Friday, May 7, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

NHL Reports TV Viewership Of Playoff Quarterfinals Highest In 10 Years

Posted: 07 May 2010 10:18 PM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

NY, NY, United States (AHN) – The NHL is coming off of the most-watched Stanley Cup Conference Quarterfinals in the U.S. in 10 years with both VERSUS and NBC showing increases overall for the playoffs. That success has been mirrored on the NHL’s digital platforms with unique visitors to NHL.com up 33 percent over last year and video starts up 146 percent.

The increased demand for NHL content has led to growth in fan engagement across all platforms, highlighted by especially impressive growth among non-NHL U.S. markets and U.S. markets of teams not qualifying for the postseason.

Below is a summary of the U.S. markets experiencing the biggest increases for the first round on VERSUS, NBC and VERSUS/NBC combined (metered market ratings, according to Nielsen Media Research):

NHL QUARTERFINALS ON VERSUS

· Birmingham – up 200%

· Norfolk – up 200%

· Chicago – up 133%

· Louisville – up 100%

· San Antonio – up 100%

· Knoxville – up 100%

· Cleveland – up 100%

· Dayton – up 100%

· San Diego – up 100%

· Richmond – up 100%

· Raleigh – up 100%

· Kansas City – up 100%

· Greenville – up 100%

Notes:

· 17 of 21 U.S. team markets were up compared to last year.

· 21 of 35 non-NHL U.S. team markets were up compared to last year.

· 49 out of the 56 total metered markets were even or up from last year.

· 6 out of the 8 U.S. team markets that did not make the playoffs this year were even or up from last year.

NHL CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS ON NBC

· Detroit – up 500%

· Knoxville – up 300%

· Chicago – up 288%

· Nashville – up 267%

· Buffalo – up 257%

· Phoenix – up 189%

· Boston – up 100%

· Indianapolis – up 100%

· Milwaukee – up 100%

· Providence – up 80%

Notes:

· 12 out of 21 U.S. team markets were up compared to last year.

· 37 out of the 56 total markets were even or up from last year.

· 5 out of 8 U.S. team markets that did not make the playoffs this year were up from last year.

NHL QUARTERFINALS COMBINED ON NBC/VS

· Knoxville – up 200%

· Chicago – up 150%

· Detroit – up 143%

· Louisville – up 100%

· San Antonio – up 100%

· Phoenix – up 100%

· San Diego – up 100%

· Dayton – up 100%

· Birmingham – up 100%

· Sacramento – up 100%

· Albuquerque – up 100%

Notes:

· 14 out of 21 U.S. team markets were even or up compared to last year.

· 19 out of the 35 non-NHL U.S. team markets were up compared to last year.

· 43 out of the 56 total markets were even or up from last year.

· 6 out of 8 U.S. team markets that did not make the playoffs this year were up or even with last year.

Below is a summary of year-to-year growth on NHL.com from non-NHLmarkets and from markets of NHL teams not qualifying for the playoffs:

GAINS FOR NON-NHL U.S. MARKETS ON NHL.COM (Unique visitors, year-over-year for playoffs)

· Kansas City – up 153%

· Austin – up 76%

· Sacramento – up 60%

· Milwaukee – up 59%

· Portland (Ore.) – up 51%

· Salt Lake City – up 47%

· Portland/Auburn (Maine) – up 44%

· Baltimore – up 43%

· Cleveland – up 43%

· Seattle/Tacoma – up 43%

· Cincinnati – up 39%

· San Diego – up 38%

· Orlando – up 31%

· Las Vegas – up 26%

· Indianapolis – up 24%

GAINS FOR U.S. NHL MARKETS ON NHL.COM FOR NON-PLAYOFF TEAMS (Unique

visitors, year-over-year)

· Dallas/Ft. Worth – up 61%

· Miami/Ft. Lauderdale – up 32%

· Tampa/St. Petersburg – up 31%

· Atlanta – up 21%

· Minneapolis/ St. Paul – up 13%

· New York – up 6%

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

UConn Announces Coach Calhoun Pact Friday; Five Years, $13M

Posted: 07 May 2010 10:18 PM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Storrs, CT, United States (AHN) – Huskies men’s basketball coach Jim Calhoun will stay at Connecticut for another five years after signing a $13 million extension deal Friday.

With his current contract expiring June 30, Calhoun inked a five-year, $13 million extension pact Friday, keeping him with the Huskies through the 2013-2014 season.

Calhoun, who earned $1.6 million last season, will receive $.2.3 million in the first season, $2.7 million in second, and $3.0 million in third and fourth season of his new contract.

Calhoun will have $425,000 base salary in 2013-2014 season and media fees worth $2.6 million in 2012-2013 and $2.575 in 2013-2014 season.

Another interesting stipulation in the contract was Calhoun’s $100,000 donation to UConn Foundation General Scholarship.

Reports indicated Calhoun agreed to return $100,000 in case the program failed to pass the NCAA Academic Progress Report, causing penalties such as losing a scholarship.

Calhoun, who turns 68 Monday, has been instrumental in transforming the Huskies as one of the finest basketball programs in the country.

In 22 seasons at Connecticut, Calhoun amassed an outstanding 575-221 record and led the Huskies to several postseason runs, including six Big East Tournament titles and two national championships.

UConn athletic director Jeff Hathaway said several compounded issues – like the coach’s $100,000 donation clause – made the contract a little bit late than expected.

Nevertheless, Hathaway added he’s proud of keeping Calhoun at Connecticut probably until his coaching days are over.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Cubs Call Up Highly Touted Shortstop Castro From Minors

Posted: 07 May 2010 10:18 PM PDT

Corine Gatti – AHN Sports Contributor

Chicago, IL, United States (AHN) – The Chicago Cubs called up shortstop prospect Starlin Castro from Double-A Tennessee, it was reported Friday.

“We felt he could come up and we would get better defensively having him at short and moving Ryan [Theriot] to second, which we think will be good for him, too,” Cubs general manager Jim Hendry told MLB.com.

“We feel at this point in his career, [Theriot] might be better suited to go to the other side of the bag.”

Castro, 20, batted .376 in 26 games for Tennessee. He had a homer, eight doubles, with five triples and posted 20 RBIs.

He hit .302 last season at Class A Daytona and split time with Tennessee, batting for a .288 average.

“Nobody’s a finished product when they get to the big leagues at 20,” Hendry said. “We certainly don’t want him to feel that kind of pressure. Sometimes a young player does give a club a lift. It wasn’t a reaction of losing the third game last night [at Pittsburgh].”

Chad Tracy was demoted to Triple-A Iowa to make room for Castro on the roster.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Chase-Down Block Becoming LeBron`s Signature Play

Posted: 07 May 2010 10:18 PM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Cleveland, OH, United States (AHN) – Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James might be known for his all-around brilliance and electrifying dunks, but one emphatic defensive maneuver has become the superstar’s signature play this season: the chase-down block.

James, two-time MVP, enthralled basketball fans with tons of amazing plays and outstanding performances all season long.

James also showcased his tenacity and grit on the defensive end by being named to his second straight All-Defensive First Team.

Aside from limiting down the offensive production of his opponents, James also recorded solid defensive stats with 1.6 steals and 1.0 block per game.

However, it was James’ chase-down blocks that became the most-anticipated sequence in a Cavs basketball game.

With his timing and off-the-chart athletic ability, James has been able to chase down opponents and swat their layup or dunk attempts with great force.

This spectacular defensive play was not only a fan favorite but a thing Cavs coach Mike Brown wants from his franchise player.

“I like defense a little bit better than offense,” Brown told NY Times. He added, chuckling: “I have not taught him that. He learned that on his own.”

James collected more than a dozen chase-down blocks this season, victimizing Boston’s Ray Allen and Rojon Rondo, New Jersey’s Douglas-Roberts, Memphis O.J Mayo, and Golden State’s Monta Ellis.

James said his signature block shot is product of instinct with a little bit of athletic ability.

“it’s instinct, and it has a lot to do with a little athletic ability to be able to get up there and get the ball at the rim, and anticipation,” James told NY Times.

With his Cavaliers looking to win it all this postseason, James is expected to obliterate more players with his signature chase-down swats.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

`LT` Sacked As Nutrisystem Spokesman After Rape Allegations

Posted: 07 May 2010 10:18 PM PDT

Corine Gatti – AHN Sports Contributor

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – Nutrisystem dropped spokesman and former Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor following his third-degree rape charge Thursday. The former ‘Dancing with the Stars’ contestant, pleaded not guilty to the alleged crime against a minor.

“We are shocked and saddened by these very serious allegations against Lawrence Taylor,” a Nutrisystem spokesperson told CNN in a statement.

“Based on the severity of these allegations, Nutrisystem has made the decision to sever our relationship with Mr. Taylor effective immediately.”

Taylor was accused of paying $300 to have sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old inside a Montebello, New York Holiday Inn Hotel, according to reports.

His bail was set at $75,000. If found guilty, Taylor could face five years in jail.

“My client did not have sex with anybody. Period,” Arthur Aidala told CNN. “Lawrence Taylor did not rape anybody.”

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

McMurray Takes Pole At Darlington

Posted: 07 May 2010 10:18 PM PDT

Edward Lewis – AHN Sports Reporter

Darlington, SC, United States (AHN) – Jamie McMurray has been hit and miss this season, but on Friday he was on again.

McMurray, who opened the season by winning the Daytona 500 and a close second -place finish at Talladega, turned a track-record lap of 180.370 mph to win the pole Friday for Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway.

“We had a really good car in practice. I think that almost puts more pressure on you when you are the fastest guy in practice to go out and back that up. This is one of those race tracks you really can’t be too aggressive or you’ll get into the wall. I was pretty impressed with the amount of grip that the car had through turns one and two,” said McMurray.

“Bono (Kevin Manion, crew chief) had come on the radio just before I went out and said everybody was getting through one and two pretty good but they were losing it in three and four. So, I was maybe a little bit too conservative in turns three and four, but it was still enough. It was a really good lap for us.”

McMurray’s lap around the 1.366-mile speedway edged seven-time Darlington winner Jeff Gordon (180.323 mph) for the front spot in Saturday night’s Showtime Southern 500.

Brian Vickers (179.987 mph) will roll off third alongside David Reutimann (179.252 mph) while Mark Martin rounded out the top-five with a lap of 179.148 mph.

Ryan Newman, Marcos Ambrose, Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski and Kasey Kahne closed out the top-10 starting positions.

“I’m really excited. This team is on a roll. They are putting awesome race cars out on the track for me every weekend and making it a joy,” said Gordon. “And I’m looking forward to going to every race, you know and every track. That was the case today.”

McMurray notched the fifth pole of his career and his second of the season — the other came at Auto Club Speedway five days after he won the Daytona 500.

McMurray snapped the year-old record (179.514 mph) set by Matt Kenseth as the speeds on the famed oval have increased since the track was repaved two years ago.

Joe Nemechek, Casey Mears and Mike Bliss failed to qualify for the 43-car field.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Texans` Cushing Suspended Four Games; Violated Performance Enhancers Policy

Posted: 07 May 2010 10:18 PM PDT

Nathan Smith – AHN Sports Reporter

Houston, TX, United States (AHN) – Texans linebacker Brian Cushing, 2009’s NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, will face a four game suspension after violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

The suspension will affect games against the Colts, Redskins, Cowboys and Raiders.

Cushing will be able to participate in training camp and the preseason as part of the suspension. He will be eligible to return to the active roster the week of October 4.

Texans general manager Rick Smith commented that the team is “disappointed” by the suspension.

There had been speculation prior to the 2009 NFL Draft of use of illegal performance-enhancing drugs by Cushing. He dismissed the rumors at the 2009 scouting combine.

Cushing tied with the Ravens Ray Lewis with an AFC best 134 tackles last season.

He also finished with four sacks and four interceptions while helping the Texans to a 9-7 record, the first winning season in the history of the franchise.

The second year player out of Southern Cal was voted to the 2010 Pro Bowl.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Reinsdorf Bid For Coyotes Falling Apart; Ice Edge Back In Picture

Posted: 07 May 2010 10:18 PM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Glendale, AZ, United States (AHN) – Ice Edge Holding LLC stormed back in the picture as the top candidate to buy the Phoenix Coyotes after business magnate Jerry Reinsdorf run into a “bidding impasse” with the Glendale city council.

Reinsdorf, owner of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls, had a major setback in his bid to buy the cash-strapped franchise after talks went sour in connection to the businessman’s massive subsidy plan.

Apparently, one of Reinsdorf’s ownership plans is to pump in a $47 million subsidy to cover operating loss and a portion of the franchise’s $160 million purchase price.

However, Arizona state law barred placing hefty public subsidies for their private companies, leaving Reinsdorf’s bid in limbo.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly stressed out Reinsdorf is “still in the running,” but the businessman must restructure his plans to win the bid.

With Reinsdorf’s crumbling bid, Ice Edge has suddenly become the frontrunner to buy the Coyotes.

Ice Edge, composed of American and Canadian businessman, was previously ousted in the Coyotes’ ownership discussion after the Glendale council voted 5-1 against them.

In spite of Ice Edge’s plan to stay in Glendale, the group faces questions about their ability to finance and manage an NHL franchise.

ESPN reported NHL endorsed Canadian businessman David Thompson to take over the franchise, if both bids eventually fail.

Thompson’s victory in the bidding game could mean the Coyotes will return to Winnipeg, where the franchise was called the Winnipeg Jets from 1979 to 1996.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Westwood Leads Players Championship; Tiger Nine Shots Back

Posted: 07 May 2010 10:18 PM PDT

Nathan Smith – AHN Sports Reporter

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, United States (AHN) – England’s Lee Westwood leads the Players Championship after carding a seven-under par 65 in the second round.

The current fourth ranked player in the world, Westwood leads the field with a total of 132 and sits 12 under. Westwood used an impressive second round to take the lead.

His round was highlighted by an eagle at the par-five 16th hole.

He leads by one stroke over Italy’s Francesco Molinari (66), Japan’s Ryuji Imada (66) and the United States’ Heath Slocum.

The world’s number one ranked, Tiger Woods, sits tied for 46th. He is 3 under and nine shots behind the leader.

Woods had a few frustrating moments on the course. His shot off the tee of the 14th hole was so misguided, it landed in a water trap of the 12th hole.

The miscue led to a double-bogey 6.

The field was cut to 70 after Friday’s round. American John Merrick made a rare birdie at the last hole to set the cut at 2 under par and a 142 total.

Phil Mickelson tied with Woods at nine strokes off the pace.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Sri Lanka vs West Indies Match Result: Sri Lanka Defeated Home-Team by 57 Runs, Read Brief Summary

Posted: 07 May 2010 10:01 PM PDT

Sri Lanka vs West Indies

Sri Lanka vs West Indies

West Indies (home-team) yesterday lost the match against Sri Lanka by 57 runs in the Super 8 battle of in ICC T20 World Cup 2010. Sri Lankan started the match and scored 195 runs for the loss of just 3 wickets whereas West Indies players could make only 138 runs with 2 wickets remaining in 20 overs. Jayawardene was man of the match for his 98 runs (not-out). Read the detailed performance of both teams under Group F match.

Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and took the right judgment to bat first. They after won the toss gave a huge-some target to the rival team. In reply, West Indies team did not score the given target and hence, the hometeam lost the live T20 cricket match.

Sri Lankan Counterpart: Jayawardene & Jayasuriya came on pitch to start the batting. Jayawardene scored the highest 98 runs whereas Jayasuriya only made 6 runs. Sangarkkara came on pitch and played 68 runs inning. After Sangarkkara, Kapugedera scored 6 runs and Dilshan was not-out at 13 runs. West Indies team gave 13 extras to Lankan team and thus Lankan's scored a huge total of 195 runs in 20 overs. Roach took 2 wickets & Bravo took single from the West Indies side.

West Indies Counterpart: Gayle & Chanderpaul were the opening batsmen from West Indies side. Gayle scored only 5 whereas Chanderpaul 11 runs. Sarwan made 28, Bravo scored 23 runs, Fletcher scored 16, Pollard made 9, Sammy 2 runs, Hindi was at 5, Taylor 16 & Benn was at 6. West Indies got 17 extra runs. Hence, the whole team scored 138 runs. Kulasekara took single wicket & Mathews too but Mendis & Malinga took 3 wickets each.

Final Words: Sri Lanka after winning the match got 1st position among Group F whereas West Indies is at last, 4th position. Jayawardene was miraculous as he scored highest for Lanka and the bowlers too restricted them at 138 and thus with a big difference of 57 runs Sri Lanka won the 16th match of Group F in ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2010.
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