champion than Dario Franchitti.”   

 

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY HANK KOEBLER

Contract talks between the Chicago Bears and running back Matt Forte look to be at a standstill. The Chicago Tribune quotes a source claiming the Bears don’t think Forte’s knees can stay healthy...

“According to the source, given Forte's past the Bears cannot rule out arthritis setting in and becoming a chronic problem for the fifth-year running back with 1,237 career NFL touches who turns 27 in December.”

Forte sprained his left MCL late in the season and and missed the Bears’ last four games. The Bears, who had a 7-4 record before Forte’s injury, stumbled to an 8-8 finish and missed the playoffs without him.

Forte refused to sign his franchise tender, a one-year, $7.7 million deal, instead choosing to pursue a long-term contract from the Bears. His agent released a statement in response to the report doubting Forte’s health. The Sun-Times quotes his agent as saying:

"Matt Forte is among the most, if not the most, durable, all-purpose running back in the NFL. The 2011 season was the first season of his career that he missed any games. Had the Bears been play-off contenders, he could have returned for the balance of the season. To question his durability at this stage in his career is absurd."

Forte wasn’t content to just let his agent speak for him. The running back took to Twitter, posting a video of himself working out with the caption “100 Lbs sled up hill i think my knee will be ok”

Retired NFL tight end Jermaine Wiggins tells Chicago’s ESPN 1000 Forte is taking the right approach in playing hardball with the Bears.

“And you’ve noticed in the past guys that have pushed teams to the limit, said 'you know what? I’m going to push it until training camp, I’m going to hold out, and I might even sit out.' Those generally are the guys that get top dollar.”

Forte may be taking the tough route with his team, but according to Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, the team is confident Forte’s contract dispute won’t keep him away from the team for too long. WREX has the video:

“I don’t think anybody in this building is really worried about Matt coming in and doing what we expect him to do. When he gets here, he’s going to step right in and fill that void.”

If Cutler’s wrong and Forte chooses to sit out the entire season instead of signing his one-year offer,  SB Nation’s Bears fan blog says the team will be fine:

"The revamped Bears offense will be just fine without Matt Forte. Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery will help out the passing game. Offensive coordinator Mike Tice and quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates are set to install a more Jay Cutler friendly offense. And Michael Bush (a starting quality back) was brought in as running back insurance."

Bush is currently taking first-team snaps at running back for the Bears at organized team activities.

(Image source: Newsday)  

BY MEGAN RICE

Practice makes perfect and what better way to practice becoming a head coach than getting hired after an interim season. New York 1 reports on who the Knicks decided to keep in charge next year.

“And Mike Woodson will stay on as Knicks coach. The team dropped the interim tag from Woodson and gave him a multi-year contract. Woodson coached the Knicks to an 18-6 record and their first playoff win in 11 years after Mike D'antoni left mid-season.”

With any job in the Big Apple comes speculation. But, ESPN’s NBA Analyst Stephen A. Smith says the Knicks made the right choice.

“There haven't been many times when the New York Knicks have done something right. So it's nice to see that they finally did something sensible...”

Woodson beat out some stiff competition in the likes of the NBA record 11-time champion coach Phil Jackson. Fox Sports reports he will be there as long as some of the Knicks’ star players.

“Sources indicated Jackson was interested -- and Jerry Sloan may have been, too. But they'll have to wait as Woodson gets what's believed to be a three-year deal, the length of service left on the pacts of Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire.”

If being a head coach in a major city doesn’t bring enough pressure, having NBA coaching legend Phil Jackson in your rear-view certainly will. A Yahoo! Sports columnist wrote earlier this month the iconic coach was actually the better choice.

“Mike Woodson is a solid NBA coach, but he doesn’t have the clout to make this work the way that Jackson can... The Knicks don’t need Jackson for the sake of his résumé, his stature, but for his ability to get talent – especially talent at odds like ‘Melo and Amar’e – to play together.”

Regardless of what the critics think, Woodson has the job, so it’s time for him to roll up his sleeves and get to work. According to a New York Times writer, Woodson’s job includes some tall tasks.

“It is now up to Woodson, who once coached the Atlanta Hawks, to find a way to blend the scoring talents of Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire’s, a goal that has eluded the Knicks the past two seasons.

(Image source: Wikipedia)

BY HANK KOEBLER

ANCHOR CANDICE AVILES

Wins, or yards? What’s a better measure of an NFL quarterback’s success? 49ers quarterback Alex Smith gave CSN Bay Area his take, which some people considered a shot at Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton:

"Because if you're losing games in the second half, guess what? You're like the Carolina Panthers and you're going no-huddle the entire second half and, yeah, Cam Newton threw for a lot of 300-yard games, that's great. You're not winning, though."

Panthers’ linebacker Jon Beason took exception to Smith’s mention of  Newton. Beason took to Twitter to take a swipe at Smith, referencing the 49ers’ interest in former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning earlier in the offseason.

“Alex smith, don't hate on Cam Bc your stats would've gotten u cut if Peyton decided to come 2 San Fran.Truth b told..That's after a 13-3 yr.”

Beason was quick to defend his quarterback, but 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis was just as quick to defend Smith, tweeting:

“Wins are Wins I stand with My Qb Alex Smith and all my teammates.”

Smith’s comments certainly hit a sore spot in Carolina, but how much merit do they have?

Newton threw for more yards and touchdowns than Smith, but the Panthers won six games and missed the playoffs while the 49ers went to the NFC Championship game.  

A writer for the Press Democrat strongly questions Smith’s right to comment on Newton:

“Smith isn’t in a position to condescend to other another team’s franchise quarterback until he proves he’s a franchise quarterback himself ... And if the Panthers would agree to it (and they wouldn’t), I’d bet the Niners would trade Smith for Newton right now.”

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen wasn’t as harsh toward Smith, but still felt the 49ers quarterback went a little too far.

“I get some of the point, but you don't drop the name of Cam Newton in there, you know? I like the fire, but you don’t drop the name of Cam Newton”

An NFL Total Access host disagrees with that take, saying Smith wasn’t taking a shot at Newton — but making a valid statement.

“I think the only point, stat that matters in this is winning. And I think at the end of the conversation that’s what he’s saying: ‘Hey, throw all the stats out of the book. We’re getting a W; that’s what’s important.’”

The 49ers and Panthers aren’t scheduled to play each other this year. So the only way this war of words will be solved on the field is if the two teams meet in the playoffs.

(Image Source: Metro)

BY JOHN O’CONNOR

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT 

The possibility of empty seats at the 2012 Olympic games in London is looking more and more likely.  One third of the tickets haven’t been sold. The Telegraph reports.

“Officials confirmed they have just under 300,000 tickets remaining, with other large chunks of tickets - more than 1.3 million for each of the football and the Paralympics still unsold.”

The amount of unsold tickets comes as a surprise because of prior claims by officials that the event was already sold out. According to the UK’s Metro...

“With nearly 22 million applications having been made when the process originally started last year, it had looked a formality that the Games would sell out.”

So you might wonder who to blame for the recent decline in ticket demand.  BBC Sport says the problem is how the tickets were sold by Ticketmaster.

“...with some people last summer even having to be informed that they had not been successful in buying the tickets which they had originally been told that they had got. Many others were frustrated by the ballot process, which left more than a million applicants empty handed after the first round of sales.”

According to the Guardian, frustrations with the website were expected because of the large volume of traffic, but it was not expected that customers would give up on getting tickets altogether.

“(Ticket buyers) complained about the erratic countdown clock that was supposed to tell them how long to wait, and the frustration of a system that took up to half an hour to check whether particular tickets were still available.”

BBC Sport says Olympic officials took a positive spin on the situation, stating they are in a fantastic position with nine weeks still left before the games begin.

(Image source: Bremont)

BY MALLORY PERRYMAN

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

A British man jumped out of a helicopter without a parachute, fell 2,400 feet, and landed without a scratch on him. CBC talked to 42-year-old Gary Connery before he became the first person to complete a successful wingsuit landing.

Gary Connery: “If I didn’t feel scared, then there would be a problem. Paranoia I think for something like this is a great state of mind it keeps me focused.”

Scared or not — Connery did jump. The Telegraph has headcam video from Connery’s fellow jumper.

Video shows Connery gliding through the air

That windsuit Connery is wearing allowed him to steer toward a landing site — but he still reached speeds of about 80 miles an hour. After nearly a minute of falling through the air, he made it to the landing pad.

ITV News has the video.

Video shows Connery’s landing

Yes, those were cardboard boxes that he landed on. More than 18,000 of them, actually. But besides making for a cool stunt — Gizmodo reports, this is a big deal for skydivers.

“His success means he's achieved something that's been a goal for skydivers since 1997, when the first wing suit was invented by French daredevil Patrick De Gayardon, who actually died while attempting to jump sans parachute.”

Connery’s custom wingsuit was equipped with a parachute just in case. A fellow skydiver tells The New York Times — it took a combination of skill and guts to do something like this and live to tell the tale.

“It’s one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen in my life … Because of movies, people don’t really understand what they witnessed. It’s monumental for a human to land at those speeds. It took an enormous amount of courage.”

Connery had to do hundreds of jumps in the wingsuit to prepare for the event. He works as a stuntman — and his resume includes appearances in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Indiana Jones, and Batman.

(Image source: KPCC)

BY TRAVIS ZIMPFER

ANCHOR NEVILLE MILLER

He spent a decade in prison. Now, Brian Banks wants a chance in the NFL. A lifelong dream he looked well on his way to achieving before a false rape accusation and conviction derailed his life in 2002.  

On the Today Show, Banks appealed to NFL coaches to give him a chance on the field now that he’s been exonerated.

“Give me an opportunity, and let me show you what I can produce.  I think any team that gave me – that gives me an opportunity would be really impressed with what I can do.”

The Bleacher Report says the 26-year-old was once a football phenom at the Polytechnic High School of Long Beach, California.  He made a verbal commitment to USC before the conviction.

According to the Torrance Daily Breeze, Banks has been working out six days a week since October with two personal trainers to get to a professional level of fitness.

His attorney tells the south Los Angeles newspaper, NFL suitors should, “Give this guy a chance.  He’s the most determined guy I’ve ever met.”

Banks is hoping to hook up with the San Diego Chargers, but they’ve already shot him down, according to an LA Weekly blog.

“A Chargers PR director says ‘there’s no interest at this time’ to give Banks a chance, adding that ‘No one here had even heard of him until this story came out.’"

But Banks is trying to get his story out.  He’s asking for donations on his website to fund a documentary about his life, being wrongfully imprisoned and his dreams of a future in the NFL.

(Image Source: Lockerz.com)

BY HANK KOEBLER

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

New England Patriots wide receiver Chad Ochocinco says his car was broken into and his wallet was stolen. HLN has the details of the burglary:

“He had his car broken into on Tuesday. He alerted his friends on Twitter with a video there close after.”

What bothers him most about the burglary isn’t his money or his driver’s license. In a video he titled “The Thief Will See This,” Ochocinco says:

“What I’m pissed about is these motherf-----s took my Starbucks card
Not just any Starbucks card. I earned the gold card.“

The ever-colorful Ochocinco posted a picture of the broken window on Twitter, with a caption that could only come from the mind of Ochocinco himself...

Ochocinco pulled no digital punches, tweeting his wishes for the robber’s comeuppance:

"I wish Tyrannosaurus Rex diarrhea on whoever broke my window and stole my #Gold starbucks cards..."

One of Ochocinco’s Twitter followers found his wallet and returned it the next day. As luck would have it, everything was still in the wallet, except for the one thing Ochocinco cared about the most: his Starbucks card. The story has a happy ending for Ochocinco, though. Starbucks’ Twitter account sent him this tweet:

"what a bummer! We got your back... and we'll send ya a new card"

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY MATTHEW PICHT

ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

An article in the New York Daily News stirred speculation by claiming that the Yankees could be up for sale in the near future. New York 1 has more...

“The paper cites multiple unnamed baseball and finance sources as saying the Steinbrenners are exploring the possibility of a sale after the 2 billion dollar sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Experts say the Yankees could command more than 3 billion dollars.”

The article points to the opportune timing of the sale, the record-high price the Yankees might fetch on the market, and Steinbrenner’s perceived apathy toward the team as indications that a sale might be on the horizon. It was accompanied by both an editorial justifying the decision to sell, and a list of potential buyers.

However, management has been stamping down firmly on this rumor. Yankee owner Hal Steinbrenner issued a statement hotly denying any implication that he might be selling the Yankees.

“I just read the Daily News story. It is complete fiction. Me and my family have no intention to sell the Yankees and expect it to be in the family for years to come.”


But the official disavowal hasn’t stopped the gossip from flying. Yankee blog WasWatching.com says if Steinbrenner is willing to sell, now is the time.

“The Dodgers sale set the market price. And, the Yankees know that their team is getting old and average…and the pipeline is not full of legit prospects...Better to sell now, and cash out, while the value is still high.”

The story has also stirred up some allegations about Hal Steinbrenner. BleacherReport says — Steinbrenner’s recent desire to cut the Yankee payroll indicates he’s more focused on his bottom line than the welfare of the team.
 

“If Hal Steinbrenner only sees baseball as a game of economics and nothing else, then him selling the team is the best decision. If he doesn't share his father's passion for the game and for the Yankees, then it's time to step aside.”

Yankees president Randy Levine defended Steinbrenner in an interview with New York’s WNYW, saying that Hal has a genuine passion for the team.

“He’s been to many, many games. He’s fully involved with running the team, so that’s just nonsense. He loves our players, he’s been a managing partner for three years.”

The Yankees have been in the Steinbrenner family since 1973, after George Steinbrenner purchased the franchise for $8.8 million.
 

(Image source: WFTV)

BY HANK KOEBLER

Former NBA center Shaquille O’Neal calls himself many names: Superman, Shaq Fu, the Diesel… but could O’Neal soon be calling himself an NBA general manager? Fox Business has the details.

“Shaquille O'Neal could return to the NBA and the team that drafted him, the Orlando Magic but it would be in the role of general manager. ESPN says Shaq may meet with the Magic.”

O’Neal began his career with the Magic, and is reportedly friends with disgruntled Magic center Dwight Howard. Two analysts offer differing opinions about the effect the former Magic center will have on the current Magic center.

First, ESPN’s Chris Broussard …

“The Magic feel like, look, if we can bring Shaq in, he’s been everywhere Dwight wants to go. He can help Dwight mature, and, maybe again, help keep him in Orlando.”

SB Nation’s Brian Floyd has a different take.

“ … perhaps that friendship would keep Howard around.  Or, as we saw a few months ago, Howard will do what Howard wants to do… And then you're talking about Shaq having to handle a personnel situation that could send the Magic back to the Stone Age if handled incorrectly.”

With or without Howard, does O’Neal have the acumen to be a businessman? HLN discusses whether O’Neal can run a business with the ease with which he can dunk a basketball, or if he’ll botch the job the way he was known for botching free throws.

“It seems like he’d have the background in terms of knowing the game and the players, but what about the business background, I wonder.

Well he runs a few businesses, so it might work.”

O’Neal doesn’t have any experience in an NBA front office, but he did joke about being a G.M. when he retired in 2011. He interrupted his press conference in jest by pretending to answer a phone call offering him a G.M. job.

“And I just want to say… who is this? Yes. For real? You want me to apply for the New York Knicks’ general manager job? OK, sure. I’ll be up right after the press conference.”

Whether he has enough business experience for the job, the 40-year-old O’Neal certainly has a wide variety of activities on his résumé outside of basketball. Not only has he moonlighted as a rapper....

“I call myself Big but I’m not as good as Biggie
I call myself Big ‘cause I live next to Diddy"

The Diesel also holds a doctorate, is an analyst for TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” wrote an autobiography, is an honorary police officer in multiple cities, and starred in the 1996 film “Kazaam.”

The Orlando Sentinel reports that team officials have declined to comment on the rumors they plan to interview O’Neal.

(Image source: WhoDatDish)

BY MEGAN RICE

DING DING DING! Another round of the fight between the NFL Players Association and the NFL. More bad blood spilled over Wednesday in Minneapolis when the NFLPA filed a collusion suit against the NFL.
SBNation reports....

“The player’s union is claiming that the NFL imposed a ‘secret’ $123 million salary cap for teams during the 2010 season... In more simple terms, the owners agreed to a secret cap on player salaries despite opting out of the collective bargaining agreement that imposed a cap and the owners then set a new cap without the involvement of the NFLPA.”

An NFLPA lawsuit seeks repayment for the damages of the alleged secret salary cap. Here’s ESPN.

“...a lot of free agents who didn’t capitalize. They are asking for a billion dollars in actual damages and are hoping to get 3 billion out of it.”

NFLPA members say they learned of the alleged salary cap on March 12th when they began to see what they call, “repercussions” for breaking the rules of the secret cap. CBS Sports wonders if NFLPA rep Demaurice Smith set up a trap for the owners.

“As many on Twitter have noted, Smith signed off on the NFL's decision to penalize the Redskins $36 million of their cap space and the Cowboys $10 million of theirs. If, by doing so, he tried to set off this trap, that's certainly an interesting move.”

The NFL is denying any secretive pact ever existed, issuing an official statement carried in Sports Illustrated.

“The league responded to the news by saying, ‘the filing of these claims is prohibited by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and separately by an agreement signed by the players’ attorneys last August. The claims have absolutely no merit and we fully expect them to be dismissed.’”

But the players’ are convinced, the league’s owners are hiding something. The NFLPA’s executive director tells Yahoo Sports...

“When the rules are broken in a way that hurts the game, we have an obligation to act. We cannot stand by when we now know that the owners conspired to collude.”

The NFLPA and the NFL signed the Collective Bargaining Agreement last August to put an end to the NFL Lockout. That was before the Saint’s bounty scandal, HGH testing, and this second collusion suit.

(Image Source: Miami Herald)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

The Pacers-Heat series in the NBA playoffs has been physical so far — to say the least.  Three flagrant fouls were called in Tuesday’s Game 5. HLN has some of those plays.

“Heat big man Udonis Haslem right there knocking Tyler Hansbrough to the ground. Dexter Pittman could be looking at suspensions after he came down hard on a pair of Pacers. Hansbrough could also be suspended for coming down on Dwayne Wade.”

Hansbrough got the first flagrant when his attempt at blocking Wade drew blood. Many are saying Haslem’s hard foul was committed in revenge. ESPN’s Tim Legler even thinks Haslem deserves a suspension.

“This should have been a flagrant two. It should have been an ejection in my opinion.  He comes across with two hands across his face. Makes no play on the basketball whatsoever. Just delivers a blow straight to the face of Tyler Hansbrough.”

The league will review all three flagrant fouls Wednesday and could upgrade any of the calls to a more severe flagrant 2.  Flagrant 2’s can come with fines or suspensions. A blogger for Bleacher Report says the league needs to do something.

“Either way the league needs to clean this stuff up. If the league continues to turn a blind eye to that type of violent on-court behavior someone is going to get hurt—possibly severely.”

Wade also spoke out against violence in the series before Tuesday’s game. He called out the Pacers’ Danny Granger — who got a technical foul in each of Games 2, 3, and 4. USA Today quotes Wade saying this about Granger.

“You just can't keep getting in people's faces, We're not fighting on this basketball court. So let's not act like we're going to fight."

The league should announce any suspensions by Wednesday afternoon.

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY HANK KOEBLER

Time to break up the Lakers?  Probably not a great idea to ask LA Lakers’ superstar Kobe Bryant that question again. A defiant Bryant laughed at a reporter suggesting he and the Lakers were running out of time to win another championship.

“I’m not going anywhere. We’re not going anywhere. It’s not one of those things where like the Bulls beat the Pistons and the Pistons disappeared forever.  I’m not going for that s---.”

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin disagrees with that optimism, saying the Lakers need to get into the selling business. Starting with shipping away forward Pau Gasol.

“At this point, when you look at the surrounding teams that are competition, and you look  at what they have in terms of an aging roster, they have to make wholesale changes. And I think that comes down to trading Pau Gasol.”

Clearing Gasol may not be enough, according to some critics. Yahoo! Sports’ Marc Spears says center Andrew Bynum could also be too expensive to keep:

“Bynum still rates as the NBA’s second-best center, and the Lakers could again try to engage the Orlando Magic in trade talks for the one player who ranks above him: Dwight Howard”

Still others wonder, if it’s Kobe who needs to go. NBC Sports’ Michael Ventre says Bryant and this group of Lakers don’t have another championship trophy in their future together:

“There is a cold, practical, analytical way of looking at Kobe’s chances of winning another championship, and it’s a grim picture for him — if he finishes his career in a Laker uniform, of course. The Lakers would be well advised to accept this and consider their options.”

Not every critic is calling for a breakup of the present Lakers’ team. Former Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal says the Lakers’ ills can be cured by changing the team’s X’s and O’s:

“This regular-man system doesn’t work for them. They need kind of like a disciplined system that gets people in spots and lets people do their thing. Like the 1-4 flat is not going to work for their team.”

Bryant has won five championships with the Lakers, one short of matching Bulls legend Michael Jordan’s six.

(Image Source: Seahawks.com)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

Don’t show up to the off-season workouts, don’t come at all. That’s what Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Sciano told Kellen Winslow. Winslow was traded to the Seattle Seahawks Monday for a 2013 draft pick. WTVT has the story.

“Kellen Winslow is history, Greg Schiano says he doesn't fit with the team...No surprise...Winslow runs on his own schedule, his own agenda...That wasn't going to fly with Schiano.”

It sure didn’t. Winslow was a no-show for off-season workouts. When he finally got to Florida, Sciano told Winslow the team was heading in a different direction. An ESPN blogger explains, this was an important statement for the coach.

“Schiano comes from the Bill Belichick school of coaching and he’s trying to set some framework for his team. He’s making it real clear that players will do things his way -- or else they won’t play for the Bucs.”

The Tampa Bay Times explains there are other reasons why Winslow didn’t fit in Sciano’s system.

“His inability to practice consistently, mostly because of his knees; Winslow's habit of practicing on a limited basis runs counter to the relentless pace of Schiano's practices.”

The Buccaneers filled Winslow’s spot with ex-Colt tight-end Dallas Clark. One Yahoo contributor says Clark’s elite days are behind him, but he’ll still be a better fit than Winslow.

“Clark might provide some production if he can be had on the cheap, and he might have a chip on his shoulder -- proving he can still contribute -- to drive his comeback. Clark has shown himself to be a determined player.”

Clark was released by the Colts earlier this off-season and signed a one-year-deal with the Bucs.

(Image Source: Orlando Sentinel)

BY TOM MARTIN

ANCHOR CARISSA LOETHEN

Superman gets his wish. The Orlando Magic fired head coach Stan Van Gundy and GM Otis Smith Monday — after star player Dwight Howard allegedly pressured management to do so. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith says it was all a long time coming.

“After the outburst with Stan Van Gundy basically talking about how he didn’t care and that Dwight Howard wanted to get him fired because upper management had told him so... basically, you knew from that moment forward that Stan Van Gundy would be gone.”

If you recall, Van Gundy told reporters that Howard had asked he be fired — just moments before Howard showed up to give the coach support — making everything terribly awkward.

A blogger for Deadspin writes, when Howard got angry afterward, the Magic simply had no choice.

“The Magic had to do this, of course. They still hold out hopes of getting Dwight to re-sign, and that wasn't going to happen with Stan Van still running things. Dwight’s a rare superstar, whereas Van Gundy is just a very good coach. Coaches … are replaceable.”

But just how much control should a player have? The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Jeff Schultz says Howard’s power has stretched too far:

“It’s an unhealthy situation … It doesn’t play well in the front office or the locker room, and that spills onto the court … The Magic might as well [let replacement candidates] march, one by one, into the Roman Coliseum, while Howard sits on a throne and gives the thumbs up or thumbs down signal.”

The Orlando Sentinel's Brian Schmitz writes — dumping Van Gundy — who won nearly two-thirds of his games he coached for the Magic — was the wrong choice.

“[Magic CEO Alex Martins] said Van Gundy didn’t meet the ‘standards’ that the Magic have come to expect. Didn’t Stan and his staff set the standard? Two 59-win seasons and an NBA Finals appearance? What a shame. Good man, good coach. Gone.”

The Orlando Sentinel reports possible coach replacements include, among others: former New York Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni and Indiana Pacers assistant Brian Shaw.

(Image Source: KTLA)

BY TOM MARTIN

Two years, two severe beatings outside Dodger Stadium. The latest came Sunday night when a man left his car after a fender bender — and viciously attacked the person he believed was responsible. KTVU has more.

“Three men from another car held the victim down while the man involved in the collision beat the victim in the head and face. He did not suffer life-threatening injuries.”

While the victim appears to be okay — KNBC reminds us — it’s the same parking lot where another man nearly died in a similar incident.

“Just over a year ago, Giants fan Bryan Stowe was severely beaten in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium.

“According to the family website, he still needs around-the-clock care.”

Stowe’s beating prompted a beefing up of security outside Dodger stadium. A KCBS reporter says — in this case — those changes actually made a big difference.

“As bad as it is, it may also be a sign that all the changes that have been implemented in the last year may actually be working as officers were able to respond so quickly and stop this fight from getting even worse.”

Police say they arrested all four suspects involved at the scene — but a blogger for Big League Stew writes, fans also need to take some responsibility.

“The best way to stop the violence in the parking lots is for Dodgers fans themselves to decide they won't tolerate it anymore … I don't care if it takes switching from "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" to "Kumbaya," it's really up to them to bring law to the Wild West's parking lots.”

Many in Dodgertown believe new owner Magic Johnson can help curb the violence. But ESPN’s Colin Cowherd says — it will take more than a few waves of Magic’s wand to cure the culture:

“Even though Frank McCourt’s out, it doesn’t change the reality of Dodger Stadium: That parking lot is scary to a lot of people.”

“Are women at a night Dodgers game comfortable by themselves in a parking lot?”

Police say the latest victim is currently in stable condition. His name has not been released.

(Image source: Bleacher Report)

BY JIM FLINK

ANCHOR: LAUREN GORES

Sandbagging in pit row?
That was the overwhelming story line coming out of NASCAR’s All-Star race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Jimmie Johnson walked away the winner -- after taking the first and fourth legs of the race. But he sat at the back of the pack in the middle two legs. ESPN explains why.

“Under the new format, the winners of each of the first four 20-lap segments lined up 1-to-4 for pit road. Once there, it was a race to be the first to get back on the track for the final 10-lap sprint to the checkered flag. So winner Jimmie Johnson sandbagged for 60 or so laps before turning it up for a final charge to his third All-Star victory.”

On Speed TV’s website, many fans were up in arms.
Like ChevyRacer316....

“If NASCAR keeps this format, invert the 4 cars that won segments 1-4! Otherwise NASCAR is starting to suck and I am drifting from it and going to watch Grand-AM or IRL.”

And this from GatorGuy...

“Follow the time tested format of everyone's local short track. Final segment lines up in order of average finishing position from previous segments. Final segment is the longest - slightly less than one gas run - it is the ‘feature’....”

It’s a sentiment many in the media shared after the night was done.
A blogger for KTVT CBS11 in Dallas writes...

“There have been eight changes to the format since ’85. Needs to be a ninth. Sorry, but with Johnson winning early, then staying clear of trouble and then winning again late, the All-Star race is barely better than football or basketball’s exhibitions.”


On NASCAR.com, driver Brad Keselowski says, he may not like the rules as they played out, but he understood what he needed to do.

“I hate conserving race cars that don’t run hard, just wanted to make sure that everybody on my team was on the same plan. They were. So, I gotta do what they tell me.”

Not everyone thought the night was a bust.
For many, this All-Star game was like most others.
CBS Sports blogger Pete Pistone writes, for the most part, it worked.

“The new format did add some spark to the race and created side-by-side racing ... Putting weight on winning one of the four segments was a good idea that forced drivers to run hard. Unfortunately the ten-lap dash to the finish fizzled out the night with Johnson's strategy too good and his car too fast for
any kind of dramatic end to the 28th edition of the race."

(Image source: SCP Auctions)

BY JIM FLINK

How much is a memory worth?  Especially, when it isn’t your own? We found out over the weekend.

When a California auction house took in $4.4 million dollars for a shirt. Here’s CBS’ Morning News.

“Babe Ruth has broken another record. A jersey auctioned he wore in 1920, sold at auction for 4.4 million dollars.”

As you see there -- the New York Post broke the story. How do we even know the jersey is authentic?  The Post reports ...

“The road gray duds date back to the Bambino’s first season in New York. Baseball players didn’t wear numbers yet, but the jersey was identified with “RUTH G.H.” — as in George Herman Ruth — stitched inside the collar.”

Yowza. Ruth -- once the home-runs record holder -- now has a new record to his name.

The New York Daily News tells us who he just surpassed with this jersey sale.

“It’s the highest sale price for a piece of sports memorabilia since 2010 when the original rules of basketball — written by Dr. James Naismith, who created the game at a Springfield, Mass., YMCA in 1891 — was sold by Soetheby’s for a then-record $4,338,500 … The famous T-206 Honus Wagner tobacco baseball card — which until Saturday was the most expensive piece of baseball memorabilia — sold at auction for $2.8M in 2007.”

CNN’s anchors have a little fun talking about the price-tag.

“4.4 million dollars.
“It’s incredible right?  What are you gonna do with it?  Are you gonna frame it?  Are you gonna hang it on the wall in your office? It’s really remarkable. There are fans out there.”
“Apparently you have a lot of money to spend.”
“Obviously, right, in this economy!”

A point more than one media outlet picked up on. David Brown of Yahoo!’s “Big League Stew” notes, in the midst of a world-wide recession, the fetching price is commentary in and of itself.

“Unemployment remains high, banks continue to fail and Greece doesn't know where its next meal is coming from. Regardless, the world apparently remains inhabited by persons not merely able but also perfectly willing to spend big bucks on baseball memorabilia. And hallelujah for it!”

BTW, “The Babe” died 63 years ago, and still sits near the top of the all-time home run charts.

(Image Source: Chelsea Football Club)

BY HANK KOEBLER

ANCHOR CARISSA LOETHEN

With the Champions League title on the line, Chelsea center forward Didier Drogba took matters into his own hands… or in this case, feet.

Two minutes to go, down 1-0, Drogba ties it up with a header.

The game comes down to a penalty shootout. Munich’s Schweinsteiger bounces it off the goalpost. Drogba closes it out for Chelsea.

Drogba’s late-game heroics brought Chelsea a 4-3 win and its first-ever Champions League title in a game in which the LA Times’ Kevin Baxter says Chelsea was statistically outplayed.

“The Germans dominated every statistic but the final score, putting more than twice as many shots on goal, drawing nearly twice as many fouls and taking 20 corner kicks to just one for Chelsea.”

The victory caps off an improbably successful run the team has made since firing its coach in February and promoting assistant Roberto di Matteo as interim coach. BBC Sport’s staff chronicles the team’s odds-defying journey.

“They were big outsiders of the four teams that were in the semifinals, whoever they got. They managed to get Barcelona and they managed to get through it."

"Well they’ve had an amazing journey, they’ve got the final. To me, they should’ve been out against Napoli.”

Di Matteo says he’s not yet thinking about whether the team’s inconceivable success under his guidance will lead to the team removing his ‘interim’ label. The Guardian has the video.

“I don’t know what the future’s going to hold. We are just very happy tonight to have made history for this club. It’s the first time that we have won this competition and it’s very difficult to win it."

Though di Matteo tip-toed through the subject in the post-game press conference, an ESPN analyst says di Matteo’s performance justifies Chelsea offering him a long-term contract.

“He deserves to get something from there. He won the UEFA cup, sorry, the Champions League, and he proved in three months that he had the power of taking care of a big dressing-room star.”

(Image source: Flickr / KYNGPAO)

BY JIM FLINK

34 years.
That’s how long it’s been since a thoroughbred won The Triple Crown.
But after another heart-thumping victory at Pimlico, “I’ll Have Another” sits poised to break the drought.
The Sporting News describes how it all ended.

“...it was a repeat of the Kentucky Derby stretch run. Bodemeister went to the lead, as expected, with Creative Cause at his flank pushing the favorite. But Gutierrez knew he had to be nearer to the pace this time to duplicate the Derby champ's finishing kick.”

I’ll Have Another has been beating the odds for a while now.
Sports Illustrated has the deep background.

“Three months ago, the public dismissed I'll Have Another in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes, sending him off as an impossible 43-1 long shot. He won. Two months later in the Santa Anita Derby, the bettors ... made I'll Have Another the 4-1 second choice. He won. Two weeks ago in the Kentucky Derby, the nation made him … a 15-1 outsider. You know how that turned out: He won.”

For perspective, this is a horse purchased at auction for $11,000 dollars.
He just won a million dollar purse.
Always underestimated, his owner tells ESPN, that’s ok.  It’s symbolic of the whole team.

(SWV_0520Another_ESPN_:43-:51)
“A working class horse, with modest connections, and that fits the owner, the trainer, the jockey...”

There was another horse with a similar story. Remember Seattle Slew? Bought at auction for $17,000.
He won the Triple Crown. But Bettor.com notes, this is no easy task. 16 horses have been in this position before, only to fail in the final jewel.

“There is no telling in horseracing, and we might witness a Triple Crown after all this time, and once again the 1 ½ mile long Belmont Stakes will be the decider since 2008. There is something special about I’ll Have Another, so special that he might just end the 34 year Triple Crown drought.”

(Image source: Plateautel.net)

BY MEGAN RICE

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA


The prosecution faces another setback in the trial against seven time Cy-Young Winner Roger Clemens. The prosecution’s lead witness, Brian McNamee, Clemens’ former strength and conditioning coach, apparently “misspoke” during his collective 24-hour examination on the stand.

“McNamee admitted several times during the past two days that he exaggerated under oath, he couldn’t remember under oath and finally — and worst of all — that he lied several times under oath. That’s the kind of thing that does not impress a jury.”

Much like his pitching career, the prosecution can’t seem to land a hit on Clemens. Captain Wag reports on one of the prosecution's previous mistakes that led to a mistrial in 2011.

“Clemens has been charged with perjury to congress from his 2008 testimony that he never used steroids or human growth hormone. His jury trial ended in a mistrial after prosecutors showed the jury a clip of video taped evidence that had been ruled inadmissible.”

Fox Sports reports McNamee says he became Clemens’ go-to person to give “booty-shots” of steroids while Clemens was a Toronto Blue Jays pitcher. FoxSports quoted McNamee on the stand...

“I did it because I wanted to help and keep players physically safe... But I enabled.  . . . I knew what I was doing was illegal. I made a mistake. I was young. I wish I could take it back.”

The prosecution’s main source of evidence when it comes to McNamee’s involvement is a beer can. McNamee apparently kept medical waste from injections in the can, and the prosecution wants DNA from inside the can to be proven as Clemens’.  But the Houston Chronicle reports McNamee...

“...stashed medical waste from injections given other major league baseball stars in the same crumbled Miller Lite beer can where he kept needles and cotton swabs he said he used to inject the Houston-based baseball star.”

And Clemens’ defense attorney Rusty Hardin brought up McNamee’s personal history, trying to further discredit the witness. USA today reports...

“Beyond seeking to convince jurors that the evidence was at least tainted, Hardin also attacked McNamee's credibility, focusing on McNamee's two DUI convictions in 2001 and later on his multiple on-line purchases of prescription medications including hydrocodone (a pain killer) – some in the name of his wife – without doctors' orders.”

The Clemens trial was supposed to last just 4-6 weeks, and with at least nine more witnesses to go — is just closing its fifth week. Judge Reggie Walton says if all isn’t complete by June 8th, he will call for a one-month recess.
 

(Image Source: ESPN)

BY HANK KOEBLER

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

A man whose name is “Peace” can’t stay away from fights. Lakers forward Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, was involved in an on-court scuffle with Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook last night.

“Tempers are flaring, in a battle for the ball. Russell Westbrook on the floor, Metta World Peace after the ball and Westbrook clearly overreacting.

The announcers initially said Westbrook was overreacting, but CBS Sports’ Royce Young says World Peace’s culpability for the tussle was debatable:

“The question was if World Peace dropped a knee towards Westbrook's groin, but it's pretty unclear as to if it was intentional or a result of Westbrook hitting the back of his leg.”

An anchor on ESPN’s SportsCenter this morning says he thought World Peace’s intentions were clear:

“Is this much ado about nothing?  I think so, but you see Ron Artest come down with a knee. He hit him on the thigh, but he clearly tried to hit Westbrook. Double technicals right call.” 

Fox Sports columnist Jason Whitlock originally tweeted World Peace “intentionally dropped to a knee on top of Westbrook.” But after watching in slow motion, he now says it was unintentional:

“OK. Just rewatched in slomo.. I was wrong. World Peace did nothing. Ooops.”

World Peace has a history with the Thunder,

recently returning from a seven-game suspension for elbowing Thunder sixth man James Harden in the head.

Whether World Peace is at fault for this most recent fracas or not, NESN’s Ricky Doyle says the Lakers forward will be involved in more on-court drama at some point or another:

“Don't be surprised if World Peace -- not exactly the model citizen -- finds himself in the midst of another dust-up at a later date. When it comes to his antics, you've just got to expect the unexpected.”

The Lakers went on to win the game and are down 2-1 in their series against the Thunder. The two teams will face off in the Staples Center again tonight.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

The Staples Center is about to embark on a very busy weekend.  Three of Los Angeles’ professional sporting teams are in the playoffs and playing at home. ESPN’s Magic Johnson puts the weekend into perspective.

“No sports weekend has ever been this big in Los Angeles. Sports fans are in sports fan heaven here in Los Angeles.”

The Lakers, Clipppers and Kings playoff pushes are causing a headache for the general manager of the building. From Thursday through Sunday — six games in 80 hours. The Staples Center has handled double headers before, but a blogger for Rant Sports explains Sunday is a different story.  

“The biggest bike race in California finishes outside the stadium 30 minutes before the puck drops on what could be the Kings’ first trip to the Stanley Cup finals in almost 20 years. The ice must be covered by 7:30 PM with the floor for the Clippers.”

That’s if everything goes according to plan Sunday.  If the Kings go into overtime it could push back the start of the Clipper game. Crews will have to change the floor, clean the building, and restock concessions. 

Not many saw this perfect storm coming. The Clippers rarely make the playoffs. The Kings started the playoffs in the eighth position and are now in the third round. The New York Times quotes broadcaster Al Michaels on the phenomena.

“You always knew that the Lakers were going to uphold their end of the bargain, That was a 90 percent given. For the other guys, with such checkered history and such misery, to have them all ascend simultaneously, it’s pretty good.”

(Image Source: NBA.com)

By: Brian Bondus

Lakers point guard Steve Blake missed a possible game winning shot on Wednesday — and one fan sure wasn’t happy about it. Blake’s wife — Kristen — retweeted the threatening message from user @JamesAllonYou

“@steveblake5 I just don’t get it ... I hope your family gets murdered.”

The user’s account has since been deleted. ESPN has the video of the missed play that prompted the threat.

“Thunder up one. We got about six seconds left. Mike Brown drawing up a play.  Said afterwards they ran a flare for Kobe.”

Blake tells The Huffington Post...

"It's pretty disappointing that there's a lot of hateful people out there. You move on, I just don't appreciate it when it's toward my family. You can come at me all you want. But when you say things about my wife and my kids, it makes me upset."

And ESPN’s Mike and Mike in the Morning say — it’s pretty cowardly to threaten someone — especially via Twitter.

“I’d love anybody who sent a bad tweet to Blake to go say it to his face. You don't have the guts to do it because you are a coward and an idiot. That’s plain and simple. That’s a given. That’s reality. You’ve got problems and your an idiot.”

No one is reporting who is behind the threatening tweets. A blogger for Bleacher Report speculates, it could be ...

“... a Lakers fan or someone who might've lost a ton of money in Las Vegas after betting on Los Angeles. Either way, Twitter has become a dangerous tool that gives people an open portal to express their feelings in an extreme way.”

Blake didn’t respond to the threat via Twitter — but his wife tweeted that she had to block 500 people on the social media site after the game. She added that she was going to say her prayers and go to bed. 

The Lakers are down 2-0 against the Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. The teams play game three Friday night.

(image Source: Twitter)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

Fix your haircut or get suspended.  That’s what a principal at a San Antonio middle school told a student who got a Spurs players face shaved into his head.  Let’s see this — from KABB.

“Patrick Gonzalez already has hair like Spurs center Matt Bonner and he wanted to do something special to show off his pride.  So Gonzalez got Bonner’s face shaved into the back of his head.  His mom said she got permission from the front office at Woodlake Hills Middle School.”

But the school says Gonzalez never got permission for the new -do. His first period teacher called the principal and he was told he had to get rid of the “distraction”, or get suspended.  Spurs player Matt Bonner had his own solution to Hairgate — he’s quoted here in the blog My San Antonio.

“Couldn’t you just move him to the back of the class? ... Then nobody would see it; it wouldn’t be a distraction. Otherwise, the nicest thing a fan has ever done for me is ruined.”

And Bonner seems pretty thankful for the middle schooler’s gesture. He already promised Gonzalez signed everything and is trying to get him playoff tickets. The Last Angry Fan explains the bond between the two redheads.

“The bond between gingers is an unbreakable, everlasting bond that transcends space and time...”

And hey — maybe Matt Bonner isnt such a bad role model for Gonzalez. He graduated from Florida with a 3.9 GPA and was a two-time Academic All-American. A Yahoo Sports blogger says the reaction by the school was a bit over the top.

“We don't know the entirety of this story, or Gonzalez's history. Perhaps he was caught selling three-pointers in the parking lot outside of the school last month. Still, unless this youngster has some history that led to a reaction like this, the threat of a suspension for an innocuous haircut like this can only be termed an ‘overreaction.’”

(Image source: WVUE)

BY HANK KOEBLER

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is no longer displaying saint-like patience with his contract negotiations. Brees tells WWL, he is “frustrated” the Saints haven’t finished a long-term contract for him.

“It’s been extremely frustrating for me. I don’t think the negotiations should have been this difficult, but you know, here we are...”

The Saints have applied the franchise tag to Brees, an exclusive label which prevents him from signing or negotiating with other teams and would pay him $23 million if he signed it this year. However, Brees has refused to sign his franchise tender, wanting a deal with long-term security instead of just a single year.

WDSU sports anchor Fletcher Mackel says the Saints’ “bounty” scandal and the suspensions of head coach Sean Payton and other team leaders makes signing Brees to a long-term deal even more important.

“Now, with no Jon Vilma, no Sean Payton, and all the turmoil, having Brees signed, sealed and delivered and as a happy camper is so important for this team. The fact that it’s taken this long, no one really knows why.”

On Pro Football Talk Live, Saints GM Mickey Loomis guaranteed he’d get Brees a long-term deal, and extolled the quarterback’s value to the team and community.

“No one understands the value that Drew has brought to the New Orleans Saints and our city, our entire organization, better than I. I know how valuable he is.”

But ESPN analyst and former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter said Loomis’s lack of a contract for Brees belies his claims of appreciating the quarterback.

“Carter: Regardless of what your employer tells you, how much they love you, if they don’t pay you, they’re not in love with you. And right now I’m concerned about the Saints and the relationship with Drew Brees.

Anchor: You’re concerned, you don’t think they’re in love with him anymore, is that what you’re saying?

Carter: Well why wouldn’t he be signed?”

Brees set the NFL record for passing yards in a season last year with 5,476. Back-up QB Chase Daniel is currently working as the Saints’ first-team quarterback at the Saints’ organized team activities.

(Image source: Post-Standard)

BY MEGAN RICE

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

It’s been six months since ESPN reported that assistant Syracuse basketball coach Bernie Fine had sexually abused two ball boys in the 1980's. Now, the coach’s wife Laurie Fine, has announced she’s filing a lawsuit against the network. She says ESPN’s reporting implied she knew about her husband’s alleged actions and might have been involved sexually with one of the ball boys.  Here’s CNY Central.

"I have never engaged in and condoned despicable conduct falsely reported by ESPN, Mark Schwarz and Arty Berko ... They have maliciously attacked me in order to attack my husband and to boost television ratings." 

YNN says Fine is filing the suit because ESPN caused her irreversible damage. 

"The Fines have suffered greatly, Laurie has lived in seclusion she says for the last 6 months and lost a significant amount of income because she can no longer engage in charity work in the community."

Fox Sports reports "Though the claims of molestation by Bobby Davis and his Stepbrother Mike Lang were deemed credible by a New York state attorney, Fine was not prosecuted due to the statute of limitations."

CNN has ESPN’s response to the lawsuit.

"The suit is without merit and we stand by our reporting.”

A blogger for Rant Sports says he doesn’t see this case ever going to court.

“I would be shocked if ESPN does not try to settle with Laurie Fine before they have to take this before a judge and jury.  The last thing they want is to get in a public war with the Fine family over this.  Either way, it is a very messy situation.”

(Image Source: Florida A&M University)

BY ADAM CRIBBS

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

Football games at FAMU will be a little quieter for the next two years. The hazing-related death of 26-year-old Robert Champion last Fall is still affecting the Florida A&M marching band. Here’s WOFL with the story.

“Florida A&M University’s famous marching band will not take to the field next year. The school’s president decided to extend the suspension of the program through 2013.”

Florida A&M has one of the top marching bands in America, so the suspension could be a big loss for the university and its fans. The Tampa Bay Times reports the university’s athletic department could take a financial hit.

“The decision to sideline the band, known as the Marching 100, broadens the challenge of funding FAMU's athletics department, which has relied on the band's high-octane performances to help sell tickets.”

Although Champion’s death is the main cause of the decision, it wasn’t the only factor. The Orlando Sentinel reports there are other allegations of misconduct within the band.

“The most recent revelation — that about 100 band members did not meet the requirements to be in the band last fall, including at least two of those charged with Champion's death — prompted Monday's meeting of university trustees.”

Champion’s mother Pam says the suspension doesn’t go far enough. After hearing testimony that school officials might have coached students on how to answer investigators’ questions, she says the program is beyond repair and should be disbanded.

WSB-TV has her comments.

“FAMU cannot go on with business as usual. FAMU, they need to clean house.”

Although the band will be suspended through the 2012 and 2013 season, what happens afterward is still up in the air. MSNBC reports University President James Ammons says he wants to make sure any problems are properly addressed.

“‘Once I feel that the issues are resolved, then we'll look at the reimplementation of the band,’ he told trustees.”

The Champion family’s attorney says they plan to sue the school.

(Image Source: Los Angeles Times)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

One of the biggest players this NBA postseason has been — injuries. The latest victim, Miami’s Chris Bosh. West Palm Beach’s WPEC has the details.

“After  an MRI yesterday the team announces Chris Bosh will be sidelined indefinitely. This after this play right here. Bosh was hurt during the drive Sunday night, the team’s first game against the Indiana Pacers.”

So the Big Three is down to Two. Bosh’s abdominal strain comes during a post season plagued by injuries, most notably the loss of Derek Rose and Dwight Howard. The pattern of impact players getting injured is causing a USA Today columnist and others to criticize the shortened season.

“Although doctors are slow to make a direct link between the serious injuries piling up and the wear and tear of playing 66 games in 124 days, even NBA Commissioner David Stern backed off his initial position that there was no connection.”

Stern says he would like to see a study done. One RantSports contributor thinks its obvious.

“Stern’s schedule has already ended a couple of players’ careers and others may never be the same. In other years maybe one or two of these names would be seen with season ending injuries, but not this many.”

And these injuries are already having an impact on the USA basketball team’s chances in London. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has that story.

“The organization was supposed to turn in its 12-man roster to the United States Olympic Committee on June 18 but asked for and received an extension. The team now will be named July 7 after a two-day camp in Las Vegas.”

Many expect Bosh to miss the series against the Pacers but return if the Heat advance.
Right now, there’s no timetable on his return.
 

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY EVAN BUSH

ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

From phenom to foolhardy rookie. 19-year-old Bryce Harper, who has electrified The Washington Nationals’ fan base and shown off his prodigious talent since being called up to the Big Leagues managed to injure himself in Friday’s game against the Reds. ESPN has the story.

“Bryce Harper struck out three times on Friday but it's the swing he didn't miss that was most painful. he had 10 stitches.”

And of course the story has become a major talking point on sports blogs and sports talk shows, with many extrapolating the incident into a condemnation of his character or just a harmless youthful indiscretion. This Bleacher Report piece argues for haste with Harper …  

...which argues Harper must “learn to control his emotions immediately” and says “now that he's in the majors with the big boys, he has to carry himself better.”

While WJBK says “no worries”...he’s but a young buck.

“Bryce Harper, this man has brought energy. He has brought passion. He gets angry when he gets out. I’m telling you, he will learn how to snap. ... This is about being young.”

The incident has prompted a steady stream of jokes like this one from The Washington Post.

“Bryce Harper sure got off to a hot start in the big leagues, but we all figured that he’d eventually hit the wall.”

And — of course — Yahoo! Sports harkens back to its favorite bit of self-inflicted buffoonery.

“Of course, self-inflicted wounds aren't new to sports. Washington fans remember Redskins quarterback Gus Frerotte head-butting himself into oblivion. In 2008, Carlos Quentin of the White Sox knocked himself out of the playoffs by slamming his hand and breaking his wrist on his bat after fouling off a pitch at Cleveland.”

(Image source: SlashGear)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS


It took a panel of photography experts six months to determine, but there’s a new name in the Guinness Book of World Records next to “largest wave ever surfed.”
ITV has the numbers.

“Garrett McNamara caught this monster 78-foot wave off the coast of Portugal last November. But the record has only just been verified. It beat the previous world best by a foot.”

A reporter for the BBC says the now-world-record holder almost missed his opportunity.

“Surfer Garrett McNamara hadn’t been keen to get out of bed that morning, but he eventually did, and this is what happened — he’s engulfed by the crashing wave, but manages to ride it out.”

According to CNN, McNamara had his shot at several waves that day.

“McNamara says the world-record wave was actually one of the smaller waves he came across that day. Look at him go. Wow.”

After winning $15,000, the 44-year-old world-record holder tells The Telegraph awards are nice — but they’re not everything.

"We're so fortunate we get to surf, it's what we love to do, and we're passionate about (FLASH) … at the end of the day, it's all about doing it for the love of it."

McNamara tells Sky News he was, quote, “caught up in the moment” while riding the wave.

He says he worked to stay in control because he realized a fall left little chance of survival.

According to The Mirror, the record was made official at last week’s Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards in Anaheim, California.
 

(Image Source: Sporting News)

BY JJ BAILEY

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

What in the world is going on with the Lakers? Hollywood’s team — never short on drama of its own — added yet another chapter to its saga. Kobe Bryant told reporters after a game six loss that Metta World Peace is the only player he trusts.

““He’s the one guy that I can rely on night in and night out to compete and play hard and play with that sense of urgency and no fear,... I’m looking forward to having that by my side again.’’

The media is certainly intrigued. Bryant, who has been criticized for being rough on his teammates, seems to be getting a lot of support in the sports world this time. A writer for Yahoo! Sports says, after putting up 30-plus points in game six while fighting a stomach flu-the Mamba got left out in the cold.

“Unfortunately, no one will remember Bryant’s gutsy display. His healthy teammates spoiled the moment and perhaps a chance at a title, falling in embarrassing fashion in Game 6...
That’s not Bryant’s way, though; and unfortunately, no one could match his will.In fact, they couldn’t even come close.”

So Bryant says he wants Metta World Peace back by his side. But reporters at Sporting News say maybe the comments weren’t meant for MWP.

“I think that what Kobe was saying was designed to sort of motivate some of his other teammates... Kobe Bryant’s gotta be looking at that and say ‘are these the guys that are supposed to win me a championship?’”

Gasol has been under the microscope of late for poor showings, and Kobe has visibly confronted Gasol about his effort before. But NBC Sports says, point the finger somewhere else if you want results.

“And yeah, Gasol is a target here, but a question has to be asked. Why is Bryant not dragging Andrew Bynum by his earlobe into huddles? …  It’s bizarre to see Bryant giving Bynum the same kid gloves treatment the Lakers organization does. And if he wants to channel his anger somewhere, that’s the first place it needs to go."

But pinning hopes on World Peace has never been a great strategy. As writer for Bleacher Report suggests, World Peace’s style is rough and tumble. Intensity or not, he’ll need some leeway from the refs if he’s going to contribute.  

“Fresh off a punishment for the elbow from hell, it isn’t likely he’ll get that freedom.
Emotions will be high in this game with so much at stake, and World Peace will find it hard to match the intensity without at least being called for ticky-tack fouls.”

Metta World Peace returns after a 20-day time out for game seven in LA.

(Image source: Al Arabiya)

BY NATHAN BYRNE  

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

Two Turkish journalists imprisoned in Syria have been released to Iran.

(Image Source: NESN)

BY JOSH LANDER

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Beckett gets booed in Beantown. And -- he says -- he doesn’t care. The Bosox hurler lasted just two innings in his latest outing, getting shelled -- and boy did he hear about it.

The frustrated Fenway crowd was reacting just days after news broke that Beckett was playing golf just after missing a start with a shoulder injury last week.

But it was his less-than-humble postgame interview that’s hogging the watercooler talk now. Here’s NESN. 

“Do you understand the perception that leaves when the team is playing as poorly as it has?”
“You know, we get 18 off days a year, I think we deserve a little bit of time to ourselves.”

18 days off a year? As WBZ’s Dan Shaughnessy points out, pitchers get a few more days off each season than position players.

“He rolls out the 18 days off, he’s not an everyday player. FLASH At least Manny Ramirez stood in left field. God knows what he did, whether it was pickin’ roses or whatever.”

Some media analysts say a postgame apology could have squashed the entire situation. ESPN’s Mark Mulder says if you aren’t gonna say sorry, at least own it.

“He doesn’t have to apologize. But the one thing is he needs to understand, or I would’ve at least like to have heard from him, at least say I understand why this was a big deal. FLASH He’s gotta understand that this looks really bad.”

The Sox are currently 12-19, good enough for last place in the AL East. A blogger for Yahoo! Sports writes, Beckett’s attitude pretty much sums up the issues plaguing the team.

“They took the beer out of the clubhouse, but nothing changed. They switched the man in the manager's office, but he's no better. The rot in the Boston Red Sox organization runs too deep for cosmetic upgrades, and nobody better personifies it than Josh Beckett, the clueless, defiant egomaniac...”

But a writer for the Boston Globe doesn’t blame Beckett entirely. Rather, he says the seemingly self-righteous pitcher is a product of his environment.

“The problem is that nobody with the Red Sox ... has required him to be accountable or demanded that he change … Beckett gets to pick his catcher. Beckett gets to prepare for games the way he wants. Beckett gets to drink beer in the clubhouse during games. Beckett gets to throw too many cutters. Beckett gets to do what he wants, basically...”

Beckett’s next scheduled start is Tuesday May 15 against the Seattle Mariners.

(Image Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

BY ANDREW CARTER

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Jacob Bell is no longer the man behind the mask.

Junior Seau’s recent death prompted the 8-year starting left guard to retire Tuesday.
His story is picking up steam as he told NFL.com why the risk outweighed the reward.

“‘Everybody wants to make the money, but what are you really sacrificing? If they tell you we're going to take your brain and whack it with a baseball bat, but we'll give you a couple million bucks, how many people would really do that?’”

Now being coined by the media as the man who saved himself from the game — Sports Illustrated got Dr. Sanjay Gupta to explain what happens to the brain during helmet to helmet contact.

“People think for example if this is the brain around it is the skull and you have a helmet that there’s a blow and everything, you just a get a blow to the brain. What happens is the brain keeps moving within the skull, bounces back and forth almost like a beach ball in a swimming pool.”

With media outlets speculating other NFL players may follow Bell’s lead, Windy City Gridiron says not so fast.

“Let's remember what Jacob Bell was in the NFL...not any kind of superstar player, team cornerstone, face of a franchise, or anything like that. He was, to put it bluntly, ‘a guy.’"

A guy who before his retirement signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and was slated to be a back-up for the first time in his career. The Chicago Tribune talked to Bell and suggests his position on the depth chart affected his decision.

“If it were earlier in his career, or back when he was making $6 million a year for the Rams, Bell concedes it might be worth the risk.”

Bell’s concerns are shared by his peers as the NFL is faced with multiple concussion lawsuits according to a NFL Concussion Litigation Blog.

“There are now more than 1,800 former players named in the 70 complaints.”

Bell told multiple media outlets he feels great and doesn’t have any current health concerns but he isn’t sure about how many concussions he has had in his career.

(Image source: The Arizona Republic)

BY BLAKE HANSON

An Arizona boy’s baseball team reportedly forfeited the state championship game because the other team had a girl on it. Here’s CNN...

“Now it’s 2012, and you would think that this is a non-issue but not for second basewoman Paige Sultzbach. ... They were going to play Our Lady of Sorrows Academy at the school state championship last night. ... the Lady of Sorrows boycotted.”

The Arizona Republic has more on why Our Lady of Sorrows might’ve had an issue...

“Our Lady of Sorrows is run by the U.S. branch of the Society of Saint Pius X, a group of conservative, traditionalist priests who disagree with the reforms of the Vatican II Council in the 1960s and broke with the Catholic Church in the 1980s.”

Our Lady of Sorrows faced off against Mesa Preparatory Academy twice during the year and get this — lost both times. In those games, Paige Sultzbach did not play out of respect for the beliefs of her opponents. But with the championship title looming, Sultzbach said not playing wasn’t an option this time. An anchor for KSAZ expresses his discontent...

“Here’s a story we are going to do now that is so outrageous that I am besides myself. ... I don’t know what they believe in but obviously they believe girls shouldn’t play baseball.”

But an anchor for KPHO says it’s up to Our Lady of Sorrows...

“But if it’s a religious school, they have every right to have their own rules when it comes to this stuff even if we don’t agree with them.”
“They’re learning a very hard lesson about religion has very strict rules that never ever change.”

As of Thursday morning, Our Lady of Sorrows had yet to release an official statement as to why it forfeited the game.

(Image Source: ESPN)

BY TOM MARTIN

ANCHOR DAVID EARL

The New Orleans Saints’ bounty scandal has hounded NFL headlines — so, Wednesday retired receiver Cris Carter joined the fun — telling ESPN Radio he’s put out some bounties of his own:

“Guys try to take me out, take a cheap shot on me. I’ll put a bounty on him right now.”

“Bill Romanowski, he told me he’s gonna take me out before the game.”

“I put a little change on his head before the game. Protect myself, protect my family.”

And former linebacker Bill Romanowski isn’t exactly thrilled with Carter’s claim. He shared his thoughts on The Dan Patrick Show.

“Absolute fiction... if he could read my mind in pregame, yeah, maybe he had it right, but I didn’t talk before games.”

So Carter says he paid teammates to protect him from threats — while Romanowski says those threats were made up. A blogger at Awful Announcing wonders if Carter’s story should be believed.

“Now, we have former players admitting to placing bounties while the current players being punished for it are suddenly protesting their innocence. As the story has dragged on for months, it takes more head-scratching turns where it's getting harder to tell fiction from fact."

Assuming Carter did pay for protection — Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio writes, the NFL isn’t about to investigate Carter’s case or any others like it.

“Carter’s remarks generally support the notion that bounties have indeed been part of the game for a long time … But the league has shown no inclination to look any deeper into history — probably because the league realizes that the rabbit hole runs far deeper than anyone realizes.”

SB Nation’s Joel Thorman writes, there’s another reason the NFL may relax on Carter’s comments — and it has to do with intent.

“The NFL's investigation claims to have found Saints players who were purposefully trying to injure players … The difference here, if there is one, is that Carter says his bounties were about quote- ‘protection … it wasn't to maim or hurt the dude.’"

(Image Source - Star-Telegram) 

BY JOSH LANDER

If chicks dig the long ball, Josh Hamilton’s pretty popular with the ladies right now. The Sporting NewsCineSports puts Hamilton’s night into perspective.

“Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton became the 16th player in major league history to hit four home runs in a game. ... Hamilton’s 18 total bases set a single game American League record and his 8 rbi were a career record.”

While it was anything but a ho-hum kinda night for Hamilton, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale says don’t be too shocked by a performance from guy who’s been hitting the ever-living-love outta the ball all season.

“He leads the free world in virtually every offensive category, hitting .406 with 14 homers and 36 RBI … He has hit more home runs himself than the entire San Diego Padres team.”

Ok so Hamilton’s night was superb — but Yahoo! Sports says it’s even more impressive given Hamilton’s past history with drugs and alcohol:

“He copped to his mistake, he’s trying to stay sober every day and the fact that he can do what he’s doing while fighting that battle, with free agency looming, says a whole lot about just how talented Josh Hamilton is.”

So after all that talent has homered three times and doubled once — do you still pitch to him? ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith says people aren’t paying to see Hamilton trot to first:

“Excuse me, people pay their hard earned money, coming to the ballpark. Y’all wanna lean on tradition and all of this stuff. Aw ya walk him ya walk him. Ya don’t even challenge him. let’s avoid competition. Thats not what sports is supposed to be about.”

Hamilton’s four-homer night is the first since Carlos Delgado smacked four dingers in 2003.




 

(Image Source: The Washington Post)

BY TOM MARTIN

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Robert Griffin III’s path to stardom is taking a bit of a shortcut. Sunday, Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan named RG3 his starting QB — after just five practices. WJLA has more:

“Previously the coach had said that Griffin would be promoted to starter when he’s ready to assume the role. Apparently he’s ready. Shanahan said Griffin will be working with the team’s first teamers when the veterans gather for offseason workouts later this month.”

RG3 enters a Redskins locker room used to juggling multiple QBs. But an analyst for WTTG says, this year — with Griffin onboard — Shanahan has a new approach.

“He’s saying there is no competition. No Kirk Cousins. No Rex Grossman. Robert Griffin III is your starting quarterback.”
“This is great news because people aren’t guessing anymore.”

Grossman won the ‘Skins starting job last season — but Yahoo! Sports’ Les Carpenter writes, Griffin showed off so much skill Shanahan couldn’t say no.

“[Shanahan] sees things in Griffin he never has found in other players. He talked about Griffin's ability to throw mixed with "Olympic speed." Usually, [Shanahan] said, a fast, running quarterback will lack the arm and accuracy to make a difference. Griffin, he said, has everything.”

One thing Griffin also has: zero NFL experience. But ESPN’s John Clayton says that won’t shake the Redskins thinking.

“Now they’ve got the quarterback they can build this team around. And when they think of these young QBs coming into the league, they can make him a playoff quarterback faster than some of the others.”

Even if RG3 has fewer growing pains than others, some say any rookie QB should sit. The Pigskin Report’s Mike Kerns writes, history isn’t on Griffin’s side:

“There have been quite a few players coming out of college that looked like “can’t miss” quarterback prospects that were thrust into the starting role a bit too quickly …  David Carr, Joey Harrington, Tim Couch... To simply hand [Griffin] the role might be putting too much pressure on him.”

Griffin’s next chance to cement an impression will come during next week’s offseason workouts.

(Image source: USA Today)

BY JIM FLINK

ANCHOR DAVID EARL

In baseball you’re supposed to hear the crack of a bat … not the crack of a back. But that’s what happened this weekend when the Philles played the Nationals. Let’s watch the pitch from WCAU.

“It was just the first inning when Hollywood Hamels clocked 19-year-old rookie Brice Harper in the back.”

So Hamels hit Harper, a 19-year-old phenom just a week into his major league career. It happens in baseball, right?

But MLB.com has a Hamels admission that’s got some people riled up.

"I was trying to hit him … I'm not going to deny it. I'm not trying to injure the guy. They're probably not going to like me for it, but I'm not going to say I wasn't trying to do it. I think they understood the message...”

One Philly writer says — this will make Hamels — who’s never been much loved in The City of Brotherly Love -— a legend.

“That’s the old-school baseball way Hamels likes it. We hit a guy, they hit a guy, nobody charges the mound, nobody gets beaned, and there’s mutual respect in both clubhouses.”

But apparently no one asked National’s GM Mike Rizzo if he agrees. Rizzo tells the Washington Post, he’s upset.

“I’ve never seen a more classless, gutless chicken [bleep] act in my 30 years in baseball.  Cole Hamels says he’s old school? He’s the polar opposite of old school. He’s fake tough. He thinks he’s going to intimidate us after hitting our 19-year rookie who’s eight games into the big leagues? He doesn’t know who he’s dealing with.”

The Philadelphia Inquirer says it’s not like this is the first time something like this has happened — it’s just that pitchers don’t usually fess up.

“There are few recent instances when a pitcher admits to throwing at a player. The lone example from the past five years is when Chicago's Bobby Jenks said he was throwing behind Texas' Ian Kinsler in 2009.”

And for as much as this has gotten the sports world talkin, ESPN poll says — most fans, 70% actually, say it’s just baseball. Get over it.

Harper got a little revenge of his own. In the game against the Phillies, he stole home. As for his admission about trying to hit the rookie Hamels could face a suspension or a fine from the MLB.

(Image Source: Dallas Morning News)

BY MIHIR BHAGAT

ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

A year after losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder took out their brooms and got revenge in the form of a sweep. Fox Sports explains how James Harden led the way.   

“That was by the orders of Scott Brooks but more impressively, was the fact that his teammates understood he had it going and they continued to get him the basketball. What you love about that is it took a lot of pressure off Westbrook and Durant.”

To be fair, the series was close. Three of the losses were decided by a combined ten points. But TNT’s Charles Barkley says it doesn’t matter.

“A lot of people think just because it’s a close game, the Mavs just aren’t good enough to beat OKC. That’s the bottom line.”

But Mavs owner Mark Cuban is optimistic. He tweeted this after the game: “That obviously was no fun, but we will be back Mavs fans. No doubt about it. #GoMavs”

SB Nation offers some advice. When the Mavs lost Tyson Chandler and key role players to free agency last offseason, the blog says the team immediately lost its chance to repeat. Now, it’s time to clean house.

“To get where the Mavericks want to go, they need to cut ties with almost everyone who helped Dirk and Cuban and Nelson get that title. All of the little brilliant moves that worked now become anchors threatening the drag the team aground in the next leg of the journey.”

And it seems like that’s the plan. Jason Kidd and Jason Terry are free agents, so they’ll have cap room to make a splash in free agency. NBC Sports says their focus is on Deron Williams.

“It is Nowitzki and the chance to chase Deron Williams this summer that is the drive. The original goal was to lure Williams and Dwight Howard, but Howard chose to spend another year with Orlando (even if the Magic decide they need to trade him the Mavericks do not have the assets anymore).”

So what if they don’t get Williams? There is no Plan B and this team could collapse. But ESPN says Mark Cuban deserves the right to gamble.

“I've believed from the start that Cuban, after delivering Dallas its first NBA crown and spending millions in luxury tax over his decade-plus in charge to get there, has more than earned the right to try to build a team any new way he sees fit.”

The Mavericks have lost in the first round in four of the last six seasons.

(Image source: euronews)

BY NATHAN BYRNE  

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

French voters are casting their ballots for the country’s next president.

A reporter for Al Jazeera says the race appears to be tightening.

(Image Source: Fox Sports)

BY AUSTIN ALONZO

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT 

Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but the match was not without controversy.

Chelsea scored on Liverpool early and Didier Drogba’s 51st minute goal made it two - nil. Liverpool clawed back on a 64th minute goal by Andy Carrol and had a chance to equalize in the 82nd minute.

“Suarez! it must be! Is it over the line? ...  Andy Carrol gets up well … no it’s a great save. What a brilliant save from Petr Cech."

Chelsea lifted the FA Cup for the fourth time in 6 years but the club is facing questions going into next season as the futures of star striker Didier Drogba and interm manager Roberto Di Matteo remain uncertain. ESPN’s James Martin commented...

“The players clearly love him -- he's one of the guys, and genuflects to them, which is a key component to what is now a very symbiotic relationship. But is he the man to rebuild this squad? Talking about the "aging" Chelsea players seems a bit silly at the moment; the much talked about problems still exist, but right now, there is no mistaking that Chelsea is cobbling together what could be an incredibly special, if bizarre season.”

Despite a disappointing Premier League season, Chelsea will play Bayern Munich for the Champions League title on May 16th at the Allianz Arena, setting up a potential cup double for the team. But Chelsea will be down several key players, including captain John Terry, after the appeal of the suspensions by the international professional players association FIFpro failed.

The Guardian quoted a representative of FIFpro who blasted UEFA’s decision.

“Anybody committing a serious offence in the semi-final should be awarded a red card and miss the final but the offences that result in a yellow card do not justify the serious punishment of missing the match of your life.”

Chelsea dashed Liverpool’s own hopes for a cup double, putting a damper on an already poor season for the Merseyside club. The former perennial contender is 34 points off of league leader Manchester City and the BBC’s Ben Smith says it’s time for Liverpool to consider replacing former player and club legend Kenny Daglish.

“Liverpool are a different club to the one Dalglish fell in love with. They can no longer compete with the top clubs in the transfer market and the scars of the Hicks-Gillett regime will take some time to repair. … The concern for Liverpool now is that unless they change direction, they are in danger of being stuck on a constant journey from a glorious past to a bright future - and never reaching their destination.”

Chelsea plays German side Bayern Munich for the European Cup at Allianz Arena in Munich on May 19th.
 

(Image Source: The Inquisitr)


BY BLAKE HANSSON

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

President Obama officially kicked off his campaign today with rallies in Columbus, Ohio and Richmond, Virginia. MSNBC says supporters are coming in droves...

“There are already probably a larger event than any event Mitt Romney’s been able to have which is one of the messages the Obama campaign wants to send today.”

The UN-brokered peace plan in Syria — said to be violated again. CNN reports...

“In Syria today, a deadly explosion at a car wash killed at least 5 people. It happened as security forces drove by in a bus. Opposition groups also report separate attacks in Homs killed 2...”

Shaq is now Dr. Shaq. The former NBA great earned his doctorate today. Here’s HLN...

“Shaquille O’Neal spent the last four and a half years going after his doctoral degree in education from Barry University and this weekend Dr. Shaq will graduate with a 3.8 grade point average.”

And get your mint juleps ready race fans — it’s Derby day in Kentucky. Here’s Today...

“This is the best quality field we’ve had in a long time.”

“The favorite is a horse called Bodemeister who never even raced at two, so we’ve also got some new horses in there too.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Blake Hanson, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

(Image source: Gossip Extra)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal tells USA Today he wants kids to value education — and see sports aren’t everything.

(Image Source: All Left Turns)

BY KRISTIAN MUNDAHL

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

The Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Race at Talladega Saturday marks the 25th anniversary of a spectacular wreck.

In 1987, Bobby Allison’s car went airborne at the track and tore a hundred foot hole in the fence guarding spectators. ESPN’s Ed Hinton says the crash was facilitated by record-breaking speeds...

“NASCAR at Talladega was now rivaling Indy cars at Indianapolis itself for sheer speed ... NASCAR was closing fast on the fastest cars in the world.”

Allison’s wreck led NASCAR to require cars to use restrictor plates in all cars, limiting speeds to less than 200 miles per hour. CBS Sports talks with drivers who were there that day, with why changes were needed -- and made -- in Nascar.

“The sport couldn’t stand at how a car flying up, getting in the grandstands or getting somebody hurt. So their kind of fix to it was restrictor plates.”

In the quarter century since, restrictor plate racing has been a topic of hot debate.
About.com’s Steve McCormick says, drivers hate Talladega and Daytona, in large part because of plate racing.

“Since the restrictor plate was introduced NASCAR has said that they were looking at alternative solutions to slow the cars down and make for safer races. So far, they have been unsuccessful.”

The high banks, wide straightaways and record length of Talladega’s circuit makes the race one of NASCAR’s fastest. Drivers are always on the lookout for a huge wreck, or The Big One, as SceneDaily.com’s Bob Pockrass points out...

“I think there’s going to be a big one, probably with ten or fifteen laps left, I’d say ten, twelve cars involved. You’re going to have guys who are going to be dicing. Guys feel a lot braver at Talladega, it’s a little bit wider.”

And more wide open in terms of a finish.
Five wide -- bumper to bumper -- some racing fans hate it.
Stock car spin says, others love it.

“The lack of get-away-speed by any one car, leads to pack racing. This can be some of the more exciting racing we will see during the Cup season. “

NASCAR point leader Elliot Sadler leads the pack after winning the pole position Thursday.
 

(Source: Daily Review Atlas)

BY ANDREW CARTER

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Alex Tanney.  Maybe you recognize the name.  He is the Monmouth College record setting quarterback with a 157 career touchdown passes.  Or Maybe you know him as the Youtube sensation “trick shot quarterback”?

Here’s the video from 2011 of the division three quarterback slinging the pigskin in style.

The Buffalo Bills believed in Tanney’s tricks so much they invited him to tryout for the team.
The Register-Mail has more on the QB from the Illinois college with fewer than 14 hundred students.

"It is believed he’ll be the first Monmouth College player to receive an NFL tryout since running back Ron Baker in the mid-1970s."

The Pontiac Daily Leader says the tryout doesn’t come as a total shock.

"He had hoped to be drafted in the later rounds of this year’s draft, and received calls from a few teams who indicated their interest. He had been ranked as the 21st quarterback overall by some publications — not bad for a Division III quarterback."

Some bloggers go as far as to say Tanney could become current Bills’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s understudy.
Here’s Buffalo Down.

"He may not be known to everyone, including many Bills fans.  I have a feeling, though, he may just have a few “tricks” up his sleeve and enough to win the coaches over."

From trick shots to a big shot.
Tanney will report to Bills’ rookie mini-camp next week.

(Image Source - zuzafun.com)

BY JOSH LANDER

ANCHOR CHRSTIAN BRYANT

It’s time for mint juleps, big hats, and big horses. The Kentucky Derby is upon us.

“Soon, the infield will be buzzing on Oaks and Kentucky Derby day.  30, 40 thousand people in here, having a blast, watching the horses race around. Lots to do here on the infield. Welcome to the Kentucky Derby.”

The current favorite is Bodemeister, the winner of the recent Arkansas Derby.  The odds: 4 to 1. ESPN’s Kenny Mayne had some fun with the owner of the slight favorite.

“Here’s Bob Baffert the trainer of the morning line favorite, Bodemeister whose named for his son, meister. Is your son feeling a lot of pressure? Little Bode’s actually feeling a lot of pressure Kenny. He doesn’t wanna do any media, he doesn’t like to talk about it.”

Races preceding the derby are often used as measuring sticks for bettors trying to gain an edge.  But the boys at Pregame TV say that might not be the best strategy.

“With Kentucky Derby prep races, you always gotta take them with a grain of salt, especially when a horse is already in the Derby field, they got the great at stake earnings. FLASH I mean, a lot of times, they’ll use these as glorified prep races.”

But some trainers don’t want their horses kept out of sight before the big race. Trainer Steve Asmussen has kept his two horses Daddy Nose Best and Sabercat tucked away, only trotting them around the track in the wee hours of the morning. A Triple Crown insider says the first to train on the track in the morning has a distinct advantage.

“When you go out there first set, you’re gonna get a better account of the horse training over the track as opposed to after the break at 8:30. I think the track gets chopped up and it’s just not quite the same.”

Speaking of conditions, last year’s derby got pounded by rain, giving the edge to the horses better equipped to handle the drenched surface. The Weather Channel reports this year’s race will be drier.

“A mudder is a name for a horse that likes to run in the mud. It doesn’t look like we’re gonna get the kind of weather on Saturday that’ll turn this track into what’s called an off track where a mudder would be effective.”

The derby has been called the most exciting two minutes in sports.  It will happen Saturday evening at 6:24 Eastern time.

(Image source: CNN)

BY NATHAN BYRNE AND STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR CARISSA LOETHEN  

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum met behind closed doors today, according to MSNBC. No endorsement yet, but one analyst says the clock’s ticking.

“ … Santorum’s looking out for himself, but he has to be mindful of the fact that the longer this goes on, the less leverage I think he retains over Mitt Romney to ask for some sort of prize or reward for that endorsement.”

A slight drop in the unemployment rate — from 8.2 percent to 8.1. But accompanying job-creation numbers are being called, quote, “disappointing.”

Here’s Fox Business.

“That is far below what the Street had been expecting — roughly 170,000 jobs to be created. … (FLASH) But this morning’s 115,000 jobs created in April is not what Wall Street had expected.”

Defense secretary Leon Panetta spoke to troops on their way to Afghanistan today, warning them to be on their best behavior. CNN reports this comes in response to videos showing troops desecrating corpses, which Panetta says hurts the U.S. mission.

“Panetta saying he knows that the vast number of troops perform very admirably, but that these incidents have to stop.”

And the fastest two minutes in sports is scheduled for this weekend. The first race of the Triple Crown kicks off Saturday evening at 6:24 eastern time. And every story is apparently obligated to mention “mint juleps.”

“Ladies wearing big hats, fans sipping mint juleps, the Pegasus Parade on the streets of Louisville. Oh, you know it’s Kentucky Derby time!”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Nathan Byrne, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

(Image Source: The New Yorker)

(Image source: U.S. Department of State)

BY NATHAN BYRNE AND HARUMENDHAH HELMY
ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE  

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

China says if dissident Chen Guangcheng wants to go to the United States, he can apply to study abroad through the usual channels. The BBC explains.

(Image Source: Las Vegas Sun

BY ANDREW CARTER

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Wrap the hands, tighten your straps, grab the bucket, it’s go time.
Undefeated Floyd Mayweather faces Miguel Cotto Saturday for what the media is calling boxing’s biggest showcase of the year.
Fox Sports Net got the pre-fight footage.

“I feel pretty good. And I put trust in Pedro. I trust in every member of my team. I trust, most importantly myself.”  “You have to face the top oppositions out there and um this fight had to happen.”

ESPN predicts what techniques Mayweather will use against Cotto.

“Cotto has two choices. Either come forward, and when he does he eats upper cuts. That’s what Floyd’s gonna do, catch him right up the middle. Or he’s going to try and use his legs but he uses his legs and drops his left hand when he goes out. Bang, bang.”

Although Mayweather is the favorite — not so fast tweets boxing analyst Brian Campbell.

“While the odds are surely against Miguel Cotto in this fight, I have a hard time believing he will be stopped.”

Golden Boy Promotions is handling the event, and the CEO says all signs are pointing to Saturday's Mayweather-Cotto clash being a ratings smash.
Here’s the Sweet Science.

“The pre-sales in movie theatres are up 300% from the last couple Mayweather shows, the pre-sales for PPV in Puerto Rico indicate it will be the biggest PPV ever over there. “

Even with the fight’s hype —it lies in the shadow of what could be.
At pre-fight activities —  questions resurfaced about Mayweather’s refusal to battle challenger Manny Pacquiao.
Huffington Post got the update.

Mayweather seems obsessed with the idea Pacquiao is juicing. He's not going to change his mind. And, ultimately, that means no Pacquiao fight.

Mayweather is lucky this fight is before June. On June 1st the champ will head to jail for a 90 day domestic violence sentence.
 

(Image Source: Lviv Travel)

BY TATIANA DARIE

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Ukraine has responded to an EU boycott of the Euro 2012 soccer championship. The EU is protesting the alleged mistreatment of imprisoned Ukrainian ex-Prime Minister Yulia’s Tymoshenko. The Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry denounced the move as "destructive". RT has the story...

“There are growing calls for the Euro 2012 matches to be moved away from Ukraine- as more and more countries are threatening to boycott the event. All of this over the case of jailed ex-premier Yulia Tymoshenko.”

Tymoshenko is on a hunger strike to protest mistreatment in prison.  She is serving a seven-year sentence on charges of abusing her powers as prime minister. Several European leaders had previously announced they would not be attending the Ukrainian soccer games.

German chancellor Angela Merkel, a keen football fan, has not made her decision public. The Telegraph has her comments...

"Much more important than my travel plans is that we must now do everything possible to see that Yulia Tymoshenko gets the proper treatment for her medical problems as soon as possible"

The Guardian says overcoming this will be a tough challenge for Ukraine...

“For President Yanukovych Euro 2012 was a unique opportunity to sell Ukraine to the world: as a modern, peaceful, pluralistic, EU-aspiring nation, with a rich history and culture. Instead, his government is now staring at a PR disaster.”

Poland is co-hosting the games.  It has criticized the call for a boycott in Western Europe. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told Radio Free Europe that...

“... his country was sympathetic to concerns about the condition of Tymoshenko, who has complained of ill-treatment ... But he suggested Tymoshenko herself would be reluctant to see years of preparations wasted by a European boycott.”

Russia’s Vladimir Putin responded by saying that sport and politics should be kept separate. Russian news agency RIA Novosti has his comments and Newsy translates it for you...

“In any case, you can’t mix politics, business and other issues with sport...I stick to the principle professed and supported by the International Olympic Committee – sport is outside politics.”

The European Football Championship kicks off June 8th.

(Image source: Twitter/Sarah Phillips)

BY BLAKE HANSON

ESPN fired gambling columnist Sarah Phillips for alleged internet scams after Deadspin wrote, she might be concealing her true identity. In the wake of that revelation, there have been reports of her ties to parody Twitter accounts, fake photos and concerns as to whether she exists at all. Deadspin reports...

“Is Sarah Phillips for real? Thirteen months ago, she was an unknown message-board participant at Covers.com, a gambling website. Then Covers plucked her from the boards and gave her a weekly column, sight unseen. The swiftness of her ascent gave her that weird sort of internet half-celebrity whereby she became moderately famous before anyone really knew who she was.”

Deadspin also reported Phillips is tied to the Condescending Wonka parody twitter account … and there’s this photo allegedly of Sarah Phillips that was lifted from a website called “Hot Chicks with Douchebags.” And there are reports, Phillips has hijacked popular Twitter and Facebook pages, then direct the traffic to her own sports comedy website. PC Magazine says this was a big problem...

“perhaps more damningly, Phillips' name was also being connected to a series of dubious business deals with owners of popular sports humor-related Twitter accounts and Facebook blogs.”

It’s a complicated story and we might not have discovered everything yet — The National Football Post writes...

“It is very well-reported and dives deep into whether Phillips essentially scammed the entire Internet community. And while we have all the reason to believe that this person was living a lie, there are still tons of unanswered questions.”

So what do we learn from this? The Huffington Post offers this analysis...

“The key takeaway from Phillips' story is that what's important for media organizations isn't necessarily the specifics of how you meet or hire people, but rather how good of a judge of character your people in charge of hiring are. That's not easy, of course; reading people can be difficult, especially if they happen to be skilled con artists.”

After hours of silence, Sarah Phillips finally responded to the scandal. KSDK has more...

“Phillips went on Twitter overnight and apologized for misleading her fans, but did not reveal her real identity.”

ESPN issued a comment to Deadspin regarding the firing, saying it will review this instance and see if anything needs to be changed with its process of identifying and hiring its columnists.
 

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY ERIN DISMEIER

ANCHOR COMPAIN-ROMERO



Former NFL linebacker, Junior Seau was found in his California home Wednesday with a fatal gunshot wound to the chest.  Authorities are currently investigating it as a suicide.  

“Though few details were available, police confirmed no suicide note was left behind, no foul play was suspected and his girlfriend discovered his body in bed Wednesday morning when she returned from the gym.”

CNN has reported a handgun was found near Seau’s body. Seau’s mother and sister spoke to the media this morning.

“You guys show your love to my son.  I don’t understand who would do this to my son.  But I pray to God.  Please, take me, leave my son.”

Seau’s sister asked the media to give the family privacy during this difficult time.  

Back in 2010 there were those who thought Seau intentionally crashed his car over a cliff in San Diego, but he claimed it was an accident.  ESPN spoke to Seau’s former teammate and friend Marcellus Wiley (While-Ee) about the incident.

“‘I’ve fallen asleep at the wheel before, you know, I’m not perfect.  Tell me you just fell asleep.’  And Junior told me he did.  Junior didn’t tell me anything that showed any cries for help.”

A columnist for CBS Sports said his death isn’t just a tragedy for his family, but for the San Diego Chargers. 

“But this is the cruelest blow of all. Seau not only was the best player on that team; he was the face of the franchise.”

Chargers President Dean Spanos told NFL.com that this is a huge loss for the San Diego community.

“He never forgot about the city of San Diego.  This was his home, this was where his roots were and he couldn’t do enough off the field for the youth.  Anyone he could help, he helped.”

(Image Source: Times-Picayune)

BY JOSH LANDER

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Who dat gone and got themselves suspended? The New Orleans Saints punishments continued Wednesday as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell moved on from the coaches and management to the players.  NFL.com has the video.

“Four players are suspended.  Most notably middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma is suspended for the ‘12 season.  ... The 3 other players: only one is still with the Saints, that is defensive end Will Smith.”

Smith will miss four games in 2012. Meanwhile linebacker Scott Fujita, now with the Cleveland Browns and Anthony Hargroves now with the Green Bay Packers, will sit the first three and eight games respectively.
 

Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer says Goodell considered going after a legion of players, but instead targeted a few.

“Instead of striking 22-25 players that was originally reported was involved, the NFL instead decided they were gonna take aim at those they felt were most central in this case.”

So why these four players? LA’s KTBS reports they were deemed to have helped defensive coordinator Gregg Williams spearhead the operation.

“The statement said evidence reviewed by the league ‘demonstrated that from 2009-11 Saints players of their own accord pledged significant amounts of their own money toward bounties’...Vilma was a captain of the defensive unit under Williams and assisted in creating and funding the bounty program, the NFL statement said.”

That kind of justice has, heretofore, led many to praise Goodell. The year before he took over as league commissioner, 80 NFL players were arrested on various charges. Since taking over in 2006, only 16.

ESPN Radio host Colin Cowherd has Goodell’s back.

“As much as he’s been demonized as overly severe, how can I not look at these suspensions and say well fellas, his way is working.”

All four players said they plan to appeal their individual suspension Goodell, but irony has reared its head. ESPN’s Tim Hasselbeck says the NFL Players Association finds itself in a pickle.

“It is now putting the NFLPA in a very tricky spot because the NFLPA obviously wants to protect its players. The NFL is saying well hey, we’re protecting players because we’re punishing the guys that were trying to injure some of your players.”

No date has been set for the players’ appeals, but Roger Goodell has never retracted a suspension.

(Image Source: The Star-Ledger)

BY KRISTIAN MUNDAHL

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Almost two years after being paralyzed on the football field, former Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand has finally realized his dream of making it to the NFL. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed LeGrand Wednesday. Here’s ESPN’s Mike and Mike.

“This is a class move by Tampa Bay. Oh, a terrific gesture on their part and the fact that it comes from his college coach, I’m sure, makes it all that much more special.”

Indeed, the man responsible for the signing, Greg Schiano, coached LeGrand at Rutgers until he was hired as head coach of the Buccaneers. Schiano praised LeGrand’s spirit in a statement, saying...

“...This small gesture is the least we could do to recognize [Eric’s] character, spirit, and perseverance. The way Eric lives his life epitomizes what we are looking for in Buccaneer Men.”

In October 2010, LeGrand fractured two vertebrae on a kickoff in a Rutgers football game. After an initial prognosis of life as a quadriplegic, LeGrand has improved dramatically, now able to breathe without a ventilator and stand up with help from a metal frame. LeGrand tells the New Jersey Star-Ledger, the signing took him by surprise.

"It's something I always dreamed about. I always wanted to go to the NFL and retire and become a sportscaster. Dreams do come true if you really believe."

LeGrand won’t make any money in this deal, and he’ll never play football again — but he’s focused on another fight, saying in a speech at the New Jersey Sports Writers Association banquet in January...

"A 21-year-old doesn't want to be going through rehabilitation, but I think of everyone, their prayers and their support. One day I will get up out of this chair."

LeGrand plans to graduate next fall from Rutgers with a degree in Labor Studies.

(Image source: Dagladet)

BY ORLA O’MUIRI

A tragic day for the sport of swimming as Norway mourns the death of its World Champion swimmer. 26-year old Alexander Dale Oen died in Flagstaff, Arizona on Monday.  KPNX reports.

“The Norwegian swimming Federation says the world champ in the breaststroke suffered cardiac arrest and was found on a bathroom floor. He was taken to the Flagstaff Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.”

The Norwegian team is holding a training camp in Flagstaff ahead of the London Olympics. According to the Daily Mail —  Dale Oen had only taken part in a light training session on the day of his death.

“But teammates became worried when the swimmer spent an unusually long time in the shower, and entered his bathroom when he failed to respond to their knocks on the door.”

He was Norway’s first swimmer to win both world and European titles. Dale Oen claimed gold in the 100 metres backstroke last year and took home a silver from the 2008 Olympic games. He was considered the team’s best hope for a gold at London 2012.

The Telegraph reports he will always be remembered for bringing hope to a dark day in Norway’s history.

“Dale Oen's triumph at the World Aquatics Championships in Shanghai last year came just three days after the massacre in Norway by Anders Breivik that killed 77 people. He dedicated the win to the victims of that massacre, pointing to the Norwegian flag on his cap after the finish to send a message to his countrymen back home.”

The training camp was set to finish on Thursday. Dale Oen’s final tweet expressed his excitement to return home.

"2 days left of our camp up here in Flagstaff, then its back to the most beautiful city in Norway... #Bergen"

Sports News Ireland reports — cardiac arrest in athletes is becoming a growing concern.

“With the recent collapse of Bolton soccer star Fabrice Muamba and the death of Livorno player Piermario Marosini it highlights the need for more testing of athletes who may be in danger of suffering from this.”


 

(Image Source: The New York Daily News)

BY TOM MARTIN

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

From sneezing — to playing Guitar Hero — to falling downstairs carrying deer meat — weird sports injuries have a ‘special’ place in history. Monday night we saw yet another, courtesy of Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire. Here’s HLN:

“After the Knicks lost last night, Stoudemire punched a fire extinguisher — that one, the casing — with his left hand, broke the glass, you can see a little blood on the carpet. Paramedics were called in."

Stoudemire needed 15 stitches to repair his left hand — and reports say he could miss the rest of New York’s playoff series against the Miami Heat. SNY TV’s Frank Isola didn’t offer Stoudemire any sympathy:

“It’s a selfish act. Your team needs you. In a situation like that, you cannot put yourself in a situation where you cut your hand.”

TNT’s Charles Barkley says, while players can get frustrated — Stoudemire crossed the line:

“You’ve seen guys punch walls or punch blackboards but you definitely can’t punch glass you could cut an artery or something. And it’s just stupid, there’s no other way to say it.”

The Knicks were already down 2-0 to Miami before Stoudemire’s punch — now they head home to New York, trying to avoid being swept. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith doesn’t like the Knicks’ chances:

“This series is over as far as I’m concerned Sunday, if not, definitely by next Tuesday because they simply do not have the horses.”

“Everybody’s feeling it right now, not just Amar’e Stoudemire. That’s a very demoralized New York Knicks team on the team bus right now.”

Sports Illustrated’s Zach Lowe writes, if there’s a silver lining, Amare’s absence could be beneficial — at least to one extent:

“Stoudemire just hasn’t helped the Knicks, mostly because the Anthony/Stoudemire combination has been a disaster … New York may well be better without Stoudemire in the short-term, but it won’t make a difference against a vastly superior Heat team.”

The Knicks are also without the services of Iman Shumpert, who tore his ACL on a crossover Saturday.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY NIELS SCHACK NORGAARD

ANCHOR CARISSA LOETHEN

What are the Hods on that?! Just when everybody expected Tottenham’s Harry Redknapp was going to be the next manager of the England national soccer team, The English Football Association announced it’s going for West Bromwich Albion’s Roy Hodgson. An unexpected turn of events, says Sky Sports.

“Well, I think it’s fair to say it’s a surprise. There’s no doubt Harry Redknapp were the odds-on favorite as far as many fans were concerned. But we’ll just have to see how events unfold over the next 24-48 hours.”

The announcement shocked the English media.  The Guardian writes the decision to offer Roy Hodgson the job could easily turn out to be a mistake.

“At some point the Football Association is going to have to offer a plausible explanation about why it has decided Roy Hodgson has better credentials than Harry Redknapp to lift and invigorate this England squad.”

The England job will be the biggest challenge in Roy Hodgson’s career. The manager failed at Liverpool and was sacked a year and a half ago, and BBC’s Chief Football Writer says he’s worried about the way Roy Hodgson succumbed to the pressure of the high-profile job.

“What cannot be disguised was how quickly Hodgson found himself out of his depth at Liverpool, struggling with the constant pressures and daily scrutiny of an unwieldy footballing beast. These are the sort of pressures that he will face with England.”

After Italian Fabio Capello quit the job in February, it was almost set in stone that Redknapp would be offered the job. But not everybody is against the possible appointment of Roy Hodgson. He has Henry Winter from The Telegraph’s support.

“Hodgson would not be the choice of the England players or the long-suffering supporters. But he is experienced internationally and he definitely has this observer’s backing. Why? Hodgson’s intelligent, a deep thinker of the game, a man with a huge understanding of how to organize a team.”

The BBC thinks it’s also a question of money. While Harry Redknapp’s club Tottenham would be owed a hefty compensation fee because his contract, the situation is different with Roy Hodgson.

”There was the fact that Roy Hodgson being out of contract at the end of the season, so no compensation would be owed to West Bromwich Albion. The media speculation here in England was very much that Harry Redknapp would be certainly a target for the Football Association.”

Hodgson and the English Football Association opened talks on Monday and will continue negotiations through Tuesday.

(Image Source: The Daily Mail)

BY TOM MARTIN

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Three weeks ago, Manchester City’s Premier League Title hopes were — as head coach Roberto Mancini called them — hopeless. Yet as of Monday evening, City find themselves atop the league standings after downing crosstown rival Manchester United one-nil.

ESPN’s Steve McManaman says with two games left, the Premier League title is now City’s to lose:

“You would think now, as I said before, the momentum taking them forward to Newcastle — it’s going to be a difficult game, but I would think that they’ll go and get the points that they need to win this title. It’s certainly in their hands now.”

City’s headwork came in handy Monday after Vincent Kompany (PRON: Koam-pany) volleyed home the match’s only goal in the 46th minute. But even after the momentum swing, the Wall Street Journal’s Will Snyder says the title race isn’t over:

“There's a very good chance that United will still claim the league this season. Either way, that was a thriller of a derby, complete with plenty of pushing, shoving, attacking and a sighting of Liam Gallagher. What more could you want?”

If United wants to regain the reigns to first place, Eurosport’s Tom Adams says it’ll have to find some offense:

“After a limp performance, and a failure to have a solitary shot on target in 90 minutes, United may reflect that a timid team selection proved their undoing on a night when they surrendered top spot, and possibly city supremacy, with a whimper.”

Manchester United fans aren’t making excuses. A blogger for The Busby Babe tweeted his reaction:

“Absolutely gutted, but the result was absolutely deserved. However, the title has yet to be won or lost. Two more weeks to fight on.”

City and United are technically tied for the league lead — but City’s goal differential gives them a slight edge in the standings.

BY MIHIR BHAGAT

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

After months of scouting reports and mock drafts, the 2012 NFL draft has come and gone. But it’s not over yet. Now, it’s time to evaluate the 253 picks made. ESPN’s Todd McShay says Browns running back Trent Richardson will make the biggest impact.

“They were concerned about him going number three so they moved up one spot. I don’t care how much they gave away. They got a player that instantly turns around their offense and makes them a physical football team that they want to be.”

The draft is supposed to be a chance for struggling teams to rebuild with stars such as Richardson and Andrew Luck. But NFL Network says the rich just got richer.

“I thought the story of this draft was the bottom half teams did really well. The playoff teams got stronger. I think you saw that with New England, you saw it with Pittsburgh, you saw it with Cincinnati.”

But for every genius selection, there’s one that leaves fans scratching their heads. For CBS Sports, it was Cal punter Bryan Anger. The Jaguars selected him 70th overall - the highest a punter’s been drafted since 1995.

“Terrible pick. Here’s the deal with punters. You never pick them, okay. There’s so many of them out there, so many kickers out there, what are you picking a punter for? Then again, the way they played offense the last seven years, they need a punter.”

The 1st round involved a lot of wheeling and dealing. Eight trades went down including seven in the Top 10 - the most in draft history. Sports Illustrated explains why we should expect more trades in the future with the rookie wage scale.

"Oh, absolutely because teams can move around more confidently. They don’t take the big risks so you can fill your need. It’s probably going to make the first round a lot more efficient. I think we’ll see a few less busts because teams can afford to draft by need."

Perhaps it’s seeing young men turn their dreams into realities. Sports fans love the NFL draft. In fact, some draft experts are feeding the craze and  already looking into the 2015 class.

But, let’s not get two steps ahead--first, of course, there’s 2013. After all the hype with Luck, FOX Sports tells us why we should look out for University of Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley next year.

“Barkley, if he had left college last year his junior season at USC, I’m convinced he might’ve been the second quarterback taken in the draft over Robert Griffin III. Scouts are that enamored with him.”

About 25.3 million people watched the first-round coverage of the 2012 NFL Draft. 

(Image Source: TNT)

BY MIHIR BHAGAT
ANCHOR ZACH ZOOMBS

The Chicago Bulls came into their playoff opener with their eyes on a title and left devastated. Derrick Rose tore his ACL and is out for the remainder of the season. Dr. Malloy went on WMAQ to break down the injury.

“Often this is a career ending injury, but it doesn’t have to be and new treatments have made a huge difference...It will be the six months very likely because they want the knee back to full stability”

The United Center was silent when Rose went down. NBA.com described Rose’s injury as “worse than a death in the family”. So, they write even if the Bulls do lose in the playoffs, nothing is worse than the loss of the reigning MVP.

“One of these days -- maybe not this round, maybe not the next but someday soon -- they will lose for the fourth time in a series without him. And they can't, they won't, possibly feel worse than they felt with 1 minutes 20 seconds left in the fourth quarter Saturday.”

Rose already missed 27 games this season so with his nagging injuries, some are second guessing head coach Tom Thibbodeau’s decision to leave Rose on the court late in the game. ESPN says it’s just the coach’s style.

“This is the way that he likes it. And if you like, you know, Tom Thibodeau coaching your team and winning, you just have to accept this if you’re a Bulls fan. And he’s been playing with fire for a long time. he just got burned today.” 

With Rose out, C.J. Watson will start at point guard while John Lucas III and Mike James come off the bench. CSN Chicago says the Bulls will have to find a way to replace him.  

“No, they don’t add up to Derrick Rose. But Somehow, some way these guys are going to have to try and fill the shoes of Derrick Rose. Maybe, collectively they can do it.”

Although sports medicine has seen advancements in recent years, SB Nation questions Rose’s fate -- and brings up a scary scenario from the past.  Chris Webber suffered an ACL injury in the playoffs, diving for a loose ball, nine years ago and never recovered.

“Will he still be that dazzling crossover wizard with a quick first step? Can he sweep people off his feet with his twisting and turning and dancing to the basket? Or will he have to adjust himself to play a whole new type of basketball?”

A timetable for the Rose’s return is unknown, but he won’t play for Team USA in the 2012 Olympics. 

Image Source: (Wikimedia Commons)

BY JUSTIN PROCHASKA

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

NBA playoff drama is back, and once again all eyes are on LeBron James. Many NBA experts are pegging the Heat as the favorites to win it all, but what happens if they don’t? Is the season a failure? James says ‘no’ but teammate Dwyane Wade says ‘yes’ in an interview with the Sun Sentinel.

"I say yes. There's only one champion. It's a failure for every other team. If you don't win a championship, you had a failed year."

The media has poked fun at LeBron’s playoff performances through the years. Another season without a title could bring more ridicule. ESPN’s Ric Bucher believes LeBron and the Heat will return to the Finals but lose to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“With an improved Serge Ibaka and a slender Kendrick Perkins combined with Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, that will be enough to get the Thunder their first championship of many.”

The Heat had similar expectations last season, but fell to Dallas in the Finals. But this year’s team has had time to gel. A writer for the Miami Herald says anything short of the franchise’s second championship, and first for James, would be unacceptable.

“Reaching the Finals and falling short was acceptable a year ago. That was the mulligan year.
Heat players, especially LeBron James, were dealing with the backlash and comically intense scrutiny all season. Besides, it was reasonable to expect a season of transition, of adjustments and learning to come together.
Now? No mulligan left.”

LeBron’s playoff woes have been well chronicled, but as NBA TV’s Steve Smith says, LeBron  finally has a healthy supporting cast and a different mentality which could tip the scales in Miami’s favor.

“A different approach? I think he gets there again. He’s gonna go out and be more aggressive and get it done on both sides of the floor.”

A writer for SI doesn’t see the Heat hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy come June. He says the road to the championship goes through San Antonio or Chicago, the two teams with the best record during the regular season.

“Parker, a former Finals MVP, is at the top of his game. Ginobili, finally healthy, is one of the great clutch players. Center Tiago Splitter is much improved, and two role players...Stephen Jackson and Boris Diaw, have rounded out a strong rotation. If any team is the one to beat in this packed, unpredictable season, it is San Antonio.”

The Heat opens its playoff campaign against an upstart New York Knicks team on Saturday.

(Image Source: NBA Players Association)
 

BY ANDREW CARTER AND JOSH LANDER

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

The NBA Players’ Association is under government investigation after president Derek Fisher called for an independent audit of the union’s finances.  Now, according to multiple media outlets, the U.S. Attorney General has subpoenaed Executive Director Billy Hunter for financial documents.  Bloomberg broke the story.

“The National Basketball Players’ Association, whose leadership is currently trying to oust its current president Derek Fisher FLASH has paid nearly five million dollars to executive director Billy Hunter’s family or professional firms.”

Hunter makes more than $2 million a year in salary.  Hunter has two family members employed by the union and two others working for companies hired by the union.  Bloomberg also reports the NBAPA paid $4.8 million to Hunter’s family since 2001.  The Wall Street Journal has Hunter’s line of defense.

“Hunter and his supporters argue any questions regarding conflict of interest and compensation can be dealt with internally, and that his family’s employment status has been a matter of public record for years.”

Whether Fisher is a brave whistle blower in the face of corruption or a player out for heads, Ken Berger of CBS Sports says bickering among the players only makes the owners look stronger.
 

“They're fighting amongst themselves. And this nasty case of Fisher vs. Hunter -- and player vs. player, for the leadership of the union -- is shaping up to make the labor talks look like bingo night at the senior home. Just when we thought the fighting was over, the fight got real.”

Former NBAPA President Oscar Robertson is unhappy with all this news being made public.
NBA.com quotes Robertson....

“‘What bothers me more than anything ... if they’ve got a problem, why don’t they settle it within their organization instead of going public with the whole thing? We settled all our problems within.’”

The Union released a statement saying they will fully cooperate with the government’s investigation.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY ELIZABETH RINEHART

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has announced he will step down as the team’s head coach at the end of the season. He explained why during a press conference Friday.

“The reason is very simple. It's been four years and with time everything wears down. I am worn down and I need a break.” (Source: The Telegraph)

Guardiola, a product of Barcelona’s youth academy who played for the club for 11 years, became the team’s head coach in 2008. During his time, he won 13 trophies, including three consecutive La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues. (Source: BarcaTV)

But he’s ending on a sour note-- the team was knocked out of the Champions League by Chelsea and will likely finish second to Real Madrid in La Liga. (Source: Youtube/TheGacoza)

During the conference, Guardiola dispelled rumors of a possible position with Chelsea, saying that he was taking a break from soccer for a few years.

An ESPN commentator praises him for changing the way soccer is played.

“Guardiola used to define the way they played, very simple. Get the ball, pass the ball. Get the ball, pass the ball. This is the way he understands football philosophy here at Barcelona”

Guardiola will be replaced by current assistant coach Tito Vilanova.

Vilanova, another Catalan and former Barcelona youth player, is perhaps best-known for being poked in the eye by Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho during a Spanish Super Cup game last year. (Source: Youtube/101greatgoalsFan)

A columnist for The Guardian points out Villanova has some tough challenges ahead.

“...gaining the trust of the players should not be a problem, although whether he can lift their morale … is an entirely different matter.”

Guardiola’s last game with the team will be the Copa Del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao on May 25.

(Image Source: Star Advertiser)

BY ANDREW CARTER

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Oh No.

The Pro Bowl may be no more.

Boo hoo 

Why? Because according to commisioner Roger Goodell, players aren’t putting forth the effort and lack of interest from fans reflect a poor product.

If the Pro Bowl is dead in the water, Sporting News gives possible remedies.

“You could have a system where the Pro Bowl is still voted on like it is now. After the Pro Bowl team is named, those players still get their incentives, it’s just the game itself is not played.”

Incentives are nice — but former player and ESPN Analyst Herm Edwards says modern athletes don’t need the money like he did.

“And money has changed this deal, believe me. My era when we played, you wanted to play, and you wanted to win the Pro Bowl because you need that extra money. It’s a little bit different now.”

So different that NFC quarterback Aaron Rodgers called out his teammates as “embarrassments” for their lack of effort.

Initial reports deemed doom for the game, but there is still hope according to NFL Player Association President Domonique Foxworth.

“The Pro Bowl is an important tradition -- we are in talks with the league to improve and preserve the game for our players and fans.”

But do the fans really want to see the game preserved?

Not according to an NBC Sports poll.

More than 40,000 people voted — About 82 percent want to see the game cancelled — and only 18 percent are looking to see tradition continued. 

Regardless of attempts to preserve the game, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says it’s a lost cause.

“It is an impossible equation. Players simply don't want to risk getting hurt for a game that means zero, not even for a free trip to Hawaii.”

Currently the game is on the 20-13 NFL schedule but has no official host stadium.

(Image source: CNBC)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

The National Association of Realtors says home sales are up — indicating a possible return for the market. Fox Business reports housing is …

 BY JOHN O’CONNOR

The highly anticipated Real-Barcelona European Cup final will not be happening.  So fans won’t be seeing the fancy feet of Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi in the championship game.

No, both the superstars missed critical penalty kicks, and so Instead, it will be Chelsea and Bayern Munich who face off for the coveted European Cup.

Chelsea advanced to the finals after a 3-2 aggregate victory over Barcelona Tuesday, but the win did not come without a price. ESPN has the details.

“(Chelsea) Blues skipper John Terry was handed a straight red card after kneeing Alexis Sanchez, while Ramires, Branislav Ivanovic and Raul Meireles all picked up bookings that ensured they will also miss the showpiece at the Allianz Arena.”

When asked about his actions against the Barcelona forward, John Terry told Sky Sports...

“I’m disappointed but delighted for the lads. To come here and play the way they did and get the result they did with ten men... I feel I've let them down. I've apologized to them and I want to apologize to the fans as well.”

Chelsea’s opponent in the final will be Bayern Munich. Bayern defeated Real Madrid after an aggregate tie forced the clubs to decide the game with a penalty kick shootout.  Like Chelsea, Bayern also received key bookings that will keep important players from taking the field for the finals.

Chelsea will face Bayern Munich on May 19th at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
 

BY ANDREW GIBSON

IMAGE SOURCE: USA Today

A college football playoff system might be coming to fruition. Sources tell ESPN that BCS commissioners and other stakeholders are likely to adopt a four-team playoff starting in 2014. ESPN.com insider Travis Haney tells Mark Schlabach proposals like this haven’t always been popular.

“You’ve seen over the years that the Big Ten and the Pac-12 — they’ve been the ones who have sort of stood in the way of the progress, thinking if a playoff came about it any form, that it might hurt the Rose Bowl, it might hurt the bowl system.”

A final decision will not be made at these meetings.  National Football Post writer Dave Miller says…

“An outline of possible final scenarios will be drawn up so commissioners can go back to campuses to present to athletic directors and coaches before a new postseason format is completed this summer.”

Still up for debate is what cities would host the semifinal and championship games. One possibility is for the current BCS sites to bid on them. Writing on the Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes, Avinash Kunnath has a different idea saying there should be …

“… four potential sites every year similar to what the NCAA (basketball) tournament has for the second weekend … then when the final matchups are announced, pick the two sites that are most favorable to the top two seeds depending on the matchup.”

But details like these aren’t fascinating to everyone in the sports world. CBS Sports columnist Ray Ratto says college sports officials need to change some rules like making it easier for athletes to transfer schools, before it deals with the BCS.

“The BCS may stink on ice, but the devil of the playoff system is in the details, and until the details include how players get a better shake than they're getting now, I'm not all that fascinated by when or how it happens."
 

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) 

BY JOSH LANDER

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

To QB or not to QB? That’s the question driving National Football League general managers nuts right now as the draft approaches.

Former New York Giants GM Ernie Accorsi told ESPN’s Colin Cowherd you can’t mess it up, or you’ll be looking to get a quarter back, on your quarterback.

“But you better be right. And that’s the whole key because if you make that trade and it turns out to be a bust, it sets you back 5, 6, 7 years."

The popular pick among many football analysts already destined to fail — Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.  A writer for Athlon Sports says in the case of Tannehill, raw athleticism doesn’t make a successful NFL QB.

“He has a rare combination of size and speed for a quarterback that allowed him to [also] provide solid production as a wide receiver for the Aggies...It doesn’t mean he can lead a winning NFL franchise.”

But a new name is surfacing. Total College Sports reports North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples is fast overtaking Tannehill as the most likely to fail.

“Number one: Quinton Coples, talented defensive end from North Carolina. Is he gonna be this year’s Vernon Gholston, a bust? Or is he gonna be more like Julius Peppers, who has starred for the Bears?"

A blogger for Bleacher Report agrees, explaining Coples just doesn’t have what it takes to make it as a pro.

“It is Coples's lack of motor and consistent effort that will ensure that he is a massive flop.  Success in the NFL is contingent on effort, hard work and perseverance, traits that Coples clearly lacks.”

One thing’s been made clear, RG III is going second overall to the Washington Redskins. No one’s calling him a bust, but Sports Illustrated’s Chris Collinsworth says RG III is a bigger gamble than he’s made out to be.

“Robert Griffin III, this is a risk pick.  People don’t want to put it in that category but you are betting the franchise now, with this move up in the draft.”

You can see the draft live, Thursday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

(Image source: The Telegraph)

BY ORLA O’MUIRI

A runner’s death has inspired a flood of charitable donations in the UK. 30- year-old Claire Squires died in Sunday’s London Marathon. BBC quotes her family.

“In the words of her family today what an incredible, inspirational and beautiful person she was. She was loved by so many.”

Claire’s death took place one mile from the finish line of Sunday’s London Marathon. The Guardian describes the scene.

Squires...fell as she ran up Birdcage Walk, near St James's Park. It is the final road the runners take before reaching Buckingham Palace and turning on to The Mall....Immediate medical attention was provided but paramedics were unable to revive her.The cause of death is not yet known.”

The runner aimed to raise $800 for her charity, The Samaritans, which is a suicide support group. Since her death on Sunday, donations to the cause have soared. CNN has Tuesday morning’s figures.

“As news of Claire Squires death spread across social media sites, so too did the link to her Just Giving fundraising page, sparking a flurry of donations reaching more than £400,000 ($650,000) and rising fast by Tuesday afternoon.”

The Independent says the donations on the fundraising website were the largest ever — with more than 37,000 people pitching in.

“Yesterday saw the largest number of donations ever received in a single day on the JustGiving website, with more than 10,000 people donating together at any given time.”

According to TNT magazine Squires’ friends say she was running for the Samaritans in memory of her brother — who died at age 25.

“Grant Squires died from an overdose in 2001 after becoming depressed following a car accident in which he survived, but his girlfriend Heidi Richardson was killed.”

London Marathon Runner Chris Egerton-Warburton explains to Channel 4 why he thinks the response has been so powerful.

“The outpouring that you’ve seen from runners and communities alike for Samaritans is a result of, is because in a way an awful lot of us think it could've been, it could so easily of being me.”

Squires is the 11th participant to die in the London Marathon since the event began in 1981.

(Image Source: The Times-Picayune)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

Espionage in the luxury suites of the Superdome. Fox News has the latest on new allegations coming out of New Orleans.

“This man, Saints general manager, Mickey Loomis, secretly was able to listen to rival Coaches between 2002 and 2004.”

The Saints deny the charges. So what would be the competitive advantage is having the GM listen to opposing coaches? According to a former Saints QB Bobby Hebert, not much.

“Can you imagine Mickey Loomis talking in the headphones with Sean Payton or Greg Williams. They would tell him to shut the hell up.  It’s like there is so much chatter and noise that they would not want that influence.”

If found guilty, Loomis could face charges from the NFL and the U.S. courts. But a USA Today writer explains — time is on Loomis’ side.

“Although using a device to eavesdrop is a violation of federal law, it seems unlikely this case will advance in court given a statute of limitations of six years.”

Loomis still could face a civil lawsuit from any team or individual he allegedly eavesdropped on.  The league found out about the allegations along with everyone else on Monday, and an NBC Sports writer says an ugly investigation is going to result.

“Everyone involved deserves the truth.  If it happened, that needs to be known and publicized, and appropriate consequences should arise.  If it didn’t happen, that needs to be known and publicized, and appropriate consequences should arise.”

Now, if this all sounds familiar, the Patriots got caught secretly videotaping other team’s defensive signs in 2007. The NFL fined the coach and team, in that case, and took away a first round draft pick.

(Image Source: Charlotte Observer)

BY TOM MARTIN

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

The worst team — ever? NBA history could soon beckon the Charlotte Bobcats — who lost a franchise record twenty-first straight game Monday night. WJZ and KFMB have more:

“The Bob-Kittens have now lost twenty-one in a row, with a record of seven wins and fifty-seven defeats.”

“So they have to win one of their final two games or they will have the worst record in the history of the NBA. You know who owns the Charlotte Bobcats? That would be Michael Jordan. How you feelin’ about that, Mike?”

MJ bought the playoff-bound Bobcats in 2010 — only to trade away the team’s perceived best players within the next two years. Sports Illustrated’s Michael Rosenberg writes — as an owner — His Airness has reached a new low:

“He pays attention when he feels like it. He complains about the cost of doing business, like he thought he was buying a convenience store instead of an NBA team … I have to believe that in some moments … he thinks to himself: ‘You used to be Michael Jordan. What happened?’”

ESPN’s Michael Wallace says Charlotte’s surge to the cellar may just be part of the plan:

“The Bobcats didn’t get historically bad overnight. This has been a two-year process in the making.”

“What you see now is a team gunning for the number one pick, and hopefully they will get a shot at Anthony Davis.”

Charlotte’s hopes may rest on the shoulders of Davis. He’s the projected first overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft — and a player many think could turn any team around.

The Raleigh News & Observer’s Tom Sorensen is one such believer:

“The NBA has a draft lottery because of players such as Davis. To win him, teams will find a way to lose games … He will be an annual all-star, and if Charlotte is fortunate enough to take him, he will transform this team.”

Despite hope for the future, the depleted Bobcats still have to suffer through the present. NESN’s Mike Cole has a soft spot for the man forced to lead them:

“[Head coach Paul Silas] is used to success after winning three NBA titles in his career, including two with the Celtics. He's a nominee for the Basketball Hall of Fame for crying out loud. That's why it's so tough to see a good basketball man … struggle through such a pitiful season.”

Charlotte faces the struggling Orlando Magic Wednesday night before taking on New York to close the season.

(Image source: TMZ)

BY ALLYSON BROWN

Deion Sanders is back in the spotlight, but not for his football or TV career. He’s back because he is the alleged victim of a domestic dispute.

"Monday evening the former defensive back tweeted: “Pray for me and my kids now! They just witnessed their mother and a friend jump me in my room. She's going to jail n I'm pressing charges!”


And pressed charges he did.

"Apparently, Sanders warned authorities beforehand an incident would take place. Sanders says his wife kicked, bit and scratched him. Pilar Michelle Sanders was booked late Monday night."


Pilar’s bond was only $264 ... but her estranged husband told KXAS he’s taken extra precautions.


“I have locks on my doors right now. Is somebody going to have to die … is it going to be me before the courts do something to get this woman out my house, it’s absurd.”


This after Deion filed for divorce back in December 2011 and Pilar filed a still-pending defamation lawsuit against him. A Yahoo! contributor applauds Deion for how he handled the situation.


“I comment Sanders for coming forward first. At least this way, he can control the story and try to keep his family from getting hounded by more unnecessary media coverage.”


So how can Deion prove all this occurred? He says he has two character witnesses — his sons. He also tweeted this photo, saying...


“Filling out police reports now! Thank God for this platform to issue the Truth.”


Pilar hasn’t publicly responded as of Tuesday afternoon.

(Image Source: The Big Lead)

BY TOM MARTIN

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Arkansas football has found a new head coach to replace Bobby Petrino. And according to Fox Sports, they didn’t have to look very far:

“The Razorbacks are bringing back John L. Smith to become their new head coach on a one-year deal. Smith will leave Weber St. to return to Arkansas where he was the special teams coach in Fayetteville the last three years.”

Smith has head coaching experience at big time programs like Louisville and Michigan State. But a CBS Sports blogger says Smith’s ties to Arkansas likely got him his new gig:

“In addition to helping to recruit and coach nearly the entire Razorback roster, Smith has worked alongside eight of the program’s nine current assistants. [Hiring Smith] will allow Arkansas to keep both its current staff intact and its players on the same Petrino-inspired page.”

Smith takes over an Arkansas team many believe will compete for a national title. But if they don’t fulfill expectations, a blogger at Team Speed Kills says the Razorbacks have already set up Plan B:

“Going with Smith and giving him a 10-month contract makes it perfectly clear that a full search will go on later this year, something that picking a younger assistant as interim would have muddied some.”



ESPN’s Rod Gilmore says — hiring Smith makes introductions easier — but he may not be ready to coach in the SEC:

“If you’ve watched John L. Smith over his career, he’s made some curious or interesting decisions during games and has come under criticism for that. So he’s going to be under the spotlight with a team this good, with every decision he makes in a critical game.”

Speaking of those so-called ‘curious decisions’ — in 2005 it was Smith who criticized himself while he was a head coach at Michigan State:

“We shouldn’t have sent him in. That’s a dang coaching mistake. The kids are playing their tails off and the coaches are screwing it up!”

So what do Arkansas players think of the hire? Running back Knile (PRON: Nile) Davis was one of many Razorbacks to offer praise on Twitter:

“The happiest day of my life... hearing that John L.Smith is coming back to the ville to b our head coach.”

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY NIELS SCHACK NORGAARD

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Oh no, Lakers. Just when Metta World Peace looked like he had put his past behind him, he does it again. In Sunday’s double overtime-win against the Thunder, World Peace was ejected for throwing an elbow to James Harden’s head. Here’s ESPN discussing the incident:

"There was an intent there. He felt James Harden was next to him. He raised his elbow above his own head and knocked him out. Maybe he lost his head and he didn’t mean to take the guy out, but the fact of the matter is, it’s Ron Artest and there’s a reputation there."

Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, was remorseful as he talked to the Los Angeles Times about the incident.

“During that play I just dunked on Durant and Ibaka, and I got really emotional and exited. It was unfortunate that James had to get hit with an unintentional elbow.”

Intentional or unintentional? And how will the NBA react? On his Daily Dime-blog, ESPN’s J.A. Adande has one idea on how to punish World Peace.

“The NBA should suspend World Peace indefinitely, see how many games (if any) Harden will miss, then tack on two to that number. Especially since we just witnessed a case study in Harden's value to the Thunder.

Metta World earned his rep by getting an 86-game-suspension for his role in a 2004-brawl which earned the title, Malice at the Palace. Some have called it, ‘the scariest moment in NBA history’.

On Bleacher Report, NBA columnist Ethan Strauss warns people not to overreact just because of Peace’s bad rep.

“Five games! No, 10 games! The season! Banned from basketball! Criminal! It is hard to be a rationalist in this conversational space. (…) I’ll contribute to the meme and offer a three-game suspension. That’s one more game than Kevin Love got for stomping on Luis Scola’s face.”

On NBA TV, former player Brent Barry agrees, Metta World will get a suspension from the NBA.

“I don’t think there’s any question that the league is going to suspend him for at least one game. Nobody celebrates that kind of play with their elbow flying above their shoulders in this way.”

BY MIHIR BHAGAT

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

(Image Source: CBS Sports)

21. It’s the legal drinking age. It’s the ideal number in blackjack. And thanks to White Sox pitcher Philip Humber, it’s the number of perfect games in the 143-year history of Major League Baseball. WMAQ shows how it happened.

“He needs the perfect pitch to realize his dream. He goes with the slider. Gets Brendan Ryan to chase it. A.J. hustles and gets the ball to Konerko. And there you have it. Perfection for Humber.”

Humber didn’t take an easy road to success. The Mets drafted him third overall in 2004, but he struggled. He was involved in the Johan Santana trade and bounced around with three teams before the White Sox claimed him off the waivers. ESPN explains how Humber’s perfect game solidifies his place in the league.

“Every year the last four or five seasons, he’s had to go to Spring Training and make the club. I mean, he was on the border of possibly starting the year down in Triple A. Now that you do something like this, you’ve got a hall pass for a while."

But Humber didn’t make history without causing some controversy. Jim Joyce’s bad call cost Armando Galarraga a perfect game in 2010. On Saturday’s final out, Brendan Ryan thought he walked but the umpire called it a strike. SB Nation debates it.

“Was it a swing? It's hard to tell, but I'm going with ‘probably not.’ But it was definitely close enough to call without creating a huge controversy. There's a pretty good chance that [the umpire] was thinking ‘Don't pull a Jim Joyce don't pull a Jim Joyce don't pull a Jim Joyce’ for the last inning.”

Questionable or not, it’s official. Since 2009, we’ve witnessed four perfect games — and nearly had six. Before 2009, there was never been more than two in a four-year span. Sports Illustrated shows how baseball is leaving the home run era and entering the pitching era.

“We are watching an era in which pitchers win MVP awards, a 49-year-old man throwing no harder than 79 miles per hour has a 2.55 ERA and a 29-year-old pitcher who was waived by the Royals two years ago and who never before threw a complete game in the major leagues can throw a perfect game.”

(AOC)
Humber is the third White Sox pitcher to pitch a perfect game. The last was Mark Buehrle in 2009. A CSNChicago analyst breaks down the difference between the two.

“Mark Buehrle does it with a lot of location, where Philip Humber if you watch him pitch he’s got a really a nasty breaking ball. A very quick breaking ball that breaks down, that breaks across.”

Humber joins a list of seven pitchers to throw a no-hitter after leaving the Mets. The team hasn’t thrown a no-hitter in its 51-year history.

(Image source: The Guardian)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

France is narrowing its choices for president as the first-round election begins.

(Image Source - Ballparks.com)

BY JOSH LANDER

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Go Fenway, it’s your birthday. For those that have never attended a 100-year-old birthday party, Boston’s WBZ’s Gresh and Zo say, it’s a madhouse.

“You’ve got ESPN already set up inside the ballpark, television trucks all over the place.  All for the big 100th anniversary of the first game played at Fenway Park.”

Along with the celebration of Major League Baseball’s oldest park comes the debate of old versus new.  ESPN’s Jim Caple says Fenway’s best quality is its lack of distractions.

“The new Marlins stadium has a nightclub with a swimming pool and a DJ.  Detroit’s ballpark has a ferris wheel and a merry-go-round. Fenway doesn’t have any of that stuff.  At Fenway, it’s all about the baseball.”

But some local writers have been bashing the old park for years now.  In a 1999 blog about Fenway, Grantland’s Bill Simmons explained his desire to see the park demolished.

“Let's be honest: If you're over 5-foot-3 and you weigh more than 120 pounds, there's no possible way to sit in the seats at Fenway Park and be comfortable. The park was built in 1912; everybody was short in 1912.”

A writer for the Providence Journal says Fenway shouldn’t be compared to the flashy parks of today, but to all of the old stadiums it has outlasted.

“Everybody waxes poetic about all the old ballparks: Crosley, Forbes, Shibe, Tiger, Yankee the First. This is the place that's justifiably outlived them all. It has maintained its essential character while making the necessary upgrades over the last decade.”

As for the guest list, the news isn’t who’s invited as much as who isn’t.  Boston’s WEEI says the absence of former general manager Theo Epstein at the ceremonies puts current Sox CEO Larry Lucchino in a bad light.

“If anything, you wanna put on a good front. So that all of the people who were questioning whether Larry and Theo were fighting, don’t you bury some of that?”

Surely not by coincidence, the arch-rival New York Yankees are in town for Fenway’s birthday.  The two teams meet to play their first three-game series of the year.

(Image Source: The New York Times)

BY ANDREW CARTER

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

A Lifetime movie has less drama than the New York Knicks this season. Amare Stoudemire has gone from free-agent splash... to team-chemistry killer?

The power forward set his return for Friday night’s matchup against Cleveland.

As Carmelo Anthony continues to lead the Knicks in Stoudemire’s absence — fans are starting to think the team is better off without their power forward. ESPN’s Jalen Rose says no way.  

“That they are better off going into the playoffs and taking their punchers chance shot at either Miami or Chicago, without Amare Stoudemire, are they right or are they wrong? They are not only wrong, they are dead wrong.”

But Hang Time Blog says you cannot deny Anthony’s success without Stoudemire.

“He’s averaged 30.4 points on 50 percent shooting in leading New York to an [9-4] record since Stoudemire was diagnosed with a bulging disk in his back."

Earlier in the season without Anthony — the Knicks were led by Jeremy Lin — raising questions about Anthony’s effect on team chemistry. Now —  the same questions are being asked about Stoudemire.

The New York Times has more.

“For the Knicks, every jolt to the lineup sets off the Richter scale. Stoudemire’s return — expected Friday in Cleveland — could trigger another seismic shift, and at a critical time.”

The playoffs approach at the same time Stoudemire is returning to the lineup. That may be bad news.

The New York Daily News examines the Knicks productivity when the two all-stars play together.

“In Stoudemire’s two seasons in New York, his best 13-game stretch sans Anthony is 12-1. He did that two months before Anthony was acquired. But in their 64 games together, the best Stoudemire and Anthony could muster over a 13-game period is a 7-6 record.”

Yahoo! Sports got Stoudemire’s take on how his team has played since his injury.

“Carmelo has been playing great basketball. Iman Shumpert playing great defensively. Tyson Chandler is having a phenomenal season so far. Steve Novak who’s the guy who’s the best 3-point shooter in the NBA. JR Smith is coming off the bench and playing great.”

The Knicks are headed back to the playoffs after the Milwaukee Bucks lost Thursday night.

(Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

(Image Source: Dwight Howard Official Website)

BY ANDREW CARTER

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

New details have leaked — turning yet another juicy page in the Dwight Howard drama. WKMG has the details.
 

“Magic Center Dwight Howard called Magic owner Rich Devos Friday night telling the 86-year-old that he will no longer play for Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy.”

Howard reportedly made the phone call while sitting in a hotel room during the Magic-Hawks game. Howard is currently nursing a herniated disk in his back — and may be out for the playoffs.

But CBS Sports writer Gregg Doyel isn’t so sure. He says Howard’s back injury may just be his way of quitting on coach Stan Van Gundy.

“Dwight Howard says he might not be able to play again this season, even into the playoffs, because of his back. That's what he says, so I guess we're supposed to believe him.”

Why doubt it? Van Gundy publicly stated last month that Howard wanted him fired. This coach-and-player feud has sparked debate amongst sports analysts. Here’s ESPN’s First Take.

“I can’t be on the side of someone who ultimately may be quitting on their team.”

“I would not blame him right now for quitting on that coach. You wouldn’t blame him? Nope, I would not. This is no little beef, this is no little coach riff.”

NBC Sports says, whether or not Howard sits or plays, makes all the difference in a playoff draw.

“Right now, every team in the East is trying to figure out if there is a way they can play the Magic in the first round.”

If it is a feud, and not injury sidelining Howard, an analyst for Fox Sports Network says it wouldn’t be shocking.

“Bill Fitch. Captain Video. We are video Sessions and Larry Bird got fed up with that. he was gone. Doug Collins and Michael Jordan. So, Carmelo and Mike D’antoni. We’ve seen this movie before, we’ve seen this before, it’s happened before in the NBA.”

When the Orlando Sentinel asked Van Gundy about the new reports of Howard’s rumored phone call to ownership, Van Gundy said he had -- no comment.

(Image source: The Big Lead)

BY JIM FLINK

ANCHOR MEGAN MURHPY

Talk about a meltdown in America’s Dairyland.
University of Wisconsin head basketball coach Bo Ryan, is getting his cheese grilled, by the national media.
All over the transfer of red-shirt freshman Jarred Uthoff (OOT-hoff).
USA Today has details.

"Utuhoff said he's been blocked from transferring to any Big Ten schools, Atlantic Coast Conference schools, Iowa State and Marquette.  Twenty-five schools.”

Blocking so many schools has led to a mountain of criticism for Ryan and Wisconsin, which has been the beneficiary of not one -- but two high profile quarterbacks transferring in to play football for the Badgers.
And most analysts say -- Ryan didn’t do himself any favors -- with this interview with ESPN’s Mike and Mike.

Ryan: Do you have in your contract, if you leave where you are, is there a penalty?
Mike Greenberg: Yeah, there’s a penalty because we’re getting paid. We’re employees.  This is a non compete contract.  This is a student athlete.

Ryan trying to compare paid coaches -- with unpaid but scholarship players -- blew up the Twittersphere.
Like this...

"Sometimes it's ok to admit when wrong & #BoRyanneeds to step back, see that, and then let Uthoff go anywhere except @BigTenConf & Marquette"

"Remember, just because you CAN do something doesn't mean that it's the right thing to do.#BoRyan"

"Don't hate the school, hate the system #Wisconsin#BoRyan"

"#boRyan is a boss nuff said #Wisconsin @espn"

Little question who’s the boss in this case.
It’s how you behave as the boss, or so says a writer for Yahoo!

“Bo Ryan is making $2.1 million per year, a rate that should demand he figures out how to successfully operate his program in spite of a teenager changing his mind. Wisconsin basketball is not going to crumble because it might have to face off against a former player one day.”

A writer for The Sporting News says, yes it looks bad, but is Ryan really asking for too much to get an explanation on why Uthoff wants to transfer?

“Transfer restrictions are not rare in college athletics … And Uthoff's ability to transfer hasn't exactly been crippled; he already has a recruiting visit scheduled to Creighton in the next few days. All Ryan seeks is an explanation. It does not seem much to ask.”

But a writer for CBS Sports says, this isn’t about an explanation.
It’s about the power to control kids’ lives.

“...it's because we're keeping the everyman down. It's wrongly restricting what should be his choice. We hate when The Man does this, so we naturally and rightly go after those who get too arrogant and tipsy off the power.”

 

(Image Source: The Hoop Doctors)

BY JOSH LANDER

ANCHOR DAVID EARL


The Cats are running wild. CineSport reports men’s college basketball’s defending national champs lost some pretty important pieces to their squad Tuesday.

“At a nationally televised news conference on Tuesday night, the entire starting five for the national champion Kentucky Wildcats announced they’ll head to the NBA.”

University of Kentucky head coach John Calipari continues to take heat for recruiting high school players who are NBA-ready. The NBA’s rule that a player must be out of high school for one year keeps a wealth of talent from going pro right out of high school each year.  Talent Calipari isn’t afraid to recruit.

Love it or hate it — ESPN’s Dick Vitale says there’s no need to panic in Lexington.

“I don’t like the rule. The one-and-done to me is a rule that’s really sad...(FLASH)...But the one thing about Kentucky, they will flat-out reload.  They have the great class coming in headed by Nerlens Noel.”

Ryan Russillo of the Scott Van Pelt show on ESPN says nowadays it’s not only a smart move to sign one-and-done players — it’s the only way to succeed.

“You can do one of two things: you can get with the program in college hoops and try to sign up for this and get these top guys in without any reservations about how long they’re going to be around, or you can get left behind.”

So what’s the temperature of UK fans? A blogger for A Sea of Blue says the one-and-done phenomenon has become the norm at Kentucky.

“Nowadays, it has become an annual ritual as regular as the migration of the Canadian geese across the Commonwealth...With the coming of fall, the Kentucky Wildcats will take the floor renewed with fresh faces, fresh skills, and fresh hopes for another unforgettable season.”
 

(Image Source: London 2012)

BY DAVID EARL

The countdown is on in London as the UK makes final preparations for what event organizers claim is the biggest peacetime event in the world. Euronews reports opening day for the 2012 Olympic Games is right around the corner.

“It’s 100 days until the start of the Olympic Games in London, and organizers are feeling confident after an endorsement from the chairman of the International Olympic Committee last month.”

It’s a big deal, with more than 200 countries competing, sending 15,000 athletes to the British capital, and drawing an estimated 9 million fans. Matt Lauer says things are virtually ready...

“The main Olympic stadium and more than 30 venues throughout the United Kingdom are all but ready ... London will be ready, on time and on budget.”

That was British Prime Minister David Cameron. And he just promised everything would be done, but the BBC reports there still plenty to do.

“Training the 70,000 volunteers is one of the biggest challenges. There’s still about 50,000 that need to go through the system, and the venue need testing.”

With the final push to the start of the Olympics, London has revealed the motto for this year’s Games. That motto? “Inspire a Generation.” The verdict? unimpressive. A BBC Radio host tweeted...

“London 2012 official motto is 'Inspire a generation'. Hasn't someone used that before like an electronics company? Sure I've seen it in TV ad”

But The Week quotes the head of the London Games who defends the motto...

“‘It is the heartbeat, the very DNA of this organisation and a rallying cry for the athletes to come to the UK to perform at their very best and inspire the world...’”

And while the rest of the world may be getting excited for the Games to being, the Guardian reports Britons are just … well, being their usual stoic selves.

“...the British public is not yet frothing with excitement. Nor are Londoners paying much attention to entreaties to plan their travel during the Games in order to avoid horrific congestion at key ‘hot spots’.”

The Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympics in London is on July 27.

(Image source: The Denver Post)

BY JIM FLINK

ANCHOR MEGAN MURHPY

Who’s the guy over the hill who’s still on the hill? Jamie Moyer -- that’s who. 49 years old. The oldest pitcher — ever to win a Major League Baseball game.

“At 49 years and 150 days, Moyer surpassed the previous record held by the Brooklyn Dodgers' Jack Quinn, who beat the St. Louis Cardinals at Ebbets Field on Sept. 13, 1932, when he was 49 years and 70 days old.”

Want a little perspective on just how old Moyer really is? CNN has the American landscape when Moyer started his pro career in 1986!

“Ronald Reagan was President.  America was dancing to ‘Walk Like an Egyptian’ (music) and Ferris Bueller had just debuted in movie theatres.”

So, how does Moyer keep pitching? ESPN’s Barry Larkin says — he’s outsmarting the competition, even as his stuff loses its electricity.

“He subtracts. He subtracts from an 80-mile-an-hour fastball.  You see some 74s.  You see some 76s.  He uses the aggressiveness of the team to his advantage.”  

Sports illustrated says, it's difficult to lay off pitches that look so juicy, noting, on his way to victory, Moyer enticed the Padres to hit into three double plays.

“The aged wonder used his wealth of experience to his advantage against the young Padres, six of whom weren't even born when Moyer made his major league debut in 1986.”

Chattanooga Times Free Press’ Mark Wiedmer says — he has a new hero in life. And if he were to be reborn, he’d make a different choice than his wife.

“My wife says she wants to come back as a basset hound in her next life ... I want to be a left-handed major league pitcher in my next life. More to the point, I want to be the next Jamie Moyer.”

(Image Source: Goal.com)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

ANCHOR CHRISITNA HARTMAN

Carlos Tevez is one of soccer’s most dangerous men on the field.

When he plays.

Seven months ago after a dispute with Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, the manager had this to say about Tevez ever playing for the club again.

Mancini- “For me.  He can’t play. Never.”

Reporter- “He can never play?”

Mancini- “No.”

Never’s a long time -- especially when you’re no longer top of the league.

With City trailing rival Manchester United and trying to make a last minute challenge for the Premier League title -- Mancini relented, telling The Sun.

“What has happened is in the past. He is no problem in the training ground or dressing room...”

And just like that -- Tevez was back on the pitch.  And back to his old dangerous self.

Tevez scored a hat trick in his last outing versus Norwich City -- showboating after the third goal.

A writer for the Belfast Telegraph says, Tevez apparently didn’t learn much in his time off, saying it showed...

“Contempt for the feelings of others; a total lack of regret for a defection from contractual obligations of a breathtaking scale; and a moral compass pointing only in the direction of endless self-gratification at the professional expense of all around him.”

Man City is four points down with four games to play. The Guardian points out Tevez and Mancini are already disagreeing over one topic.

“Mancini has been insisting that Manchester City's title hopes are over, but Tevez is adamant that Manchester United will be overtaken, which, you suspect, is exactly what the Italian wants his players to believe regardless of his own purported scepticism”

Manchester City has four matches left this season, including hosting United in the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.

(Image Source: Deadspin)

BY TOM MARTIN

ANCHOR CARISSA LOETHEN

The wedgie, the spitball, the “kick me” sign — you’ll normally find those on a playground. But Monday night, Dallas Mavericks guard Delonte West took a grade school prank to new heights. Here’s Root Sports:

“There’s a foul on Delonte West, trying to slow down Hayward. That’s three on Delonte. How about that?”

“That is the low of lows of sportsmanship.”

That would be the famed “Wet Willy” — a schoolyard staple that earned West a technical foul.

ESPN Dallas’ “The Ben and Skin Show” says they’ve never seen anything like it:

“It really takes a special type of weirdo to aim for the earhole. In the locker room afterwards, they had him cracking up, Delonte, ‘cause they called it a ‘West Willy.’”

So what caused West to go finger-fishing? Eye on Basketball’s Royce Young says Hayward may have tried to fake a foul:

“It appears what annoyed West was a minor flop by Hayward …  So [West] walked over and did what anyone would do. He stuck his finger in Hayward's ear.”

As for his ‘true’ intentions, West told the Salt Lake Tribune a slightly different story:

"I saw some lint in his hair, and I wanted to get it out for him … But I forgot the NBA is a gentlemen’s game. They want us to battle and scrap, but they want us to do it nicely."

On a more serious note, Ball Don’t Lie’s Dan Devine points out, Dallas might want to clean up its act before it gets worse:

“Hey, Dallas? Stop being gross. Between West's Willie and Vince Carter blowing his burp breath at Rudy Gay, you are becoming the nastiest team in the league, and not in a good "Bad Boys Pistons" kind of way.”

Some are doubting the ‘West Willy’s’ execution. Sporting News claims West’s finger was saliva-free — perhaps making for a less-exciting “dry willy."