(Image Source: NFL)

BY JOHN O’CONNOR

After 13 seasons, legendary Chicago linebacker Brian Urlacher says he will retire from the NFL — capping off what many believe is a Hall of Fame-bound career.  

Urlacher announced his retirement over Twitter: “It was an honor to play my entire career for the Chicago Bears.” Leaving a link to a full memo further explaining his decision to step away from the game.

“Although I could continue playing, I'm not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that's up to my standards…” (Via WhoSay)

Urlacher was the 9th overall draft pick in 2000, winning defensive rookie of the year honors that year and defensive player of the year honors in 2005. He amassed 1,779 tackles throughout his career — the most in Bears franchise history — and was also an eight time pro-bowler. (Via NFL.com)

The Bears parted ways with linebacker at the end of last season when the two couldn’t come to terms on a new contract. On a Wednesday appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Urlacher says he still has a ton of respect for the franchise.

"It didn’t work out the way I wanted it to, but I played 13 years for one of the best franchises in NFL history. I’m very proud of that and I’m happy I’ll never wear another jersey.” 

Urlacher’s impressive career certainly puts him in the running for the NFL Hall of Fame, but is he a sure-fire first ballot? An analyst for NFL.com believes he may have a few things working against him.

“Critics will … question his durability and the lack of a Super Bowl title … Will he get into the Hall? Perhaps, but he's no lock.”

Urlacher will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in five years alongside fellow 2013 retirees Ray Lewis and Ronde Barber.

(Image source: Ryder Cup)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

Seems like the ongoing feud between Spanish Ryder Cup star Sergio Garcia and current world number one Tiger Woods is, well, ongoing.

The two attended the European Tour’s gala players’ awards dinner Tuesday night. Garcia was reportedly onstage being questioned by the Golf Channel’s Steve Sands, who asked if he would invite Woods over for dinner during the US Open in June — to which he replied:

“We will have him ‘round every night. We will serve fried chicken.”

Garcia did apologize for any offense he might have caused.

(via The Guardian)

“I answered a question that was clearly made towards me as a joke with a silly remark, but in no way was the comment meant in a racist manner.”

(via ESPN)

Aside from this latest remark — the players haven’t exactly kept their opinions about each other private.

Their mutual distaste for each other could be dated back to the 90s, but became widely apparent during The Players Championship earlier this month when Garcia accused Woods of gamesmanship.

Garcia told Golf.com in an interview shortly after that incident, saying “He called me a whiner. He’s probably right. But that’s also probably the first thing he’s told [the media] that’s true in 15 years.”

As for Woods, he didn’t really have much to say — about anything. During a news conference, Woods was asked if he planned to make amends with Garcia.

REPORTER: “Has there ever been anything thought of just contacting him and saying, ‘hey let’s chill. We don’t need to be going back and forth like this anymore.’”

WOODS: “No.”

(via Comcast Sports Network Washington)

The latest comment from Garcia is being compared to one by Fuzzy Zoeller during the 1997 Masters, when he also mentioned fried chicken being served at the following year’s champions’ dinner that Woods was in place to host. Although Zoeller later issued an apology and maintained he never meant it as a racist remark, the comment hurt him both publicly and financially as many sponsorships backed out as a result.

As for any backlash Garcia may face professionally, that has yet to be seen. Regardless of the public spat, Garcia says he’s not against shaking Woods’ hand the next time they meet. And Woods — well, he still isn’t saying much of anything.

(Image source:  MLSSoccer.com)

BY JIM FLINK

The Big Apple is about to take on yet another big sports franchise.

The New York City Football Club — or NYCFC. No, not Jets/Giants football. MLS Soccer!

“We’ve always had a plan for a second team in New York. With the belief that a rival for the New York Red Bulls would allow Major League Soccer to break through the enormous clutter of almost a dozen sports teams in this market.” (Via MLSSoccer.com)

What’ll help break through that clutter? Money. Oil money. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan is bringing big bucks to the team. He owns the English Premier League’s Manchester City franchise. The other owners? That little baseball team — the New York Yankees. Pro Soccer Talk says, that much financial backing broke the logjam.

“This is unlikely to make fans happy in other markets thought to be in contention for Major League Soccer’s next expansion, including Miami and Orlando, which have moved aggressively over the past months to position themselves for a run at No. 20.”

20 — as in — this is MLS’s 20th team. Now, the ownership group behind the new franchise still has obstacles to overcome. Like where to play.

SBNation notes, the MLS had been waiting...”on approval of plans on (the) Queens stadium project. While New York City FC has not abandoned those efforts, they have taken over negotiations and may choose to explore other possibilities.” 

How big is this for American soccer? Global Soccer’s Richard Motzkin, tweets...

“Mark today down as the one where pundits stopped questioning the long-term viability of @MLS & congrats to all involved in #NYCFC. #Progress." (Via Twitter)

The team is expected to be ready to go in the 2015 campaign, once it figures out what venue to call home.

(Image Source: Variety)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

ESPN -- the top dog in sports, may have just trimmed its roster. The cable network is reportedly laying off 10 percent of its employees — 400 people.

The direct statement: “We are implementing changes...to enhance our continued growth while smartly managing costs...”

That 400 number comes from Deadspin, a frequent critic of the company’s, which says employees were to be told Tuesday -- and says it spoke with one laid-off staffer...

That staffer says he or she was laid off for profit margins, with no warning, and did get a severance package

It’s that ‘profit margins’ part that could beimportant.

ESPN’s parent company, Disney, hit an all-time high stock price in May. (Via Variety)

Some speculate ESPN felt pressure to keep up with the margins. Those are high demands, if true, for such a profitable company. 

ESPN makes an estimated $8 billion a year in revenue. The company has also smartly embraced new media. (Via Variety)

The Internet age doesn’t seem to have made a dent, unlike for other media outlets. Well, Deadspin wonders if the network has been spending high lately, paying big to get live rights to events...

James Andrew Miller, who co-authored ‘Those Guys Have All The Fun,’ says this is rare for ESPN and will be painful.

But also says the company will still be hiring -- suggesting that it’s just those specific jobs that won’t be refilled. (Via Twitter)

And the company just unveiled a pricey new SportsCenter set. Pricey like -- more than $100 million, Miller says. This will be ESPN’s first major staff cut since 2009.

(Image Source: Sky News)

BY CANDICE AVILES

Tears, standing ovations and a victory was how soccer superstar David Beckham ended his more than two-decade-long career Saturday night.

“Tonight was a nice way to go out in front of my own fans. In front of a crowd that were excited because we won the league. Celebrations have been incredible.” (Via Sky News)

His team won 3-1 against Brest. Beckham also noted his team has one more game to play but said he likely won’t play in it. (Via ESPN)

The Paris Saint-Germain’s coach made Beckham captain for the night. He also started the game but was subbed out 82 minutes into it. CNN reports as Beckham realized his 847-game career was winding down his emotions got the best of him.

“I expected to have them a little bit but it was hard. You try to fight it back but it’s always difficult." (Via ESPN) 

It was an emotional but somewhat perfect ending to Beckham’s star-studded career.

“A global icon, he’s renowned for his ever changing hair cuts, the fashion triumphs and failures, the ad campaigns and of course that key role to help him bring the 2012 olympics to london.” (Via BBC)

The Telegraph reports as Beckham slowly walked off the pitch, the crowd rose for a standing ovation. In the crowd was Beckham’s family, his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria, and even former French president Nicolas Sarkozy. (Via Feint Zebra, The Telegrah)

What’s next for the soccer star? Reports are surfacing that Beckham won’t go too far from soccer at all.

A writer for MLS reports Beckham may look to own an MLS expansion team, reportedly in the Miami market. They quote Beckham saying, “I feel like I’m starting a new adventure and I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead. I’m fortunate to have been given many opportunities throughout my career and now I feel it’s my time to give back.”

Beckham retires as the only English player to win league titles in four different countries with teams Manchester United, Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy and Paris Saint-Germain.

(Image Source: Fox Sports)

BY NICHOLE CARTMELL

A loss for Orb means horse race fans will have to wait another year for a Triple Crown winner.

“It’s Oxbow and Gary Stevens to win the Preakness in an upset over itsmyluckyday.”

Orb was the favorite coming into Saturday’s Preakness race, after a win at the Kentucky Derby. But Orb could never reach the front this time around, falling behind early on. (Via NBC)

Instead, it was Oxbow that led most of the race, coming in ahead of itsmyluckyday... meaning no Triple Crown winner again this year.

“He was the biggest upset to in the second leg on the Crown in 30 years... this Triple Crown drought now stretching into its 36th season.” (Vis ESPN)

Coming out of retirement this year, the win marks Gary Stevens’ third victory at the Preakness race. The hall of fame jockey retired back in 2005 to try his hand as a TV analyst, but he could never really leave the sport and returned in January. (Via YouTube / MarylandRacing)

The last to win the Triple Crown was Affirmed in 1978. To win the award, horses must take first Preakness, Belmont and the Kentucky Derby. Only 11 horses have pulled off all three wins since 1919. (Via YouTube / NYRAvideo)

According to USA Today, “One theory about why the Triple Crown hasn't been clinched since is that priorities in breeding horses have changed to emphasize speed and attractiveness at sale, overlooking the stamina and durability required to win the Derby, Preakness and Belmont.”

The final race of the Triple Crown is June 8 at the Belmont Stakes.

(Image source: Hornets2013.com)

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Most athletic teams use the offseason to do a little housekeeping and make changes to their programs. But the Charlotte Bobcats might opt for cosmetic surgery to breathe new life into the losing NBA franchise.

“Looks like the Charlotte Bobcats are in the process of changing their name back to the Hornets ... Charlotte’s NBA team was known as the Hornets from 1988-2002.” (Via WSOC)

According to CBS, the team doesn’t have a timeline for the Hornets’ revival, but soon-to-be NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told Bobcats season-ticket holders the change would take at least 18 months.

Team owner and NBA legend Michael Jordan said the franchise took a poll in February to gauge whether fans would accept the renaming. Jordan described the results as “mixed.”

But News & Observer says in some ways, the Hornets never left: “A generation raised on the Hornets kept wearing the teal-and-purple gear after the team left town, and started lobbying for a switch back to the old name and logos over the internet.”

That campaign is called “Bring Back The Buzz” and has garnered thousands of likes on Facebook and thousands of followers on Twitter. (Via Blackhawk Hardware)

The Queen City’s first major-league team went to the playoffs seven times in 14 seasons. The Hornets held a consecutive home game sellout streak of 364 with Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson and Muggsy Bogues on the team.

But a Yahoo! writer says it all fell apart when “Johnson hurt his back, Mourning took his talents to South Beach and the city grew frustrated with owner George Shinn, who became involved in a sexual assault trial involving a Hornets cheerleader and later made demands on the city to build a new arena.”

Since then, the Hornets changed locations and changed names while Charlotte ushered in the Bobcats. (Via USA Today)

The rebranding and logo change will reportedly cost around $3 million.

(Image source: Total Pro Sports)

BY: JAMAL ANDRESS

There are perhaps no two players in the NBA’s long history who are compared more often than Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, and rightfully so. But despite all the arguments we’ve heard, the one person who knows them best has never weighed in, until now.

“In his new book "Eleven Rings," Phil Jackson finally goes where he has never publicly gone.  He answers the question who's better Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant?” (Via KTTV)

So what does the Zen Master have to say?

The Los Angeles Times was able to get a copy of the yet to be released book and shared some of the key Kobe vs MJ quotes.

“No question, Michael was a tougher, more intimidating defender. ... Kobe tends to rely more heavily on his flexibility and craftiness, but he takes a lot of gambles on defense and sometimes pays the price."

Well that's pretty straight forward. Here’s another difference between the two Jackson pointed out...

"Jordan was also more naturally inclined to let the game come to him and not overplay his hand, whereas Kobe tends to force the action, Kobe will pound away relentlessly until his luck turns. Michael, on the other hand, would shift his attention to defense or passing or setting screens to help the team win the game."

Jackson’s most telling point though had nothing to do with either player’s on court performance, he says it was Jordan’s leadership that really makes him the greatest.

“Michael was masterful at controlling the emotional climate of the team with the power of his presence. Kobe had a long way to go before he could make that claim. He talked a good game, but he'd yet to experience the cold truth of leadership in his bones, as Michael had.”

Despite the pages and pages of differences Jackson lays out in his book he’s sure to mention one common thread both his airness and the Black Mamba possess, which seemingly separates them from the millions of others.

“They both have this competitive zeal that is unmatched. You tell them to run through a wall they’ll say how deep and how wide and how long and everything else”

“Both of them championship players, no doubt about it”

Jackson shared several of his opinions on the two superstars, but he didn’t dare go so far as to choose a winner and loser in the comparison. However, others are more than willing to choose sides

“He was not quite Mike and will never be in his career.”

“He is absolutely 1000% percent correct!”

“He’s not in the same stratosphere as Michael” (Via ESPN)

But, everyone doesn’t feel that way. A writer for the Bleacher Report says there’s justifiable reason to compare the two.

“There's a reason (or 50) why Kobe has generated so many comparisons to MJ. It's because he could score like this, because he could shoot like this. Because he could take over a game like this.”

So book or no book the debate continues...Phil Jackson’s book Eleven Rings, The Soul of Success hits the shelves on May 21.

(Image source: Kevin Hoffman-USA Today Sports)

BY CARISSA LOETHEN

Bad news Friday afternoon for Seattle Seahawks fans ... ESPN reports:

“The NFL says the Seattle Seahawks Bruce Irvin has been suspended without pay for four games of the 2013 season. This for violating the policy on performance-enhancing substances.”

Seahawks.com had Irvin’s public statement about the suspension.

“I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches and Seahawks fans for making a mistake when I took a substance that is prohibited in the NFL without a medical exemption. I am extremely disappointed in the poor judgment I showed and take full responsibility for my actions. I will not appeal the discipline and instead will focus my energy on preparing for the season so I can begin earning your trust and respect again. I look forward to contributing to the team the moment I return.”

Drug use, suspensions and Seahawks … sound familiar? That’s because it’s happened to the team before.

Over the last few years the Seahawks have had 4 other players busted and suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs. (Via AOL) 

The most recent Seahawk drug controversy – prior to the Irvin revelation – was just last month. According to Bleacher Report,

“Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman was suspended last season by the NFL for the same violation. However Sherman was able to have the ruling overturned after appealing the league's decision.”

As Irvin said in his statement, he is not planning on appealing the NFL’s ruling.

The 26-year-old defensive end didn’t reveal in his statement, which drug, or drugs, he’s being accused of taking, but a writer for NBC Sports has a speculation.

“Mentioning the lack of a medical exemption makes it sound like this one’s going to be blamed on Adderall.”

And others seem to speculate Adderall being the drug of choice as well, including Seattle-based talk radio show host Dave "Softy" Mahler, who claims a league source confirmed the allegation. (Via Twitter)

But a writer for The Daily Herald says it’s all speculation, and it’s not likely we’ll ever find out what drug he was using.

“Per the rules outlined under the league's collective bargaining agreement, the NFL cannot say what specific substance a player was suspended for, which makes it impossible to know for sure in these instances.”

Field Gulls, the Seattle Seahawks community says Irvin will be missing out from playing against the Panthers, Seahawks rival the 49ers, the Jaguars and the Texans.

This probably isn’t the start to a season Seahawks fans were hoping for.

An NFL.com columnist even listed Irvin as one of his top 5 breakout players for 2013, saying, 

“... this Seattle pass rusher will become one of the elite sack artists and disruptive forces in the game.”

CBS reports Irvin will be allowed to return to the team’s active roster on September 30th, and he is still eligible to participate in offseason and preseason activities.

(Image source: Fox Sports)

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Former NASCAR star Richard “Dick” Trickle died in North Carolina Thursday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 71 years old. 

Authorities in Lincoln County said Trickle called 911 and said “there would be a dead body and it would be his.” Workers tried calling the number back, but nobody answered. (Via The Charlotte Observer)

Authorities later found Trickle’s body near his pickup truck, which was parked in a cemetery 40 miles from Charlotte. USA Today reports a note was found with the deceased ex-driver, but the contents of the note will not be released. 

Trickle was known as one of the winningest short-track racers in stock-car history.

ESPN notes he racked up “1,000 victories in feature races, including 67 in 1972,” and was rookie of the year in NASCAR’s premier series in 1989 — at the age of 48.

Trickle ran in 303 Sprint Cup races in a 24-year span. Although he never won a race, he posted six top-five finishes, which included three third-place finishes. (Via Yahoo!)

But sports writers regard Trickle’s racing history as only the second most interesting thing about a man who was just a character like none other. 

A writer for Fox Sports says Trickle “could spin a tale with the best of them, particularly about his days racing against what he jokingly called ‘criminals and thieves’ on Midwestern short tracks.”

A 1989 Sports Illustrated article describes Trickle pulling into the pit with two mechanics diving into his car from each side.

The problem, according to Trickle: “I had a new pair of cowboy boots on, and they were not broken in enough yet. So when the floorboard got hot, my feet swelled up and started hurting like a son of a gun. I radioed in and told my crew I needed a regular pair of driving shoes.”

And then there’s this precious gem from the vault: “He has a cigarette. He has a cigarette lighter in the car, and he just reached for it.” (Via YouTube / MrMegamater)

Although Trickle’s name was a source of laughs for sports announcers, former ESPN anchor and political commentator Keith Olbermann tweeted: “The late Dick Trickle helped mainstream NASCAR coverage on @SportsCenter We gave prominent attention to him, then his races, then ALL races”

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said in a statement, “Personalities like Dick Trickle helped shape our sport. He will be missed.”

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Kunal Shah)

BY JIM FLINK

If you wanna bend it like Beckham, you may have to do it from a couch soon. The legendary British soccer star is about to hang up his cleats and step off the pitch. How big a deal is it? You know you're kind of a big deal when the prime minister gives you a shoutout on Twitter ...

Beckham will be remembered for spectacular goals like this 30-yard free kick three minutes into injury time that propelled the English national team to the World Cup in 2002. (Via YouTube / FAEditor)

Or this effort against Wimbledon in 1996 from the halfway line, which the Premier League named “Goal of the Decade.” (Via Sky Sports)

Yes, Beckham’s 20-year career is chock-full of the stuff of legendary moments.

*115 caps for England, the second most all time

*394 matches for perennial powerhouse Manchester United

*10 league titles in four different countries and a Champions League crown

(Via BBC)

In addition to his Man U career, he suited up for Real Madrid in 2003, winning La Liga in 2007.  

Beckham then took his game to the States, signing with the LA Galaxy, becoming arguably the biggest international player since Pele to join an American club. (Via MLS Soccer)

That — after he married Posh Spice, Victoria Adams, which only enhanced his celebrity status.

Beckham was a combination superstar, Hollywood star and bad boy, on the field and off. (Via BBC)

Beckham’s former teammate Gary Neville says everything Beckham did transcended sport: 

“Every clothing garment he wore, every hairstyle, was followed – not just in football, but out of football. That’s why you see him working as an ambassador for the Olympics.” (Via Guardian)

Somewhat ironically, Beckham’s retirement announcement might be only the second most newsworthy event in English soccer this week. His former United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, also stepped down after 26 years in charge. Ironically, it was reportedly his falling-out with Ferguson that led to Beckham’s departure from Old Trafford in 2003.

(Image Source: ESPN)

BY ELAINE STOCKDALE

After just three seasons in a troubled career, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Rolando McClain has decided to call it quits, throwing in the towel on the NFL at age 23.

The Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome announced the news Wednesday on the team's official twitter account. “Rolando let me know that he plans to retire from the NFL. We have placed him on the Reserve/Retired list.” (Via Twitter / @Ravens)

McClain was the eighth overall draft pick in 2010, signing with the Oakland Raiders, but was released in 2012 after he was arrested and charged with assault. Fortunately for McClain, his accuser didn’t pursue the case. (Via NFL)

Back in April, McClain signed a one-year $700,000 contract with the Ravens, but that didn’t keep him out of trouble off the field.

Earlier this year, he was arrested for providing false information after he allegedly signed a citation with an expletive rather than his name, and cursed at police over a traffic stop for a window tint violation. (Via Business Insider)

According to The Baltimore Sun, Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta said at a Baltimore Sports Forum last week, “If you asked him, he would probably admit to making some mistakes. We think he warrants a second chance.”

But an AFC North blogger for ESPN suggests McClain may not be interested in second chances, saying maybe his problems off the field have weakened his motivation to play football.

“This just might be an instance of how he has dealt with these issues off the field, that he’s just come to the conclusion that he just doesn't care about football anymore. He just doesn't have that level of commitment anymore..”

McClain’s departure seems to have caught many people by surprise, including his grandmother. She apparently first heard about it from USA Today, who transcribed the conversation.

“‘He did what now?’ she said to USA TODAY Sports.
He retired.
‘Who did?’
Rolando.
‘Oh, Lord have mercy,’ she said.”
 

McClain is set to appear in court in July for recent charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

(Image source: USA Today Sports / Richard Mackson)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

Three unlikely countries are teaming up to keep wrestling as part of the Olympic games.  Iran, Russia and the United States are joining forces to preserve one of the oldest Olympic sports.

The International Olympic Committee recommended removing the sport from the 2020 games.  But now Olympic wrestlers are rallying support before they make their final plea on May 29th to the IOC to get a spot in the 2020 games.

(Via YouTube / PressTV)

On Wednesday the powerhouse countries will square-off at New York's’ historic Grand Central Station for “The Rumble on the Rails” in hopes to gain support to save their sport. It will be broadcast on NBC Sports.

USA Today reports, in order to spice up the sport, it is discussing staged weigh-ins, walk-out music, lighting, visual effects and video screen replays. The uniforms may even get a makeover too.

“Freestyle wrestlers would likely wear fight shorts and a tight-fitting microfiber t-shirt. Though the singlet is iconic in wrestling, it isn't exactly fan friendly. After all who wants to wear a singlet in public?”

The idea came together with the help of USA wrestling, FILA, and the Committee for the Preservation of Olympic Wrestling, and is being hosted by the U.N. Correspondent's Association.

Question is -- how did Iran and the United States — political foes, team up together.

Well back in February the United States went to Iran to wrestle and an American wrestler says it was a great environment.  

(Via Voice of America)

“And they’d cheer for Americans, they love us there. Quite different than I think what most Americans would think of as fas as policies and political things. That’s not important.”

(Via BBC)

But is America as embracing of the sport as Iran and Russia, where wrestling is top dog among athletics? One gold medal Olympic wrestler says no.

“It wouldn't hurt to see the Obama administration embracing the sport of wrestling with the same passion as Russian President Vladimir Putin and outgoing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.”

(Via Foreign Policy)

And actor Billy Baldwin, the Hollywood head of the Committee to Preserve Olympic Wrestling, went on the Tim Brando show to voice his support for wrestling’s inclusion in the 2020 games, because of the global appeal of the sport.

“If they’re going to have synchronized swimming, badminton, ping-pong, and modern pentathlon FLASH
“They certainly should not be considering getting rid of wrestling.”  

(Via CBS Sports)

The American, Russian and Iranian teams will travel to Los Angeles after “The Rumble on The Rails,” for another exhibition match on May 19.   The IOC next meets to discuss the decision on May 29th.

(Image source: SB Nation)

BY: BRIANA ALTERGOTT

Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy learned the hard way — you might want to think twice before calling quarterback Michael Vick old and challenging him to a race.

It all started when McCoy starting riding 32-year-old Vick for weeks and calling him an “old man.” Vick kept laughing it off — until he had enough of McCoy’s taunting during a May 2 practice.

(Via ESPN)

Vick told Yahoo! Sports, “The build-up has been going on since the beginning of April... I was conservative about it because I didn't want something to happen. (But) it got to a point where I couldn't take it anymore."

NBC Sports reports Vick accepted McCoy’s invitation, and off they went. Not only did Vick beat McCoy, but he SMOKED him — outrunning him by roughly five yards over a 40-yard distance and teaching his teammate a valuable lesson.

Vick flaunted his victory on Twitter saying, “So today at the field 1 of my teammates called me old & bagged to race me in the 40yd dash. Anybody want to guess which player? #BirdGang.” “Beat him by a few yards too lol #SpeedKILLS.”

According to NJ.com, McCoy instantly cried foul, claiming Vick should have been charged with a false start in their impromptu race. He whined, “He jumped off. He started early. So I had to come catch Michael Vick and he beat me. But he won't race me again.”

McCoy claims one of his teammates has video footage of the race that proves Vick had a head start, but no one has come forward with it. He suggested it’s because Vick is the team’s quarterback.

(Via NFL.com)

The results of the race prove age is just a number for Michael Vick. Even in his thirties, he is one of the all-time athletic marvels in the NFL’s history and is as fast as any quarterback — and apparently some running backs — in the league.

(Image source: USA Today / Steve Mitchell) 

BY SCOTT MALONE

You’ve likely seen the picture of the Miami Heat fan giving Chicago Bulls forward Joakim Noah the one-fingered salute after he was ejected from Wednesday night’s game. Now her identity is out in the open.

The woman has been identified as Filomena Tobias, a Heat season ticket holder. (Via USA Today)

Her daughter told the Sun Sentinel: “She was having fun just like any other fan. All she has to say is that people need to get a life.”

Get a life, huh? Let’s take a look at hers, because it’s a doozy.

Filomena is the widow of former CNBC commentator and hedge fund manager Seth Tobias. He was found floating facedown in his swimming pool in 2007. (Image via CNBC)

Tobias’ four brothers claim Filomena drugged her husband and lured him into the pool. They sued her that same year. Now this is where things start getting weird.

“Bill Ash, a former assistant to Mr. Tobias, said he had told police that Mrs. Tobias confessed to him that she had cajoled her husband into the water while he was on a cocaine binge with a promise of sex with a male go-go dancer known as Tiger.” (Via The New York Times)

We’ll get to the drugs and the go-go dancer in just a second. But back to Ash, the assistant whose testimony formed the basis of the case against Filomena.

In an extensive 2008 article examining the death of Seth Tobias, a writer for New York magazine met with Ash and described him as:

“A 300-pound gay con man and Internet psychic with a long criminal history … who claims to have been the couple’s personal assistant and may well have fabricated all or part of his claims regarding Seth and [Filomena] because he’s a proven liar and self-serving attention seeker.”

So the alleged murder case against Filomena rested on the word of a con man who’s been arrested 11 times. Combine that with the drugs and the go-go dancer ... (Via ABC)

... and it’s easy to see why “Mad Money” host Jim Cramer said, “I don’t understand why this [case] hasn’t ended up on ‘CSI: MIami’ yet.” (Via Radar Online)

Police did not charge Filomena with Tobias’ murder and dropped the investigation in 2008, despite the fact medical examiners found a lethal mix of alcohol, cocaine and the sleeping pill Ambien in Tobias’ system. But the twists don’t stop there.

According to Jezebel, Filomena had rocky relationships with her three husbands before Tobias, but “she managed to hold [the recent marriage] together with the help of a combination of Xanax, Vicodin, Ritalin, coke and hundred thousand dollar shopping sprees ...”

And Yahoo! reports one of those ex-husbands “served as one of her lawyers in the cases surrounding Seth Tobias’ death.”

And the kicker to all of this?

The yelling man standing next to Filomena in the photo is reportedly a VP of a wealth management firm in Atlanta — and the two are engaged. (Via USA Today, Twitter)

The earliest Noah and the Bulls could see Filomena in Miami again is next Wednesday for game five.

(Image source: USA Today / Christopher Hanewinckel)

BY SCOTT MALONE

Deer antler spray is back in the news Wednesday after one of its admitted users, professional golfer Vijay Singh, sued the PGA Tour. He claims the Tour’s allegations of performance enhancing drug use damaged his reputation.

Singh submitted the spray he used to a lab, and claims in the lawsuit the Tour “did not do any analysis to determine whether the [spray] … fell within the category of any substance banned by the PGA Tour.” (Via ESPN)

Singh admitted using the spray in January. At the time it was on the PGA Tour’s banned substance list. The Tour reportedly planned to suspend Singh for 90 days, but he appealed, and was cleared of sanctions in late April. (Via Yahoo! Sports)

So the Tour had deer antler spray on its banned substance list when it began its investigation in January, but then cleared Singh in late April. What changed?

According to the PGA Tour’s Anti-Doping Program manual, “The PGA TOUR’s List of Prohibited Substances is based on the World Anti-Doping Agency List, with a few exceptions.” Those exceptions are for asthma and allergy medicines. (Via PGA)

Deer antler spray was on the list because it contains insulin-like growth factor, or IGF-1, which is said to regulate human growth hormones in the body. But the spray’s creator defended his product to the Golf Channel, saying:

“IGF-1 is a naturally occurring substance and pointed out this isn’t about whether or not IGF-1 was in the spray or not. It’s about whether it should’ve been on the WADA — the World Anti Doping Agency — list.” (Via Golf Channel)

USA Today reports, during the investigation, the World Anti-Doping Agency informed the PGA Tour “the use of deer antler spray is no longer prohibited because, though it does contain IGF-1, the amounts are too small to have an effect.”

Meaning the amount of IGF-1 in Singh’s spray bottle was too small to improve his performance, which something Singh claims simple testing could have shown. So if the evidence supports him, and he will now not face sanctions, why sue the Tour?

One of his attorneys told SB Nation the suit isn’t about money, it’s about restoring Singh’s reputation and “to hold the PGA Tour responsible for … unfairly accusing him of violating the program.” (Via SB Nation)

Singh’s resume includes three major championships and 31 Tour wins, and he is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. He’s set to tee off in The Players’ Championship on Thursday.

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons) 

BY SCOTT MALONE AND JIM FLINK

For the first time in 26 years, there will be a new face at the helm of English football club Manchester United. The club’s manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, announced Wednesday he will retire at the end of this season.

United wrapped up the title two weeks ago giving Ferguson 13 Premier League wins in his 26-year stay at Old Trafford. He also won an additional 25 trophies in other cup competitions, including two Champions Leagues. (Via Sky News)

In a statement released by the club, Ferguson said:

“The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time. It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so.” (Via Manchester United)

The combination of Ferguson’s prolonged success, and stay, at Man-U have many calling him one of the most successful managers in the history of sports. One writer for Sports Illustrated puts Ferguson “... right up there with Vince Lombardi, Phil Jackson and John Wooden.”

That’s some pretty impressive company. But with his sustained success, why would Ferguson decide to step down from one of the sport’s most widely-coveted jobs? An Al Jazeera correspondent calls the announcement shocking because of the manager’s recent remarks.

“Sir Alex Ferguson has been talking in recent weeks about the future, about how excited he’s been … He’s always said that it would be only his health which stops him going on in future years and continuing to manage Manchester United.”

A writer for The Telegraph says it really is Ferguson’s health that forced him to make the call. The paper points to Ferguson getting a pacemaker fitted in 2004, and he will “undergo hip surgery in August, two weeks before the start of the new season.”

Ferguson and the Red Devils still have two games left this season. While he won’t be marching the sidelines at Old Trafford, Ferguson will stay on with the club as a director and ambasasador. As for who is tasked with stepping into Sir Alex’s rather large boots, Everton boss David Moyes is currently the bookies’ favorite, with Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid also considered a leading candidate.

(Image Source: USA Today)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

Lebron James won his fourth MVP award Sunday. He was pretty much a lock for the award so that’s not news. What is news is how he won the award.

Many believed Lebron would be the first unanimously chosen MVP in a professional U.S. sport. He was arguably the best player on the best team in the league this year. (Via ESPN)

So how’d he do? One vote shy. 120 out of 121 first place votes went to Lebron.  The lone dissenting vote went to New York Knick Carmelo Anthony. Upon learning the news, the Internet exploded.

Headlines read, “Somebody didn’t vote for Lebron James for MVP” and “Who’s the clown who didn’t vote for Lebron James.” (Via USA Today, RealClearSports)

People thought that “clown” was Miami Sports Writer Dan Lebatard — or so it first appeared.

A fan asked Lebatard to expose who the fool was that voted Melo. Lebatard responded “It was me.” and then later tweeted “Melo was robbed.” (Via Twitter / @Swagginsince82, @LeBatardShow)

He instantly got a lot of hate on Twitter and the story went viral online.

Well, as it turns out the NBA did not give a vote to Dan Lebatard. The writer says he was joking. So who actually refused to vote for King James?

Boston Globe sportswriter Gary Washburn.

He defended his vote today in an article, arguing he cast his vote for the most valuable player and not the best player. He says Carmelo Anthony meant more to the Knicks this year than Lebron did to the Heat.

When Washburn found out Lebron was only one vote shy, he said he was flabbergasted.

“I did not mean to be some type of Maverick here. I voted with my heart. Honestly I did not think I was denying Lebron the unanimous vote. I’ve got nothing against Lebron James.” (Via ESPN)

Washburn goes on to say that if it was a best player award Lebron would win every year, but a writer for the Bleacher Report believes Lebron deserved to be the unanimous MVP. He says Washburn’s vote was off-base.

“(Washburn) ripped another piece of history right out from under James, which is despicable on so many levels.”

Though a writer for CBS says he’s ok with Washburn’s vote.

“All Washburn did was have an opinion. He didn't have an opinion that I agree with, but he had an opinion I can understand. Again, I don't agree with Washburn's vote, but I get why he did it.”

Lebron isn’t the only player to come up just short of a unanimous MVP award.

In 2001 Shaquille O’neal came up one vote shy as well and the rogue voter cited the same reason as Washburn. He said Allen Iverson was more “valuable” to his team. (Via Los Angeles Times)

Washburn told ESPN Monday he stands by his vote.

(Image Source: USA Today)

BY DAN KENNEDY

Talladega, Alabama is home to one of NASCAR’s biggest races. And Sunday, it was the scene of an unexpected victory for driver David Ragan who beat out big-name competitors for the title in the Aaron’s 499, a win he calls a true David versus Goliath moment.

Six laps from the finish line and then this chain reaction wreck. 78’s Kurt Busch flips and lands on top of Ryan Newman. Female driver Danica Patrick was also involved in the 16 car wreck. No injuries but it did set up Ragan for the checkered flag...

“Now watch this on the final lap, the block up top by David Ragan as he goes high to keep Carl Edwards from passing him. Literally a David beats Goliath. Ragan wins his second ever sprint cup race.”

“David Gilliland and David Ragan working together in the draft to move forward and to make a charge to the front... ‘I was just hoping that I wasn’t dreaming or something, that there wasn’t five laps to go, that that was the checkered flag.’

To put this win in perspective, one Yahoo! sports writer says “If this wasn’t quite a 16 beating a 1 in the NCAA tournament, a journeyman winning the Masters, or a mule taking the Kentucky Derby, it was close enough.”

The USA Today writes Ragan’s unprecedented victory fits well into the 2013 season’s storylines when the “impossible often has seemed attainable.” It points to another crowning moment this year when female driver Danica Patrick made history with an 8th place finish in the Daytona 500.

The top 5 drivers from Sunday include Ragan’s teammate David Gilliland who finished second. Carl Edwards in third. And Michael Waltrip and Jimmie Johnson both rounding out the top 5. Ragan and Gilliland both drive for Front Row Motorsports, which Gilliland says is one of the most underfunded teams in the sport.

This is only the second victory of Ragan’s career. His last win was at Daytona in 2011. There was also a three and a half hour rain delay prolonging Sunday’s race to more than seven hours.

(Image source: Goldin Auctions)

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Never mind the torn achilles tendon, Kobe Bryant is going to have to play a little defense. That shouldn’t be hard for the “Black Mamba” — who’s been selected to the NBA’s All-Defensive Team 12 times. But now, he has to keep his mother from scoring on some of his precious memorabilia.

The Courier-Post reports Goldin Auctions in West Berlin wants to sell items from Bryant’s pro career as a Los Angeles Laker and his days as a high school player in Philadelphia. Bryant’s mother, Pamela Bryant, reportedly provided those items.

According to The Huffington Post, Bryant sent a cease-and-desist letter to the auctioneer Tuesday to cancel the sale and return the items. The auction house turned around and filed a countersuit against Bryant just before the weekend, suing for the right to sell his stuff.

Pamela Bryant reportedly made a deal with the auction house in January and received a $450,000 advance to buy a new home in Nevada. She claims Bryant had no interest in those precious memories five years ago.

Among those items are two 2000 NBA Championship rings Bryant designed for his parents, several high school jerseys, trophies, medals and plaques ... (Via Flickr / luzer)

... and what is believed to be “the earliest game-worn Kobe jersey.” FanSided reports the specific jersey was worn by Bryant when he played basketball in Italy.

Bryant spent some of his childhood overseas where his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, played professional basketball.

The actual number of items vary from source to source, but they are reportedly worth $1.5 million in total value.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith says while Bryant’s legal qualm is with the auction house, the emotional toll has been the hardest thing for the superstar to bear.

“He believes himself to be somebody who’s been incredibly generous to his parents, somebody who has given them millions ... he was quite devastated over the matter.”

On Saturday, Bryant sent this tweet: “When u give Give GIVE and they take Take TAKE at wat point do u draw a line in the sand?”

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Bryant's legal response to the countersuit must be submitted by Wednesday. A hearing is set before a U.S. District Court judge May 20.

(Image source: Times Union)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

Gates opened Saturday night for the 139th Kentucky Derby and, despite the rain, more than 100,000 people watched from the stands as a new elite horse racing jockey was named.

Twenty-eight-year-old Joel Rosario crossed a muddy finish line at Churchill Downs with his 3-year-old thoroughbred, Orb, to win the mile-and-a-quarter race in just two minutes and 2.89 seconds. (Via KNBC)

“Look at the horse outside. That’s Orb. Jockey Joel Rosario eases him nicely to the center of the track and then guided him on a clear straight path to the finish.” (Via WCPO)

This was Rosario’s fourth Kentucky Derby. He and the 7-foot-2-inch bay colt had a four-race winning streak in the races leading up to Saturday’s event.

The two reportedly had the longest odds for a post-time favorite that won the Kentucky Derby in history. And with Rosario’s recent record, some might say this win was a long time coming.

Last summer, Rosario won more than 70 races in the second half of the season and almost 90 in the winter, giving him a second-place standing in the season. (Via Times Union)

But even more recent was a big victory in March across the water at the 2013 Dubai World Cup.

Rosario and the 5-year-old American-based horse, Animal Kingdom, brought an end to the nation’s struggling track record to win the $10 million race.

And even Orb is trotting home with a better record than when he arrived.

Two of Orb’s wins prior to the Derby were part of horse racing’s Triple Crown — a set of races that hasn’t been won in the same year by the same horse since 1978.

(Image Source: USA Today / Steve Mitchell)

BY SCOTT MALONE

The so-called secret is out: the King is getting crowned once again. Multiple outlets reported Friday Miami Heat star LeBron James will receive this season’s MVP award — his fourth in five years — which puts him in some elite company.

James is the fifth player in NBA history to win four MVPs, joining hall of famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. (Via WSYR)

And as USA Today notes: at the age of 28, James won his fourth MVP at a younger age than the rest of that group.

That’s quite the company James will join on Sunday, when he will officially receive the award. And he was just honored to be mentioned with greats. He recently told Fox Sports Florida....

“Anytime I’m mentioned with the greatest players to play the game or people period, it is a wow factor.”

James no doubt made you say “WOW!” with some of his highlight reel dunks this season, but there is one mystery remaining in this year’s MVP voting: will LeBron be the first ever unanimous NBA MVP?

A blogger for Yahoo! Sports points out the closest thing the league has ever seen to a unanimous MVP selection was in 2000, when Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal came one vote short. That other vote went to Sixers guard Allen Iverson.

NBA MVP voting is based on a panel of more than 120 basketball writers and analysts who each submit a vote for first, second and third place. So LeBron could join Shaq in the ‘close but no cigar’ club if just one panel member believes another player should be MVP.

But a writer for ESPN says that isn’t likely, calling this decision “the worst-kept secret among NBA award recipients.” And Chris Bosh, one of James teammates, said “I don’t know who else you’d vote for … that’s just how good he’s played this year.”

Again: Bosh is one of LeBron’s teammates, so maybe he’s just being supportive. But James has put up some rather impressive numbers this year.

James averaged 27 points, eight boards and seven assists per game this season. He became the second player in league history to shoot 55 percent from the field, and 40 percent from three-point range. And last but not least: he helped lead the Heat to a 27-game winning streak — the second longest streak of all time. (Via Sports Illustrated)

King James can add his newest MVP award to a trophy collection that includes an NBA Finals MVP, his first NBA title, an Olympic gold medal, and another MVP award — all from the last 12 months! James and the Heat will tip off their second round series Monday night.

(Image source: Twitter / @jonsol) 

BY SCOTT MALONE

Go ahead and touch that dial, sports fans. The SEC became the latest conference to create a league-based television network Thursday by partnering up with ESPN. And if you want to catch more SEC action, you’ll want to stock up on some popcorn.

The 24-hour SEC Network will feature 1,000 live conference sports events each year, including 45 college football games and more than 100 men’s basketball games. The deal between ESPN and the SEC runs through 2034. It’s not just the longest deal in all of sports but in all of television. (Via Twitter / @darrenrovell)

Both ESPN and the SEC declined to talk about the financial terms of the agreement, but many were assuming the network would land the richest TV payday ever for any conference.

One of the league’s football coaches sees the conference’s new network announcement as a prime time to bring up a touchy topic: paying college athletes. Yahoo! quotes South Carolina football coach Steve Spurrier saying:

“We are going to make a whole lot more money. My question is, ‘When are we going to start giving a little bit of it to the performers?’ Football and basketball players … They bring in an awful lot of money for us.”

So just how much money are we talking here?

According to The Kansas City Star, the conference already earns roughly $205 million per year from ESPN and CBS for broadcasting rights — which breaks down to roughly $14 million per school.

Again: That $14 million is just revenue from TV rights, and it doesn’t take into account anything from ticket, apparel or video game sales.

A blogger for CBS Sports points out this isn’t the first time Spurrier has called for football players to get paid: “ ... In 2011 he proposed the [SEC] pay players $300 per game.” And last year he said, “the NCAA-proposed $2,000 stipend [in addition to their scholarship] was not enough money.” That stipend was never implemented.

Spurrier feels while college football revenue continues to rise, the performers who provide that product are not seeing a related boost. But other recognizable coaches are shaking their heads ... like Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops.

In a recent interview with Sporting News, Stoops explained Division I football players already get plenty, including: room and board, trainers and nutritionists, and tutors and coaches for four to five years. Stoops simply said, “I don’t get why people say these guys don’t get paid. It’s simple, they are paid quite often, quite a bit and quite handsomely.”

So Stoops believes the benefits those players already receive is more than enough, while Spurrier feels they should be paid cash in addition to those benefits.

But NCAA rules prevent student athletes from receiving money, transportation or any extra benefits from a school — unless the same benefits are available to the school’s entire student body.

Violating those rules recently landed schools like USC, Ohio State and Miami in hot water — and was the chief reason the NCAA gave SMU the death penalty in the 1980s. But a current court case could turn that bylaw and the entire pay-for-play debate on its head. That case is Ed O’Bannon v. NCAA.

O’Bannon is a former UCLA standout. He is suing the NCAA and video game maker Electronic Arts for allegedly using his name and likeness illegally in TV, video game and apparel sales without paying him a penny and without his permission. (Via USA Today)

O’Bannon claims the NCAA and its co-defendants violated antitrust law. If O’Bannon wins the case, the amount of revenue the SEC Network brings in could be cut dramatically — and players would start getting paid. A hearing on that case is scheduled for late June.

(Image Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 

BY SCOTT MALONE

Former Green Bay Packers safety LeRoy Butler is best known for inventing the Lambeau Leap, but Wednesday, Butler lept into the headlines thanks to reactions to a simple four-word Tweet.

On Monday Butler tweeted: “Congrats to Jason Collins.” That day Collins became the first active male athlete in one of the four major American sports to announce he is gay.

Butler’s tweet was just one of hundreds in support of Collins, but his statement of support cost him — literally. He was scheduled to speak at a Wisconsin church this week, and to receive an $8,500 speaker’s fee — until he got a phone call.

Within 24 hours of that Tweet, church officials called Butler and said they would cancel his anti-bullying presentation unless he removed the Tweet, apologized and asked God’s forgiveness. (Via Sports Illustrated)

Butler says the church was asking him to reduce his integrity for money — something he wasn’t willing to do — and told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel the church’s demands actually could have been an example in his presentation.

“This is a form of bullying, what you’re doing. You’re trying to get me to do something I don’t want to do. [The pastor] disagreed, and I said ‘We agree to disagree’ and he said ‘No, I’m right and you’re wrong.’”

The debate over right and wrong grew in the wake of Collins’ announcement. ESPN NBA analyst Chris Broussard made waves Monday with these comments....

“If you’re openly living that type of lifestyle, then the Bible says you know them by their fruits. It says, you know, that’s a sin … ”

Broussard did add that as a Christian, he also believes premarital sex and adultery are sinful lifestyles. But Broussard’s comments picked up praise from another athlete....2012 Masters champion Bubba Watson.

Watson tweeted Tuesday “Thanks @Chris_Broussard for sharing your faith & the bible!! #GodIsGood”

A blogger for CBS Sports notes that “Watson is one of the most outspoken Christians on the PGA Tour and hasn’t shied away in the past from a good controversial topic.”

But back to Butler — a writer for ESPN argues a church has the right to regulate who speaks to its congregation about faith, but in this case, the church may have gone overboard.

“The church involved has every right to operate as it sees fit and under accordance with its core philosophies. I don’t think that a simple tweet of support would threaten the church’s theology, especially if it isn’t a part of the speech.”

Butler says he has received a thank you from the church for not releasing its name. He also says he will not work with the church again.

(Image source: Flickr / HeelSports)

BY JONAS BRUUN

A big sigh of relief in Sacramento Monday: After months of speculation that the NBA's Sacramento Kings might relocate to Seattle, a league ownership committee voted unanimously to deny the move.

“The news Kings fans have been waiting to hear: The NBA has recommended that the Sacramento Kings stay put. The Kings have never won an NBA championship, but this is as close as they’ve ever gotten.” (Via KOVR)

The team’s relocation seemed imminent after Seattle-based hedge fund manager Chris Hansen and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced plans to buy the Kings. But that purchase and a move to Seattle is now a much less likely scenario. (Via Forbes)

NBA commissioner David Stern spoke out on the reasoning behind the vote.

“As strong as the Seattle bid was — and it was very strong — there’s some benefits that should be given to a city that has supported us for so long.” (Via KING)

The NBA Relocation Committee spent several weeks preparing the report it presented Monday. All 30 of the NBA’s owners will have to make a formal vote on the matter May 13.

But according to a writer from Sports Illustrated, Monday’s vote is widely regarded as a sign that the Kings will remain in Sacramento for at least the 2013–2014 season — and probably indefinitely, a point Sacramento mayor and former NBA player Kevin Johnson seemed to agree on as he tweeted moments after the committee announcement: “That's what I'm talking about SACRAMENTO!!!!! WE DID IT!!!!!”

Analysts point out the committee vote is a big victory for Johnson, as the Kings seemed on the verge of a move to Seattle.

But with Seattle put on hold, ESPN reports that a local group led by 24 Hour Fitness founder Mark Mastrov and software magnate Vivek Ranadive now appears to be in the driver's seat to finalize the record-setting purchase of the Kings.

The local investment group reportedly has a deal ready with Johnson, who has garnered funding and government approval to build a new downtown arena in Sacramento to be open in 2015 or 2016. (Via Business Insider)

So how does this result affect the chances of an NBA team returning to Seattle? According to Microsoft’s Ballmer — who wanted to buy the Kings — negatively.

Reporter Mitch Levy tweeted: “Ballmer told me that he can't imagine that the city of Seattle will ever have a stronger case and a better situation to acquire a team.”

Seattle was an NBA city for more than four decades, home to the SuperSonics starting in 1967, although in 2008 that team was relocated and became the Oklahoma City Thunder.

(Image source: Sports Illustrated / Kwaku Alston )

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

The news of veteran NBA center Jason Collins coming out as a gay man Monday seemingly eclipsed other sports headlines. But several media outlets are now openly criticizing ESPN for failing to recognize the story for what it really is: a history-making sports story.

Sports Illustrated posted this story Monday morning — a first-person narrative by Jason Collins about why he finally decided to come out. The disclosure by Collins is a first for an active professional athlete in a major team sport.

The news traveled quickly as ESPN dialed in sports writer LZ Granderson — who is also black and gay — to give his thoughts: “I love the fact that he took ownership of his story. He owned his story, it wasn’t an outing.”

But other media outlets cried foul. A writer for Politico posted this picture of ESPN’s website three hours after the story broke and said: “It seems to be of less significance to ESPN, which has buried the story on its website with a small link on the sidebar ... Perhaps ESPN believes its viewers are more interested in the fate of NFL QBs and the Los Angeles Lakers than they are in an athlete's sexuality.”

A writer for Deadspin suggested the sports network opted out of heavy coverage of Collins because a rival outlet got the scoop. Deadspin also posted a montage of ESPN’s broadcasted content before mentioning Collins: “Tim Tebow ... Tim Tebow ... Tebow package ... butt fumble … ”

Hours after the story emerged, critics didn’t exactly back off of ESPN. Their attention quickly turned to sports analyst Chris Broussard after he said this: “If you’re openly living that type of lifestyle, then the Bible says you know them by their fruits. It says, you know, that’s a sin … ”

Broussard went on to say as a Christian, he also believes premarital sex and adultery are sinful lifestyles. One Yahoo! sports writer characterized Broussard’s comments as “dismissive” and said: “Broussard’s thoughts served no purpose on this particular program, and it’s infuriating that Chris would go to this place immediately after talking up the massive outpouring of support he referenced from NBA players earlier in the program, while giving his twisted take on the ‘but I have friends that are gay!’-defense while talking up his friendship with Granderson.”

Outlets quickly pointed to Broussard’s take on former NBA player John Amaechi’s 2007 coming out, when Broussard echoed a similar religious refrain. Also highlighted in that article: Broussard’s relationship with Granderson. He wrote: “That’s real diversity. Disagreeing but not being disagreeable.” (Via Holy Culture)

But not everyone thought ESPN botched the coverage of Collins. A writer for PolicyMic explains why the snide remarks about the sports network aren’t warranted: “It seems to me that the popularity of this story is based on the interest of non-sports fans ... ESPN is not as motivated as other news sources to flock to politicized news events, and that is how it should be.”

Since Sports Illustrated posted the article, several celebrities including Bill Clinton, Kobe Bryant and John Amaechi have all tweeted support for Collins. 

(Image source: NBA)

BY CANDICE AVILES

The NBA’s Jason Collins made history on Monday not for his athleticism, but for coming out. The openly gay basketball player is officially the first active male player in major pro sports to do so.

Collins details his experiences in a Sports Illustrated article set to come out May 6, in which he says: “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay. I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation.” 

He goes on to say: “I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, ‘I'm different.’ If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand.” (Via ESPN)

Collins played college basketball for Stanford and played in the NBA for 12 seasons, most recently with the Washington Wizards.

The athlete said he had gone to enormous lengths to “live a lie.” But Collins explains what inspired him to decide to step up and finally come out.

“The recent Boston Marathon bombing reinforced the notion that I shouldn’t wait for the circumstances of my coming out to be perfect. Things can change in an instant, so why not live truthfully?” (Via Bloomberg)

As expected, the news prompted a wave of responses, which have been overwhelmingly positive.

NBA Commissioner David Stern said, “Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.” (Via NBC)

Kobe Bryant tweeted, “Proud of @jasoncollins34. Don't suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage #support #mambaarmystandup #BYOU" (Via Twitter / @kobebryant)

And sports writer Pat Forde tweeted, “Jason Collins' announcement feels like a pretty significant (and welcome) evolutionary moment in the American sports culture.” (Via Twitter / @YahooForde)

Even Bill Clinton weighed in with his support, writing, “I hope that everyone, particularly Jason’s colleagues in the NBA, the media and his many fans extend to him their support and the respect he has earned.” (Via Politico)

Collins is currently a free agent. 

(Image source: William Perlman / USA Today)

BY DAN KENNEDY

Tebow Time in New York has expired with the Jets officially announcing the release of quarterback Tim Tebow Monday morning.

(Via USA Today)

Tebow — who was informed of this decision Monday morning when he arrived at the Jets facility — didn’t get much playing time last year, attempting only eight passes, throwing for 39 yards and rushing for 102 yards.

(Via NY1)

This latest, but not-so-surprising development comes on the heels of the NFL draft when the Jets picked up quarterback Geno Smith, making it six QBs on the team’s roster. Someone had to go.

“This was seen from an organizational standpoint as an inevitability. And throwing a new quarterback into the mix pressures them from a practice reps standpoint and probably was the final straw in this decision.”

(Via NFL Network)

So is this the end of the road for Tim Tebow? Where can he go from here? NFL? AFL? CFL? ESPN? ... Ron Jaworski of ESPN says Tebow just can’t throw the ball well enough to make a career out of, well, throwing the ball. But analyst Bill Polian says there’s a chance he can stay if he switches positions.

“He can be a tight end, he can be an H-back, I’d personally try him at running back. He’s not a big physical guy, he doesn’t run very fast but that’s not a terrible drawback.”

“If a team wants to invest in Tim Tebow, they have to understand that they must have an offense or an offensive package that is designed for his success.”

(Via CBS)

Even in Florida where he’s beloved by many, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ organization has publicly said it has no interest in picking up Tebow. But a different Florida team has offered him a job — the Orlando Predators, an arena football team.

Meanwhile, Jets’ head coach Rex Ryan said Monday, “We have a great deal of respect for Tim Tebow. Unfortunately, things did not work out the way we all had hoped. We wish him the best moving forward.”

(Via SBNation)

Tebow won the Heisman Trophy as a Florida Gator. The Denver Broncos picked him up in the first round of the 2010 draft. 

(Image source: NBA.com)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Gimme an f....gimme an a....gimme a t? Yes, that spells fat — not usually a word you associate with cheerleading. But one blogger is under fire after posing the question — is this Oklahoma City Thunder girl too chunky too cheer?

Here’s the cheerleader, Kelsey Williams, in her official photo.

And in this video posted to Vine from a Thunder practice — that appears to be her at the end. 

Claire Crawford wrote the piece for KHOU, CBS’ Houston affiliate, after the Thunder played the Houston Rockets...

“The Rockets looked terrible in Game 1, but some say they weren’t the only bad-looking people on court. ... But if she’s comfortable wearing that tiny outfit and dancing for NBA fans, then good for her. ... I'd say most men prefer a little extra meat on her bones.”

A bit of support, at the end there, but Crawford also asked readers to vote on whether Williams should wear her Thunder outfits, based solely on her body. The article has since been removed from KHOU’s website, though cached versions are still online.

And now to the backlash. A writer for The Stir says...

“If teams have weight or size limits, that's one thing, but for a blogger to draw the focus of the world to one cheerleader's waist is just irresponsible ... This is why so many women loathe themselves and their bodies -- because they imagine everyone judging them...”

Hollywood Life called Crawford “mean,” and Williams “beautiful.”

And WIlliams has responded on Twitter — advising “to be womanly always, discouraged never...”

And thanking fans for support.

Seemingly no word from Crawford so far, and she seems to have disappeared. It’s hard to find a Twitter or Facebook page for her, and some are reporting — her name may not be Claire Crawford at all.

According to The Houston Chronicle, Claire Crawford is a pen name for a woman really named Anna-Megan Raley.

Who once blogged for The Houston Chronicle...

By trying out to be a Houston Dynamo Girl. She said she brought her own particular brand of dance to the audition.

Gimme an i...r...o...n...y.

(Image Source: International Olympic Committee)

BY NICHOLE CARTMELL

2024 is still pretty far away but it’s the year both Tijuana and San Diego have their sights set on. The two cities have submitted a joint proposal to host that year’s Summer Olympics.

U.S. Olympic Committee Chief Executive Scott Blackmun said he’s speaking with 10 different cities about a possible the bid for the summer games, including this partnership, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. (Via KUSI)

The goal... to bring the Summer Olympics back to the U.S.

If you remember, the country hasn’t hosted the games since the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Rio De Janeiro beat Chicago for the 2016 Summer Games and the USOC opted not to bid for the 2020 or 2022 Olympics. (Via YouTube / Olympic)

Tijuana and San Diego have tried this partnership for the Olympics before, but according to San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, they “didn’t have the heft of the city.” (Via KNSD)

But Filner is serious this time around saying it would be an important step toward building a binational region. (Via U-T San Diego)

A writer for LA Weekly explains the joint bid is a relatively attractive option for several reasons.

With a population of 1.5 million Tijuana has become the LCD TV manufacturing capital of the world. And not only is it a part of the exploding interest in Baja’s culinary scene, but its arts and music communities are also grabbing the attention of people worldwide. (Via KSWB)

“San Diego-Tijuana games would have the advantages of electrifying America's growing Latino audience while also tapping into Latin American viewers. The downside? Remember those drug-cartel wars? They're not over.”

Moreover, The Los Angeles Times says this partnership raises several questions...

·       Would the IOC grant the Olympics to two countries that have hosted the Games on their own?

·       How would the border crossing for athletes and fans work?

But on the upside, “...the possibility of holding the swim events at Sea World would be intriguing, especially if you left Shamu in the water during the competition.”

Blackmun says he’s expecting the joint bid to be challenging. The U.S. Olympic Committee has until 2017 to make a decision for its choice city.

(Image Source: The Oklahoman)

BY SCOTT MALONE

Another of the NBA’s stars is taking a seat on the bench for the remainder of the playoffs. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook tore cartilage in his right knee, likely ending his season.

Westbrook suffered the injury on this play of the Thunder’s second playoff game against Houston. (Via KWTV)

The team says Westbrook needs that torn cartilage in his knee repaired through surgery. But ESPN NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy says Westbrook is just the latest case of what’s becoming an unfortunate trend.

“There have been so many injuries to so many players on playoff teams that it’s become the norm rather than the exception.”

And it certainly seems Van Gundy has a point. Looking back over the last year, the number of star players trading in their game day jerseys for street clothes is on the rise.

The Chicago Bulls lost all-pro guard Derrick Rose to a torn ACL this time last year, and he hasn’t suited up for them since. Then when the calendar flipped to a new year, the Celtics lost star point guard Rajon Rondo to a torn ACL as well. Earlier this month Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant tore his achilles as the team was making its playoff push. And in Golden State’s first playoff game, forward David Lee tore his hip flexor.

Those are just a few names, but looking at the full injury list it seems just about every team in the playoffs is battling the injury bug and stars are dropping like flies. Even the favored Miami Heat are worrying about Dwyane Wade’s knees. (Video via KNBC, KTVU, YouTube / NBAVIDEOSS247)

But for all the injuries, there’s also the curious case of one of basketball’s most interesting characters: Metta World Peace.

The player formerly known as Ron Artest recently came back and played in a game just 12 days after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee. (Via KCBS)

Yes, 12 days after knee surgery, Metta World Peace was playing professional basketball again. But just how probable is that kind of rapid recovery?

A writer for Bleacher Report spoke with one leading orthopedist who says that kind of quick recovery is rare, but the tear must not have been that severe.

“[The injury] was probably just minor or perhaps something was given to reduce swelling, like a cortisone injection. There is always some swelling [after knee surgery].”

But Clippers high flyer Blake Griffin explained to ESPN how he was able to come back in just six days following a surgery on his torn meniscus in college. “As long as you’re not repairing [the meniscus], you can come back pretty quickly.”

But the difference between Griffin and Peace’s injuries and that of Westbrook’s is Westbrook tore cartilage, not his meniscus, and he needs his cartilage repaired — so a quick comeback seems unlikely. The Thunder say Westbrook will be out indefinitely.

(Image source: Kansas City Chiefs)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

You could call the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft “top-heavy.” Two offensive linemen and one defensive linemen went off the board in the first three picks.

“Eric Fisher, tackle, Central Michigan.”

“Luke Joeckel, tackle, Texas A&M.”

“Dion Jordan, defensive end, Oregon.” (Via NFL Network)

Four more picks, four more linemen. Add it all up and that’s seven picks, seven linemen and 1,986 pounds out of the gates.

Then, with the eighth pick, a 5’8” 174-pound trend-breaker walked across the stage. Thanks to a trade with the Buffalo Bills, the St. Louis Rams took West Virginia wide receiver Tavon Austin. And the little guy made a big statement — about his plans to pay back some pretty special people in his life.

“That’s my goal, to get my mother and my grandma out of the city. But even if they don’t want to leave there, I’m definitely going to get them into a better house, a gated community, so they ain’t got to worry about living in the hood no more.” (Via KMOV)

So, we told you the Rams got that pick in a trade with Buffalo. Many of the draft experts out there thought the Bills were trading down to take Syracuse quarterback, Ryan Nassib.

Because Buffalo’s first-year head coach, Doug Marrone, was Nassib’s coach at Syracuse. But when the Bills finally picked at 16, Marrone passed on his passer from the past — instead going with Florida State signal-caller E.J. Manuel — NBC says Manuel was Buffalo’s guy all along. Despite being widely considered the third-best QB in the draft — Manuel was the first QB to have his number called. (Via The Post-Standard)

That left West Virginia quarterback, Geno Smith, sort of — left out. You see, Smith *was* considered to be the draft’s top QB. But he went undrafted in the first round.

That prompted reports that Smith had hit the highway — opting to watch the rest of the draft somewhere other than the green room at Radio City Music Hall. (Via The Score)

But USA Today and others are reporting he’ll stay in the Big Apple for the second and third rounds.

Some other notable absences from the first round — Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o and USC quarterback Matt Barkley.

(Image Source: Sky Sports) 

BY BRIAN BONDUS

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is in hot water after appearing to bite Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a game against Chelsea on Sunday. Here’s the footage.

“Very much looks as if he has actually bitten.” (Via Fox Sports)

Suarez apologized for the incident and was fined by his club on Monday. But the Football Association heaped on the punishment, banning Suarez for ten games.  He’ll miss the remaining four games this season and the first six game from next season.

“He obviously has a real problem. I mean, there is that madness genius gene in him. What he did today is indefensible. He got a seven game ban for Ajax for doing the same thing.” (Via Sky Sports)

Yup you heard it correctly. This is the second time he has bitten another player. Here’s that one from 2010...

Ouch! Oh why!  Ya lets see that bite! (Via The Guardian)

Suarez also made headlines in 2011 for allegedly “racially abusing” Manchester United defender Patrice Evra. He was banned for eight games for that incident. (Via The Guardian, BBC, The Telegraph)

Suarez had already been linked with a move away from Merseyside this summer but with this latest, it appears his days with Liverpool could be numbered.

The Sun quotes former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness as saying: “He is making it very difficult for himself to stay at Liverpool, I believe that puts him in the last chance saloon.”

In a column for the Daily Mail, fellow Liverpool player Jamie Carragher says — he doesn’t want to defend the indefensible — but the whole saga needs to be put in perspective.  

“Luis knows he has done something seriously wrong, letting himself down. Rather than hounding him out of the country, shouldn’t we be helping him?”

He goes on to say he believes the team manager and the team psychologist who comes once a week could really help Suarez. Suarez has until midday on Friday to appeal the ten-game suspension.

(Image source: The Sunday Times / Gero Breloer)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Lance Armstrong saying he was “unjustly enriched” by the U.S. Postal Service for his Tour De France wins.

His contract with USPS clearly stated that riders must follow the strict rules of cycling. But Armstrong clearly admitted breaking those rules when he confessed in January to using performance-enhancing drugs. (Via Wikimedia Commons)

“The U.S. Postal Service paid about $40 million dollars to sponsor the USPS cycling team between 1998 and 2004 with Armstrong allegedly pocketing around $18 million of that money.”

According to court documents, the Justice Department is filing under the False Claims Act. That states the government can collect three times the amount it lost — potentially adding up to about $100 million in damages by Armstrong. (Via U.S. Department of Justice) 

However, Armstrong’s attorney, Elliot Peters, calls the suit, “opportunistic and insincere,” saying the sponsorship gave the USPS “tremendous exposure” and claiming…

“The Postal Service’s own study showed it benefited tremendously from its sponsorship, benefits totaling more than $100 million.” (Via NBC)

In order to receive compensation the government must prove the USPS was damaged or defrauded by Armstrong. (Via CNN)

Aside from this most recent filing, Armstrong is fighting a lawsuit from London’s The Sunday Times — the paper wants to be reimbursed for the $500,000 it paid him to settle a libel case.

Dallas-based promotions company SCA is also seeking to recover $12 million it paid Armstrong in bonuses.

(Image source: Outsports)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

Alan Gendreau is trying to make history by becoming the first openly gay NFL player.  

He is  a place kicker and graduated from Middle Tennessee State in 2012.  He’s been openly gay since he was 15 years old and Outsports.com reports he is attempting to get in the NFL this year.

And Gendreau has quite a boot — his 295 total points scored in college hold the record for most points scored by any player in the Sun Belt Conference since 2000.

(Via Youtube / Rem944)

So does he have a chance of making it to the NFL?

Well according to his agent Leigh Steinberg, who also represented ...

(Via Wikimedia Commons)

Hall of Fame players Troy Aikman ...

(Via Dallas Morning News)

And Warren Moon--- Yes.

(Via Sports Illustrated)

"His sexual orientation is not going to matter one bit.  The only thing that matters is if he can put that ball between those goal posts. If he can do that, and if he can do it consistently, he’ll have a shot at the NFL."

And his agent isn’t the only one who believes Gendreau his a chance of scoring big. His fans in the Twitter verse were very vocal with support. Some writing:  

"@AGendreau38 i really hope you have the chance to play in the NFL. You're opening the door for a new era of acceptance in pro-sports. TY"

(Via Twitter / @ryantacodean5m)

"EXTREMELY proud of my friend @AGendreau38. His bravery, and courage, need to be modeled by other aspiring athletes."

(Via Twitter / ‏@InternAdam13h)

So, Gendreau seems to have a lot of backing as he prepares for the NFL draft.  But the real question is, will he receive the same support on the field? Is the NFL ready for its first openly gay player?  Well, ESPN’s Jamele Hill says “ready” is a relative term.

“Especially the civil rights struggle. If you asked some people then were they ready. if you waited for them to be ready I think we would all still be drinking out of separate drinking fountains.  It doesn’t matter if we are ready the moment is here.”

A writer for CBS Sports agrees noting the path for openly gay NFL players has already begun to clear.

With his report “Teammates, coaches knew of gay NFL player and didn't care” he points out that one unnamed player came out and was accepted — one of his peers said,

"It was the worst kept secret on the team...Many of us knew and we didn't care at all...We saw him as a player...not as a gay player."

Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and gay-marriage advocate says four other players are planning to come out together on the same day in the near future.

“It would make a major splash and take the pressure off one guy. It would be a monumental day if a handful or a few guys come out.”

(Via Baltimore Sun)

And on Tuesday the NFL announced an anti-discrimination policy to create a “culture of inclusion” to protect gay players from harassment and discrimination.

(Via Pink News)

NFL teams will most likely not select Gendreau in this weekend’s draft.  College kickers rarely get drafted. His best chance to make an NFL team will be in free agent signings, which follow the draft.

(Image Source: BBC)

BY ALEX MALIN

On Sunday, London hosted the world’s first major marathon since the Boston Marathon bombings last week. With that in mind, the United Kingdom hosted 36,000 runners and significantly expanded security measures.

The day was flooded with reminders of the tragic bombing on April 15. Runners sported black ribbons while spectators held up signs with messages such as “Finish it for Boston.” (Via CBS)

But another noticeable change: bomb-sniffing dogs and police in yellow jackets peppered throughout the crowd.

“To make people feel just that little bit safer, they are imposing additional security measures. Hundreds more police officers are going to be lining the streets.” (Via CNN)

Officials say police stationed 40 percent more officers along the route than previously planned. Additionally, all trash cans along the race route were removed, and surveillance equipment was increased. (Via France 24)

“Now it’s being stressed that there’s no indication, no intelligence about any potential terrorist threat. This is all about reassuring the public ... ” (Via BBC)

Police say they’ve relied on spectators as well, noting that in the wake of last week's tragedy, people are likely more observant for suspicious packages or people.

Katie O’Connor attended both the Boston and London marathons and said it made her more wary of potential threats. “I’ve been looking around for bags, which I would’ve never done before.” (Via USA TODAY)

It mirrors security efforts being tightened across the world at major events, including Margaret Thatcher’s funeral in London. (Via The New York Times)

Another trend after the blast: the overwhelming call for solidarity among runners and spectators.

Some runners say they used the bombings as a source of inspiration to run for the many Boston amputees who wouldn’t be able to run again. (Via euronews)

(Image Source: flickr / ellasportfolio)

BY CANDICE AVILES

It’s “On to the Next One” for rapper Jay-Z: The music mogul is moving on from his post as co-owner of the Brooklyn Nets.

Jay-Z made the announcement on his website, Life+Times, saying: “Being a member of the Nets organization surpassed some of my greatest ambitions. It was never about an investment; it was about the NETS and Brooklyn. My job as an owner is over but as a fan it has just begun. I’m a Brooklyn Net forever.”

But this move shouldn’t really come as a surprise. Earlier this month, Jay-Z launched Roc Nation Sports, a joint-venture sports management agency. And according to NBA rules, agents can’t simultaneously represent professional athletes and have a stake in a team. (Via CNN)

So he is selling his one-fifteenth of 1 percent stake in the Brooklyn Nets team. But how much money will he actually make on his Nets investment?

According to Forbes, it’s not clear. But by Forbes' estimates, if Jay-Z invested $1 million in the team in 2004 and didn’t invest any more money into the team, that $1 million would’ve turned into $2.35 million over nine years — a hypothetical gain of 135 percent.

Which is not bad, given he’ll continue to make money off his Rocawear store and his 40/40 Club in the arena — which he is still allowed to own. (Via NBA)

Money aside, ESPN analysts ask another question that a few more people may be wondering about.

“You think he’ll get a discount on the tickets? Or buy them at full price?”

“He sold the one-fifteenth of the ownership...”

“Does he go full price then?”

“No, he’s still getting it for free.”

As for Jay-Z’s stake, Rolling Stone reports there’s already at least one taker out there interested in buying it — Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. The Brooklynite said he would be honored to buy those shares in the NBA Nets.

(Image source: University of Michigan)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

In the latest wave of college conference shifts, the Big Ten is set to realign before the 2014 athletic season.

“Forget the Legends and Leaders, the Big Ten is realigning itself and renaming the new divisions.”

“The new realignment goes into effect in 2014 when Rutgers and Maryland join the Big Ten.” (Via WGAL)

Big Ten Conference commissioner Jim Delaney will be changing the heavily criticized division names, Legends and Leaders, in 2014. Instead the division names will be East and West.

The East would feature Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State and Rutgers, while the West would feature Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Purdue and Wisconsin.

This is the second major shift for the conference in just three years.

Delaney announced in 2010 he wanted to expand the conference. Shortly thereafter he accepted an offer from Nebraska to come join the party giving the Big Ten 12 teams total. With new additions Rutgers and Maryland, that total is now 14. (Via ESPN)

So why has the Big Ten added three teams in just three years? Why else? Money. More money for a conference whose TV network made nearly $80 million last year and money for two athletic programs that desperately need it. CBS reports:

"They couldn't have picked two schools that are in worse financial condition,” one source said. Maryland lost $4.5 million last year and had to cut sports. Rutgers is leveraged on facilities upgrades.” The article went on to say “Big Ten schools will be bringing more than $30 million per year in athletic revenue. At least.”

And while Rutgers and Maryland get their big payoff, The Big Ten Network gets three of the top-ten largest markets in the country as potential sports fans.

“...the move was likely all about potential money, and more specifically television money. The Big Ten is trying to reach major markets such as Washington, DC, Philadelphia and New York by adding these teams.” (Via Bleacher Report)

According to SB Nation, keeping all rivalries between schools alive and well was also a big priority for the Big Ten.

“The Michigan/Ohio State rivalry gets a jolt, as both teams are now in the same division. The only traditional rivalry threatened by the realignment is Purdue-Indiana. But like the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry before it, the Big Ten has promised to allow these teams to play every season.”

The Big Ten presidents and chancellors are expected to vote on the division changes next week.

(Image source: Flickr / millionaire3)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

With the NBA regular season over, the NBA playoff picture has finally come into focus. All 16 teams have been matched up and after all 82 games this season it seems the general consensus is Lebron is still the King.

“You might as well put the championship on a tray and serve it to the Miami Heat right now. This may be one of the easiest cake walks we’ve ever seen to a title.”

“Lebron James, to us, is the MVP no debate right? Right!” (Via ESPN)

Aside from the motivation Miami has within it’s own locker room to win another title, Bucks guard Brandon Jennings also added a little fuel to the fire mentioning this to the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel: (Via WFOR)

“I’m real confident. I’m sure everybody is writing us off but I see us winning the series in six.”

The Lebron-led Miami Heat will take on the 8th seed Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the playoffs. The season series between these two teams is 3-to-1 Miami. (Via WTVJ)

From what many expect will be a lopsided series in the East, we move West to “lob city.” The most exciting team in the NBA with the most exciting dunk of the season.

“Here comes Chris Paul, the lob, the jam! Oh what a monster jam by Deandre Jordan.” (Via NBA TV)

But the Clippers record is just okay. They finished 56-26 on the season earning them the 4 seed going into the NBA playoffs and pitting them against the very dangerous Memphis Grizzlies.

This the second year in a row these two teams have met in the first round of the playoffs. Despite L.A. having a 3-to-1 regular season series lead over the Grizzlies, no one is expecting anything but a dogfight for seven games. (Via KTTV)

A writer for the Los Angeles Times says, “...it will be another epic playoff between two teams that have a healthy dislike for each other...”

Then there’s the should-have-been showdown of legends — Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs against Kobe Bryant’s Lakers. Instead, this matchup is all about how the Kobe-less Lakers can cope with a veteran-filled Spurs team that could be on its last legs.

Bryant recently tore his achilles tendon and won’t be back until at least next season, but the Lakers still made the playoffs thanks to a win on the final day of the season. (Via KCBS)

But a writer for Yahoo! Sports says even with Duncan and co. still in action, this matchup falls short of the rest.

“We’ve got no Kobe Bryant, likely diminished versions of Manu Ginobili and Steve Nash, and a possibly less-than-100-percent edition of Tony Parker. ... That doesn’t necessarily scream fun.”

Speaking of fun — how does the chance to knockout a team that traded you because of salary issues sound? If you’re a fan of a cold dish of revenge, then the matchup of the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder is a chef’s masterpiece.

The Rockets are led by former Thunder guard James Harden, who was traded away from Oklahoma City in October because the team wasn’t sure they could afford him long-term. (Via KPRC)

A writer for Sports Illustrated says Harden will be out to prove the Thunder wrong, and adds this series will be a litmus test for the Thunder because they “will literally need to overcome [Harden]’s performance to sustain [their] title aspirations.”

While Harden may be a man on a mission, a writer for USA Today says this matchup against the Thunder is truly a nightmare for the Rockets — and Harden will simply be outclassed by his former teammates.

“[Kevin] Durant and [Russell] Westbrook are the two best players in this series and two of the most dangerous scorers in the league. The Rockets have no elite defenders outside of [Omer] Asik, and the Thunder have the weapons to exploit every one of Houston’s weaknesses."

Those are just some of the major storylines for you to keep an eye on this postseason. You might want to get your popcorn ready quickly though — the playoffs start on Saturday.

(Image source: Chicago Tribune / Nuccio DiNuzzo)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

One of the most iconic moments in Michael Jordan’s famed career was game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, many refer to it as the Flu Game.

This was the game when Michael Jordan suffered from flu like symptoms, could hardly stand up and also scored 38 points to lead the Bulls to a two point victory. He scored 15 of those 38 points in the fourth and as many like to say, willed the Bulls to victory over the Utah Jazz. (Via NBA TV)

Well according to Tim Grover, Jordan’s personal trainer, the sudden flu bug His Airness caught was more deliberate than we all thought.

“Michael Jordan was poisoned for the flu game?”

“Yes, 100%. ... We order a pizza, they come to deliver it — five guys come to deliver this pizza. ... Out of everybody in the room, he was the only one that ate.” (Via ESPN / TrueHoop TV)

That’s right according to Grover some shady Jazz fans in Park City, Utah, unsuccessfully, tried to interfere with basketball history and in turn created one of the most historic events in sports.  But not everyone is buying it.

A writer for Business Insider notes, “There are some obvious holes here. The only evidence that something nefarious went on is that multiple people showed up to deliver the pizza. Also, you can get sick all kinds of ways.”

And then there’s Jalen Rose’s theory.

"Flu or hungover?"

"When you go to your favorite restaurant, you can order things single, a la carte or a combo meal. That was a number 3, a combo meal." (Via Grantland)

Every legend has it’s myths, and Jordan’s miraculous flu game is no different, but as the Los Angeles Times points out not matter what the cause, Jordan is the greatest for a reason.

“Food poisoning, the flu, a hangover—it doesn't matter. What Jordan did in that game was incredible. Nothing will ever change that. So remember ‘The Flu Game" for what it is—a stunning showcase of heroics.”

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) 

BY SCOTT MALONE

New documents released by the University of Oregon show the school and the NCAA agree that at least one — quote — major violation occurred within the Ducks’ football program.

The NCAA’s alleged violations date from 2008 through 2011, which includes the time current Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly was in charge of the program. (Via KOIN)

Specifically the NCAA’s findings include: the school paid for recruiting services that violated NCAA rules, one of those paid recruiters had impermissible contact with prospective student athletes, more than 730 impermissible phone calls and too many coaches involved in recruiting.

Kelly says the investigation had no impact on his decision to leave the school in January. The NCAA argues those violations gave the school an unfair advantage on the recruiting trail, and Oregon agrees its connections with improper recruiting services count as a major violation. But the two sides disagree over whether there is more than one major rule break. (Via USA Today)

The disagreement comes over the paid recruiter we mentioned earlier — Texas-based scout Willie Lyles. ESPN reported in 2011 that Lyles was paid $25,000 by the Ducks for information about prospective recruits in the spring of 2010.

The NCAA believes Lyles directed prospects to choose Oregon, which would be another major violation. Oregon claims Lyles’ reports fall under the umbrella of a secondary violation. But a writer for The Oregonian points out the NCAA doesn’t have anything on Lyles or his relationship with the program.

“There is no information in the record that Lyles coerced or directed any prospect to ultimately choose Oregon ... Football staff members were not aware that the manner in which they were using scouting/recruiting services was impermissible.”

So there’s no actual evidence Lyles directed a recruit to the school, and the NCAA says football staff members didn’t know how Lyles and other recruiting services were used. So just how serious could this one agreed violation be for the Ducks?

According to the documents the school released, NCAA enforcement officials had “no finding of lack of institutional control and no finding of unethical conduct.”

You may have heard one of those terms — lack of institutional control — before. The NCAA said Penn State displayed that by covering up the acts of Jerry Sandusky. Penn State was then fined $60 million and received a four-year postseason ban as a result. But a lack of that big charge doesn’t mean Oregon is in the clear.

Portland TV station KATU points out the school’s last major infraction came in 2004, and “since some of the alleged violations happened within five years of that date, the NCAA could impose stiffer penalties.”

The NCAA could impose those stiffer penalties by classifying Oregon as a repeat offender, since the two major violations occurred within five years of each other. But according to Yahoo! Sports the Ducks had a chance to fly away from these new findings.

Oregon and the NCAA initially tried to work out a plea deal, but that deal fell through in December. Because that plea deal fell through, the NCAA’s findings are not necessarily binding.

The Ducks proposed a self-imposed two-year probation and the loss of one scholarship for three years as punishment, but the school will have to argue its case in a hearing before the NCAA Committee on Infractions — who will determine any possible sanctions. That hearing is expected to take place this spring.

(Image source: USA TODAY)

BY ELAINE STOCKDALE

Former Rutgers University men’s basketball coach Mike Rice was fired two weeks ago, but the shamed, short fuzed 44-year-old hasn’t quite left the court - reports say he’s now coaching 7th grade girls.

According to Fox Sports, despite ESPN’s video footage revealing Rice physically and verbally abusing Scarlet Knights players, Rice is reportedly now coaching his 12-year-old daughter’s Ameteur Athletic Union team in New Jersey.

Rice’s new coaching job with the Shoreshots made headlines when Sheridan Hoops columnist Brian Geltzeiler tweeted after a Holmdel Tournament game Saturday “Just this afternoon Rice told a 12 year old girl, “I can’t even look at you....” and “Just to clarify. I’m not joking. Mike Rice is actually coaching a 7th grade girls AAU team today ... he’s still acting like a madman.” Via [Twitter/hoopscritic]

Deadspin posted a story based on Geltzeiler’s tweets and parents of team weren’t too happy, sharing their support for Rice with various media.

One parent told SNY Rutgers “The Deadspin report is a gross misrepresentation of the facts... The team’s parents are fully behind Coach Rice and his instruction of their daughters.”

Three parents spoke with CBS, all agreeing that Rice was not out of line on Saturday. One parent told CBS “Its total fabrication, its not true. Was he yelling and screaming at the refs and the girls? No way.” Another parent said to CBS “The bench was far away from where people sat. It’s not like someone could have been behind the bench and heard exactly what he said.”

Geltzeiler hit back to the parents reactions with this tweet, “Some of Rice’s players parents are saying that his antics are being mischaracterized. Witnesses I talk to tell me he’s as nuts as ever." [Via Twitter/@hoopscritic]

But, according to the New York Post, a coach at the game said Rice did not act improperly. She told the New York Post “As far as him acting improper in any way, that’s not true .. Every kid on this team loves and adores Mike, and the parents, too,” she said.

But not everyone railed against Geltzeiler’s reporting.

Former Temple University basketball player Mike Vreeswyk tweeted “I was there I can can verify its true. He was a lunatic yesterday at Stone Bridge Middle School as well.” [Via: Twitter/@MikeThreeswyk]

And according to NJ 101.5 Radio, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie told a news conference Monday... “One of my questions to folks was, what parent would let this animal back into their living room to try and recruit their son, after this video? ... I’d hang up the phone.”

Rice is listed on the New Jersey Shoreshots website as coach, but Rice and the league are yet to release any comments. 

(Image Source: Augusta National)

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Augusta National... knows drama. Australian Adam Scott donned the iconic green jacket amidst scattered showers Sunday as the winner of the 2013 Masters Tournament. But not before a nail-biting final round.

The last day of play at The Masters saw several lead changes between Angel Cabrera, Jason Day, and the winner, Scott. Scott and Cabrera both birdied on the last hole of the round, sending the two golfers to sudden-death playoff action. (via Wikimedia Commons)

Yeah, we’re talking playoffs. Sources report this was the 17th playoff occurrence in Masters history and the fifth since 2005.

A writer for Yahoo! Sports commented on just how close Cabrera and Scott played each other’s shots after regulation, writing: “On the first playoff hole, No. 18, the players matched each other virtually stroke for stroke, and their drives off 10 were nearly identical as well.”

...Besides the fact Scott bested Cabrera with a nearly 15-foot birdie putt to win the tournament. (via Sky News)

The win is a first majors victory for Scott and the first time an Australian has won the Masters. According to USA Today, Scott’s successful Sunday erases some recent heartbreaks.

“[Scott] was the clubhouse leader in the final round here two years ago, before Charl Schwartzel made four consecutive birdies to snatch away his chance at a green jacket.

“Last year at the British Open, Scott led by four shots with four holes to play but bogeyed the last four holes and lost to Ernie Els.”

As for other finishers, 14-year-old Tianlang Guan from China shot 75 on Sunday to finish 12-over for the tournament. Guan made headlines on Friday and cemented his name in Masters history becoming the youngest player ever to make the cut. (via Bleacher Report)

And Tiger Woods tied Marc Leishman for fourth to finish five-under. Sources say the two-stroke penalty on Friday ultimately affected Woods’ play. (via ESPN)

We’ll leave you with this: A parting shot of Scott’s celebration after nailing the final putt. (via Augusta National)

(Image source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

The PGA is known for it’s history, traditions — and its obscure rules. In a sport that still uses the honor system to regulate players Tiger Woods has created quite a stir in the golf world for breaking one of those rules.

Woods was assessed a two-stroke penalty for a bad drop on the 15th hole of the Masters Tournament. Woods’ shot on the par-5 of the 15th hole ended up in the water after ricocheting off the flagstick. But when he took his penalty shot he dropped the ball about 2 yards behind where he hit the original shot. (Via Fox News)

The rule states that you must drop the ball, “as nearly as possible” to where it was originally hit from, which by Tigers own admission is not what he did. (Via USGA)

"I went back to where I played it from, but went two yards further back and I tried to take two yards off the shot of what I felt I hit...It worked out perfectly." (Via The Guardian)

Woods’ flub on the course was called in by a viewer, golf being the only sport where spectators can call in with a concern and be taken seriously. Woods would have been disqualified, but a rule change in 2012 made it possible to punish him instead. ESPN's Tom Rinaldi explains.

“The USGA made an amendment to their rules, when someone were to call in, if the player were unaware he had violated a rule and signed a scorecard, in certain situations... the player having signed the scorecard would not be disqualified.”

So, Tiger receives his two stroke penalty and life goes on right? Wrong, what followed the PGA’s decision was a firestorm of golf purists calling for Woods to disqualify himself.

“He should really sit down and think about this and the mark this will leave on his career, his legacy, everything... I would be doing the real manly thing to go, I have broken the rules of golf.” (Via Golf Channel)

A writer for USA Today echoes the golf champion saying, “He should have done the right thing, taken the course of action dozens have taken before him, and withdrawn... because he got by on a loophole, he has ensured that this controversy will follow him throughout his career.”

But despite the cries for Woods to do the right thing a writer Slate applauds the Masters committee for being, “slightly less stupid” than usual.

“Rather than disqualify him—the equivalent of strapping Tiger into the electric chair for driving with a tail light out—Masters officials sensibly slapped him with a two-stroke penalty and allowed him to play on.”

(Image source: USA Today / Jerome Miron)

BY DALTON BARKER

 

Polarized patrons, an angry Senator, and center stage for major policy issues. No, this isn’t Washington. The national gun debate is expected to rev up at the Texas Motor Speedway Saturday night.

The National Rifle Association is the official sponsor for a Sprint Cup race, dubbed the “NRA 500.” The race sponsorship is a first for the gun rights group. (Via WFAA)

In early March, the National Rifle Association paid the speedway a reported $2 million for race sponsorship rights. But following the December Newtown shooting, supporters of new gun legislation see the race as a political ploy during a tumultuous congressional debate. (Via CBS)

Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy doesn’t see the timing of the NRA’s first sponsored race as coincidence. He wrote a letter Thursday to News Corp. chief Rupert Murdoch calling for Fox Sports to cancel their airing of the race amid the controversy. (Via WTNH)

Murphy wrote:  “This race, which is being sponsored by the National Rifle Association (NRA), is going to take place during the Senate's consideration of legislation to reduce gun violence. The race not only brings national attention to an organization that has been the face of one side of this heated debate, it also features the live shooting of guns at the end of the race." (Via The Huffington Post)

Senator Murphy has been outspoken since the partnership was announced saying:

“Nascar and most major American have stayed out of politics and to make a decision, in the middle of a major legislative debate over guns ... I just think is out of bounds.” (Via MSNBC)

The issue has even extended to the drivers, with two-time Daytona 500 Winner Michael Waltrip saying in a text message, “These are the things that make people’s politics insignificant to me.”

Jeff Burton defended NASCAR and evoked the 1st Amendment on the issue saying: “We do live in a country where you’re allowed to express your freedoms, you’re allowed to express your opinion. And by the way, not everyone is offended by the N.R.A.” (Via The New York Times)

The controversy has led NASCAR to consider shifting gears on their sponsorship approval process.

One NASCAR spokesman told reporters the NRA’s sponsorship fits within the boundaries of the racing association, but moving forward, present circumstances will have to be considered in future decision making. (Via Jalopnik)

The New York Times reports even “as Congress debates new gun control legislation, the race will still go on as planned, and the winner will be awarded two-six shooters filled with blanks to fire.

(Image Source: Los Angeles Daily News)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

After five rings, 17 seasons and carrying the Los Angeles Lakers squarely on his back since 2004, Kobe Bryant has yet another hurdle to clear. While battling for the eighth and final playoff spot, Bryant went down with what many would consider a career-ending injury.

“Lakers say it is a probable torn achilles, ouch! Now, he went down in the fourth quarter of last night’s game against the Warriors. He’s going to have an MRI today to confirm.” (Via HLN) 

Bryant has had an exhausting last few months, averaging 45 minutes in his last seven games. When asked if Bryant felt the injury was a result of all the minutes he’s played during the playoff push he responded with “it was all necessary.” (Via ESPN)

Later, after the stadium cleared and most had gone to bed, Kobe took to Facebook to vent about his situation. He seemed really worked up at the beginning of the post but seemed to come to terms with the injury by the end.

“The frustration is unbearable. The anger is rage. ... Now I’m supposed to come back from this and be the same player Or better at 35?!?” He went on to say, “If you see me in a fight with a bear, prey for the bear.’ Ive always loved that quote. Thats ‘mamba mentality’ we don’t quit, we don’t cower, we don’t run.”

The fight Bryant is heading into will be a difficult one, maybe the most difficult he’s ever had. Shaquille O’neal, Charles Barkley and Isiah Thomas are just a few of the notable NBA superstars that were pushed to retirement by an Achilles injury. Rehab typically takes 8 - 12 months and Kobe Bryant is 34 years old in his 17th season. But it could very well be those odds stacked against him that serves as the push he needs.

“It’s fueling me, I can feel it already. ... Players at this stage of their career, you know they pop an Achilles and the pundits say they’ll never come back the same. So I can hear it already and it’s pissing me off right now...” (Via NBATV)

Despite the doubters that are sure to appear in the coming months, Bryant also has his fair share of believers, like this writer for Yahoo! Sports.

“Kobe Bryant doesn’t go out on a locally-televised game on a Friday night against Golden freakin’ State. Kobe Bryant goes out after you call security (and their backups) to show him the door. If then, even. He’s human, apparently. So what? He’s also Kobe Bryant. He’ll be back.”

The LA Lakers are one game ahead of the Utah Jazz in the playoff race and have two more games left in the regular season, one against the San Antonio Spurs and the other against the Houston Rockets.

(Image Source: The New York Times)

BY SCOTT MALONE

The steroid cloud continues to hang over Major League Baseball, but now it appears one player is trying to make sure it stays there.

The New York Times reported Friday MLB investigators uncovered evidence that a representative of New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez purchased medical records from a South Florida aging clinic. Those records allegedly could prove the clinic provided performance-enhancing drugs, or P.E.D.’s, to Rodriguez. 

The Times also reports investigators for Major League Baseball purchased medical records from a former employee of the clinic Biogenesis of America.

The now-closed clinic was at the heart of a January report in the Miami New Times which tied half a dozen players — including A-Rod — to the use of banned substances like human growth hormone, or H.G.H. Major League Baseball is currently investigating those alleged ties to P.E.D.’s.

Officials believe Rodriguez bought those medical records to destroy them. If that’s the case, it would be difficult to truly connect Rodriguez to the clinic, and in turn H.G.H.

ESPN points out it will still be hard for the league to link A-Rod to the clinic because while investigators were told Rodriguez paid a former clinic employee for medical records, “the investigators have no physical evidence to connect the New York Yankees’ star to payments.”

So the league has no actual evidence against A-Rod, they’ve just been told he bought the records. Rodriguez’s spokesman denies that A-Rod purchased or arranged to buy any Biogenesis documents. But baseball still has other options to wring up Rodriguez.

If the league can convince witnesses to give sworn statements, or actually acquire physical evidence, Rodriguez would face not only a suspension but potential criminal charges. (Via WNYW)

Rodriguez is currently rehabbing his surgically repaired hip and is not expected to play until at least July. 

(Image Source: The Guardian) 

BY SCOTT MALONE

What were you doing at the age of 14? Still trying to get rid of acne? Odds are you weren’t trying to tame Augusta National in golf’s most prestigious tournament: The Masters. 14-year-old Tianlang Guan was doing just that — shooting three over par going into the 17th hole on Friday.

The 17th is where Guan ran into trouble — not necessarily with the course, but with the rules of golf. He was assessed a one stroke penalty for violating the pace of play rule. (Via Sky News)

According to the tournament’s rules: when it’s a player’s turn to hit, he cannot take more than 40 seconds to hit his shot. But according to the official rules of golf, there is no standard time for pace of play.

Rule 6-7 in the USGA rule book states: “The player must play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines that the Committee may establish.”

The key word in that rule is “committee,” meaning each individual tournament’s committee decides the time limit for the pace of play rule. An ESPN correspondent says Guan is known for being very deliberate before taking his shots.

“And I guess that translated into excessively slow today. The rules official made it very clear that they had told him repeatedly that he needed to speed it up, so he was aware of the situation. ”

Augusta National released a statement on the pace of play penalty, saying rules officials started timing Guan “on Hole 12 and [he] received his first warning on Hole 13 after his second shot.”

So Guan was notified several holes in advance that he needed to speed things up. After the round,  he said the swirling winds on hole 17 forced him to keep changing his mind on what club to use — which pushed him past that 40-second limit.

The Guardian points out Guan wasn’t even born the last time a penalty was issued for slow play back in 1995 at the Honda classic. One of Guan’s groupmates for the first two rounds added Guan may have played slow, but he almost had no other choice.

“When you get the wind blowing out here, believe me, you’re going to change your mind a lot. ... It’s pretty difficult for somebody to [play that quickly] in a tournament like this with the conditions the way they are.”

The one stroke penalty initially put Guan on the cut line — but he made it, making him almost two years younger than any player to do so in a major tournament. Guan is also be only the fourth Chinese player to make the cut at the masters.

(Image source: Jake Roth / USA Today)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

The situation wasn’t exactly set for a bench-clearing brawl. The Los Angeles Dodgers were down 2-1 — the count full — when Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke plunked Padres slugger Carlos Quentin.

By most accounts, it looked like an accident. But Quentin charged the mound.

(Via ESPN)

“Greinke does not throw a punch. Instead, he lowers his shoulder. Guess what happens — he doesn’t hurt his hand, but he breaks his collarbone.”

(Via Fox News)

This latest brawl has the sports world talking. A writer for Sports Illustrated says, “Fighting doesn’t belong in baseball under any circumstances ... ” He goes on to suggest mound-charging is the most dangerous kind of fight, “ ... as the hitter has a roughly 60-foot running headstart when charging the pitcher.”

Quentin defended his actions — citing the rivalry between the two teams, as well as a history between him and Greinke. When Greinke pitched for the Kansas City Royals and Quentin played for the Chicago White Sox — pitcher beaned batter twice. Once in 2008 and once in 2009.

Dodgers skipper Don Mattingly is furious his $147 million starter is sidelined. After the game, he said Quentin should be suspended for as long as Greinke’s out with the injury. No punishments have been handed down yet.

(Via Los Angeles Times)

And the rivals continue to act like rivals, as evidenced by the Dodgers’ official Twitter account — which played the “stay classy” card against San Diego — complete with a Ron Burgundy photo. The two teams meet again Monday night.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) 

BY SCOTT MALONE

The sport of hockey is known for its big hits and its fist fights. But Thursday the NHL and its players’ union took a historic step to partner with the You Can Play Project to fight homophobia in sports.

NHL players have independently worked with the group before to help promote a simple message...

“If you can play, you can play.”

...Meaning athletes should be judged by their ability to help the team, not their sexual orientation.

The NHL is the first of the four major North American team sports leagues to officially partner with a gay rights advocacy group. An analyst for CBC says the NHL hopes this partnership will lead to a long term trickle down to future generations.

“That kids playing in Canada or elsewhere, can say ‘You know what: maybe homophobic slurs, even if they’re said as a joke, really shouldn’t be part of the game, that we ought to get rid of them.”

So how did the league and the players’ union agree to take a public stance on a heated topic so quickly? After all, the NHL almost canceled this season because those two parties couldn’t agree with each other. The New York Times spoke with one of You Can Play’s founders, and he says the league’s demographics were a large reason the NHL took this step before anyone else.

“We have players from around the world, and a lot of those players are from countries that are seen as more progressive on LGBT issues. So I don’t think it’s unreasonable or strange to think that the NHL and the NHLPA are driving this.”

The other major North American leagues — the NFL, MLB and NBA — all have policies in place prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, but no active male athlete in any of the four major sports has publicly come out as gay. The cliche “there’s a first time for everything” could hold true even in this case.

Last week, former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo told The Baltimore Sun there are up to four NFL players that are considering coming out together publicly.

Ayanbadejo added the NFL is already being proactive to prepare for if — or when — that happens. The NHL hopes its partnership with You Can Play will create a comfortable environment for hockey players to do the same.

(Image source: CNN)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

In sports news — this is kind of coming out of left field — investigators are trying to figure out who sent a severed goat’s head to Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field.

The box was addressed to Team Chairman Tom Ricketts who is currently in tense talks with city officials and businesses about a $300 million renovation of the stadium that was reportedly supposed to have ended by the start of the season.

(via WRIC)

Wrigley Field officials reportedly discovered the package and immediately called police around 2:30 p.m. Local media outlets say the shenanigans are nothing new and suspect they may be an effort to reverse the curse.

Legend has it a restaurant owner allegedly cursed the Cubs in 1945 when they wouldn’t let his pet goat into the stadium that he had purchased a ticket for.

But there is debate over what the actual hex meant for the team. Some say no World Series game would ever be played at Wrigley Field again while others claim the Cubs would never appear in a World Series at any stadium.

Regardless, the team’s record hasn’t been the same since, as that season was the Cubs’ last World Series appearance. And its last championship win came in 1908 — the longest drought in professional sports.

Fox Sports only cites two times the Cubs have even come close to making it to the Fall Classic in the last six decades.

The first being in the 1984 National League Championship Series when the team was one game away from advancing to the World Series but lost to the San Diego Padres.

And 19 years later in game six of the 2003 NLCS, the Cubs lost to the Florida Marlins.

They were up 3-2 in the best-of-7 series, but went down in the top of the eighth inning when former outfielder Moises Alou said a home-team fan interfered — causing Alou to miss the ball. The Cubs eventually lost 8-3 and then lost Game 7 for yet another failure to make the World Series.

(via ESPN)

That fan has been villainized ever since, and the Cubbie curse continues to live on, until someone finds a way to break the spell.

(Image source: The Washington Post)

BY ELIZABETH HAGEDORN

This year, it won’t cut it to just know how to spell “appoggiatura” at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. From now on, students will also have to know that it means “a melodic tune.”

The bee announced a new vocabulary component added to this year’s competition, counting for 50 percent of the speller’s overall score. The multiple choice questions will be administered off-stage and determine which spellers move on the semi-finals.  (Via ESPN)

In a statement, the competition’s director Paige Kimble said with the change, the Bee will get back to its original purpose. That is, helping students expand their knowledge of the English language. (Via Scripps National Spelling Bee)

“As a child studies the spelling of a word and its etymology, he will discover its meaning. As a child learns the meaning of a word, it becomes easier to spell.”

A writer for the Los Angeles Times says “c’mon.” Adding: “The bee has always been a show of amazing memorization skills, not of enhanced vocabulary. It has nothing to do with concepts, except the concept of kids working their brains off committing long lists of long words to memory. Correct English usage? Please.”

But a lexicographer at Merriam-Webster told the Atlantic Wire shifting the emphasis from spelling to meaning might not be a bad idea.

 “Honestly, it's probably not going to be much of a stretch for most students to learn the meanings of the words in the word list, since most of them study the roots and the etymologies anyway."

This gives the 281 contestants just under two months to hit books before the Bee starts May 28. The late announcement was done out of fairness, according to competition organizers, since the local competitions had until March to decide their finalists.

Snigdha Nandipati won last year’s National Spelling Bee after correctly spelling “guetapens” — which, for those of you who don’t know means “trap” or “ambush.” (Via NDTV)

(Image Source: The Tennessean) 

BY SCOTT MALONE

A federal judge in Philadelphia heard opening statements Tuesday from a massive joint lawsuit by more than 4,200 NFL players against the league over alleged negligence regarding concussions.

The players argued the NFL glorified violence, profited from damaging hits to the head, and concealed improving knowledge regarding the science of concussions over several decades. (Via WABC-TV)

So these players believe the NFL covered up what it knew about concussions, and when the league knew it.

But the league is arguing the joint lawsuit should be dismissed from court because the players’ collective bargaining agreement states teams and the players’ union bear the responsibility for health and safety of players. (Via News 12 Connecticut)

But the players argue when the NFL created the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury committee in 1994, the league took on traumatic brain injury as its duty. Whether or not player health and safety is technically the league’s duty, recent studies are starting to favor the players.

A December study examined 85 brains of athletes who played full contact sports and military veterans. Researchers found 68 of those brains showed evidence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or C.T.E. (Via The New York Times)

C.T.E. is an incurable disease; its symptoms can include dementia, memory loss and depression — all of which are suffered by some players in the lawsuit. But an analyst for CBC says despite the results, the NFL still believes it shouldn’t be held responsible.

“The NFL says ‘Well that information wasn’t available when we made these policies, so we can’t be held liable for information we didn’t know about at the time.”

While the study came in 2012, and the NFL’s latest collective bargaining agreement was signed in 2011, there is prior evidence the league paid disability benefits for some former players’ crippling brain injuries.

ESPN obtained documents in November showing the league’s retirement board paid at least $2 million in disability benefits to at least three former players in the late ‘90s and early 2000s after concluding that football caused their crippling brain injuries. The documents come from the 1999 disability claim of Hall of Fame center Mike Webster - who played 17 seasons in the league.

That year, the NFL’s retirement board determined that “repeated hits to the head left Webster totally and permanently disabled”, and the “five doctors who inspected him ... described Webster as ‘childlike’ and showing signs of dementia." (Via PBS) 

Webster died in 2002, and all five of those doctors blamed his NFL career for his severe health problems. A federal judge ordered the league to pay Webster’s family $1.8 million in 2005.

But that same year, the NFL published the 10th installment of its research on concussions in professional football in the journal Neurosurgery. The paper asserted that chronic brain injury “has never been reported in American football players.” And, “Professional football players do not sustain frequent repetitive blows to the brain on a regular basis.”

So is the players’ claim that the league covered up its knowledge of concussions true? Or were the NFL’s doctors simply behind the curve? The league recently has made several changes to try and cut back on concussions in the game of football.

The league has expanded the definition of a defenseless player, handed out steep fines and suspensions to players who deliver hits targeting their opponents above the shoulders, and recently banned running backs from lowering their heads to initiate contact with a defender.

Despite those rule changes, the league saw more than 160 players go down with head injuries last season. Even with the stepped up efforts, an analyst for CNBC says this lawsuit could impact more than just the NFL’s bottom line.

“You take this, with mothers across the country maybe not wanting their kids to play, then the most  profitable, popular league in this country might actually have existential problems, which is just a fascinating thing to think about.”

The judge did not give a ruling following the opening statements, and did not set a date for the trial. Many expect this process to drag out over months, and even years before a settlement is reached.

(Image source: NCAA)

BY JIM FLINK

The Louisville Cardinals are NCAA national champions, defeating the Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four in Atlanta.  Final score, 82-76.

It was Rick Pitino’s second national championship trophy.  

In a tournament marred by the grotesque injury to Kevin Ware.  The MVP of the tournament.  Cool hand Luke. (Via: New York Daily News)

“And all of a sudden, bang, bang, bang, bang, Luke Hancock knocks down those four threes, in about a minute and a half...”

“He’s a sixth man,.. Rick Pitino says he’s the best sixth man in the country, and you can’t argue with that. He was phenomenal” (Via: ESPN)

An added emotional touch.  Hancock’s father is gravely ill, suffering from an illness the family will not disclose.  Dad was in the stands to see his former bench-warmer son not just a national championship, but also be the toast of the town.

“He scored 22 points on six shots.  That is incredibly efficient. He plays the game at a rhythm and a tempo, he never overexerts himself, lets the game come to him...” (Via: CBS Sports)

Sports loves a good story.  This team was full of them.  From tragic injuries to life at the brink to personal triumph.  For Pitino and the Cardinals, this was the only outcome the team would accept.  The Louisville Courier-Journal noting...

“The Cards had shunned celebrating their Big East Tournament title in Madison Square Garden by leaving those nets hanging.  When they beat Duke in the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional final to earn a Final Four berth, they sidestepped the ladder on the way off the floor.  The nets could finally come back to Louisville.”

(Image Source: NBA League Pass)

BY ELAINE STOCKDALE

He’s well known for his 1980’s high-top fade. But when New York Knicks’ Iman Shumpert worked an Adidas logo into his famous hairdo, the NBA got its razors out.

The 22-year-old shaved the logo into the left part of his hair earlier in the week. But despite how cool it may look — it got all the wrong attention from the NBA against the Bucks on Friday. [Via SB Nation]

As a teenager, Shumpert went from long ponytails to braids, but his most recent buzz — Adidas signature “three stripes” — well.. didn’t make the cut. The NBA forced Shumpert to shave the logo, saying it breaks league rules.

According to Bleacher Report, shaving the logo into his hair breaks Item 5 of Section H in the NBA rulebook, which states, “The only article bearing a commercial ‘logo’ which can be worn by players is their shoes.”

After shaving the logo off Saturday, Shumpert posted a photo on Instagram showing before and after shots of his hairdo. Shumpert captioned the photo “#banned... [sorry] @nba didn’t realize there were branding issues wit da logo #iPUToN” [Via Daily News/is_21_nykallday)

The Knicks rookie is an Adidas endorser and appears in a recent nationally-televised TV commercial campaign for the company.

“music plays.....” [Via: YouTube/ChampSports]

Adidas is a league partner with the NBA, providing apparel for the league, but with other major sponsors and broadcasts involved, the rules for branding on the floor can be particular.

ESPN’s Darren Rovell was optimistic on Shumpert’s circumstances before the NBA forced Shumpert to shave it off, Rovell tweeted ““The NBA does not allow players to have to have corporate logos shaved in hair but since Adi is a league partner, Shumpert could be OK.” [Via: Twitter/@darrenrovell]

In 2009 a similar incident occurred where Phoenix Suns Marcin Gortat was asked to cover up his Jordan “Jumpman” calf tattoo while playing in the finals for the Orlando Magic. Gortat however was asked by his sponsor Reebok and not by the NBA.

According to AOL, Reebok representatives weren’t happy with the Jordan logo showing up on TV during the finals, and asked him to either wear higher socks or apply make up.

Gortat responded with “They called and said i had to do something about it, but that ain’t going to happen.” “They didn’t say anything about it when i signed the contract, so its not going anywhere.”

Shumpert injured his left knee last year and grew the hairdo over the summer before returning to the floor mid January. He told the New York Times “It’s cool because you have hair, but you have a fade at the same time,” “I could put designs in it, parts, all that type of stuff...”

Unfortunately for Shumpert, this is one cool design the NBA just doesn’t agree with.

(Image Source: USA Today Sports / Bob Donnan)

BY CANDICE AVILES

It’s the night basketball fans have been waiting for — the NCAA Tournament Championship Game — with the Louisville Cardinals facing off against the Michigan Wolverines.

Louisville barrelled its way into the Championship game after beating the Wichita State Shockers 72 to 68. Leaving the team with an overall track record of 34 wins and 5 losses. (Via gocards.com)

Michigan closely mirrors that track record with 31 wins and 7 losses overall. The team beat the Syracuse Orange 61 to 56 for its ticket to the big dance. (Via mgoblue.com)

CBS reports each team has its respective strengths with Louisville’s persistent pressure versus Michigan’s dynamic offense lead by tournament stars Mitch McGary and Trey Burke. But CBS goes on to say some problems for each team include Louisville not having enough manpower without fallen player Kevin Ware and Michigan’s young talent may be rattled by Louisville’s veteran defense.

Both Sports Illustrated and ESPN offer opinions on who will come out on top Monday night.

“I’m here to tell you as sure as I’m standing outside the Georgia dome, the Michigan Wolverines are going to cut down the nets on Monday night as your 2013 national champions.”

“I like louisville. I look for louisville press to trap Burke not let him get the ball back. If he gets the ball back it’ll be deep into the clock. This game’s going to come down to ball screen defense. I think that Louisville is a better defensive team. I say Louisville wins this game.”   

And Boston.com points out - Louisville coach Rick Pitino was very close to standing in Michigan coach John Beilein’s shoes.  Back in 2001, Pitino agreed to coach in Michigan but after a conversation with his wife, changed his mind and went to Louisville instead.

The NCAA seemed to favor Louisville this year with the Cardinal women’s team also joining the the mens team after an improbable journey to the championship game. The Cardinal women beat second seeded California to earn a spot in the championship game. They will face off against UConn in New Orleans on Tuesday.

The NCAA men’s teams face off in Atlanta at 9:20 p.m. eastern time.

(Image source: OWN)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

Lance Armstrong is asking a Texas court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a Dallas promotions company over $12 million.

SCA Promotions paid bonuses to Armstrong’s management company Tailwind Sports for several of his Tour de France victories — which are now gone — and the company has reportedly been fighting to get some of that money back for years.

“The company tried to withhold those bonuses back in 2005, but eventually agreed to pay Armstrong in a voluntary settlement.”

SCA claimed Armstrong was doping in 2004 based on allegations written in a book published in France. Armstrong denied using performance-enhancing drugs and ultimately won the case.

(via ESPN)

Then when Armstrong admitted to doping in an interview with Oprah Winfrey earlier this year, the company argued it had been cheated since Armstrong lied when he testified under oath.

OPRAH: “Yes or no? In all seven of your Tour de France, did you ever take banned substances or blood dope?”

ARMSTRONG: “Yes.”

The Statesman reports in the SCA’s suit filed in February, the company said “By now everyone knows that Lance Armstrong perpetrated what may well be the most outrageous, cold-blooded and elaborate lie in the history of sports. Plaintiff SCA is one of the most significant victims of Mr. Armstrong’s deceit.”

But Armstrong’s legal team says the discussion ended years ago when the company signed a “forever binding” agreement that prevented them from appealing the case.

Armstrong is facing a number of other lawsuits, the biggest being a whistleblower case filed by former teammate, Floyd Landis, who claims Armstrong, his team director and others defrauded the government  out of more than $30 million in sponsorship money.

In that lawsuit, the government could seek as much as $90 million in damages. The case between Armstrong and SCA Promotions is still under review.

(Image Source: goldinauctions.com)

BY CANDICE AVILES

What would you do with $2.1 million? Well, on Saturday one person created a new record by spending it all on a baseball card.

Also known as the “Holy Grail” of baseball cards, this 1909 Pittsburgh Pirate shortstop Honus Wagner sold for the staggering amount at an auction in New Jersey. CNN reports the bidding started at $500,000 and the person who bought it has remained anonymous.

The New York Post reports there are only about 50 to 100 copies of the T206 Wagner card. The card was featured in cigarette packs back in the day, but were quickly pulled from packaging.

Legend has it Wagner didn’t want to encourage kids to smoke cigarettes. However, ESPN reports Wagner did endorse cigars, leading some to believe he just had compensation problems with the American Tobacco Company.

Wagner is considered to be baseball’s greatest all-around player. His biography mentions he was one of the first five players inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. “He retired with more hits, runs, RBI, doubles, triples, games and steals than any other National League player.” (Via honuswagner.com)

The price paid for the card is the highest ever in a public sale, passing the previous record of $1.6 million for the same card in 2008. (Via goldinauctions.com)

To put this record breaking bid into perspective, it turns out there are a few other interesting items that sold for ridiculous amounts.

TIME reports Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday Mr. President” dress sold for $1.2 million, a lock of Elvis Presley’s hair sold for $115,000 and, according to the BBC, a toasted cheese sandwich that resembles the Virgin Mary auctioned for $28,000.

(Image Source: USA Today)

BY COLLIN RUANE

Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo made headlines Friday when he said some professional football players might be going public with their homosexuality.
 

Ayanbadejo told a reporter for The Baltimore Sun that up to four current NFL players are expected to announce that they are gay. He added:

“We're in talks with a handful of players who are considering it. There are up to four players being talked to right now and they're trying to be organized so they can come out on the same day together.”

This is a major development for a sport that hasn’t seen many players come out, and the ones that do have waited until after retiring.

In the past week, former 49ers player Kwame Harris announced to CNN that he is gay.

Other players that came out include Roy Simmons in 1992 and Wade Davis in 2012 — but an analyst on MSNBC points out, there are no openly gay pro athletes currently playing. And that doesn’t just apply to the NFL.

“We don’t have a single openly-gay NBA player, NFL player, hockey, baseball — zero.”

“There have been some efforts made in that direction to have more acceptance.”

A Forbes sports contributor agrees that the world of sports is working to be more accepting toward players in the LGBTQ community.

“Leagues have gotten more comfortable with the concept of homosexuality, as have their players ... At least publicly, leagues and teams are acting less kindly than they used to toward anyone associated with being anti-gay.”

Any announcement by a current player would be groundbreaking, but a writer for SB Nation wrote there would be some concern if a player did announce they were gay.

“The one reason to worry about an NFL player coming out as gay would be the inevitable avalanche of horrible jokes, hateful responses, and insane scrutiny, all directed at one human being.”

Regardless of the reaction, an analyst for USA Today thinks the choice for multiple players to make a statement at the same time is a good idea.

“This is one of those ideas that's so brilliant it's amazing it hasn't been mentioned before. There's always strength in numbers ... Instead of press hordes in one locker room, they'll have to be in four.”

The announcement among the players is expected to be made sometime before the 2013 NFL season.

(Image Source: USA Today)

BY KERRY LEARY

The Rutgers ruckus continues. The university’s athletic director — Tim Pernetti — is the latest official to lose his job after a video surfaced of alleged abusive behavior by men’s basketball coach Mike Rice.

“The huge outcry from the Rutgers community — political leaders wanting Pernetti ousted. The handling of the Mike Rice situation led to this.” (Via ESPN)

Pernetti learned of the abuse allegations four months ago and he suspended Rice — but allowed him to keep his job. Rice was ultimately fired Wednesday. Assistant coach Jim Martelli resigned Thursday. The New York Times has more on Pernetti’s career, which included being a TV analyst and TV executive before he became an AD.

“With the business of college sports becoming more crucial to a university’s prominence and its bottom line — the choice of Pernetti initially seemed to pay off [when] ... the university received a coveted invitation to join the Big Ten, an athletic conference that guaranteed vast exposure and huge television revenue.”

More than 3,500 people have joined a Facebook page called “I SUPPORT TIM PERNETTI” as commenters flooded the page Friday morning asking Rutgers to keep Pernetti in place as the University’s athletic director.

The Bleacher Report notes: “...it seems as though his failure to take swift and appropriate action against Rice has led to a hailstorm of criticism against the university, and Rutgers is unwilling to let it continue.”

The Los Angeles Times reports more than 50 faculty members have signed a letter asking for Pernetti to be removed. And more than two dozen have called for Barchi, the school’s president, to be fired. Deadspin says:

“[Pernetti’s] downfall was in assuming the tape would never get out (it's always hubris, rarely outright evil that does ADs in). Now that he's gone, who can he take down with him? Pressure is mounting on Rutgers President Robert Barchi, who has only been on the job for six months.”

(Image source: Tumblr / SwimBikeRunLive)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Lance Armstrong’s return to competitive sports won’t happen this weekend after all. Early reports indicated a loophole in the lifetime ban by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency would allow the ex-cyclist to compete in a masters swimming event in Austin, Texas.

But the BBC says swimming’s international governing body — known as FINA — asked U.S. Masters Swimming to deny Armstrong entry into the event. FINA claimed the competition in Austin was subject to USADA’s lifetime ban.

Before U.S. Masters Swimming responded to FINA’s request — Armstrong reportedly withdrew from the competition.

(Via NPR)

Armstrong publicly admitted he used drugs for competing last February on Oprah Winfrey’s Network.

Oprah Winfrey: “Yes or no ... Did you ever take banned substances to enhance your cycling performance?"

Lance Armstrong: "Yes.”

Swimming World Magazine reported that USADA doesn’t monitor Masters swimming competitions — and that’s why Armstrong would’ve been able to compete.

Armstrong was set to compete in three freestyle races — 500 yards, 1,000 yards and 1,650 yards.

(Image Source: USA TODAY Sports)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

Could a woman play in the NBA? Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban seems to think so.

Cuban told a Dallas Morning News reporter, if Baylor’s center Brittney Griner is the best player on the board, he would take her.

ESPN Tweeted the story and Griner responded...

“I’d hold my own! Lets do it.”

Griner is a 6’8” center for the Baylor women’s basketball team. She scored the second most amount of points by any NCAA female player and holds the record for most blocks in college for both sexes. Griner is arguably the most dominant collegiate female basketball player ever, and many call her the best ever. (Via Newsday, Yahoo! Sports)

But Griner plays mostly with her back to the basket and uses her size to get off uncontested shots, an advantage that would be negated in the NBA where the average size is 6’7”.

A writer for Fan IQ notes this problem as the reason why Griner would struggle in the NBA. She would either be matched up against guards who would be much quicker or forwards and centers who are considerably stronger.

An ESPN analyst agrees that Griner would just be physically outmatched in the NBA.  He says if Cuban is serious about Griner playing in the NBA, he wants him to put his money where his mouth is.

“I just want to know if Mark Cuban on his television show Shark Tank, if he would invest and buy Brittney Griner cause I think the reality is if he sat around with those guys and said he would invest a million dollars in her, I don’t think he would invest it.” 

And some, including a writer for Rant Sports, believe Cuban just made the statements to put Dallas in the news now that an NBA playoff birth seems unlikely this season.  

“It’s hard to say if Cuban truly believes that Griner has what it takes to compete in the NBA or if he sees this as an outstanding and unique marketing opportunity, but knowing what we know of Cuban’s mind for business, I would have to believe it’s the latter.

So if not the NBA what is next for Griner?  

She will most likely be the first overall pick in the WNBA draft this April. A writer for Yahoo! Sports says she realistically has the potential to be a franchise-leading, league-dominating superstar in the WNBA.

“That’s the sort of pressure and expectation we should be placing on her, because these are expectations she’s fit to handle. To probably exceed.”

And, fun fact -- this has happened before. Ann Meyers Drysdale was the first woman to try out for an NBA team in 1979. She signed a contract with the Indiana Pacers, but did not make the team.

(Image source: USA Today) 

BY SCOTT MALONE

Rutgers University fired men’s basketball coach Mike Rice Wednesday, less than 24 hours after footage aired of his physically and verbally abusive practices.

The video, aired on Tuesday’s edition of ESPN’s Outside the Lines, shows the coach shoving and kicking the players, throwing basketballs at their heads and directing slurs at them... and that’s just part of it. ESPN says it obtained more than a 100 hours of footage.

The Rutgers athletic department tweeted a simple statement Wednesday morning, saying: “Based upon recently reviewed information and a review of previously discovered issues, Rutgers has terminated the contract of Mike Rice.”

Rutgers previously suspended Rice for three games back in December and fined him $50,000 — but no official reason was given out at the time.

It turns out the cause was a 30-minute video of practice sessions showing Rice’s alleged misconduct, brought to the attention of athletic director Tim Pernetti by the now-former director of player development, Eric Murdock. (Image via Scarlet Knights)

Murdock’s contract was not renewed at the end of last year, and he says he plans to sue Rutgers for wrongful termination. His lawyer told ESPN he was terminated because he complained about Rice’s conduct.

“To see your coach physically putting his hands on players, physically kicking players ... Yeah, I was in total shock that this guy wasn’t fired.”

After ESPN released the video, Pernetti said his decision to only suspend Rice back in December was justified as it was his first offense — although he admitted he knew about the coach’s “fiery” personality.

“Mike Rice wavered from the Rutgers standard and we penalized him for a first offense to re-educate him on the Rutgers standard. And I can assure you on a going-forward basis that not of this behavior will occur.”

But Rice wavering from that standard has led to some other changes. Five scholarship basketball players have transferred out of the program within the last year. Wednesday, Pernetti further clarified why he did not fire Rice earlier. He said in a statement ...

“I am responsible for the decision to attempt a rehabilitation of Coach Rice. Dismissal and corrective action were debated in December and I thought it was in the best interest of everyone to rehabilitate, but I was wrong.” (Via NBC Sports)

When the footage aired Tuesday it went viral, sparking outrage from players, coaches and writers across the Internet. While many are expressing gratitude the school ultimately fired Rice, a writer for USA Today says Rice’s firing may be the school’s first — but it shouldn’t be the last.

“Pernetti should lose his job, too, for his abdication of leadership in this situation ... Rutgers president Robert Barchi should be fired, too -- the answer to the classic ‘What did he know and when did he know it?’ is ‘Enough.’ His ethical compass is also clearly compromised.”

Rutgers has not announced any other firings in addition to Rice’s, but has said the school will conduct a national search for his replacement. But the school had better choose its next coach carefully, because Rice’s is just the latest in a string of controversial firings. (Image via Wikimedia Commons) 

Rutgers dismissed Kevin Bannon in 2001 after he forced his players to shoot naked free throws as part of a practice contest. Gary Waters’ tenure ended shortly after he missed a 2006 game because he was snowed in at his former school Kent State, which was honoring him. And Rutgers bought out Fred Hill in 2010 for insubordination after he made a scene at a school baseball game.

(Image source: Youtube/BubbasHover)
 

BY CHRIS LONG

If you watched Bubba Watson win the Master’s last year, you already know he can do things on the golf course you can’t. Now, that includes how he gets around the course.

“The big advantage of the hovercraft is that it has a pressure about 33 times less than the human foot so that by hovering across the green you leave absolutely no trace.”

Golfers already know they can’t take a traditional golf cart within about 30 feet of the green, let alone across a water hazard. But many were questioning if Watson’s hovercraft was even real, or if it was an April Fool’s joke.

“There were multiple times throughout the video that I thought, ‘This has to be fake. No way it’s real.’”

But by all accounts the prototype dubbed “BW1” is real and it’s spectacular. It’s even stirred up excitement for some non-golfers. A blogger for Bleacher Report writes,

“This thing could leave 14-foot divots behind it and I would still want one. How do you expect me to...get inside a tired old golf cart now?”

The designers of BW1 added some elements of a traditional golf cart like handles, a roof and sand bottles on top of a bubble of air.

Even if the video is, as Mashable calls it, “a clever Oakley ad at heart,” It’s a pretty cool, if not revolutionary concept, right? Well, we hate to burst your bubble but  Watson is going to be pretty much the only golfer with one of those bad boys for awhile.

They’re not cheap either. USA Today reports similar models retail for more than 20,000 dollars and that’s without a place to put your pink golf clubs.

(Image source: USA Today Sports/Jim O'Connor)

BY LORA VLAEVA

ESPN’s Outside the Line released footage Tuesday which appears to show Rutgers men’s basketball coach Mike Rice physically and verbally abusing his players during practice hours.

The video shows the coach shoving and kicking the players, throwing basketballs at their heads and directing slurs at them... and that’s just part of it. ESPN says they obtained more than a 100 hours of footage.

The university suspended Rice for three games back in December and fined him $50,000 — but no official reason was given at the time.

It turns out the cause was a 30-minute video of practice sessions showing Rice’s alleged misconduct, brought to the attention of athletic director Tim Pernetti by the now-former director of player development, Eric Murdock. (Via Scarlet Knights)

Murdock’s contract was not renewed at the end of last year, and he says he plans to sue Rutgers for wrongful termination. His lawyer told ESPN he was terminated because he complained about Rice’s conduct.

“To see your coach physically putting his hands on players, physically kicking players ... Yeah, I was in total shock that this guy wasn’t fired.”

After ESPN released the video, Pernetti said his decision to only suspend Rice back in December was justified as it was his first offence — although he admitted he knew about the coach’s “fiery” personality.

“Mike Rice wavered from the Rutgers standard and we penalized him for a first offense to re educate him on the Rutgers standard. And I can assure you on a going forward basis that not of this behaviour will occur.” (Via ESPN)

Still, the discovery of Rice’s coaching techniques — and his seemingly-light punishment by the department — sparked outrage among the sports media. Many took to Twitter to to say goodbye to the Rutgers coach.

Sports Illustrated Reporter Richard Deitsch said:

“Goodbye, Mike Rice. There is no place in college athletics for this.”

And Pittsburgh Tribune-Review sports columnist Dejan Kovacevic added:

“It's 5:35 p.m., and Mike Rice is STILL employed by an institution of higher learning. Why exactly is that?”

Rutgers hasn’t made an announcement concerning Rice’s employment. But WCBS journalists point out parents might get involved.

“You have to wonder what the parents reaction is... you know, when seeing their children in that video. ... Parents that have seen that video, they are gonna raise a fuss about this.”

Pernetti recently said Mike Rice will be back next season.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY SCOTT MALONE

Allow Jay-Z to reintroduce himself — as a sports agent. The hip hop mogul’s entertainment company Roc Nation is creating a sports representation branch, and he already has a big ticket client signed up.

New York Yankees All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano announced Tuesday he was leaving his agent Scott Boras for Jay-Z and his new agency Roc Nation Sports. (Via ESPN)

Cano announced the move on Twitter with this picture of himself signing on the dotted line.

Cano is pledging his allegiance to Roc Nation as he is set to be a free agent after this season. But ESPN spoke with his former agent Boras Tuesday, and he says he hasn’t spoken to Cano about the switch. So how could Cano jump ship without letting Boras know?

ESPN’s Darren Rovell and Buster Olney say it’s a common practice for players to sign representation agreements before or during spring training, and Cano reportedly had signed with Boras. While those agreements run for 12 months, “...[they] do allow a player to switch agents, but it doesn’t void the current deal.”

So Cano technically still has two agents, but which one he picks could tell us whether he’s leaning towards the open market or a continued stay in the Big Apple.

CBS Sports reports Roc Nation has a partnership with Creative Artists Agency to help them get off the ground. CAA already boasts star baseball clients such as Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun, San Francisco’s Buster Posey, and Philadelphia’s Roy Halladay.

CAA recently negotiated contract extensions with all three of those stars to stay with their current teams. On the other hand, Boras is known for his strengths in free agency — mainly earning his clients big contracts.

A writer for the New York Post says signing with CAA shows Cano is in a New York state of mind.

“Cano is signaling that he wants to stay. ... [Yankees executives] know the removal of Boras is more likely to facilitate a deal before Cano ever files for free agency in November.”

Cano is a four-time All-Star and has finished in the top six of the AL MVP voting each of the last three years. With Jay-Z reportedly wanting to become a certified agent, Cano may just be a sign of what’s to come for Roc Nation Sports. A writer for USA Today says we can expect the newest agency on the block to move quickly into other sports.

“Roc Nation’s next move could be a jump into the NFL with New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz. ... Asked after a game in October if he and Jay-Z were working toward a business partnership, Cruz dodged the question. ‘I’d rather keep that under wraps,’ [Cruz said].”

Cruz recently signed with one CAA agent, which seemingly sets the stage for a potential alignment with Jay-Z. The hip hop mogul also owns part of the Brooklyn Nets, but for him to represent NBA players he would need to sell his stake in the team.

Image Source: Twitter

BY LAUREN ZIMA AND BRIAN BONDUS

After what many are calling the most gruesome sports injury ever, Louisville guard Kevin Ware is up on crutches and walking again.

Louisville’s athletic director Tweeted this picture Monday morning, less than 24 hours after the injury occurred.

Also in less than 24 hours — news of Ware’s graphic leg break had blown up all over the Internet, TV and social media.

When he fell, Ware’s bone broke through his skin, and of course, photos and videos of the fall were available. But should they have been shown, and shared? CBS aired two replays of the fall in slow motion, then stopped. The network did not show a close up.

Color analyst Clark Kellogg said — there was no reference point here.

"Totally uncharted territory for everybody in the building, for players, for us."

USA Today said the network handed coverage with “restraint”...

...pointing out the power of images of Ware’s teammates and fans in the stands — that their reactions were enough to convey the story.

And Sports Illustrated says CBS struck the right balance of staying with the story — from afar.

“CBS cameras followed Ware being removed from the arena and did so with proper distance. The network opted -- smartly -- to stay with the scene rather than go to commercial.”

USAToday reports on-site staffers made the call to limit replay shots, then network execs decided not to replay the injury in halftime coverage. But even though this was new territory, CBS is facing criticism. ESPN’s Bill Simmons disagrees with the decision to stay live and tweeted ...

“Show some dignity and go to commercial CBS.”

And one writer for Outkick the Coverage actually thought the replay should have been aired more — arguing the injury was the halftime story.

“Lots of people, including my wife, sat down to learn more about the injury at halftime and weren't watching the game live...Instead, CBS chose to take the easy way out.”

And PolicyMic recalls past instances of injuries aired — ABC showed Willis McGahee’s injury in 2003, ESPN showed Marcus Lattimore’s last year.

“This behavior by certain networks raises serious questions. ... Does voyeuristic appeal supersede the privacy rights of an amateur athlete? Should the networks be free to replay life-threatening events leading up to and including an on-field/court/ice death?”

Louisville blew Duke out in the second half of the game and won 85-63. The Cardinals will take on Wichita State next Saturday in Atlanta in the Final Four. 

(Image Source: Sam Upshaw, Jr./The Courier-Journal)

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

The tickets have been punched and now only four teams are left on the big dancefloor: Louisville, Michigan, Syracuse and Wichita State. For a look back at the road to the Final Four, let’s start with the least likely of the bunch.

Commentator: “Dare I say the Shockers have shocked the world?”
Coach Gregg Marshall: “You know, these guys said they could do it the whole time.”

(via CBS Sports)

With a 70-66 win over two seed Ohio State Buckeyes, the nine seed Wichita State Shockers sealed their first Final Four appearance since 1965.

For reference, that was the same year Lyndon Baines Johnson was President, the St. Louis arch was completed, and The Beatles were, unsurprisingly, topping the charts.

So, how exactly did a Kansas team that’s not Kansas make it past a two seed? An analyst for Fox Sports says it was the effort the Shockers put in when the ball wasn’t in their hands.

“They did a great job defending and they did a great job rebounding on the defensive end... But you also have to look at the issue that most teams face when playing a lower seed: you forget to play for 40 minutes.”

(via FOX Sports)

Speaking of defensive performances, USA Today chose to highlight two key stats that propelled Syracuse past Montana, California, Indiana, and most recently, Marquette.

In their four-game run to the Final Four, the Orangemen have forced 67 turnovers and only allowed 61 field goals. The writer calls those numbers “incredible.”

A writer for The New York Times gives credit to their legendary head coach, saying, “Syracuse’s trademarks under [Jim] Boeheim have been a fluid, up-tempo offense and the vaunted 2-3 zone. At its best, the zone forces instinctive players to abandon instinct and intuition and to think rather than react. The zone negates aggressiveness, slows down the offense and forces turnovers.”

Now, we move on to the Michigan Wolverines who went up against the Florida Gators on Sunday.

According to a writer at Sports Illustrated, Michigan put on a clinic in their 20-point win against Florida. He writes, “This was an absolute pounding from the opening tip. The Wolverines scored the first basket of the game. Then another. Then a three. Then three more baskets without a response from the Gators. It was 13-0 barely three minutes into the game.”

Of course, what blow-out isn’t complete without an alley-oop .gif.

Sources note this is Michigan Head Coach John Beilein’s first trip to the Final Four and the team’s first appearance since the “Fab Five” went to back-to-back national title games in ‘92 and ‘93.

(via Sporting News)

ESPN analyst and Fab Five guard Jalen Rose shared his thoughts on the win and Fab Five comparisons.

“I want them to have their shine. I want them to enjoy the moment... I’m going to stay away from the comparisons because I want them to do a few things we didn’t do.”

One of those things being a victory in the national championship game.

Louisville was the last team to advance to the Final Four Sunday in a 22-point win over Duke, despite 6’2” sophomore guard Kevin Ware suffering a horrific injury in the first half.

A writer for Yahoo! Sports said it was emotion surrounding Ware’s injury and leadership from two other guards that pushed Louisville past the Duke Blue Devils: “Seniors Russ Smith and Peyton Siva torched Duke off the dribble via the pick and roll the entire game, beating their defenders easily and then drawing fouls on late-arriving Duke big men around the rim.”

Louisville versus Wichita State. Michigan versus Syracuse. The Final Four matchups will be played on Saturday, April 6. The winners of those two games will play in the men’s basketball championship on Monday, April 8.  

(Image source: flickr / edogisgod)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

New York Yankees third-baseman Alex Rodriguez makes a lot of money. This is not news. So, why are we talking about it?

Because A-Rod is set to make $29 million this season. And the Houston Astros, with MLB’s lowest payroll, will make $25 million. Collectively. (Via NBC)

Some Yankee fans aren’t excited to pay the aging slugger such big-time money as he rides off into the sunset, or — limps off — adding insult with injury.

“ … Yankee fans are quick to point out that A-Rod is starting the season on the disabled list, so they’re paying for nothing. Awesome.” (Via HLN)

Rodriguez has been baseball’s highest-paid player for 13 years. But never has his pay trumped that of an entire team.

“Houston is certainly going through a project here of going bare bones, starting from scratch, so certainly they’re going to be at that low end. But to have one player surpass your whole team is pretty remarkable.” (Via ESPN)

Pitcher Bud Norris is the Astros’ highest-paid player at $3 million. Just $26 million short of A-Rod’s mammoth salary. Comparisons like this are inevitable when it comes to baseball and money.

Babe Ruth’s record $52,000 in 1922 made Sports Illustrated’s list of baseball’s milestone contracts. But his 1930 paycheck probably made more headlines. Because that’s when he became the first baseball player to outearn the president.

Herbert Hoover made $75,000 in 1930. Babe Ruth made $80,000 — and caught a lot of heat for it. But he took a swing at justifying his salary, saying simply, he had a better year than Hoover. (Via U.S. Department of Commerce)

Pretty safe to say A-Rod makes more than President Obama. But perhaps it’s too early to call who’ll have a better 2013.

(Image source: flickr / davidcjones)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Track star and accused killer Oscar Pistorius can now leave the country for competitions after a judge granted him permission this week.

“His lawyers had argued that Pistorius might need to run again to earn money. Prosecutors had opposed those changes. Pistorius is charged with murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.”

(Via Fox News)

(VO-Sport24)

If Pistorius chooses to leave, South Africa’s Sport24 reports he has to give his attorney one week’s notice, an itinerary and his passport.

(VO-CBS)(Start at :05)

The athlete’s lawyer says his client isn’t ready to compete, but it’s a precautionary measure. The judge granted two other notable changes to Pistorius’ bail conditions.

(Via CBS)

(SWV-CNN)(:08-20)

“The track star can also go back to the home where police say he killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. And he can drink alcohol again. All this after a judge reset his bail terms. Pistorius was not in court.”

(Via CNN)

(AOC)

These new freedoms come after a previous change to his bail — something already unpopular with the public.

(SWV-Sky News)(:23-34)

“People thought that the freedom that he was given a month ago when he won his bail application was controversial enough itself. But he was arguing that even that was too restrictive on his movements.”

(Via Sky News)

(AOC)

Pistorius is scheduled to appear in court again June 4.

(SOC)

###

(Image source: Nike)

BY ELIZABETH HAGEDORN

Sometimes a guy just can’t win... even when he’s winning. Fresh off reclaiming his title as the world’s No. 1 golfer, Tiger Woods’s newly repaired image may just have landed in the rough.

“Winning Takes Care of Everything” boasts Nike’s latest ad, making reference to a comment Woods made last year. The ad set off a firestorm of comments on the sports giant's Facebook page.

Some congratulated Woods on his win, while others said the ad was in poor taste given the golfer’s string of extramarital affairs and his very public divorce from model Elin Nordegren.

Some said the ad, “sends the wrong message”

another wrote, winning takes care of everything, “but his destroyed family.”

with one user commenting, “Seriously, Nike? Seriously?”

Any publicity is good publicity, right? In a statement released to ABC News, Nike stood by its new ad.

“When asked about his goals such as getting back to number one, [Tiger] has said consistently winning is the way to get there. The statement references that sentiment and is a salute to his athletic performance.”

Still, it seems like the shoemaker just can’t catch a break these days. It cut ties this year with accused murderer Oscar Pistorius and disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong. (Via Fox News, CNN)

A PR expert tells Advertising Age this is not the time for Nike to risk a potential backlash from fans.

“Nike is better than that...Every human being who has a heart, as well as a head, understands that its always about more than just winning.”

But a writer a Yahoo! Sports says, “c’mon, really?”

“Nike is doing this to get under your skin...They knew the sanctimonious types would get upset about this.”

And besides this isn’t the first time, Nike has raised eyebrows. There’s this latest ad, and then there’s this...

...a somewhat creepy commercial from 2010 featuring a voiceover from Woods’ dead father released shortly after Woods’ well publicized person struggles.

(Image Source: Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel)

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

I guess it’s safe to say Tiger’s got his swagger back. The former number one golfer in the world reclaimed the top spot on the official world golf ranking with a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Monday.

Woods held off Justin Rose and Rickie Fowler to finish 13-under for the tournament... and kept things interesting by nearly sinking this 73 and a half foot putt at the 18th hole.  

[via ESPN]

Sources say the turning point came when Fowler put two balls in the water at the 16th hole. According to one Golf Channel correspondent...

“Those two shots really cooked ‘em...”

USA Today reports this is Woods’ third victory this season and he also tied Sam Snead for the most victories in one PGA Tour event.

With the win at Bay Hill, Woods bumped former number one Rory McIlroy for the top spot. The last time Woods was atop the the world golf rankings was in October of 2010. That’s 29 months with well-know struggles in between.

Knee injuries forced Woods off the PGA tour for eight months in 2008.

[via Wikimedia Commons]

Then there was the highly publicized sex scandal and eventual split with then-wife Elin Nordegren that began in late 2009.

[via Today]

Possibly affected by off-course troubles, Woods went winless in 2010 and 2011 and also dropped as low as 58th in the process.

But recently, sources say Woods has found some balance, winning six times since the beginning of 2012 and going public with his relationship with world-champion skier Lindsey Vonn.

[via TigerWoods.com]

The skier even tweeted this following Woods’ win on Monday, simply saying: “Number 1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!”

But a writer for Forbes says despite regaining his number one ranking, the golfer may not ever fully revitalize his once pristine image, saying, “As a result, he likely will never ascend to the endorsement heights he enjoyed during the peak of his illustrious golfing career.”

Next up: Woods will head to the Augusta National for The Masters as he goes for his fifth green jacket.

(Image Source: Bay News 9 / Cheryl Glassford)

BY CANDICE AVILES

Investigators are looking for answers after a skydiving instructor and his student died while skydiving in Florida Saturday.

“Authorities say about 22 people jumped from a plane yesterday morning in Zephyrhills when only 20 people returned. Authorities began to search for the missing men their bodies were later found near each other in a wooded area.” (Via WPTV)

According to Bay News 9 the two men from Iceland, ages 40 and 25, jumped separately from the plane. They were on their second jump of the day. While some speculate they might have gotten tangled, it’s still unclear what happened.

“They say the men’s parachutes were equipped with automatic openers and it’s very unlikely that both parachutes would have failed.”

The co-owner of Skydive City, who planned the excursion told Tampa Bay Online between 10 and 12 people have died from skydiving in Skydive City’s 20-year history. “A Gulfport woman, who had 15 years of skydiving experience, was killed after her equipment malfunctioned in January last year.”

And the United States Parachute Association or USPA reports skydiving has a good track record when it comes accidents.

“In 2012, USPA recorded 19 fatal skydiving accidents in the U.S. out of roughly 3.1 million jumps. That’s .006 fatalities per 1,000 jumps — nearly the lowest rate in the sport’s history!”

Seeing that in the 1970s, there were about 42 skydiving deaths per year, that’s a noticeable improvement. But this latest accident has Hayes reminding people of the obvious. (Via YouTube / GoProCamera)

“Skydiving gets safer and safer every year, but it’s still an extreme sport.” (Via Enstars)

The investigation into what caused two latest deaths is ongoing.

(Image source: The Denver Post)


BY MATT MORENO 


The U.S. soccer team desperately needed a win Friday against Costa Rica... and some jackets, gloves, and earmuffs. Seriously, the soccer ball started looking more like a snowball.

The United States beat Costa Rica 1-0 in the World Cup qualifying match in Denver, Colorado, thanks to Clint Dempsey’s goal in the 15th minute. But, it was the snow that made the crucial game crazy. (Via U.S. Soccer)

The snow started before the game with just a little on the ground during early action. But as the game wore on, it got heavier, and heavier, and...heavier. (Via ESPN)

Crews with shovels and snow plows worked to keep the field’s lines visible the entire game. And a yellow ball was used to help it stand out from the thick snow. (Via The Denver Post)

Officials paused the game briefly about 10 minutes into the second half to decide whether or not to continue. The game did continue on and the snow did get thicker. (Via Sports Illustrated)

U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley told The New York Times, “In the first half, the field was still O.K. even though it was a little hard to see...as the snow accumulated in the second half, it was almost impossible to play.”

But the players trudged on, even those wearing short sleeves, and some seemed to embrace the snow after the win -- creating some wild images.

Check out this photo posted by U.S. soccer of midfielder Jermaine Jones’s “snow-fro.” (Via Instagram / ussoccer)

A writer for the New York Daily News says, “the spectacle made for great television, surely, in the comfort of living rooms. It was fun, it was stupid, it was clumsy, it was more like Brazilian beach soccer than real soccer.”

Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto didn’t find the game “fun.” He said the game was “not fair” and “an embarrassment for soccer.” (Via Major League Soccer)

Costa Rica plans on protesting the game to FIFA due to the unusual weather conditions. (Via Yahoo!)

The win is big for the United States, giving them three points towards a chance at the World Cup. Snow is unlikely to be a problem during the team’s next match — Tuesday, in Mexico City.

(Image Source: USA Today) 

BY SCOTT MALONE

March Madness serves as a launching pad for teams and players trying to make names for themselves. But one player is using the national spotlight to give his polarizing personality a coming out party. His name: Marshall Henderson.

Henderson is a shooting guard playing for Ole Miss, who led the SEC in scoring this season and played a large part in Ole Miss winning its first SEC title in three decades. Henderson is known for his run-and-gun style and tendency to get hot late in games. (Via WLOX)

But the six-foot-two guard from Texas didn’t start out in Oxford. He actually started at Utah, but transferred after one year because his coach’s strict rules didn’t fit with his, quote, individualism.  A writer for Deadspin says there are actually two individuals that make up Henderson.

“His on-court behavior clearly comes from some deep, dark Helter Skelterish part of the soul, but off the court he’s a perfectly sane, self-aware young man who does not at all seem like a human acid flashback.”

But that last bit — the part that says he’s a perfectly sane, self-aware young man off the court — might need some revising if you look a little bit closer.

Following his 25-point performance in Ole Miss’ overtime win against Georgia, Henderson gave the media just 10 words. “If it’s all the same, it’s Saturday night. I’m out.” (Via Alabama.com)

After Henderson and the Rebels topped Vanderbilt in the SEC tournament, a writer for The Palm Beach Post asked him what his plans were for the postseason. His response: to “Make a name for myself so I can get this money.”

Even in the conference championship game against Florida, Henderson decided to get into it with the Gator faithful by mocking their famed Gator chomp. 

And later that Sunday night Henderson took to Twitter to proudly proclaim “j[u]st had to say … 10 IN A ROW IN PONG!! WHO WANTS TO SEE US?!?!”......

...Before showing up in this picture on Twitter later that night..

So why does Henderson decide to do all of these things: the on-court shenanigans, the off-court partying, the memorable quotes? We’ll let him explain in his own words.

“It’s unbelievable really that, like how serious people take this stuff. And that’s kinda why I do some of it a little bit too, because you’ve just gotta have fun with it. I mean that’s really what it is. You know it’s a game you have fun.” (Via Youtube / LatestSportsTV)

We’ll let you form your own impression of Marshall Henderson, and you can catch him and the Rebels on Sunday when they play LaSalle. As for getting his money, he’s only a junior — so we could get to see a whole second season of Marshall’s so-called madness.

(Image source: European Space Agency)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN
 

It’s being called a baby picture of our universe. A new image released by the European Space Agency’s Planck telescope shows the universe at one its earliest states — and in more detail than ever before.

It’s called the cosmic microwave background. Essentially, it’s the echo or the afterglow of the Big Bang, radiation that’s been travelling through space since the universe was 380,000 years old. (Via The New York Times)

The latest image gives scientists a more complete view of the universe and contained a few surprises.

For instance, the universe is a bit older than scientists thought: 13.8 billions years old instead of 13.7. It’s expanding a bit more slowly and is made up of more dark matter and less dark energy than they thought.

But overall, the new findings match up nicely with previous estimates, with just enough new data to get scientists excited.

One researcher said at a press conference: “It's a goldmine of information. If you are wondering what the importance of this is, some cosmologists might have given up their children to get their hands on this map!” (Via Astronomy Now)

The cosmic microwave background has guided cosmological thinking ever since it was discovered by accident in 1964. (Via The Telegraph)

If you’re old enough to remember when television stations went off the air, you’ve even seen it: around one percent of the static on an old television was due to the background radiation. (Via BBC)

An astronomer writing for Slate says: “As a scientist, of course, I like it when we get better measurements, more detail, refined numbers. … And best of all, we see that the Universe is doing things we still don’t understand. It’s showing us that there is still more out there...”

(Image Source: Boston.com)

BY ELAINE STOCKDALE

At a meeting in Phoenix Wednesday, NFL owners came together and voted for two big rule changes — one  —  the wipeout of an old, unpopular rule, the other — aims to improve safety for the players.

The tuck rule was used when a quarterback attempting to throw the ball decided at the last second not to throw the ball, tried to tuck it to his body and then lost possession. The NFL deemed this act the “tuck rule” and called it an incomplete pass instead of a fumble. (Via The Boston Globe)

Defensive players are rejoicing. Now any time a quarterback loses the ball during a “tuck” it will be ruled a fumble.

The tuck rule is well known for creating controversy — like in the 2001 divisional playoff game between the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was hit in the game causing him to fumble the ball, the referee reviewed the play and called the tuck rule. Consequently the Patriots went on to win the game and Super Bowl. (Via WCVB)

The Raiders took to Twitter, celebrating the abolition of the rule that cost them the 2001 playoff game tweeting.

“Adios, Tuck Rule.” and “Tuck Rule? its been 11 years, 1 month and 23 days... but who’s counting?" (Via Twitter / @raiders)

So it comes as no surprise the elimination of the tuck rule has left many involved in the NFL breathing a sigh of relief.

“It’s about time, this has been an inconsistent rule about how to judge whether a quarterback is tucking the ball, or the ball is knocked out, its too inconclusive. You don’t know.” (Via CBS)

The second rule change is the new crown of the helmet rule — it was voted for almost unanimously with a 31-1 vote. The Cincinnati Bengals were the only team to vote no. The new rule stops ball carriers from using the crown of their helmet to make strong and forceful contact with a defender in the open field.

It is now a penalty if a runner or a tackler initiates forcible contact with the crown of the helmet when both players are outside the tackle box. It has to be an obvious attempt of contact using the crown of the helmet. 

Browns running back Trent Richardson who charged his helmet into Philadelphia Eagles Kurt Coleman sending Coleman’s helmet into air during the season opener in 2012, would have cost the Eagles a 15-yard penalty and a fine if the incident had happened under the new helmet rule. (Via The Plain Dealer)

Former New England Patriot Tedy Bruschi explains to ESPN why he thinks the helmet rule is a good new addition to the rulebook.

“Its a good rule and there is where Roger Goodell wants this game to go, this is where the owners want this game to go, what it does is eliminate the use of the helmet as a weapon. Runners are still going to be able to lower their shoulder.”

But running backs don’t seem too thrilled. Bears running back Matt Forte expressed his displeasure on Twitter.

"Wow so they really passed that rule...last time I checked football was a contact sport. Calling bank now to set up my lowering the boom fund... Guess I'll get my fine money ready. … Next year they'll probably be a no jumping over defenders rule.”

The new rules go into effect at the start of the preseason.

(Image Source: Twitter / @MarchMadnessTV)

BY CANDICE AVILES

March Madness fans life just got a little better –– after Twitter announced it’ll post 15-second replays of highlights minutes after they happen.

“The first video tweet is expected during game one tonight. You’ll have to follow @marchmadness or @MarchMadnessTV. If you don’t have your bracket filled out you better hurry.” (Via TXCN)

Twitter’s director of promoted content and partnerships Glenn Brown told USA Today it’s teaming up with Turner Broadcasting and SnappyTV to make it happen. The clips will start with a short clip from AT&T or Coke Zero before showing the highlight. “Instant replay plays to Twitter’s strength of news in real time and on mobile.”

Brown goes on to say the ‘instant replay’ concept helps Twitter attract advertising sponsorships. This move will also secure Twitter’s format for companies to embrace the “microblogging service."

The idea seems to be a hit with more than 79,000 people following @marchmadness and more than 18,000 following the @MarchMadnessTV page.

If for some reason, you aren’t a Twitter user, fear not The Salt Lake Tribune lists off a few other apps you can use to stay in-the-know.

You can check out the NCAA March Madness Live app, CBS Sports app, ESPN Bracket Bound 2013, or Team Stream to name a few. All providing updates respectively.

So best of luck with your March Madness bracket, and remember if you turn away from the TV for a few seconds and miss a highlight, Twitter may post it just a few minutes later.

(Image Source: Facebook )

BY CHRISTINE SLUSSER & CARISSA LOETHEN

Tiger Woods has a new woman in his life.  Here’s CNN:

“It is official Tiger Woods and Lindsey Vonn... Love birds!”

Woods gushed the news about this new love on his Facebook page. Saying:

“Lindsey and I have been friends for some time, but over the last few months we have become very close and are now dating. … We want to continue our relationship, privately, as an ordinary couple and continue to compete as athletes.”

He also made sure to share a bunch of really cute photos of the two.

And Vonn confirmed the news on her Facebook too, writing...

“I guess it wasn't a well-kept secret but yes, I am dating Tiger Woods. Our relationship evolved from a friendship into something more over these past few months and it has made me very happy. I don't plan on addressing this further as I would like to keep that part of my life between us, my family and close friends.”

Let the terrible couple nicknames begin... A writer for The Los Angeles Times already has a suggestion:

“I guess this means we can officially break out the "Liger" nickname!”

So what do fans and media think of the new relationship? Commenters on Vonn’s Twitter status seemed torn...

With some simply saying they were happy for the couple, another saying “Dang” - we presume because she’s ‘officially’ off the market, and another just thanking her for letting the fans in on the know.

As for their careers, Vonn is currently rehabilitating a badly injured knee and Woods is looking forward to competing in The Masters April 11th.

(Image Source: CBS)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

Selection Sunday has now come to a close and as always the love/hate relationship the country has with the NCAA selection committee is flaring up. There are tons of storylines but one of the most debated is one particular mid-major program.

“Gonzaga, the number one seed in the West, has been a model of consistency for well over a decade.” (via CBS Sports Network)

“Gonzaga looks like Notre Dame Football... they’re a really good team  but you’re gonna tell me they’re the best team in the country?” (via CBS)

Gonzaga’s bid leads a charge of mid-major programs making the 2013 tourney. The Mountain West Conference, which traditionally is not a major contender, has a record five teams playing this postseason while the SEC, a power conference, has only three. A writer with USA Today thinks it’s about time.

“...The major conference teams with burst bubbles had countless opportunities to win their way into the tournament... they didn't win the big games when it mattered. Give the little guy a shot to do so.”

Aside from Gonzaga the other three top seeds were the usual suspects — historically speaking. Louisville takes the overall number one seed followed by Kansas and Indiana. But just like reactions to Gonzaga’s bid, the other number one seeds are also proving to be points of contention.

“You’ve got to finish the season. If you look at the end of the season, part of finishing the season is winning your conference tournament. Indiana didn’t, Miami did.” (via ESPN)

A sports writer for The New York Times tweeted, “Miami first team to win ACC regular season and tournament crown and not be named a No. 1 seed. Rough”

But for those who were upset about where their team fell, and wanted a little explanation — Selection Committee Chairman Mike Bobinski did an interview immediately after the bracket was announced.

Bobinski said the committee was torn over Miami and if there was 5 spots Miami would most certainly hold a number one seed but they couldn’t take down the Zags in the final analysis. (via ACC Digital Network)

Bobinski also had to explain The Middle Tennessee tournament berth, a team that had only one win against a top 100 team. Bobinski says their ability to win on the road is what got them over the hump. (via Sun Belt conference Youtube channel)

To get the rest of your questions answered be sure to click on the link to the full interview in the transcript. 

The unpredictability of “Selection Sunday” seemed to rip from the pages of the 2012-2013 season, considering the revolving door of teams that were ranked number one. But according to “First Take” host Skip Bayless, that means we are in for a great NCAA tourney.

“The worst men's college basketball season I can remember is about to launch the greatest NCAA tournament yet, with buzzer-beating elation and deflation exploding all over your bracket next Thursday and Friday.” 

That exploding is scheduled to start Tuesday March 19.

(Image Source: Catherine Kortsmik)

BY PAULA HUNT

A Greek soccer player has been banned from the game after apparently celebrating his winning goal with a Nazi salute on the pitch.

The Greek National team handed the lifetime ban to 20-year-old Giorgos Katidis, a midfielder for AEK Athens, after he tore off his shirt and made the gesture in a game Saturday.

According to the "Daily Mail," AEK’s German coach defended Katidis, who tweeted his innocence:

“'I am not a fascist and would not have done it if I had known what it meant.”

Yahoo! Sports sounds skeptical of Katidis’ excuse that he was only motioning to a teammate in the stands.

“The ‘pointing at a team mate’ excuse is painfully unlikely, but it is quite possible that Katidis is naive/stupid enough to not know the meaning of his offensive celebration.”

Katidis’ actions came on a particularly painful day in his country according to "New York Daily News."

It was: “The same day Greece marked the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the deportation of its country’s Jews to Nazi extermination camps during World War II.”

And, the "Independent" notes:

“The incident has added significance because of the rise of the country’s neo-fascist Golden Dawn party, which now has 18 seats in Greece's 300-seat parliament. They have also been blamed for rising anti-immigrant violence across the country.”

Katidis’ team has asked that he appear at a board meeting to explain his actions.

(Image Source: SB Nation / Jim Rogash)

BY CANDICE AVILES


Free agent wide receiver Donte Stallworth was injured Saturday morning in a hot air balloon accident.

ESPN Boston broke the story. Around 10:45 a.m., writer Mike Reiss tweeted “@DonteStallworth was in hot-air balloon accident this morning in Miami. Now hospitalized & in stable condition. Thoughts w/Donte.” (Via Twitter/@MikeReiss)

“He was with his girlfriend and the hot air balloon hit power lines. They were both shocked and sustained burns. They are currently hospitalized and in stable condition.”

There was an unidentified third person in the air balloon who was not injured. Stallworth’s agent emailed USA Today saying the burns will not impact his NFL career. “He’s ok. Has some burns but he will be fine.”

The NFL spoke with Miami-Dade County police who said the incident is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. A NTSB spokesman said the Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating the accident but a preliminary report will take around 10 days.

Stallworth signed with the New England Patriots in 2012 but only played in one game before going on injured reserve. He injured himself while completing a 63-yard touchdown reception. (Via SB Nation)

He’s also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Washington Redskins.

(Image Source: USA Today Sports) 


 

BY SCOTT MALONE
 

What do Old Spice and NFL free agency have in common? The swagger-filled brand’s famous face is packing his bags, and leaving the land of the cheeseheads for a spot on the Vikings’ roster.

Packer’s wide receiver Greg Jennings agreed to a five year, $47.5 million deal Friday evening with the rival Minnesota Vikings. Jennings joins Ryan Longwell, Darren Sharper and some guy named Brett Favre as Packer players to move to Minnesota. (Via WZZM)

While Favre did throw passes to Jennings his first two years in the league, some are questioning Jennings’ decision to leave Green Bay and quarterback Aaron Rodgers — who Jennings won a Super Bowl with — for the Vikings and Christian Ponder.

A writer for CBS Sports contacted several Packers players after the announcement, and one said “I just think he made a mistake. He went from prime rib to Burger King.” The writer adds:

“That sounds harsh and arrogant, but it’s accurate … [For example] Larry Fitzgerald is all world but … the ball might hit him in the hands, or it might land in the dirt … So a great weapon like Fitzgerald is partially mitigated because his quarterback is putrid.”

But Jennings wanted to make sure we knew he did his homework before signing his name on the dotted line.

He told USA Today he watched film of Vikings QB Christian Ponder before he made a decision, saying “I had to see what I was getting myself into.”

But what exactly is Jennings getting himself into? A look at the numbers shows he’ll be expected to put the Vikings’ air attack on his back.

One Sports Illustrated writer notes Jennings averaged almost 73 receptions per year, before injuries limited him to only eight games last season. The other five members of Minnesota’s current receiving corps combined for 53 catches last season.

But a blogger for Yahoo! Sports is quick to point out those injuries that cost Jennings half of last season, combined with his age, is why many teams shied away from him in free agency. Though Jennings had a quick comeback for the critics, saying “I can still make plays. I’m not old. I’m only 29.”

In his seven NFL seasons, Jennings has caught more than 400 passes for more than 6,500 yards, and 53 touchdowns.

(Image source: NBA D-League)


BY JAMAL ANDRESS


There a few sports that require more from your body than basketball does. Endurance, balance, agility, strength. Players who possess all of those attributes make it to the NBA and are considered the world’s best. On the other end of the spectrum? Multiple Sclerosis, with symptoms like loss of balance, muscle spasms, fatigue and double vision. There has never been an NBA player who also had MS, until now.

“[Chris] Wright's call-up remains noteworthy, because when he signs his 10-day before Dallas' Tuesday night matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks, he'll become the first person who suffers from multiple sclerosis to play in the NBA.” (Via Yahoo!)

The Georgetown alum discovered he had MS this time last year while playing with a Turkish professional club. While running sprints Wright went to pivot on the baseline and his foot gave out. Little did he know that stumble was the beginning of a new life-long fight.

“It was kind of weird,” Wright said, thinking back on the moment.” I didn’t know, I was thinking maybe I stumbled over my foot or something like that, but... the next morning I came in to shoot early before practice and I lost all sensation in basically my right leg and my right hand.” (Via NBA D-League)

That was last year.  This year, Wright was called up from NBA D-League team, the Iowa Energy, where he averaged 15 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds a game.  He was also named to the D-League All Star team. Though he doesn’t know whether Wright will see the floor, Head Coach Rick Carlisle says he feels positive about the addition. (Via YouTube / nbadleague)

“It shows determination and an element of resourcefulness, I know he's very pleased to have this opportunity. And it's going to give inspiration to others that may have similar conditions.” (Via ESPN)
 

That inspiration? Wright will be playing for the 2.5 million other MS patients, which he knows is important.

“His message that he wants to get out there is MS does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice your goals. He kept his goals in mind and here he is living it out in a 10 day contract in the NBA and trying to stick it out.” (Via ESPN)

Wright’s first chance at NBA action comes Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs.

(Image source: CBS Sports)

BY ELAINE STOCKDALE


Catching passes from future Hall of famer Tom Brady to catching passes from fellow future famer Peyton Manning, not a bad deal right? Well former-Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker has done just that, reportedly signing a $12 million, two-year deal with the Denver Broncos.

Welker and his agent had been testing the market since NFL free agency started Tuesday. After Welker, according to Yahoo, reportedly considered the New England Patriots’ offer this year “laughably low.”

The 31 year old is considered the NFL’s top slot man since Welker joined New England in 2007, no other player in the NFL has caught more passes. Welker averaged 112 catches and made 672 regular season receptions over his six years with the Patriots. He also made 118 receptions for 1,354 yards and six touchdowns in 2012. (Via NFL)

According to Fox Sports, the Patriots and Welker struggled to come to terms on a contract extension agreement, with Welker’s age a pivotal factor in the Patriots decision not to press hard for a re-sign.

Welker, who will be in his ninth NFL season this year, was reportedly offered $2 million less by the Patriots.

NFL reporter Albert Breer confirmed in a tweet “Let me ... tweet one more time...The Patriots’ final and only recent offer for Wes Welker was $10M over 2 years, w/incentives.” (Via AlbertBreer)

Broncos vice president of football operations John Elway, broke the news of the deal via Twitter stating “Agreed on a 2-yr deal with Wes Welker. Excited to have Wes join Broncos. His production and toughness will be a great asset!.” (Via @johnelway)

According to NFL expert John Clayton, Manning has a guaranteed two more years with the Broncos, which means Welker pairing up with Manning would fill the missing link for Denver in getting to the Super Bowl.

“So you know there is a two year window at least for him to try to get back to the superbowl and putting Wes Welker in the middle of the field working the slot, might be one of the keys to getting through the door and getting to the superbowl.” (Via ESPN)

Former Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley said he wasn’t worried about the Welker move and agrees Welker deserves more. Stokley told the Denver Post “Look at what he’s done the last six years. I’ve always thought he was underrated. You see these other receivers out there getting big money, I think Wes deserves some of that...”

Welker joins the Broncos alongside other newcomers, offensive lineman Louis Vasquez and linebacker Stewart Bradley. Bradley was in Devers facility during Welkers signing, Bradley told USA Today “I heard people were pretty excited. It’s a big deal.”

Bronco’s cornerback Chris Harris tweeted his excitement for Welker’s addition to the team ...  “Its gonna be some amazing practices with me and Welker in the slot,” “Games should be easy.” (Via @ChrisHarrisJr)

(Image source: USA Today Sports)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

It seems Ray Lewis could not stay retired for long.  The 13-time pro bowler retired from the Baltimore Ravens football team after its Super Bowl win this year, but ESPN announced the middle linebacker is joining the “Worldwide Leader” in sports in August.  Lewis reacts on Mike and Mike in the Morning.

“Lewis: The first thing you think about is the pressure is off.
Mike: You got that wrong my friend.
Lewis: No, I’m telling you. There is a totally different thought process.”

Lewis went on to say he believes preparing to analyze football is a lot easier than preparing for training camp and playing on Sundays.  He’ll make weekly appearances on that radio show, as well as ESPN’s Sportscenter, Sunday NFL Countdown, and Monday Night Football.

A writer for Awful Announcing is most excited for Lewis’s anticipated analyzing segment, which is said to be similar to Jon Gruden’s Quarterback Camp.

“Does that mean Lewis will break down defensive tape?  Will he show us all how to defend Spider 2 Y Banana?  Behind the caricature Lewis became in this year's playoffs is a knowledgeable football expert who has great potential on television.”

A Bleacher Report writer calls Lewis one of the greatest linebackers ever. His two Defensive Player of the Year awards and two Super Bowl victories give him plenty of expertise in football, but the writer notes Lewis’ work ethic is what sets him apart.

“The 37-year-old Florida native was never the most athletic player, but he always found a way to make an impact. That type of drive to succeed is why he will probably have plenty of success in his new career, as well.”

Few would question Ray Lewis’ football credentials, but some are wondering if, due to his personal history, Lewis should be put on ESPN.

In 2000, Lewis was arrested and charged with murder after a fight outside an Atlanta nightclub ended with 2 men being stabbed to death. Prosecutors dropped the charges in the middle of the trial and Lewis ended up pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge.

When rumors of Lewis coming to ESPN first surfaced in February, NBC Sports talked to ESPN President John Skipper about Lewis’ past. Skipper says, ESPN carefully considered Lewis’ past and...

“We sort of decided that the NFL welcomed him back into the fold and the fans welcomed him back into the fold. I think we are fine with second chances and we think he will make great television. Ultimately, we were comfortable with it.”

(Image source: Anchorage Daily News)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

The 2013 Iditarod ended late Tuesday night when Mitch Seavey crossed the finish line for the second time in his extensive dog racing career. KTUU has the call.

“Right there it is, Mitch Seavey, your 2013 Iditarod champion just a year after his son becomes the youngest champion ever. Mitch Seavey wins his second Iditarod.”

“Mitch Seavey became the oldest man to win the Iditarod at 53 years old taking 9 days 7 hours and 56 minutes to mush his way over 1000 miles.”

It’s kind of a family sport.

Mitch’s father Dan helped found the race in 1973 and ran in the first two.  He’s passed the bug to his son and grandson who have three titles between the two.

This year’s race was the fourth closest in the Iditarod’s history.

Here’s trail video from the runner-up Aliy Zerkle. She holds the fastest time for a female musher ever and was trying to be the first female winner since 1990. She also came in second last year when Mitch Seavey’s son, Dallas won.

Losing is always tough, but it’s tough to win when you’re taking on the whole family.  Bleacher Report calls the Seaveys “the first family of mushing.”

Mitch Seavey got $50,000 and a pickup truck for his victory.

(Image Source: Golfmanna)

BY SCOTT MALONE

A St. Louis-area golfer might want to contact the USGA about an entirely new breed of “rough” he recently stumbled across.

Mark Mihal was playing the 14th hole of a southwestern Illinois golf course Friday when he fell into a sinkhole - right in the middle of the fairway! He says he fell about 18 feet into the earth, but fortunately ended up with only a dislocated shoulder. (Via KSHB)

Fortunately Mihal’s golf buddies got him out after about 20 minutes by using a 12-foot ladder and some rope. On the bright side of that bad lie - at least Mihal wasn’t dragged into playing basketball with Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.....like Michael Jordan was in Space Jam.

Mihal’s wife wrote on his website later that he was beginning to panic because he is claustrophobic, and due to the recent story of the Florida man who was swallowed up when a sinkhole opened up underneath his bedroom.

But a geologist who examined the hole told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch sinkholes are common in the area because the bedrock in the region is limestone - which dissolves in heavy rainwater. He says “This guy just really was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Mihal says despite the not-so-traditional hole in one, he plans to keep playing golf. But he’s not so sure about playing that course any more because, “It’d be kind of strange playing that hole again.”

Image Source: Teleclub Sport

BY SOLE MALDONADO AYUSO



Some soccer lovers just can’t contain the urge to jump onto the field themselves.

Even twice...

A wild pine marten scurried onto a soccer field and caused quite the chaotic scene at a Swiss Super League game between FC Thun and FC Zurich on Sunday — leading to a lengthy game delay.

Players tried to catch the animal but it proved to be very elusive. After a while of avoiding captors,  Zurich defender Loris Benito tackled the marten.

The animal responded by biting Benito’s finger and escaping once again. Zurich player David Da Costa finally managed to trap the furry invader thanks to his goalkeeper gloves.

According to The Washington Post, Benito told media at the end of the match:

“In hindsight, it was obviously somewhat foolish of me... Who knows what diseases the animal had? But I wanted to play the match and now simply trust in my immune system.”

A pine marten might be a new touch, but soccer fields have seem similar invasions from animals of all shapes and sizes.

Cats, dogs, ducks, and even owls have crept into soccer camps all over the world.


Post-pine marten, Zurich ended up taking the win, 4-0 over Thun.

(Image Source: Facebook/FallonFoxOfficial)


BY COLLIN RUANE


A major announcement from the world of Mixed Martial Arts.

Fallon Fox announced Wednesday she was previously a man. She underwent surgery in 2006. KTTV reports Fox has taken all the appropriate steps to change her gender since the operation. (Via: YouTube/Outsports com)

“Although born a man, Fallon Fox says she’s technically, legally, physically and mentally a female undergoing gender reassignment surgery six years ago along with all the hormone therapies.”

That information was kept secret until this past week when Fox told Sports Illustrated reporter Loretta Hunt.

Sports Illustrated quotes Fox saying she did not disclose any information about her sex change earlier simply because no one asked her to provide that sort of information.

Since that announcement, Fox has been overwhelmed by the amount of attention it has gotten. WPLG reports the story is making headlines all over major sports outlets.

“It’s been a difficult week seeing her personal secret broadcast on the web pages of ESPN and Sports Illustrated.”

Fox is quite the competitor. She knocked out her opponent in 39 seconds at a fight earlier this month and is currently undefeated in professional fighting. (Via Facebook/FallonFoxOfficial)

But is it fair for someone who used to be a man to fight women? There’s no right or wrong answer, at least according to the crew at TMZ.

“So, should she be allowed to fight chicks in the UFC?”
“No, no.”
“No, that’s not fair.”
“Why is it not fair? This is equality we’re talking about, right?”
“I think that that’s totally fair.”

Rant Sports commentator Al Stover believes Fox should have revealed her sexual reassignment surgery earlier on. “At the very least, she should have told her opponents before she stepped into the cage with them.”

Not surprisingly, Fox defended herself on CNN saying there is no unfair advantage in her fighting.

FALLON FOX: “I say that it’s completely fair. The medical community stands behind me on that, and that there’s no unfair competitive advantages.”

But if any sport is up to the challenge of figuring out how to accommodate transgendered athletes, a writer for Yahoo! Sports says it’s the relatively young world of mixed martial arts.

“[MMA] has the ability to evolve more quickly than sports with more established institutions. That makes it more nimble and able to handle ... new challenges thrown its way.”

(Image Source: Flickr / Keith Allison)

BY CANDICE AVILES


One of the greatest relievers in baseball history is retiring. The New York Yankees’ Mariano Rivera made the bittersweet announcement Saturday morning that the 2013 season will be his last.

“I love to to tell you guys that after this year I will be retired. I retiring of the game that I love.” [Via: ESPN]

The 43-year-old player made the announcement with his family, teammates and the Yankees owner along side him in Tampa. He went on to say making this decision was not easy. [Via ESPN]

“He doesn’t want his fans to be sad, he just wants them to enjoy the game. He’d like his last pitch of his last game to be the winning pitch in the world series.” [Via NY1]

Rivera is expected to play Saturday afternoon against the Atlanta Braves. It will be his first game since his knee injury last May. [Via Flickr / Keith Allison]

The NY Daily News reports when Rivera was asked why this would be his last season, he said, “Now is the time. I have given everything and the time is almost ending.”

The closer has played for the Yankees his entire career. And it’s no secret Rivera has left an impressive record when it comes to the game.

“The 43 year old has been the longtime closer for the yankees. The right hander is a 12 time all star and 5 time world series champion. He’s also MLB’s all time leader in saves with 608.” [Via YNN]

Rivera boasts a 2.21 career earned run average, and The New York Times notes his 42 postseason saves are record breaking. To put those saves into perspective, the next pitcher with the most, Brad Lidge, only has 18.

“His other career statistics - such as a 2.21 ERA, a strikeout/walk ratio of 4.04/1 and 1,119 strikeouts - are certainly impressive. But the fact he allowed less than a baserunner per inning perhaps best illustrates his dominance." [Via USA Today]

Rivera had said earlier if he would not have gotten injured he would have retired in 2012 — but he wanted to leave on a good note. While his retirement isn’t a surprise, the next question is if, or when, he’ll end up in baseball’s Hall of Fame.
 

(Image source: Rudy Gutierrez / El Paso Times)

BY CHARLIE MCKEAGUE

They say it’s not how you start — it’s how you finish. On senior night in El Paso Texas, Mitchell Marcus ended his basketball season in remarkable fashion, nailing a shot at the buzzer.

But it’s not your typical buzzer beater. Marcus is developmentally challenged and had a little help from the other team. The story of kindness went viral.

Today, HLN called it legendary sportsmanship.

“Sadly Mitchell missed shot after shot. His chances were running out. Then a member of the other team turns the ball over to mitchell so he could have one last shot. Mitchell's classmates rushed the court and a magic moment happens.”

What a moment it was. So incredible that the good sport Jonathon Montanez from the other team was featured on ESPN’s SportsCenter back in February — saying the fans rushing the court was the best feeling he’s ever had playing basketball.

“I was amazed of Mitchell how everybody rushed the court and picked him up. ... I was just raised to treat others how you want to be treated. Just to give that other person a chance of an opportunity that he deserves.”

And while Montanez deserves his credit, so do the fans at the game. They couldn’t have been more supportive.

“We want Mitchell!, We want Mitchell!” Come on MItchell you got this!” (Via El Paso Times)

Both boys also appeared on Ellen and offered good life lessons. And the coaches said it was something they’ll never forget.

(Image source: The Daily Express)

BY ELAINE STOCKDALE
ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS


Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals after defeating Manchester United Tuesday. But a controversial red card called on United midfielder Nani, has left plenty of football fans in an uproar - one fan even considered it a crime.

United had a one nil lead in the second half of Tuesday’s match, but the call in question came in the 56th minute when the referee ejected winger Nani, leaving United with ten men. They went on to lose 2-1, ending their run in the Champions League. (Via Sky News)

The incident occurred when Nani lifted his leg to control a high ball, but subsequently kicked Real’s Alvaro Arbeloa in the chest in the process. Madrid players did not protest for a yellow card to referee Cuneyt Cakir who made the pivotal call. (Via Telegraph UK)

Despite the outrage - UEFA stands by Cakir’s decision. According to the Guardian a spokesman for UEFA said “we have no problem with him ... there are no issues for us regarding the sending off and we will wait for the official reports of the match delegate and referee’s observer.” 

Though the controversy hasn’t fazed UEFA, United’s manager, Sir Alex Ferguson was completely distraught.  

Ferguson and his players refused to do a press conference after the match despite Champions League regulations requiring managers and players to report for post match interviews. United’s assistant Manager spoke on their behalf. (Via Channel 5 UK)

“I think we all saw and we all witnessed a decision which seemed very harsh, possibly incredible at that moment of the game.“ (Via ESPN)

An 18-year-old United fan from Nottinghamshire watched the game from home and was so upset that he called emergency services reporting the call as a crime. (Via BBC)

Inspector of Nottinghamshire police Ted Antill said incidents like this are not amusing and distract operators from serious calls.

According to Huffington Post Chief Antil said “it illustrates the sort of insincere calls we have to deal with on a daily basis...they waste our time and direct us away from genuine victims of crime.” 

The fan later apologized to authorities for the bogus call.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY DAN KENNEDY

What began as a toothache has turned into a big-boy lesson for 23-year-old Irish golfer Rory McIlroy.

You may recall he was playing, to put it mildly, rather poor golf at last week’s Honda Classic — the same tournament he won last year. During the tournament’s second round... He quit after only eight holes. At first he said his head wasn’t in the right place, then he told reporters he had “severe pain in his wisdom tooth.”

But whether his problem was mental or dental, the sudden withdrawal caused a bit of an up-Rory in the golfing community. And Wednesday morning, McIlroy addressed the media, taking responsibility for his actions, saying it would never happen again.

“I realized pretty quickly it wasn’t the right thing to do... My head was all over the place but at the same time I have been struggling with my lower right wisdom tooth for over a year... Most of my mistakes are in the public eye.”

But a Sky News golf commentator isn’t impressed — saying it’s time for the world’s No. 1 golfer to get used to the limelight.

“Needs to be guided a little bit more because everything he says, everywhere he goes -- like the song ‘every breath you take, we’ll be watching you.’ That’s what it’s going to be.”

There has been major pressure for the young golfer. Nike was so impressed with McIlroy’s five wins and a second major in 2012 that it signed him to a lucrative $250 million endorsement deal. With big money comes big pressure and an expectation to win, something the golfer has struggled with recently.

Stil, CBS Sports blogger Kyle Porter says McIlroy seemed wise beyond his years at the Wednesday conference.

“It was hard to watch this press conference and not feel impressed by his wisdom. He was open, honest, forthright, everything we want our athletes to be.”

Another controversy? The clubs.

Nike outfitted McIlroy’s bag with all-new clubs. But McIlroy insists his swing — not the clubs — is the root of his problem. The New York Daily News reports the golfer spent 10 hours with his swing coach this weekend.

McIlroy returns to action this week at the Cadillac Championship in Doral, Florida.

Image source: Bleacher Report

BY COLLIN RUANE
ANCHOR LOGAN TITTLE

Look out, ESPN! Fox Sports 1 is coming for you. That’s the sentiment expected from News Corp. as Rupert Murdoch is preparing to announce a new sports network Tuesday.

Fox Sports 1’s main target is ESPN, but the sports-broadcasting industry is more cramped than ever before. The New York Times notes the list of competition goes on and on.

“NBC and CBS have their own sports channels … The Big Ten and Pacific-12 conferences have created their own networks, and the Southeastern Conference is planning one. And in the past decade, M.L.B., the N.F.L., the N.B.A. and the N.H.L. have started their own channels.”

Too many sports channels? A sports columnist for the New York Daily News doesn’t think so.

“It’s shocking there have yet to be reports of heads exploding. Or death by overdosing on sports TV. … Unlike any other piece of entertainment programming, sports delivers predictable audience levels and advertisers willing to spend. … Fox wants some of what ESPN’s got.”

The biggest name to get a show on Fox Sports 1 — none other than Regis Philbin. The Fighting Irish die-hard made the first big announcement about the network Monday after being coaxed by Barbara Walters on The View. Philbin kept it as vague as he possibly could.

REGIS PHILBIN: “It hasn’t been announced yet! ... It hasn’t been announced yet!”
BARBARA WALTERS: “Announce it!”
REGIS PHILBIN: “Fox is starting a sports channel. ... Regis is gonna have a show on that.”

Regis Philbin is not the only big thing coming to Fox Sports 1. Months before the network even hits the airwaves, it has already acquired the rights to broadcast some high-profile sports entities.

Bloomberg reports News Corp. — the owner of Fox — has spent the last three years acquiring the rights to games from the Pac-12 and the Big 12. It also has the right to broadcast the World Cup in 2018 and 2022. In addition to that, the network will air NASCAR, Major League Baseball, and college basketball and football.

News Corp. is hoping lower subscription costs will make Fox Sports 1 more attractive to cable providers.

Fast Company reports ESPN currently charges a minimum of $5.15 for monthly subscription charges, and Fox 1 is expected to charge between 75 cents and $1 for its subscription.

And it’s tough to gauge the popularity of the network before it even starts airing its programming, but Bleacher Report tried its best to see how popular the biggest networks are.

In the site’s poll asking users which network they liked the best, ESPN is the clear winner with more than 55 percent of the vote. Fox came in second with a little more than 25 percent. CBS and NBC were at the bottom with roughly 10 percent each.

Fox Sports 1 will hit the airwaves in August.

(Image Source: The Spokesman Review)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

In a season full of upsets where the number one spot on the AP poll is essentially a revolving door, a small school in Spokane, Washington has made a huge accomplishment.

“Gonzaga is officially number one in men’s college basketball, how about that? Both the AP and USA Today coaches polls this morning put the Gonzaga bulldogs on top for the first time ever. The Zags have won 29 games and lost only two.” (video via KIRO)

Gonzaga is 29 - 2 which is the best record in D-1 basketball. The usual suspects round out the top 5 teams in the country: Indiana, Duke, Kansas and Georgetown.

For those of you worried that Gonzaga can’t handle the pressure of being at the top of the hill, Gonzaga Head Basketball Coach Mark Few says don’t be:

“These kids have been ranked their whole careers... Whether it was 20 or 10 or 5 or 2 or even 1, they've still been ranked. They've had a huge bull's-eye on their chest the entire time they've played at Gonzaga. This isn't something new.” (quote via USA Today)

Despite never being ranked number one, Coach Few does have some very good numbers to back up his ranking. Since their Cinderella run to the elite eight in 1999, Gonzaga has spent 157 weeks in the AP top 25 and has made the NCAA tourney for 15 consecutive years. One ESPN analyst says it’s about time the Bulldogs received their just due.

“They play 14 teams in the top 100, you know how many teams in the top 100 Indiana has played? 14 teams. You know what Gonzaga is? They’re 12 and two against those top 100 teams. You know what Indiana is? Ten and four.”

Despite this impressive regular season and the many that came before it, the Zags — as they are affectionately called — haven’t been back to the Elite Eight since that appearance in 1999. But the Bleacher Report explains why this postseason could be different from the past.

“...what makes this roster different is its versatility... Kelly Olynyk is incredibly efficient with his shooting. ...Past squads were much more dependent on a good shooting game...”

The writer adds that “Gonzaga ranks 23rd in the nation in defensive efficiency...”

The consistent success of Gonzaga, according to the New York Times changed the way college hoops fans view the “mid-major” schools.

“Gonzaga helped transform college basketball, which seems as balanced now as ever... Think Butler with Brad Stevens, Virginia Commonwealth with Shaka Smart or New Mexico with Steve Alford. Butler’s athletic director, Barry Collier, said Gonzaga provided the model for these midmajor-to-just-major transformations.”

And Collier should know, unlike Gonzaga, Butler has been able to make it the national title on two different occasions. Gonzaga is looking to become just the fourth team since 2000 to earn a top NCAA tournament seeding while not being in the Big East, Atlantic Coast, Big Ten, Pac-12, Big 12 and Southeastern conferences.
 

Image Source: PSG

BY BRIAN BONDUS

ANCHOR JASMINE BAILEY

English football superstar David Beckham has signed on to be the global face of Chinese football in an effort to improve the image of the country’s league.

Beckham is the first athlete to be given the honor. He will still honor his contract with Paris St-Germain in France that runs through the summer, but...

Express notes the announcement opens the door for Beckham to join the league when his current contract expires.

Beckham comes to the Chinese league at an exciting and uncertain time. On one hand, the country is celebrating its 20th year of professional football and 10th year of the Chinese Super League. On the other hand, it has struggled to keep big names in the country and has suffered a recent match-fixing scandal. Sky News explains.

“The former England captain will promote the Chinese league to try to restore the league's’ credibility.  Following the recent match fixing scandal. Big name strikers like Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba have also quit the country.”

The mentioned match-fixing scandal resulted in the Chinese Football Association banning 58 officials. The People’s Daily online says Beckhams hire is not enough to heal the image of the league and it should focus on the quality of play.

“While spending loads of money hiring international stars like Beckham, the CSL should make efforts to improve the quality of its ‘products.’ Without a truly favourable environment and high-calibre professional clubs, more foreign stars are likely to leave like Drogba and Anelka did.”

So what exactly does the job description look like for a football ambassador? Well Beckham will have to attend matches and visit clubs in China during the season. And how much does this pay?

Italian sports paper Gazzetta dello Sport first reported Beckham would get 50 million euros over 5 years. Chinese media quickly dispelled that number and reported Beckham would be getting 2 million euros per year.

(Image Source: San Francisco Chronicle)

BY DAN KENNEDY

A 46-year-old man is dead after suffering from cardiac arrest Sunday as he competed in the San Francisco “Escape from Alcatraz” triathlon. We don’t know much — not even a name — about the man from Austin, Texas... But we do know about the race’s cold conditions.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports the triathlete died less than a minute after jumping in the San Francisco Bay off Alcatraz Island. This year’s race was held three months earlier than normal -- making for especially colder conditions -- 51 degree water temps with 11 mph winds. That’s about 10 degrees colder than normal.

Race officials confirm next year’s event will return to its previous June date. All told, rescue crews pulled about 150 competitors from the water during the 1.5 mile swim -- that’s more than 3 times the normal number. KNTV of San Francisco spoke with a former winner of the Alcatraz race before the man’s death. He says the swim portion is by far the most dangerous.

“You’ve got the cold, the currents, possibly sharks who knows, and it can be quite wavy out there. It’s a tough swim but once you get through it, the rest of the race is really enjoyable. It’s a challenge but it’s a great race.”

A USA Triathlon study found in an 8 year span, 30 of the 43 athletes that died in triathlons did so in the swim portion. Most of those deaths were related to sudden cardiac incidents.

The Alcatraz death comes just seven months after a 43-year-old man died during a New York Ironman race. In 2011, two people died during the swim portion of a New York City triathlon. This is the reportedly the first death in the “Escape from Alcatraz” triathlon in its 33-year existence.

(Image Source: USA Today)

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

The first female to participate in a regional NFL combine came up short Sunday after being hampered by an injury.

Twenty-eight year old Lauren Silberman took to the New York Jets’ practice field in New Jersey with a goal in mind: two perfect kicks splitting the uprights from 60 yards out. [Via USA Today]

Sources say Silberman hurt her leg on the first kick that travelled 19 yards. Her second attempt was only 13 yards. She then consulted a trainer and decided to call it a day.
[Video via NFL.com]

The female kicker stayed positive after her outing, saying, "The distance wasn't there, but hopefully the scouts will notice my technique. It's not always length." [Via ESPN]

But enter the naysayers. Not everyone was impressed with Silberman’s history-making attempt. USA Today’s Mark Garafolo tweeted how he really felt, calling the whole ordeal a “sham.”

Other sources were pretty skeptical of the fact that Silberman didn’t take any warm-up kicks, instead opting for pushups and crunches.  

Regardless of how the day played out, it’s Silberman’s backstory and the fact the she was the first woman in one of the most “macho” of sports that’s got people talking.

Silberman is a University of Wisconsin and MIT grad with experience as a former college club-level soccer player. She’s never kicked a ball in an organized football game, but previously told reporters her virtual experience might give her an edge.
[Via NFL.com]

“I’m hoping through all this virtual play that I’ve done it will extend to performing well physically on the field.”
[Video via ABC News]

Silberman actually wrote her master’s thesis on how video games can improve real world athletic performance. [Via MIT]

A CBS News writer took Silberman’s presence at the combine as a harbinger of what could be, saying if females were to play in the NFL, it would be at the kicker position.

One Yahoo! Sports writer offered some parting words of encouragement for the history-making kicker saying...

“The good news for Lauren Silberman is that she probably got more time on a New Jersey football field than Tim Tebow did in the last year.”
 

(Image source: VICE)

BY ALEX MALLIN
ANCHOR CANDICE AVILES

In one of the more bizarre developments in American foreign policy, last week Kim Jong Un had his first meeting with an American citizen since becoming North Korea’s leader. But it wasn’t with Secretary of State John Kerry, or any politician, journalist, or state official for that matter.

“Guess what, I don’t condone what he does but, as far as a person to person, he’s my friend. But as far as what he does-- gotta deal with it.”
[video via ABC News]

Just to clarify, that’s former NBA star Dennis “The Worm” Rodman. Rodman spent two days with Kim on a visit to the country with the Harlem Globetrotters. They are reportedly working with the media company VICE on an HBO documentary set to air in April.

This comes at a time when tensions couldn’t be much higher between North Korea and the US, following a controversial nuclear test and new satellite images that show the expansion of North Korea’s concentration camps for political prisoners.   

In an interview Sunday with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, Rodman said he had no comment on the criticisms of Kim’s actions. He did say that Kim told him all he wanted was for President Obama to call him.

The State Department didn’t have a comment on Rodman’s visit  even though an ABC news consultant said Saturday that Rodman probably has more personal insight to offer on North Korea’s leader than any American intelligence official right now.
But, its pretty clear that Rodman doesn’t exactly qualify as a foreign policy expert, on his visit Rodman tweeted “Maybe I’ll run into the Gangnam Style dude while I’m here.” He’s referring to Psy, the famous rapper from South Korea.

In fact, North Korea recently used Gangnam Style in a propaganda video poking fun at one of South Korea’s presidential candidates.

It’s safe to say that Rodman isn’t the most predictable figure out there, but his visit is still puzzling to many. He’s been pretty casual about it, VICE reported that near the end of the visit Rodman told Kim “you have a friend for life”, and that he plans to visit North Korea and his new buddy in the near future.