Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

Sharks Nabokov Cap Casualty; Team Will Not Re-sign Goalie

Posted: 23 Jun 2010 01:47 PM PDT

San Jose, CA, United States (AHN) – The San Jose Sharks made an emotional but perhaps practical decision Tuesday, allowing veteran goaltender Evgeni Nabokov to leave the team due to salary cap issues.

General manager Doug Wilson confirmed Tuesday Nabokov will not play for the Sharks next season.

Wilson explained the Sharks need to prioritize their top players, with several set to become unrestricted free agents next week.

All-Star forward Patrick Marleau, Joe Pavelski, Manny Malhotra, Devin Setoguchi, Scott Nichol, and Niclas Wallin will enter free agency this offseason and Nabokov could be the sacrifice for the Sharks to retain their other top free agents.

“We’ve made the decision to go in a different direction on the goaltender,” Wilson told Mercury News.com Tuesday. “Nabby has been outstanding for the organization and has been a big part of our successes. I have great respect for him as a man, as a player and as a teammate. Our team is trending up, and Nabby definitely deserves credit for that.”

Wilson admitted the move to release the 34-year old Nabokov was hard, but insisted they have to make "emotional" decisions for the good of the entire organization.

Selected in the ninth-round of the 1994 draft, Nabokov emerged as the Sharks premier goaltender for 10 years.

Named twice in an NHL All-Star team, Nabokov (293 wins, 178 losses, and 37 OTL) recorded 1294 goals against and 50 shutouts with .912 save percentage in 583 regular-season games.

Nabokov, the 2001 Calder Memorial Trophy winner, also tallied a 40-39 record with seven shutouts and a .914 save percentage in 80 postseason games with the Sharks.

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Marlins Fire Manager Fredi Gonzalez, Two Coaches

Posted: 23 Jun 2010 01:45 PM PDT

Miami, FL, United States (AHN) – The middling Florida Marlins fired manager Fredi Gonzalez and a pair of the team’s coaches Wednesday morning.

Bench coach Carlos Tosca and hitting coach Jim Presley were the other casualties for a 34-36 team that sits 7.5 games out of first in the NL East.

Gonzalez, 276-279 in more than three seasons with the Marlins, will be replaced by Edwin Rodriguez, who was named interim manager.

Rodriguez was named 2008 Manager of the Year by The Sporting News. He previously served as manager at Triple-A New Orleans.

The Marlins are coming off Tuesday’s 10-4 win over the Orioles but are a mediocre 5-5 in their last 10 games.

Brandon Hyde takes over as interim bench coach and John Mallee will serve as interim hitting coach.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

World Cup: U.S. Into Final 16 With Dramatic Donovan Goal; England Advances

Posted: 23 Jun 2010 01:44 PM PDT

Port Elizabeth, South Africa (AHN) – The U.S. is through to the 2010 World Cup last-16 after a last gasp win over Algeria clinched top-spot in the group and a tie with the runners-up of Group D.

Following them through is England, which defeated Slovenia 1-0.

In a dramatic late twist, LA Galaxy’s Landon Donovan scored in the 91st minute to send the US into dreamland.

All level at 0-0 with minnow Algeria, the US looked to be heading out at the expense of Slovenia, but Donovan’s last-gasp goal fired them above England to the top of Group C.

The U.S. will face the runners-up of Group D, likely to be either Germany, Ghana and Serbia Saturday.

Meanwhile England beat Slovenia 1-0 to follow the US through.

A nervy game in Port Elizabeth was settled by Jermaine Defore in the 23rd minute, but in truth England could, and perhaps should have scored more.

England will face the winners of Group D Sunday in the last-16, while it is heartbreak for Slovenia which follows Algeria home after leading the group through the first two games.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Harrington, Perry Among Top Golfers To Compete At Travelers Championship

Posted: 23 Jun 2010 01:42 PM PDT

Cromwell, MA, United States (AHN) – The Travelers Championship will be a chance for some players to “recover” from the U.S. Open and for the younger set, a chance to make a name for themselves.

When play begins Thursday at the TPC RIver Highlands, Padraig Harrington will continue to test the knee he had surgically repaired a few weeks ago.

It’s also a chance for him to recover from the trauma induced by the unforgiving U.S. Open layout at Pebble Beach.

RIver Highlands is not the longest of courses but it requires strategic shot-making and that is one facet of the game that won Harrington multiple major championships.

These post major events offer great opportunity for the younger players and those who didn’t qualify for the Open but it was a veteran player that jumped to the top here last year.

Kenny Perry is the defending champion. He played in last week U.S. Open and finished 13-over for the event.

In addition to Harrington and Perry, players like Memorial winner Justin Rose, Hunter Mahan, Bo Van Pelt, Ryan Moore and Ricky Fowler are expected to be in contention come Sunday.

Brant Snedeker went largely unnoticed last week at the Open although he shot rounds of 69-71 on the weekend and finished in a tie for eighth. His game is in good shape coming into this event.

The course layout makes for great action down the stretch, particularly the short, 296-yard 15th hole, a driveable par four. “You won’t see me lay up on it,” said Fowler, who played in this event last year with a sponsor’s exemption but is now one of the favorites in the field.

“”I think it’s a hole where you got for it and try to make a number,” Fowler said. It gives players a chance to putt for eagle, it also presents opportunity for bogeys or worse with the water hazard that borders the left side of the green. “We’ll get it up there somewhere around the green hopefully all four days,” Fowler predicted. “Maybe give ourselves a look at eagle from the putting surface.”

The course itself demands proper placement of tee shots, which brings more players into contention and takes away the normal advantage for the “bombers.”

The closing holes, including that short 15th, make for good action down the stretch.

And that means a better chance for some final hole drama come Sunday afternoon.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Jets Sign Draft Pick/Running Back McKnight

Posted: 23 Jun 2010 01:41 PM PDT

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – The New York Jets injected youth in their offensive lineup Tuesday, signing fourth-round draft pick and former USC Trojans running back Joe McKnight.

The 22-year old McKnight joined fifth-round pick and former Kentucky fullback John Conner as the first two draftees who signed with the Jets this offseason.

Second-round pick guard Vlad Ducasse (UMass guard) and first-round cornerback Kyle Wilson (Boise State) remain unsigned with the green and white football team.

Sources indicated the Jets are expecting McKnight to be an integral part of their backfield corps.

The Jets will also allow the USC alumni to compete for a significant playing time as kick returner and a potential third down back.

McKnight's signing was an unlikely development for the two-time All-Pac 10 honorable mention after a poor showing in the Jets minicamp.

McKnight fumbled numerous passes and even vomited on the field during the minicamp.

He also expressed his dislike on wearing the No.25 jersey – an indication the comparison between him and Reggie Bush continues

McKnight previously insisted he has is weary in the comparison with former Heisman Trophy winner, who was recently involved in the USC recruiting scandal.

The Jets hope McKnight will fill the role of Leon Washington, who was shipped to the Seattle Seahawks after they selected the mercurial running back from USC.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Mahut-Isner Wimbledon Match Suspended After Nearly 10 Hours; Tied 59-59 In Fifth Set

Posted: 23 Jun 2010 01:39 PM PDT

Talk about a marathon match.

John Isner and Nicolas Mahut interlocked in a mighty tennis duel Wednesday at Wimbledon in a contest that has already lasted nearly 10 grueling hours over two days.

The pair split the first four sets Tuesday before the match was called due to darkness, with the same thing occurring Wednesday at the 9 hour, 58 minute mark.

The fifth set, played Wednesday ended in a deadlock of 59 games each, with either opponent failing to get the decisive two-game advantage to close out the match.

The match will be resumed Thursday and the winner will not have to play another match the same day, which will be key after this exhausting showdown.

Isner won the first set Tuesday 6-4, with Mahut bouncing back to win the second and third 6-3, 7-6.

The American set the stage for Wednesday’s dramatic play with a 7-6 win in the fourth set.

Isner, a Greensboro, N.C. native, is seeded No. 23 at the event, while the Frenchman Mahut is unseeded.

Isner is approaching the century mark for service aces, while Mahut has over 80.

“Nothing like this will ever happen again, ever,” an exhausted Isner told the BBC with ESPN mikes listening in. “I’d like to see the stats, see what the ace count looks like.”

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Anna Nordqvist Is ‘Major’ Presence As LPGA Championship Begins

Posted: 23 Jun 2010 01:37 PM PDT

Pittsford, NY, United States (AHN) – It’s hard to miss Anna Nordqvist. The talented young Swedish golfer stands well over six-feet tall.

She was head and shoulders above the field in the 2009 LPGA Championship and returns to defend her title beginning Thursday at the Locust Hill Country Club.

Nordqvist has been somewhat overlooked early this week, however, as the pre-tournament buzz has surrounded the new No. 1 player in women’s golf, Ai Miyazato of Japan.

Miyazato took over the top spot in the Rolex World Rankings when she won last Sunday at the ShopRite Classic and in the process, replaced Jiyai Shin at the top.

“I still can’t believe I won last week and am No. 1 in the world. I still can’t believe it!”

She has been the focus along with Michelle Wie and Christie Kerr, who won two weeks ago.

Still, Nordqvist made her big splash as a rookie last year when she shot 15-under to win at Bulle Rock by four shots over Australian Lindsey Wright.

The 23-year-old Swede has been one of the tour’s most consistent players. She hasn’t missed a cut in the 25 events she’s played. She’s sixth in the world rankings and ready to go this week.

The former world’s No. 1, Korean Jiyai Shin returns to action after she was sidelined by an emergency appendectomy two weeks ago.

She still ranks second ahead of Suzann Petterson at three, Yani Tseng, fourth followed by Kerr and Nordqvist. Wie currently ranks seventh.

Shin isn’t the only player coming back from surgery. Paul Creamer has been recovering from surgery on her left thumb and had it heavily taped when she returned to action last week.

She played well at the ShopRite with rounds of 67-65-71.

One player celebrating a major of her own is Julie Inkster. Inkster turns 50 on Thursday and the fact that she mains competitive on the tour is amazing.

She’ll be in one of the Thursday morning feature pairings with Creamer and Shin (9:16) and they’ll be followed by Miyazato, who’s paired with Wie and Morgan Presse (9:27)l.

Nordqvist is on the other end of the draw and will play the first two rounds with In-Kyung Kim and Helen Alfredsson (12:37).

Locust Hill will play at 6,500 yards and the challenge will be for the field to avoid the rough, which is a feature the women don’t deal with during their other non-major events.

It’s a shot-maker’s challenge with smaller greens and narrower fairways.

Nordqvist was up the challenge last year. If she wins again this week, she’d be the sixth player ever to win back-to-back in this major.

The only player in the field who’s done it is Inkster, who won in 1999-2000.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Cowboys Favor Buehler For Kicking Job; Cut Hughes

Posted: 23 Jun 2010 01:32 PM PDT

Dallas, TX, United States (AHN) – The Dallas Cowboys have apparently found their "field goal kicker of the future" in David Buehler after they released his closest competitor Connor Hughes Tuesday.

The Cowboys released the 26-year old Hughes Tuesday, allowing Buehler to become their top choice for the position next season.

The 23-year old Buehler had an impressive outing in his rookie season, recording an NFL-high 29 touchbacks – tied for the 11th most in NFL history in one season.

The Cowboys are counting on Buehler this upcoming season after having terrible goal kicking from Nick Folk with 10 missed field goal attempts and Shaun Suisham with one in 2009-10.

Aside from Hughes, cornerback Marquis Floyd, tight end Nick Tow-Arnett, guard Chet Teofilo, and wide receiver Rashaun Greer were also released Tuesday.

The Cowboys still need to cut one more player from their 81-player roster before training camp starts July 24 in San Antonio, Texas.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Ex-Giants Linebacker ‘LT’ Indicted On Rape, Various Charges

Posted: 23 Jun 2010 01:23 PM PDT

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – Former Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor was indicted Wednesday for allegedly raping and sexually abusing a 16-year old prostitute inside a Rockland County hotel room in Montebello, New York.

The Rockland County grand jury indicted Taylor on rape, sexual abuse, and various sexual charges.

Taylor's lawyer Arthur Aidala insisted Taylor was innocent and vowed to turn the tables in the next court hearing on July 13.

“Mr. Taylor and his legal team made a strategic decision not to present any evidence to the grand jury, including him testifying or any witnesses in his defense,” Aidala told New York Daily News.

NYPD nabbed Taylor on May 6 after they reportedly rescued the girl from Rasheed Davis, a notorious pimp in the Bronx area.

The prostitute testified she was dragged inside Taylor's hotel room and sexually abused several times.

She added Taylor paid her $300 for sex after verbal and physical abuse by her pimp.

Taylor reportedly already admitted he paid the prostitute $300 to have sex, but insisted he did not know the girl was underage.

However, Rockland County DA Thomas Zugibe pointed out Taylor as “the end user of sex trafficking” in the matter.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

USA vs Algeria World Cup Result: U.S. Entered into last-16

Posted: 23 Jun 2010 10:41 AM PDT

Fifa

Fifa

With the win over Algeria, Team U.S. made their place in the last-16 teams in the FIFA World Cup 2010. The match was interesting with 0-0 till the nineteenth minute.

Though throughout the major portion of the match, U.S. seemed dominating the game, but the winning goal came in the 91st minute, when Landon Donovan scored the goal to take into the team to a very respectable top-16.

England is closely following them with their win over Slovenia 1-0. Now, the United States will be facing the runners-up of Group D on Saturday.

The teams which are likely to face U.S. are Germany, Ghana and Serbia. On the other hand, England will now be facing the winners of Group D on Sunday.
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