Saturday, September 4, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

Nats` Troubled Morgan Banned Eight Games For Role In Brawl

Posted: 04 Sep 2010 10:25 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Washington, DC, United States (AHN) – Washington outfielder Nyjer Morgan was handed an eight-game suspension as a result of MLB’s investigation of Wednesday’s brawl between the Nationals and the Florida Marlins.

Morgan raced to the mound at Marlins pitcher Chris Volstad, who threw a pitch behind the outfielder.

Aside from the scuffle, Morgan was also involved in an incident in Philadelphia last August 25, where he intentionally threw a ball at a Phillies supporter and hit a different fan on his head.

The Marlins were also upset that Morgan knocked into catcher Brett Hayes and separated his shoulder on another play.

The league slapped Morgan with a seven-game ban due to the incident, but Morgan appealed in hopes of shortening the suspension.

“Man, they threw the book at me.” Morgan said Friday, according to mlb.com. “What did I do? I feel I haven’t done anything. I knocked over a catcher … they threw the ball at me. Come on, what am I supposed to do? I have to take this and try to keep playing.”

Manager Jim Riggleman was also frustrated with Morgan’s misbehavior though, as he relegated the outfielder to eighth in the batting order and even benched him Sunday.

The Nationals started the season with the hope Morgan would carry on in his solid, though brief performance from last season.

Morgan averaged .351 with one homer, 12 RBI, 11 walks, 24 stolen bases, and 25 walks in just 35 games with the Nationals last season.

Morgan has disappointed, however, in hitting nearly 100 points lower at .257 with 21 RBI, 31 walks, 33 stolen bases and 52 runs in 116 games.

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Yanks Crush Jays In Matinee; Mets Fall To Cubs

Posted: 04 Sep 2010 09:22 AM PDT

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Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

NY, NY, United States (AHN) – The New York Yankees cruised to their seventh-straight victory, a 7-3 defeat of the Tornoto Blue Jays in the Bronx Friday afternoon.

Curtis Granderson went 2-for-3 with two doubles and two RBI. Brett Gardner, batting in Derek Jeter’s usual lead off position, sparked the Yanks with two walks and an RBI.

Mark Teixeira, Ramiro Pena and Robinson Cano each knocked in a run.

Kerry Wood, who has posted a 0.61 ERA since joining New York in a midseason trade, earned his first New York win in his longest outing as a Yank, 1 2-3 innings of no-hit ball.

The Yankees (85-50) own the best record in baseball and a two-game lead in the AL East ahead of the Rays.

Meanwhile, their Big Apple counterparts the New York Mets continued their struggles with their seventh loss in the last 10 games, 7-6 to fellow disappointments the Cubs in Chicago.

The Mets took the early 3-0 lead behind David Wright’s two-RBI double and a Joaquin Arias fielder’s choice.

But knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, one of the team’s few bright spots for most of the season, gave up three-run homers to Alfonso Soriano and Blake DeWitt to seal the Mets fate.

The Mets (66-69) are fourth in the NL East, 12.5 games behind Atlanta for first and 10.5 behind Wild Card leader Philadelphia.

With another unsuccessful campaign all but locked in, the fates of general manager Omar Minaya and manager Jerry Manuel are in doubt.

A number of issues have arised since Minaya’s hiring, including a historic 5-12 finish that cost the 2007 team a playoff berth.

Early in the 2009 season, executive Tony Bernazard was fired for challenging Mets minor leaguers to a fight.

Manuel’s contract expires at the end of the season and is unlikely to be renewed. The Mets next choice as manager may affect their decision to keep Minaya.

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A-Rod Confirms Split With Agent Scott Boras

Posted: 04 Sep 2010 09:10 AM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

NY, NY, United States (AHN) – New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez recently confirmed to a major media outlet he has dropped super agent Scott Boras as his representative.

A-Rod is set to return from the disabled list, where he has been for the past 13 days with a strained left calf.

Pittsburgh sports attorney Jay Reisinger and Washington lawyer Jim Sharp replace Boras, who still represents huge names like Stephen Strasburg , Mark Teixeira and Manny Ramirez.

Sharp and Reisinger represented Rodriguez during his admission of steroid use and have been handling his legal and government affairs since February 2009.

Rodriguez claimed no bad blood between the two, pointing out instead his needs now differ from those he had when Boras signed him as a phenom back in the early 90′s.

Boras helped negotiate for Rodriguez the two richest contracts in American sports history. Rodriguez signed a $252 million, 10-year contract with the Texas Rangers before the 2001 season and a $275 million, 10-year deal that carries through the 2017 season in New York.

Rodriguez has won three MVP awards, two in New York, and been selected to 13 All Star teams. The New York native was the youngest to hit 300, 400, 500 and 600 home runs and is shooting for the all time home run record set by Barry Bonds (762).

A-Rod is batting .265 with 21 homers and 97 RBI in 112 games, on pace to shatter the record for most 100 RBI seasons in a career, currently held by Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth (13).

Three more RBI would also tie him with Foxx and Gehrig for consecutive 100 RBI seasons (13).

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Leftwich Injury Leaves Steelers With Batch Of Quarterback Questions

Posted: 04 Sep 2010 08:25 AM PDT

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AHN Sports Staff

Pittsburgh, PA, United States (AHN) – The Pittsburgh Steelers could be headed for a wooly start this coming season after quarterback Byron Leftwich injured his left knee in Thursday night’s 19-3 preseason win over the Carolina Panthers.

Leftwich, 30, sustained the injury after completing an 18-yard throw to rookie wideout Emmanuel Sanders.

The quarterback was hit when Steelers running back Mewelde Moore collided with Panthers safety Marcus Hudson.

ESPN correspondent Chris Mortensen indicated Leftwich sustained a second-degree sprain of the medial collateral ligament, which could sideline him for 2-4 weeks.

Leftwich’s injury came as a huge blow for the Steelers, already missing starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger due to his four-game suspension.

With Leftwich and Roethlisberger sidelined, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin will likely use relief quarterbacks Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch.

Dixon, 25, showed some potential over the preseason games, but the former Oregon signal caller also has a tendency to succumb under pressure.

Meanwhile, the 35-year-old Batch could provide the Steelers both experience and leadership, but the 13-year-old quarterback threw only six passes and didn”t run the first-team offense this preseason.

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Ole Miss Quarterback Masoli Ruled Eligible For Season

Posted: 04 Sep 2010 08:25 AM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Oxford, MS, United States (AHN) – Former University of Oregon standout quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was deemed eligible to play by the NCAA Friday as a graduate student at Ole Miss.

Masoli, a talented player with a troubled past, is available for the Rebels as decision against him earlier in the week was overturned.

Ole Miss applied for a pardon based on a rule that allows players who attend a graduate program not offered at the previous university to play at the school they transfered to.

Masoli enrolled in Mississippi’s Parks and Recreation graduate program after leading the Ducks to the Rose Bowl last season.

The San Francisco native has a history of trouble with the law, pleading guilty to second degree burglary in March and was cited for misdemeanor marijuana possession in June.

Oregon dismissed Masoli, a factor that perhaps came into play when the NCAA made its initial decision.

Nathan Stanley would have started behind center if the appeal was denied.

Stanely, a third-year sophomore, has yet to start a game. He threw a total of 23 passes as a backup.

Ole Miss opens its season Saturday vs. Jacksonville State.

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Mayweather Gets Personal With Verbal Attack On Pac-Man

Posted: 04 Sep 2010 06:38 AM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Las Vegas, NV, United States (AHN) – Rather than get into a boxing ring, the flamboyant Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is apparently content with taking jabs via YouTube.

The nine-time world champion uploaded a 10-minute UStream video of himself making a racist rant against Filipino pound-for-pound champ Manny Pacquiao.

Two well-publicized attempts have been made to get the undefeated Mayweather (41-0-0, 25KO) into the ring against Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KO), but both failed miserably.

Mayweather initially insisted Pacquiao undergo Olympic-style drug testing, which the seven-division champion refused.

Pacquiao’s camp claimed they finally agreed to the testing in March, but Mayweather and his camp claimed no negotiations took place.

Many believe Mayweather is avoiding the possibility of blemshing his undefeated record, a point he bragged about during the video.

“Like I said before, Poochiao got 3 losses and 2 draws and been knocked out twice,” said Mayweather.

Mayweather poked fun at the WBO Super Champion’s name and race and re-asserted his allegation Pacquiao uses performance-enhancing drugs, a claim that resulted in an anti-defamation suit earlier this year.

“When we do come back, we will kick Poochiao’s (Pacquiao’s) ass. So I’m letting the fans know, don’t worry, we will kick Poochiao’s ass,” said Mayweather.

“As soon as we come off vacation, we’re going to cook that little yellow chump. We ain’t worried about that. So they ain’t gotta worry about me fighting the midget. Once I kick the midget ass, I don’t want you all to jump on my d***. So you all better get on the bandwagon now…Once I stomp the midget, I’ll make that mother f****** make me a sushi roll and cook me some rice.”

“He’s going to take the urine and the blood test and what I truly believe is if we’re cheating, if an athlete is cheating, then we’re cheating the fans.”

Pacquiao is on a tour promoting his fight against Mexican figther Antonio Margarito. He reached out to ESPN.com about the video.

“The video speaks for itself,” Pacquiao said in a statement given to ESPN.com by his publicist, Fred Sternburg.

Mayweather’s publicict Kelly Swanson would not comment further than confirming she saw the video. His adviser Leonard Ellerbe could not be reached for comment.

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`Bama Tackle Dareus Suspended Two Games; Received Improper Benefits

Posted: 04 Sep 2010 06:11 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Tuscaloosa, AL, United States (AHN) – The NCAA gave a two-game suspension to Alabama Crimson Tide defensive end Marcell Dareus for receiving improper benefits from sports agents, the governing body announced Thursday.

Dareus, the premier defensive player of the Crimson Tide, was banned for reportedly receiving improper benefits from sports agents at a party held in Miami, Florida in July.

The NCAA indicated sports agents spent $1800 for Dareus’ two summer vacation trips to Miami, covering transportation, meals, lodging, and airfare expenses.

Sources indicated the NCAA asked Dareus to sit out in Alabama’s first two games and donate at least $1787.17 to charitable institution for him to be reinstated.

Dareus, 20, had a breakout performance last season, in which he recorded 33 tackles (9.0 for loss), seven quarterback hurries, an interception and two pass breakups.

Dareus, in his junior year in 2010, became the team’s most consistent pass rushers and a vital factor to Alabama’s national championship run.

Alabama coach Nick Saban remains upbeat about his team’s chances without Dareus, the defensive MVP of the National Championship.

The Crimson Tide open their season against San Jose State Friday and play Penn State in a tougher test next week.

Dareus could return as early as the third week, facing the improving Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.

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Beckham Sets Mid-September Date For Return From Achilles Injury

Posted: 04 Sep 2010 06:08 AM PDT

Andrew Lawn – AHN Sports Correspondent

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – Los Angeles Galaxy star David Beckham has set a probable return date of September 11, to return from an achilles injury which ruled him out of the 2010 World Cup.

The Galaxy face rivals Columbus Crew on that date, and Beckham is confident he will be back quicker than anticipated in order to help his team.

The English midfielder suffered an injury to his achilles tendon in March whilst on loan to Italian club AC Milan.

He was originally schedueled to return on October 1, 2010 but thinks he is ready to get back to action sooner.

The news will be warmly greeted by Galaxy and Englands fans alike.

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Joe Warren Wins Bellator Featherweight Title With Comeback Knockout

Posted: 04 Sep 2010 06:08 AM PDT

Shawn Krest – AHN Sports Correspondent

San Antonio, TX, United States (AHN) – Joe Warren turned in a comeback for the ages and won the Bellator Featherweight title with a second round knockout of Joe Soto in the main event of Bellator 27 in San Antonio Thursday night.

Soto, who took the title by winning the Bellator season one tournament, was making his first title defense, and the first defense of any Bellator title.

Warren earned the shot by winning the season two tournament. After winning two unanimous decisions to reach the finals, Warren was nearly stopped in the first round of his bout against Patricio “Pitbull” Freire.

Warren survived first-round knockdowns and a rear-naked choke attempt by Freire to win the season two tournament with a split decision.

The first round of Warren’s title shot followed a similar script. Soto landed overhand lefts and right uppercuts seemingly at will and hurt Warren with punches repeatedly.

A solid left early in the fight spun Warren around. A left later in the round sent Warren staggering backwards, but despite absorbing a beating, Warren never fell to the canvas

Warren never had a chance to take the fight to the ground, where he was expected to have an advantage. His only takedown shot of the night came late in the first and was easily dodged by Soto.

All Warren needed, it turned out, was a little time to recover.

At the start of the second round, Warren threw an overhand right that dropped Soto.

The champion taunted Warren throughout, dropping his hands and trying to get Warren to throw punches. The momentum-changing right hand came while Soto had his hands down by his waist.

“My corner said, ‘You better throw that straight right. You’re waiting (too long).’” Said Warren. “It was probably one of the hardest punches I’ve thrown. He fell, and I just pursued it.”

Warren jumped on the downed Soto and threw several rights. Soto gave up his back to escape the onslaught, but Warren did not attempt a submission.

Instead, Soto regained his feet, and Warren ended the fight with a knee to the head. Soto fell to the mat, unconscious, and the referee waved off the bout at 0:33 of the second round.

“It’s all about refocusing focus my intensity,” said Warren. “I had a bad first round. I took a deep breath, got my focus back, and pushed hard.”

The win was the second knockout of Warren’s career and first since his pro debut. His record stands at 7-1.

Soto lost for the first time after nine wins to start his career.

The card also saw the season three bantamweight tournament begin first round action with three quarterfinal bouts.

All three bouts went the distance. Ulysses Gomez won a split decision over Travis Reddinger 29-28, 29-28 and 28-29. Zach Makovsky won a unanimous 30-27 decision over Nick Mamalis. Ed West took a unanimous decision over Bryan Goldsby 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28.

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Report: Steelers` Roethlisberger Has Suspension Cut To Four Games

Posted: 04 Sep 2010 06:08 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Pittsburgh, PA, United States (AHN) – Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger reportedly had his six-game suspension cut to four games after his representatives and team president Arthur J. Rooney II met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell Friday morning.

The NFL commissioner slapped a six-game ban on Roethlisberger early this summer for what he saw as the quarterback breaching the league’s personal conduct guidelines.

Roethlisberger, 28, was allegedly involved in sexual misconduct with a 20-year-old college student in Milledgeville, though Georgia prosecutors did not charge him due to lack of evidence.

Along with reporting the reduction of the suspension, ESPN noted that Roethlisberger’s representatives, headed by his lawyer, David Cornwell, initially pushed to cut the player’s six-game suspension to three.

Roethlisberger previously pleaded to shorten his suspension to four games, as his camp believed the quarterback was not due to sit out for six games because he was not even charged or convicted of a crime.

Nevertheless, Goodell insisted the personal conduct policy should be applied with or without the conviction of a crime.

Steelers legendary quarterback Terry Bradshaw, a FOX TV football analyst, agreed the suspension should be upheld and even maintained the six-game ban was appropriate.

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