Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

Reggie Miller Says `Melo Should Build Home In Denver

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 07:49 AM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – Former Pacers great Reggie Miller, who currently works as an NBA commentator for TNT, reportedly indicated his hopes that Carmelo Anthony would stay put in Denver.

Miller, 45, known during his NBA career for his precision three-point field goal shooting, especially in clutch situations, was reacting to the reported deal that would send Anthony to the Nets.

“Right now I think it’s a good for him in Denver,” the five-time All-Star, who attended Knicks’ practice Sunday on behalf of TNT and NBA TV, and with Donnie Walsh’s blessing, said as reported by NorthJersey.com.

Miller, who pointed out that the Nuggets drafted Anthony, said: “He’s had seven good years there. He’s been an All-Star. I think they’ve been very loyal to him. I’m not saying he’s not being loyal to them.

Miller, dubbed as the Knick Killer for his phenomenal shooting during the fierce battle between the Knicks-Pacers in the 1990′s Eastern Conference playoffs, is hoping Anthony would do what he did while he was playing.

“I just like guys starting and finishing a career … lay roots. Build a home, do things like that,” Miller, who spent the entirety of his 18-year NBA career with the Indiana Pacers, told NorthJersey.com. “If things don’t go right, you just don’t want to bail ship.”

Miller was also wooed by other teams during his pro playing days. The Knicks pursued him in 1996 before signing Allan Houston.

The reported trade involving Anthony and the Nets did not push through because Denver did not finalize the four-way deal.

Anthony, 26, selected behind LeBron James (1st overall, Cleveland) and Darko Milicic (2nd overall, Detroit) by Denver in the 2003 NBA Draft, has led the Nuggets to two division crowns and to the playoffs every season since his rookie year.

Apart from being selected to the All-Star team thrice, Anthony was also named to the All-Rookie team and the All-NBA team on four occasions.

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Tour Championship: Furyk`s Small Investment Yields $11 Million Return

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 07:49 AM PDT

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Tom Edrington – AHN Sports Reporter

Atlanta, GA, United States (AHN) – Jim Furyk apologized Sunday as he held the FedEx Cup, but he couldn’t remember the name of the store where he bought the now famous $39 putter that helped him win more than $11 million.

“It was $39 at a golf superstore, I can’t remember the name of the store,” Furyk said, apologizing while he hoisted the silver FedEx Cup. “They had more than 300 putters in the store but I found the only one that was a heel-shafted putter with no alignment line on the top. They were asking $65 for it but they gave me a deal.”

Furyk’s used gem worked well for him all week at East Lake, he made clutch putts time and again on his way to winning the Tour Championship, pocketing $1,350,000 for that and in the process he won the FedEx Cup race and took home $10 million for that.

He bought that putter at Joe and Leigh’s Discount Golf Pro Shop located at the Pine Oaks Golf Course in South Easton, Ma. “Yes, that was us,” said one of the sales guys at Joe and Leigh’s who sold Furyk the “Yes” brand putter, a “sophia” model from that line.

Furyk didn’t have much time to celebrate his third win of the season, he had to catch the charter flight that took the American Ryder Cup team to Wales Sunday night.

With his display of mental toughness in the pouring rain during the final round of the Tour Championship, he may be the best American player if the conditions turn tough in Wales when the matches start on Friday.

“He’s as tough as it gets,” said Paul Casey when he spoke about Furyk following the final round at East Lake.

Casey, who was in the hunt all week, was left off the European team by captain Colin Montgomerie. Casey said he’ll watch the matches on television like everyone else.

The staff at Joe and Leigh’s will no doubt check out Furyk at the matches like they did last week. “We were pulling hard for him (Furyk),” they said.

It’s hard not to pull for Furyk. He’s a low-profile kind of player, is close with his family and it is his main support group.

“It’s been a team strength,” he said of his wife, children and parents. His dad Mike has been his only golf coach.

Furyk and his teammates will get settled today as they arrived in Europe and were transported to Celtic Manor where they will begin preparation for their defense of the Ryder Cup.

Before leaving, Furyk had already turned his attention to Wales. “If you can’t get up for the Ryder Cup, there’s something wrong,” Furyk said. “I’m hoping to keep this roll going and keep the pedal down.”

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Peterson, Lions Miscues Lead To Vikings Victory

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 07:49 AM PDT

Chad Hutchinson – AHN Sports Correspondent

Detroit, MI, United States (AHN) – Missed opportunities by the Lions helped Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings to their first win of the season, as Detroit fell 24-10 Sunday. Adrian Peterson piled up 160 yards rushing and a pair of scores for the Vikes.

Another competitive effort by the Lions was overshadowed by mental mistakes and missed opportunities.

After jumping out to a 7-0 lead early on in the first quarter, Detroit gave up two big plays that led to 14 points for Minnesota.

After Detroit return specialist Stefan Logan fumbled a punt deep in Detroit territory, Favre hooked up with Percy Harvin for a 24 yard touchdown pass. On Minnesota’s next series, the Lions sacked Brett Favre and recovered a fumble deep in Vikings territory.

Unfortunately for the Lions, the fumble recovery was overturned by a penalty for illegal contact to the quarterback’s head. The missed turnover opportunity by Detroit led to a 66 yard touchdown drive by the Vikings, capped off by a six yard touchdown run by Peterson.

Peterson once again found success against the Detroit defense, finishing the game with 23 rushes for 160 yards and two touchdowns.

Those 14 points came off mistakes by the Lions, and without those two plays, the Vikings are left with only ten points. Detroits woe’s continued with a great diving interception by corrner Chris Houston that was overturned by a defensive pass interference call.

The Lions continue to struggle for consistency throughout a game. Two late interceptions by backup quarterback Sean Hill sealed the victory for Minnesota.

Lions star wideout Calvin Johnson struggled be a major factor for the third week in a row. Johnson appeared to only be a factor in the Lions offense in the first and fourth quarters, but for the majority of the game was contained by Minnesotas defense.

Johnson finished the game with six catches for 56 yards.

Lions quarterback Sean Hill finished the game with 237 yards passing with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Favre’s performance wasn’t any better, as he finished with 201 yards one touchdown and two interceptions.

The Vikings secured their first win of the season heading into their bye week, while the Lions will be looking to secure their first win against a very strong Green Bay squad next week at Lambeau Field.

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Countdown To CWG In India; The Mess Deepens

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 07:49 AM PDT

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AHN News Staff

New Delhi, India (AHN) – As if the controversies were not enough, the Commonwealth Games preparation in India is headed for yet another face-off, this time between the Games Federation (CGF) CEO Mike Hooper and the Delhi Government. The face-off was over Hooper’s reportedly disparaging remarks about the national capital’s burgeoning population.

During an important meeting between the Games officials, Hooper reportedly said, “I am not interested in India’s pride. My priority is to ensure that Commonwealth Games go on smoothly.” However, Hooper has denied having made such a comment, blaming the Indian media for “misquoting” his comments.

However, the Delhi Government, especially Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit is far from pacified as she reacted to Hooper’s remarks by saying, “It is really a very unkind and undiplomatic remark that has been made.”

Hooper had managed to raise eyebrows earlier as well, when he said that India, not the CGF, was responsible for the controversial countdown to the sporting event. While speaking to Television New Zealand, Hooper said, “At the end of the day, I’m not a construction engineer. I’m not a builder. We’re at the hands and the mercy of, effectively, the government of India, the Delhi government, the agencies responsible for delivery of the venues.”

Hooper’s Boss, Mike Fennell, also came out in his support, lashing out at the India media for a “viscous and totally unwarranted attack” on his subordinate for his comments to media. Fennell insisted that Hooper was stating the obvious while saying that the “responsibility for delivering and operating the Games lies with authorities in India, as per the Host City contract.”

Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee (OC) Chairman Suresh Kalmadi, who has come under fire from all sides, for his shabby handling of the preparations, claimed on Monday that most of the occupant players at the much-criticized Games Village, were happy with the arrangements and most of the problems “have been sorted out.”

Surprisingly, even Kalmadi was not in a mood to take any responsibility for the delay caused in the preparations. When asked why the OC had left the cleaning up of the Village to just seven days before the Games, Kalmadi said nonchalantly that this was not OC’s responsibility.

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India vs Australia Series: Australia confident of overcoming Indian challenge

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 05:22 AM PDT

Australia is keeping their fingers crossed ahead of the two test series against India beginning on Friday. The guests are aware of the fact that Indian bowling could be hard to tackle especially with the return of Zaheer Khan. Vice-captain Michael Clarke however seemed confident of a successful resistance on the Indian pitch.

Clarke told the media that Zaheer and Ishant Sharma, with their reverse swings shall be real threats to his team. But he added that his team had been training to handle reverse swings and hence will not have to face much trouble.

The Australians had also been practicing to counter the spin attacks of the Indian squad, led by Harbhajan Singh. Clarke said he has formulated a plan against the spinners and was hopeful that it will show results.

Harbhajan has reportedly recovered from a sprain problem and is expected to play against Australia. Talking of the spinner, Clarke said Harbhajan would be keen to play against them. Australia too is excited to face his challenge as he is one of the best spinners in cricket. About his own performance, Clarke said he trying to improve consistency.

The first and second tests between India and Australia will be played in Mohali and Bangalore respectively. Three ODIs will also take place between the teams.

Purdue Looks To Heal Physically, Emotionally After Upset Loss

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 05:15 AM PDT

Sam Klemet – AHN Sports Correspondent

West Lafayette, IN, United States (AHN) – Purdue is going to have to wait awhile to get rid of the taste left after Saturday’s surprising 31-20 loss to Toledo.

The Boilermakers have a bye week before opening Big Ten play on the road at Northwestern on October 9th, which makes their loss to the Rockets all the more painful.

“It’s a major wake-up call for the team,” said wide receiver Cortez Smith. “We needed that loss to put us back where we are supposed to be. We have to get our mind back right.”

Purdue had a chance to win three games in the month of September for the first time since 2007, but a host of mistakes on both offense and defense led to the head scratching defeat.

“We are disappointed that we don’t have a better record right now.” said head coach Danny Hope. “We can rebound, we can regroup. We’ll have to show a lot of strength and resilience.”

The Boilermakers were unable to slow down the Rockets offense which entered Saturday ranked 112th in the nation.

Quarterback Austin Dantin threw two first quarter touchdowns and ran for two in the second half, including a 58-yard dash in the third quarter.

“Anytime we lose its disappointing,” said defensive end Ryan Kerrigan. “We didn’t really play well defensively. Give all the credit to Toledo.”

Purdue’s pain extends beyond the loss. Physically the team is in shambles.

Starting quarterback Robert Marve went down during Saturday’s game and was carted to the locker room. The extent of his injury is not yet known, but it appears he will miss at least a few games.

The Boilermakers already lost their top wide receiver, Keith Smith, who led the Big Ten in receiving a year ago.

They are also without Ralph Bolden who hurt his knee in the spring and backup quarterback Caleb TerBush was ruled academically ineligible.

“It’s frustrating. You know you have a lot of good football players and guys who are part of our football family getting hurt,” said linebacker Jason Werner. “There is nothing you can do about that. Hopefully they get better as soon as possible and put guys in there to fill in.”

Nonetheless, if Purdue plans to make their first bowl appearance in the Danny Hope era, its going to have to find a way to play with the players who are still upright.

The Boilermakers have two weeks to prepare for undefeated Northwestern.

Coach Hope said the bye week comes at the perfect time for a team that is banged up.

“We’ve got to get healed up and rested up. We have to get physically and emotionally refueled as a football team,” he said. “It’s not all sunk yet, but we have some growing up to do, that’s for sure.”

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Big Four All Drop Points In Great Weekend For Premier League Minnows

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 05:15 AM PDT

Andrew Lawn – AHN Sports Correspondent

London, United Kingdom (AHN) – When Manchester City beat Chelsea in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off the tone was being set for a weekend of shock results in England’s top-flight.

While City’s 1-0 win over the previously unbeaten Chelsea was impressive, it soon paled into insignificance compared to West Bromwich Albions masterful display at Arsenal.

Recently promoted West Brom was expected to be mere cannon-fodder for free-scoring Arsenal, an opinion strengthened when Chris Brunt missed an early penalty for the visitors.

However, the missed penalty galvanized Albion and Brunt in particular, who proceeded to turn in a performance of the highest order.

New signing Peter Odemwingie led the charge with a well-taken opener before Jara and Thomas added one each to see the Baggies 3-0 ahead.

A late double from Samir Nasri was nothing but a consolation for the Gunners as Albion held on to a famous 3-2 win.

Arsenal’s North London rivals and fellow top-four side Tottenham Hotspurs fared little better going down 1-0 at West Ham United, while Manchester United failed to gain ground on its rivals after being held to a 2-2 tie at Bolton Wanderers.

Former top-four club, Liverpool also failed to win Saturday, recovering from 2-1 down to draw 2-2 with Sunderland at Anfield.

There were tight 2-1 away wins for Aston Villa and Stoke City on Sunday, beating Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United respectively.

Blackburn Rovers also beat Blackpool by the same scoreline.

Fulham v Everton and Birmingham City v Wigan Athletic both finished goalless.

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AJ Auxerre vs Real Madrid CF: Jose Mourinho confident of Karim Benzema

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 04:53 AM PDT

Today's Champions League shall see Real Madrid take on Auxerre, with striker Karim Benzema beginning his display for the former. Meanwhile, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is going ahead with certain changes in his team for the match against Auxerre tonight.

Mourinho was forced to make the changes after the goalless draw with Levante last week. However, Mesut Ozil, Angel Di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain shall lead the attack this time as well.

But chances are that one of them will be replaced with Karim Benzema. The manager appeared confident of Benzema's abilities and confirmed his presence for the match against Auxerre. “Benzema is working well. It’s time to give him more confidence", remarked Mourinho.

Meanwhile, Pedro Leon is one player sure of being left out of the upcoming encounter. Leon is reportedly not a favorite of Mourinho and was not included in the team that played in France.

Mourinho on the other remained unconcerned of the player's absence and said he need not justify the matter. He added that he will answer the President Florentino Perez if he enquired, but Leon is not such a great player to deserve so much importance.

Ex-NBA Coach Lucas Advises Former NFL No.1 Pick JaMarcus Russell

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 12:18 AM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Mobile, AL, United States (AHN) – Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell, facing a state felony charge of possession of a controlled substance following his recent arrest, has reportedly turned to former NBA coach John Lucas for help.

Considered by many as one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history, Russell, 25, has been working with Lucas, who has battled his own personal demons in an effort to get his back life on track, ESPN.com reported.

Russell, the former Louisiana State standout taken No. 1 overall by Oakland in the 2007 NFL Draft, is reportedly in better shape than he was this offseason.

Russell is also reportedly taking his work more seriously.

Russell, listed 6-foot-6, 260 pounds, can run three 400-yard sprints in row, whereas he used to struggle in doing the same set, reports ESPN.com.

Russell and Lucas have been training together in Houston for the past two months, according to the website.

Lucas, who overcame his drug problems during his playing days and later became an NBA head coach, is working to make the former No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft accountable for his past actions.

Russell’s career was derailed long before his arrest on July 5 for codeine possession at his Mobile, Alabama home.

Released by the Raiders in May 2010, Russell is trying to get himself into shape to get himself a second chance in the NFL.

With the help of Lucas as a “life coach”, Russell, currently a free agent, could return to the NFL later this season.

Lucas had a promising NBA playing career derailed by drug abuse and even alcohol problems, but rebounded and became a head coach of three NBA teams (San Antonio, Philadelphia and Cleveland)

Lucas, the first player selected in the 1976 NBA draft, played for 14 years in the NBA and was a member of the 1986 Houston Rockets team that reached the NBA Finals.

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Shoulder Injury Could Cost Isles Defenseman Streit Six Months

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 12:18 AM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Melville, NY, United States (AHN) – The New York Islanders will have to reconstruct their lineup after it was revealed Sunday that defenseman Mark Streit will likely be out six months with an injured left shoulder.

The loss of the 32-year-old Streit, who sustained the injury following a hit by Matt Moulson in the third period of an intra-squad scrimmage Saturday, is big blow to the Islanders.

Streit is major cog in the Islanders’ defense.

He is also the power-play quarterback and one of the Isles top offensive threats.

Streit will seek a second opinion on the injury this week.

The said injury will likely require surgery, according to the Newsday report.

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