Thursday, May 6, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

Adam `Pacman` Jones Signs Two-Year Deal With Bengals At League Minimum

Posted: 06 May 2010 11:15 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Cincinnati, OH, United States (AHN) – Embattled cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones reportedly signed a two-year deal worth the league minimum with the Cincinnati Bengals Thursday.

Jones, 26, will earn about $630,000 guaranteed with the potential to make more via incentives.

The former West Virginia standout last played in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, who took a chance on Jones after he was suspended for the entire 2007 season for off-the-field conduct.

Jones started the season strong, recording 13 tackles, two pass deflections and recovering a fumble in the first three games. In a Week Three victory over the Green Bay Packers, Jones led the Cowboys with eight tackles.

However, he was soon suspended four games for an altercation with his bodyguard and suffered a season-ending and career-threatening neck injury. The Cowboys cut him following the season.

While at Dallas, Jones developed a relationship with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who has since relocated to Cincy,

Jones is not expected to start, but may also return kicks and punts in addition to getting time during nickle back sets.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Raiders Cut Ties With Quarterback Russell

Posted: 06 May 2010 11:15 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Alameda, CA, United States (AHN) – The Oakland Raiders released former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell Thursday, making him the first ever top pick to be released from his team after just three seasons.

Russell, 24, was draft in 2007 and signed a six-year contract worth up to $68 million, with $31.5 million guaranteed, after a long hold out. His 6-foot-6, 260-lb. frame and athletic ability created high expectations.

Instead, the LSU standout’s tenure with the Raiders was marked by incosistency and complaints of lethargy from teammates and coaches.

Russell ended up winning just seven games and earning $39 million while posting a dismal 65.2 career quarterback rating.

The Raiders cut ties with Russell shortly after acquiring former Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell, who will be the likely starter.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Paterno, Wannstedt Pass Knowledge To Pennsylvania High School Football

Posted: 06 May 2010 11:15 PM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

University Park, PA, United States (AHN) – Penn State football coach Joe Paterno and Pittsburgh coach Dave Wannstedt teamed up Wednesday to support the Pennsylvania State Football Coaches Association.

Paterno and Wannstedt attended Wednesday’s assembly at the Lasch Building to discuss about the opportunities in store for high school football programs.

Wannstedt, Paterno and Temple’s coach Al Golden have committed to participate in an annual coaches’ clinic and scholastic spring football.

Aside from the three Division III, coaches from Pennsylvania’s Division I-AA and II football programs will also be involved in the clinic.

Patterno and Wannstedt believe the clinic will help high school coaches improve their coaching caliber and maintain Pennsylvania’s status as one of the nation’s football hot-beds.

The coaches also think the scholastic spring game will expose prospects from Pennsylvania’s high school, Division II and III programs.

“There’s a bunch of kids that are just close and with a little coaching and a little encouragement, getting a little pride in some things they can do well, it makes a difference.” Paterno told Central Daily.com

Meanwhile, Wannstedt said exposure to various trainings contribute to the physical and mental preparedness of these young prospects.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

HOF Pitcher Robin Roberts Dead At 83

Posted: 06 May 2010 11:15 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – Hall of Fame pitcher Robin Roberts, regarded as the greatest right-hander in history of the Philadelphia Phillies, died Thursday morning in his Temple Terrace, FL, home from natural causes.

Roberts, who played in an era when pitchers were expected to go the distance, pitched 19 years in the majors, including his first 14 seasons with Philadelphia, where he was named to seven All-Star Games.

He made his major league debut on June 18, 1948 and led the Phillies 1950 National League pennant as part of the renowned “Whiz Kids.”

While in Philadelphia, Roberts won 234 contests for the Phillies. In his career, Roberts amassed a 286-245 record with 2,357 strikeouts with a 3.41 ERA.

In 676 games, he registered 305 complete games 45 shutouts and over 4,680 innings pitched.

Roberts, who also own the record for most consecutive Opening Day starts for the same team with 12, (1950-61), also pitched for Baltimore, Houston and the Chicago Cubs.

A control pitcher who relied heavily on his fastball, Roberts gave up more home runs than any other major league pitcher (505).

Roberts only registered 33 wild pitches and hit 54 batters in 4,688 innings.

Born in Springfield, Ill., Roberts, the son of an immigrant Welsh coal miner, attended Michigan State University and participated in an Army Air Corps training program.

After World War II, Roberts returned to school before signing up with the Phillies in 1948. In 1976, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Roberts is survived by four sons, one brother, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Meanwhile, the Phillies, for the remainder of the season, will wear No. 36, Roberts’ jersey number, on their sleeves starting Friday.

In 1962, the Phillies retired his No. 36 jersey, which hung in the dugout before Thursday’s afternoon game with St. Louis. It will remain there for the rest of the season during home and away games.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Seattle`s Bradley Put On Restricted List To Deal With Personal Matters

Posted: 06 May 2010 11:15 PM PDT

Corine Gatti – AHN Sports Contributor

Seattle, WA, United States (AHN) – Seattle Mariners left fielder Milton Bradley was seeking time off to deal with his personal issues that have repeatedly caused turbulence over 10 seasons. Bradley, who left Tuesday’s game after consecutive strikeouts, was placed on the restricted list Thursday.

“I think this was a critical point where he finally came out and said ‘I need some help,’ ” Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu told USA Today.”I’ve seen a lot of stress in his game.”

Bradley, 32, told teammates his personal life was getting in the way of producing 100 percent. It was reported that he denies planning to quit during a 5-2 loss to Tampa Bay Tuesday.

“At this moment in time, we are going to monitor that,” Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said. “We’ll address that in the next few days. We have reached out to have someone talk to him on a personal basis. We will see how that unfolds, but my guess is that he will need a few days.”

Bradley has bounced between eight teams since his MLB debut with the Montreal Expos in 2000. He remained there for a season before his trades to the Cleveland Indians (2001-2003), Los Angeles Dodgers (2004-2005), Oakland Athletics (2006-2007), San Diego Padres (2007) Texas Rangers (2008), Chicago Cubs (2009) and Seattle.

Trouble found Bradley again in September after his highly publicized comments around the time he was pulled in a double switch by Cubs skipper Lou Piniella.

He was later suspended for the remainder of the season.

“It’s just not a positive environment. I need a stable, healthy, enjoyable environment,” he told reporters. “There’s too many people everywhere in your face with a microphone asking the same questions repeatedly. Everyone is just bashing you.”

“You go out there and play harder than anybody on the field and never get credit for it. It’s just negativity. And you understand why they haven’t won in 100 years here, because it’s negative. It’s what it is.”

Bradley batted .214 with two homers and 12 RBI this season for Seattle.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Bruins Krejci Will Miss Rest Of Playoffs

Posted: 06 May 2010 11:15 PM PDT

Corine Gatti – AHN Sports Contributor

Boston, MA, United States (AHN) – The Boston Bruins lost center David Krejci for the remainder of the playoffs because of a dislocated wrist he suffered in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals vs. the Philadelphia Flyers Wednesday.

Krejci posted four goals with assists for eight points in nine games before his injury after Mike Richards’ clean hit during the first period.

Krejci, 24, was operated Wednesday at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore.

Bruins coach Claude Julien will have to mix it up offensively Friday going into Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series at Philadelphia.

“Anytime you lose a good player, it certainly has an impact on your team,” Julien told ESPN Boston Thursday. “That’s why you expect other guys to step up and replace him. I think we’ll make the best of it. It is what we’ve been dealt with, and it’s up to us to find the right solution.”

Boston, who has a 3-0 series edge, is seeking to move into the conference finals for the first time since the 1992 season.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Antoine Walker Reportedly Considering NBA Comeback

Posted: 06 May 2010 11:15 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – Former NBA All-Star Antoine Walker, whose financial problems and gambling debts have been well documented, is reportedly gearing up for a return to the NBA.

Walker, 33, has not played in the NBA since 2008.

He has dealt with legal and money concerns since deciding to step away from the game.

According to his former college coach, Rick Pitino, the 2006 NBA champion and three-time All-Star will work out with the University of Louisville squad in the next few weeks before deciding on his future.

Apart from his objective to get himself back in NBA shape, Walker is also expected to share his experience and lessons learned to the college players.

Walker last played in the NBA in 2008 with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who dealt him to the Memphis Grizzlies that year as part of a package in exchange for three players, which included Mike Miller and the rights to Kevin Love.

After his sophomore season at Kentucky, Walker declared for the 1996 NBA Draft, where the Boston Celtics made him the sixth overall pick.

Walker was named to the All-Rookie First Team in the 1996-97 season and led the Celtics in scoring with 17.5 points per game and in rebounds (9.0).

He also played for the Mavericks, Hawks and Heat, whom he helped win their first-ever NBA championship in 2006.

Walker recently played pro basketball in Puerto Rico, signing up in February to play for the Guyanabo Mets.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Franzen Leads Offensive Explosion As Red Wings Avoid Sweep By Sharks

Posted: 06 May 2010 11:15 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Detroit, MI, United States (AHN) – Johan Franzen exploded with four goals to go along with two assists, as the Detroit Red Wings prevented a sweep by the San Jose Sharks with a 7-1 thrashing Thursday in Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinal set at Joe Louis Arena.

Todd Bertuzzi opened up the offensive burst in the five-goal first period with a power play goal at 5:20 before Franzen pounded the back of the net for his first three goals.

Valtteri Filppula and Brian Rafalski also lit the lamp for the two-time defending Western Conference champions, who trimmed the series lead to 3-1.

The Red Wings have the daunting task of coming back from a 3-0 deficit to reach the conference finals for the fourth-straight year.

Detroit will aim to become just the third team in the history of the NHL to capture a series after trailing three games to none.

Calder Trophy nominee Jimmy Howard was solid behind the pipes, finishing with 28 saves for the victors.

Dany Heatley’s power-play goal in the second frame, accounted for the Shark’s lone offense.

San Jose’s Thomas Greiss, who replaced starting goalie Evgeni Nabokov at the start of the second period, finished with 26 saves.

San Jose, which is attempting to reach the conference finals for the second time in club history, will get another chance Saturday when they host Game 5.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Howard, Magic Bedevil Hawks, Put Atlanta In 2-0 Hole In East Semis

Posted: 06 May 2010 11:15 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Orlando, FL, United States (AHN) – Dwight Howard posted his second double-double of the playoffs with 29 points and 17 rebounds, as the Orlando Magic crushed the Atlanta Hawks 112-98 Thursday to take a 2-0 edge in their Eastern Conference semifinals.

Vince Carter scored 20 of his 24 points in the second half for the Magic, who pulled away in the fourth period to take control of the series.

After trailing 57-49 at the break, Orlando unloaded 35 points in the third before outscoring the Hawks 28-15 in the final stanza.

In the game, the Magic shot a whooping 61.8 shooting clip and held the Hawks to 41.3 percent.

Orlando point guard Jameer Nelson logged 20 points and six assists, while Rashard Lewis also scored 20 to go along with five boards and six assists.

Al Horford tallied 24 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Hawks, who failed to bounce back from one of their worst playoff performances in franchise history in this series opener.

In Game 1, Orlando humbled the Hawks, 114-71, to register one of the biggest playoff wins in NBA history.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

South Africa vs. New Zealand Result: Kiwis lost match by 13 runs, Amazing batting by JA Morkel

Posted: 06 May 2010 10:09 PM PDT

South Africa beat New Zealand by 13 runs in 14th match of ICC T20 World Cup 2010 of Group E. JA Morkel (South Africa) was the player of the match for his 40 runs in only 18 bowls (including 5 sixes). South African team scored 170 runs for the loss of 4 wickets whereas the Kiwis only made 157 runs for 7 wickets. Both team scored their runs in 20 overs.

Toss: GC Smith, Captain of South Africa won the toss & first chose to bat. Smith took the right decision as they defeat their rival team by 13 runs.

South African Counterpart As the match started, South African Kallis & Smith came on the pitch to start the 14th match T20 live cricket match. Kallis scored 31 whereas Smith made only 14 runs. Gibbs made 30 runs, Villers scored highest 47, Boucher scored none. JA Morkel too made 40 runs (including 5 sixes) in only 18 bowls, so he was declared man of the match for his amazing batting. With 8 extras runs, the whole team scored 170 runs with the loss of 4 wickets. McCullum took single wicket and Oram too.

Kiwis Counterpart: BB McCullum & Ryder came on the pitch to start their batting innings in full confidence in ICC T20 World Cup 14th match. But BB McCullum scored only 6 runs & Ryder made 33 runs. Guptill scored 18, Taylor 19, Styris 13, Hopkins made 18, Oram was out at 0, NL McCullum was at 26 & Vettori was at 10 runs. South Africans gave 14 extra runs to Kiwis team. The whole team was out at 157 runs with 3 wickets remaining in hands in 20 overs. Langeveldt took 2 wickets, Steyn 1, Morkel 2 & Botha too took 2 wickets of New Zealand players.

Final Words: In Group E, South Africa is at the top in the points table whereas New Zealand is at the last position. New Zealand batting side did not prove very good and lost the match by 13 runs. South Africa really did a miraculous work, especially by JA Morkel who played the splendid innings or 40 runs in only 18. Good Wishes for South African team for further games of ICC T20 World Cup 2010.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)