Latest Sports Buzz |
- Liverpool, Manager Rafa Benitez Part Ways
- French Open: Schiavone, Stosur End Grand Slam Final Droughts
- Franklin In: Tito Ortiz Replaced As Ultimate Fighter Coach
- Jose Canseco Meets With Feds, Testifes Before Grand Jury
- Ump’s Call Takes Away Perfect Game From Tigers’ Galarraga
- Former Heisman Winner Dayne Hit Hard In Pair Of Robberies
- Mountain West Plans To Invite Boise State For 2011
- Giroux Comes Through In Overtime; Flyers Cut Blackhawks Series Lead To 2-1
- Ice Box Made Early Favorite For Belmont Stakes
- Influential Sports Blog ‘The Big Lead’ Sold
| Liverpool, Manager Rafa Benitez Part Ways Posted: 03 Jun 2010 12:45 PM PDT Liverpool, United Kingdom (AHN) – Six years after joining Liverpool, manager Rafa Benitez has left the club by mutual consent. Following a hugely disappointing season, where Liverpool finished 7th in the Premier League and went out of the cup competitions early, club and manager have agreed to part ways. The Spaniard won the European Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2006 but has struggled since and the decision has come as no surprise. Benitez, who will receive a £6million pay off to end his contract early, is being widely touted as the man to succeed Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan. Liverpool are reportedly looking at former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes to replace Benitez, with Aston Villa’s Martin O’Neil and Guus Hiddink also in the frame. Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved. |
| French Open: Schiavone, Stosur End Grand Slam Final Droughts Posted: 03 Jun 2010 12:07 PM PDT Paris, France (AHN) – Francesca Schiavone was the toast of her country Thursday after an injury forced No. 5 seed Elena Dementieva of Russia to retire, making Schiavone the first Italian woman to reach a Grand Slam final in the Open era. No.17 seed Schiavone advanced to the French Open final when Dementieva suffered a torn left calf muscle during their semifinal match at Roland Garros. Dementieva, who reached the French Open final in 2004, forced a tiebreaker in the opening set, but Schiavone came up with bigger shots to win 7-3. Schiavone made one ace and 12 winners for 48 total points, while Dementieva had 2 aces and 15 winners in her 46 points. In spite of Dementieva's edge in aces and winners, Schiavone committed only 12 unforced errors compared to the Russian's 14 miscues – many of them occurring in the tiebreaker. The elated Schiavone celebrated her victory by kissing the clay on the Philippe Chatrier court. "It was good. So good," Schiavone said in her post-match news conference. Schiavone became the first Italian woman to play in a Grand Slam final since the start of the Open era in 1968. Saturday, Schiavone will meet Samantha Stosur, who became the first Australian to make a Grand Slam final appearance since Wendy Turnbull in the 1979 French Open. Stosur, who defeated Justine Henin and Serena Williams successively, unleashed powerful forehand and groundstroke shots to dominate Jelena Jankovic 6-1, 6-2. Stosur recorded 7 aces and 18 winners; Jankovic had only 2 aces and 9 winners. Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved. |
| Franklin In: Tito Ortiz Replaced As Ultimate Fighter Coach Posted: 03 Jun 2010 11:49 AM PDT Las Vegas, NV, United States (AHN) – Tito Ortiz was fired from The Ultimate Fighter on Wednesday night's episode. UFC President Dana White informed Ortiz of the decision after the last quarterfinal bout. Rich Franklin will replace Ortiz as coach for the show's middleweight tournament semifinals and finals. Close to two months ago, Franklin was announced as the opponent for opposing coach Chuck Liddell, instead of Ortiz, in the upcoming main event of UFC 115. On last Wednesday's episode, Ortiz withdrew from the bout due to a neck injury that might require surgery. In the following episode that aired last night, Dana White revealed that Ortiz informed him of his decision to withdraw from the Liddell bout by text message. "This is why I didn't want to do this show with him," Liddell complained. "Don't let him fight anymore, unless he fights me," he urged White. While Ortiz dropped out of the fight, he planned to still continue as coach for the aspiring UFC middleweights. He was cageside for the last quarterfinal bout. In the bout, Team Liddell's Josh Bryant defeated Team Ortiz's Jamie Yager when Yager quit on his stool before a sudden-victory third round was scheduled to begin. Bryant, believed to be the superior grappler of the two, chose to stand and strike with Yager in the bout, landing several solid punches and dodging Yager's acrobatic flying knees and kicks. Bryant managed to score takedowns in both rounds and took side control twice in the second round, including most of the final minute. The two-round bout was ruled a draw, and the fighters were told to prepare for a tiebreaking third round. Yager remained on the mat and had to be helped to his feet by Ortiz and other team members. Ortiz was overheard complaining about Yager's inability to escape side control at the end of the round. "He (bleeping) quit," he said. Yager complained of pain in the back of his neck and head and said he could not continue, giving Bryant the last semifinal spot. "He's just like Tito," shouted a triumphant Liddell. "He quit just like him." Ortiz, who did not seem to draw any comparisons between himself and Yager, was extremely critical of Yager's decision, questioning his heart and insulting his manhood. "He pussed out," said Ortiz. After the bout, Dana White took Ortiz aside to inform him of his future on the show. White scheduled a second-opinion for Ortiz in California. "He's the best of the country," White told Ortiz. "He'll give you a second opinion, and if he says you need surgery, you'll have to talk with the two doctors and decide what you're doing." Then White cut Ortiz from the show. "You leave tomorrow (for the appointment)," White said, "so tomorrow's your last day…Whatever you're doing–surgery or therapy–we're starting the process tomorrow." "He took me out of the show," said Ortiz afterward. "He said, 'You're fired.' I've never been fired from anything in my life." During the portion of the White-Ortiz conversation that aired on the episode, White never told Ortiz, "You're fired," as he claimed. In addition, Ortiz was fired from his last reality show appearance, when Donald Trump uttered the famous phrase, ending Ortiz's tenure on the Celebrity Apprentice. "Tito didn't have much of a reaction," White told the cameras afterward. "He just sat there, asking me why, and then said 'OK.'" Ortiz left for his doctor's appointment without notifying his team of White's decision, leaving White to gather the fighters and assistant coaches to fill them in. Later in the show, Ortiz did return to speak to his fighters. At the end of the episode, White set the seminfinal matchups. Wild card winner Kris McCray, the last remaining Team Ortiz fighter, will take on Josh Bryant in a rematch of the first-round bout where Bryant sent McCray into the wildcard bracket with a decision victory. In a matchup of Team Liddell fighters, Brad Tavares will face Court McGee in the other semifinal. The fighters on Team Ortiz met their new coach, Rich Franklin, and the show promised to announce a high-profile assistant coach–believed to be Ultimate Fighter Season One winner Forrest Griffin–next week. Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved. |
| Jose Canseco Meets With Feds, Testifes Before Grand Jury Posted: 03 Jun 2010 11:19 AM PDT Washington, DC, United States (AHN) – Jose Canseco meeting with the feds and testifying before a grand jury can mean only one thing. More talk of steroids in baseball. Specifically discussions about whether Roger Clemens lied to Congress about using the performance-enhancing drug. Canseco was scheduled to appear before a grand jury Thursday and talk about a 2008 affidavit he signed supporting Clemens. Canseco was expected to stand by his statement and backing of his former teammate and good friend, ESPN.com reported. “I stand 100 percent by the truth, exactly what happened. If I signed it that is the way it really happened,” Canseco was quoted by the Web site as saying. “I don’t know of any individuals who are saying anything different. I have no idea what is going on with that. I can just say exactly what happened.” So did Clemens commit perjury? Will Canseco’s memory of events suddenly change once he’s under oath? Is Canseco, who has called himself the “Godfather of Steroids,” coming out with another book soon? A grand jury, and surely Clemens, still wants to hear what Canseco has to say. Five years after he first told us of massive steroid use in baseball, Canseco’s comments continue to be of interest. Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved. |
| Ump’s Call Takes Away Perfect Game From Tigers’ Galarraga Posted: 03 Jun 2010 10:41 AM PDT
That’s what the record books will say, anyway. But Galarraga was about to celebrate a perfect game — the third this season in the major leagues — until veteran umpire Jim Joyce took it away with an astounding safe call on what replays showed should have been the final out. The call can’t even be called controversial. Joyce ruled Indians shortstop Jason Donald safe at first base despite the fact Galarraga clearly beat him to the bag. Galarraga was robbed of the chance of joining the Philadelphia Phillies' Roy Halladay and Oakland Athletics' Dallas Braden in pitching perfect games this season. It also would have been the first perfect game in Tigers history. After seeing video footage, Joyce immediately apologized for making one of the worst calls that will be talked about for years. “I just cost that kid a perfect game.” Joyce said to reporters. “I was convinced he beat the throw until the replay. It was the biggest call of my career.” Reports indicated that MLB is reviewing the call. Despite the bad call, Galarraga just smiled and retired the next batter for a one-hit shutout. Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved. |
| Former Heisman Winner Dayne Hit Hard In Pair Of Robberies Posted: 03 Jun 2010 10:40 AM PDT
Dayne, the Badgers’ former Heisman Trophy winner, had more than $100,000 in jewelry stolen from his Waunakee, Wis., home in early April, shortly after it was put up for sale, police said. Police also are investigating a burglary last weekend at a Madison home Dayne shares with a roommate. About $40,000 in items were stolen, including his Heisman ring, computer equipment, video systems and liquor. Two Rose Bowl rings from victories when he was with the Badgers were also missing. “It’s hard to lose,” Dayne was quoted as saying on Madison’s Channel3000.com. “I really stopped wearing all that stuff a while ago so I was just trying to keep it for my kids and pass it down to them. Now someone came and took it or whatever, so hopefully I can find something.” Dayne played with the New York Giants, Denver Broncos and Houston Texans during an eight-year NFL career. He said he doesn’t know if he was targeted. But police probably suspect a common thread in the robberies. . . Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved. |
| Mountain West Plans To Invite Boise State For 2011 Posted: 03 Jun 2010 08:18 AM PDT
Several sources reported Boise State can sign an agreement as early as July 1 and could start playing in the conference by 2011. College football followers believe Boise State’s inclusion could certainly bolster chances the Mountain West Conference has to qualify for an automatic BCS bowl berth as early as 2012. The Boise State Broncos have been one of the most consistent teams in college football, winning two BCS bowl games in the last four years. The Broncos defeated TCU in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl and perennial college football power Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. Meanwhile, BYU and TCU have decided to remain silent about the matter. Speculation circulated that Utah, BYU and TCU could bolt from the conference. TCU was the last team that joined the MWC, in 2005. Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved. |
| Giroux Comes Through In Overtime; Flyers Cut Blackhawks Series Lead To 2-1 Posted: 03 Jun 2010 08:17 AM PDT  Giroux Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – Claude Giroux’s goal off a deflection nearly six minutes into overtime powered the Philadelphia Flyers to a 4-3 overtime win over the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals Wednesday. The Flyers cut the Blackhawks lead to 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, which continues Friday night in Philly. The Blackhawks showed how determined they are to win a title, getting goals from Duncan Keith and Brent Sopel to twice tie the score. Patrick Kane zoomed in for a breakaway goal in the third, silencing the Philly fans for a time. Twenty seconds to be precise, as Ville Leino pumped in a shot for the equalizer. Philadelphia was rewarded for its hard work, outshooting Chicago 16-5 in the latter stages to snap a streak of four straight playoff OT defeats dating back to the 1970’s. The Flyers seem all about toppling history, becoming just the third NHL team to overcome an 0-3 deficit in their previous series win vs. the Bruins. Despite failing to forge what would have been a dominating 3-0 lead, even against the Flyers, the Blackhawks indicated there will be no hangover for Game 4. “When you come into this game, the series is far from over,” Jonathan Toews said, according to nhl.com. “We couldn’t look ahead to Game 4 or anything beyond tonight. It’s tough to lose, especially in OT when you work as hard you did. “We’re not looking past any game right now. Regardless of what the score is in the series, we’ll keep getting better and we’ll get ready for the next one.” Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved. |
| Ice Box Made Early Favorite For Belmont Stakes Posted: 03 Jun 2010 06:13 AM PDT  Triple Crown Elmont, NY, United States (AHN) – The Belmont Stakes will be a battle of Triple Crown runner-ups, according to oddsmakers Wednesday. Ice Box, runner-up at the Kentucky Derby, was made the 3-1 morning line favorite among the 12 horses in Saturday’s 142nd running of the Belmont Stakes. Ice Box drew the No. 6 post position for the final leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown. The Florida Derby winner is trained by Belmont Stakes winner Nick Zito. First Dude, which finished second in the Preakness Stakes, was made a 7-2 choice and got the No. 11 post position. The Belmont Stakes has a $1 million purse and at a mile and half is the longest of the Triple Crown races. Post time is 6:32 p.m. ABC will broadcast the race live. The odds and post positions for the field are: 1. Dave in Dixie, 20-1; 2. Spangled Star, 30-1; 3. Uptowncharlybrown, 10-1; 4. Make Music for Me, 10-1; 5. Fly Down, 9-2; 6. Ice Box, 3-1; 7. Drosselmeyer, 12-1; 8. Game On Dude, 10-1; 9. Stately Victor, 15-1; 10. Stay Put, 20-1; 11. First Dude, 7-2; 12. Interactif, 12-1. Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved. |
| Influential Sports Blog ‘The Big Lead’ Sold Posted: 03 Jun 2010 06:12 AM PDT New York, N.Y., United States (AHN) – The Big Lead, one of the web's most well-known sports blog, has been sold. The independent blog that began as a hobby was reportedly sold to Fantasy Sports Ventures. The sports blog that Jason McIntyre began as a hobby in 2006 has been acquired by Fantasy Sports Ventures for “low seven figures,” according to the New York Times on its website. The independent blog, which rose into prominence in the internet as newspaper circulation and ad revenue have shrunk in recent years, is generating three million monthly page views, according to McIntyre, citing Site Meter's measurement. Its impact created an opening for bloggers. From the onset, The Big Lead's founder and editorMcIntyre hoped that he be acquired one day, citing the 2007 purchase of mediabistro.com a Web site for job seekers, for $23 million. Although the "low seven figures" isn't $23 million, it is impressive considering it began as a hobby. Apart from general sports, the Big Lead also focuses on sports media and pop culture. Fantasy Sports Ventures operates a network of 600 sports websites. It reaches about 15 million users monthly through some of its notable Web properties which include The Huddle.com, Hardball times and the basketball news site HoopsHype.com. Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved. |
Detroit, MI, United States (AHN) – Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Armando Galarraga was nearly flawless on the mound Wednesday, allowing only one hotly disputed hit in a 3-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians.
Madison, WI, United States (AHN) – As a running back at Wisconsin and three NFL teams, Ron Dayne was a big target for many a tackler. Dayne, though, got hit really hard recently — this time by thieves who robbed him twice at two different homes.
Boise, ID, United States (AHN) – The Mountain West Conference is reportedly looking to bolster its league by inviting the Boise State Broncos, as early as Monday, after the league’s board of directors meet in Jackson, Wyo., to discuss its expansion plan for 2011.| You are subscribed to email updates from LSB To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
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