Friday, September 10, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

Wayne Rooney and wife want no media invasion

Posted: 10 Sep 2010 10:36 PM PDT

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney

The English footballer Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen are plagued by both media glare and personal issues. The media is constantly hounding them with uncomforting questions and after 6 days of continuous scrutiny, Wayne Rooney has appealed to the media to have some respect for their privacy and let them tackle the situation before making assumptions.

The statement issued is: "The last six days have been extremely painful for us and for our families, it was impossible for them to attempt to resolve any issues in the current media glare”. The couple has made it very clear that the media was invading their privacy.

The Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson refused to give statements or discuss the player's personal lives.  News of the World ran the story that a “backdrop of so many inaccurate and intrusive stories” was making it difficult for the duo. Now 6 days later the Rooney's are begging for privacy.

Wayne Rooney was a childhood fan and has now signed for Manchester United from Everton getting £20m for the deal. He will however return to Man U to play against Everton on Saturday in the Premier League.

His wife is a TV presenter and a column writer who gave birth to couple's first child Kai, 10 months ago. Both are aged 24 years and have known each other as school kids in Liverpool. The Euro 2012 qualifying match had him scoring for England for the first time in a year internationally and the English national team counts him as a regular member. English qualified winning 3-1 against Switzerland.

Both his former team Everton’s manager, David Moyes and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson respect his privacy and straightaway declined to comment or even talk about the matter. Moyes said “I think if you are a good football journalist you don’t ask those kinds of questions. If you are a gossip journalist you ask me those questions. I am interested in talking about the game and that’s what I’ll do.”

Nevertheless the Everton teammates are all prepared to give him a "stick" in the upcoming match and defender Phil Jagielka claimed “It should be amusing”. It's the most unfortunate thing about being a celebrity; one is constantly under the media glare.

A very public discussion of his private life is just unacceptable for the Rooney's who have requested the media to have patience and give them some privacy to discuss and solve their personal matters. Wayne Rooney should get some time to solve his issues and be back with a bang!!!

PBA Playoffs Set For March In Indianapolis

Posted: 10 Sep 2010 05:02 PM PDT

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AHN Sports Staff

Indianapolis, IN, United States (AHN) – The Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour will reward 180 PBA exempt players and PBA Regional competitors for their performances during the 2010-11 season with seeded positions into a new end-of-season Dick Weber PBA Playoffs, scheduled for March 8-13 at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis.

The inaugural PBA Playoffs will feature five preliminary elimination rounds leading up to three “television elimination round” shows which will narrow the field to six players for the final telecast of the 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season on Sunday, April 17, when the PBA Playoffs championship will be decided.

“The PBA staff, players, news media and other interested parties have talked a great deal over the past two or three years about the need for a special event to conclude our national tour season,” said PBA CEO and Commissioner Fred Schreyer.

“After a great deal of discussion, we arrived at the PBA Playoffs concept. We think it’s going to become one of the most exciting and most anticipated events on tour.”

The PBA Playoffs, borrowing a chapter from end-of-season championship playoff series in virtually every other sport, will provide a showdown for 108 of the nation’s top regional players along with 72 players from the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour.

The better every player bowls during the season will determine his/her seeding position at Playoffs time.

The new PBA Playoffs format will include six unique elimination “pods,” each featuring 18 top PBA Regional players based upon competition points accumulated between Oct. 1, 2009, and Nov. 30, 2010. The PBA’s East, South, Central, Southwest, Midwest and combined West/Northwest each will be assigned to a pod.

Each Regional pod also will include seeded PBA Tour players based upon their 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour competition points rankings, with higher-ranking Tour players earning bye rounds based upon their standings on the points list.

The seeding of PBA Tour players into the pods will be based exclusively on points, and will have no bearing on the region where they live. The seeded Tour players will be added to pods by random drawing at a later date.

The Dick Weber PBA Playoffs is named in honor of the PBA legend who was born and raised in Indianapolis.

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Ex-NBA Star Rodman In Embarrassing Situation In Long Island Hotel

Posted: 10 Sep 2010 05:02 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – Dennis Rodman, known for his numerous controversial antics on and off the court, has once again made the news after the former NBA star reportedly broadcasted intimate details from his bedroom at a Hamptons party over the weekend.

With a cordless microphone apparently switched on in his pocket, Rodman, who according to his agent had “a few drinks in him”, allowed Hamptons partygoers to hear his liaison with the six women he took to his suite, according to the New York Post.com.

Guests at the Hotel Indigo in New York’s posh Hampton Bays were astonished when they heard the 49-year-old Rodman talking dirty over the music through the speakers downstairs at their pool party in the early hours Monday.

The party’s organizers stepped in before things got too out of hand and cut off the feed.

The former NBA champion recently claimed in reports to have been intimate with over 2,000 women.

After five NBA championship titles, seven NBA All-Defensive First Team honors and two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards, Rodman ended his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks, his fifth NBA team, to pursue a career in film and wrestling.

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Yet Another Injury For Phillies: Rollins Hamstring Ailing

Posted: 10 Sep 2010 05:02 PM PDT

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Ed Condran – AHN Sports Correspondent

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – It was like déjà vu all over again for the Phillies when Jimmy Rollins was rounding third base during the Phillies 10-6 win over the Florida Marlins.

The speedster was obviously hobbling as he approached the plate. Rollins was safe at home but was taken out of the game with right hamstring tightness. Rollins is day to day. It’s Rollins third injury of the season and just the latest health issue to plague the 2010 Phillies.

Rollins missed considerable time during the season due to a pair of calf strains. However, manager Charlie Manuel doesn’t think Rollins latest injury is that big of a deal.

“He was sick a little bit today and dehydrated,” Manuel said. “He was under the weather. This isn’t the calf (injury).”

Manuel is hopeful that Rollins, who singled and doubled before exiting, will play against the Mets in New York this weekend. Slugging first baseman Ryan Howard grimaced when asked about Rollins injury.

“It’s a concern,” Howard said. “I talked to him about it. “I hope he’ll be back soon.”

Howard is confident that the resilient Phillies, who remain in first place with 21 games left in the season, despite an inordinate amount of injuries, will be fine.

“It’s been a tough year,” Howard said. “But every team goes through injuries. Maybe us and the Red Sox are the two teams that went through more than their fair share of injuries this season. You have to give credit to the guys who came in and stepped up to fill in for everybody that has gone down. They’re a big reason why we’re where we are. “

“We’ll see what happens (with Rollins) but when I saw him (limping) I thought, ‘oh no, not again.’ But we’ll get through this. We know how to deal with injuries since we’ve been through it. I just hope he won’t miss any or much of our stretch run.”

Wilson Valdez filled in for Rollins, who left after hitting a single and a double.

“The guys who have come off of our bench have been phenomenal,” centerfielder Shane Victorino said. “You look at what happened tonight. He (Valdez) came in and did what he’s done all year. He contributed. That’s all that you can ask of these guys. We’re so fortunate to have a roster filled with guys that can play the game of baseball. But having everybody contribute is what it’s about.”

That’s why we have a 25-man roster. There are times when guys get hurt. We need everyone to contribute to get to the playoffs and that’s our goal, to get to the playoffs and go from there.”

The Phillies can see the new baseball season on the horizon. “We’ve been there before,” Victorino added. “We know how to get there. It’s not easy to get there but we’ve been there before. If we can get through all of these injuries and play ball in October, that would be great, especially if we’re all healthy.”

“Let’s hope that’s what happens.”

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Report: Patriots Quarterback Brady To Get Four-Year Deal

Posted: 10 Sep 2010 05:02 PM PDT

Matt Aug – AHN Sports Editor

New Orleans, LA, United States (AHN) – A major television network is reporting New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has agreed to a four-year deal, a source indicated the star will receive $19 million per year.

It will make him the highest-paid signal caller in the NFL, at least until Peyton Manning’s next pact with the Indianapolis Colts.

NBC/Sports Illustrated reporter Peter King broke the news at halftime of the Colts-Saints season opener, indicating he spoke with Patriots owner Bob Kraft about the deal.

It was an up-and-down day for Brady, who earlier Thursday got into a car wreck though he fortunately avoided injury.

Some are predicting he will be sore from the accident Friday morning.

Perhaps Brady will be comforted with the financial security he has received.

The Michigan product has certainly proven himself in an already remarkable NFL career, winning three Super Bowls and a pair of Super Bowl MVP honors.

Brady came into the season throwing for over 30,000 yards and 225 touchdowns to just 99 interceptions.

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First-Round Pick Johansen Signs Entry Level Deal With Blue Jackets

Posted: 10 Sep 2010 05:02 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Columbus, OH, United States (AHN) – Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Scott Howson announced Wednesday the club has agreed to terms with first-round pick Ryan Johansen on a standard three-year entry level contract, whose terms were not disclosed according to club policy.

“We are pleased to have Ryan signed prior to the opening of training camp,” Howson said in a statement. “He is a big part of our future and we look forward to getting his Blue Jackets career started this weekend at the annual Prospects Tournament in Traverse City.”

Johansen, 18, was the fourth overall pick in June’s draft after scoring 25 goals and notching 44 assists, posting a +17 in 71 games with Portland of the Western Hockey League during the 2009-10 season.

The British Columbia native led the Winterhawks to the playoffs one year after the team finished last in the WHL.

Johansen was the 10th ranked skater according to the NHL Central Scouting Bureau at the time of the draft and the Blue Jackets needed a defenseman, but selected the center fourth anyway.

At 6-foot-2, 192-lbs, the young skater is versatile on the ice and still likely to develop an increase in size and skill.

Columbus has made the playoffs just once in its nine-year history (2008-09), and finished last season 32-35-15 (79).

The Blue Jackets open their 10th NHL season against the San Jose Sharks at Ericcson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden Oct. 8 and Oct. 9. The Blue Jackets open their home schedule at Nationwide Arena against defending Stanley Cup champions, the Chicago Blackhawks, Oct. 15.

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Federal Agents Obtain Clemens` Medical Records From Yanks, Jays

Posted: 10 Sep 2010 05:02 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Washington, DC, United States (AHN) – Federal authorities investigating Roger Clemens’ alleged lies to Congress about steroid use, recently obtained medical records and other documents from two of his former teams, the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees.

The Yankees, who were also asked for several documents prior to Clemens’ indictment on perjury charges Aug. 19, fully cooperated with authorities.

Toronto police, in conjunction with Justice Department officials, executed a search warrant at the Blue Jays’ offices to seize medical records related to an abscess that appeared on Clemens’ buttocks back in 1998.

“We were asked to assist and documents were provided,” Constable Isabelle Cotton, a spokeswoman for the Toronto Police Service, told the New York Daily News.

According to Clemens’ former trainer and federal informant Brian McNamee, the abscess in question emerged from an injection site where McNamee injected Clemens with the anabolic steroid Winstrol.

Clemens claims the infection was caused by injections of Vitamin B12 and the local anaesthetic lidocaine, administered by team officials.

US District Court Judge Reggie Walton issued a gag order for all those involved in the case, preventing comments from the Blue Jays, Yankees or Clemens’ other teams during his 23-year career, the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox.

Clemens won an all-time record seven Cy Young awards and was selected to 11 All-Star teams, posting a 354-184 record with a 3.12 ERA and 4,672 strikeouts (third all time).

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NASCAR Suspends Truck Driver Smith, Fines Nationwide Crew Chief

Posted: 10 Sep 2010 05:02 PM PDT

Edward Lewis – AHN Sports Reporter

Daytona Beach, FL, United States (AHN) – It’s been a busy week off the track for stock car’s premier sanctioning body.

NASCAR suspended Camping World Truck Series driver Jack Smith indefinitely and fined Nationwide Series crew chief Wesley Ponder $5,000.

Smith, driver of the No. 63 truck, was suspended indefinitely from NASCAR for violating Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2010 NASCAR rule book. The violation occurred on July 23.

Gonder, crew chief of the No. 26 team in the Nationwide Series, was fined and placed on NASCAR probation the rest of the year for rule violations found during last weekend’s event at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The No. 26 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-5.10.1B(3) (carburetor venturies exceeded the specified size) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book.

The infractions were discovered during opening day inspection on Sept. 3.

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Terry Labonte, Stavola Teaming Up For Richmond Run

Posted: 10 Sep 2010 05:02 PM PDT

Edward Lewis – AHN Sports Reporter

Richmond, VA, United States (AHN) – Former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Terry Labonte and former owner Bill Stavola have been away from the sport for a little while, but it appears they’re getting back into it.

Labonte, who will serve as co-owner/driver, will team with Stavola to compete in three events before the end of the 2010 season as they prepare for a run at 2011.

“Yeah, this seems like it’s been a long time coming for everyone, but probably more for Bill. He has been around the sport for a while, and we talked about doing something. He has such a passion for the sport and for doing things the right way. That’s why it was easy to partner with him,” said Labonte.

“He’s put together some good people, and I think he’s gone about this in a way that gives us the best chance to succeed. I’m happy to be with him this weekend. “I think we’re all anxious to get out there and see how it goes. We got some help from Richard Childress Racing and their group. Everyone knows that they have been extremely competitive this season. That gives us confidence that we have a good car to go to the track with.”

The last time Stavola entered a car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was in 1998 with driver Hut Stricklen 12 years ago.

The two will begin the venture this weekend at Richmond International Raceway when Labonte, a two-time Cup Series champion, races his first of three races in the No. 10 Gander Mountain Chevrolet.

The ride will be powered by Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines.

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Ekstrom Wheeling Red Bull Car At Richmond

Posted: 10 Sep 2010 05:02 PM PDT

Edward Lewis – AHN Sports Reporter

Richmond, VA, United States (AHN) – Red Bull is adding to its stock car driving stable by putting Mattias Ekström behind the wheel of the No. 83 Toyota this Saturday in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway.

In his first NASCAR race Ekström led seven laps and finished 21st at Infineon Raceway earlier this season and tested with the Red Bull Racing Team at Gresham Motorsports Park in Georgia and at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway.

“Mattias did a great job in Sonoma, and continues to impress at the oval track testing sessions,” said Jay Frye, Red Bull Racing Team Vice President and General Manager. “He has earned this opportunity, showing continued improvement every time he is behind the wheel.”

Ekström, supported by Red Bull the past nine years, scored his first victory this season in the second round of the DTM Championship May 23 in Valencia, Spain. He currently sits fifth in the DTM standings and has 14 career victories.

“To do a race on an oval is something different – it’s a lot of laps and a lot of cars,” said Ekström. “Racing in Richmond will be one of the biggest tasks of my life so far, but I feel I am ready for the challenge.”

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