Friday, October 1, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

`Skins Defensive Hopes To Cool Off Red Hot Vick

Posted: 01 Oct 2010 04:11 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – One of the highly-anticipated clashes in Week 4 features Donovan McNabb’s return to Philadelphia, but focus will also be on how the Redskins’ defense will be able to neutralize a rising Michael Vick, who has blossomed with the Eagles.

Sunday’s match is considered a reunion between McNabb and Vick, with the former making his first return to Philadelphia since the Easter trade that sent him down Interstate 95 to the NFC East rival Redskins.

On the other hand, Vick, who practically became an understudy of McNabb when he started to rebuild his career with the Eagles after serving a prison sentence for funding a dogfighting operation, will be appearing in his first home game as the Eagles’ starting quarterback.

Vick apparently considers McNabb as a mentor, having given him a firsthand look at how a franchise quarterback goes about his business while playing with him last season.

McNabb also endorsed the move then by the Eagles, who were considering signing the former Falcons star quarterback last season.

Despite a lackluster offseason, and reports linking him to a trade, Vick, who has moved into McNabb’s former role, seized his opportunity to lead the Eagles when Kevin Kolb got injured in Week 1.

Vick, 30, has emerged as a two-way threat. Apart from maturity, he has shown increased poise in the pocket and has registered better passing his first two starts.

For the first time in his career, the three-time Pro Bowler reels off three consecutive games with passer ratings of 100 or better. He currently ranks behind only Peyton Manning with a season rating of 110.2.

Vick has registered impressive stats in his 2-0 start, including remaining error-free in directing the Eagles offense that has produced 63 points in his first two starts, making him a nightmare for the next defensive coordinator.

The Redskins will have their hands full in preparing not only for the Eagles Sunday but also for Vick, who has become one of the game’s most electrifying performers again.

Washington, in order to check Vick, will have to put a defensive back instead of putting a linebacker to spy on the Eagles quarterback, who is known for his speed and a magnificent runner.

The Redskins will also attempt to contain Philadelphia’s receivers, in particular DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, who has been the recipient of Vick’s tightly-wound spiraling rockets.

Jackson has logged 24.5 yards per catch, while Maclin has recorded four touchdowns on 11 catches.

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Jets Sign Ex-Ravens Defensive Tackle Pryce

Posted: 01 Oct 2010 04:11 PM PDT

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Corine Gatti – AHN Sports Contributor

East Rutherford, NJ, United States (AHN) – After Trevor Pryce was released by the Baltimore Ravens Wednesday morning, the veteran defensive tackle decided to exercise with his wife to gain some perspective following the news.

He didn’t need to mull things over for long, as he later received a call from his agent to report to the New York Jets to play for Rex Ryan.

Pryce was let go Wednesday by Baltimore to make room for safety Ken Hamlin.

Pryce has 90 career sacks, ranking him fourth among active players. Since Pryce was on the roster during Week 1, they still need to fork over $2 million.

Pryce, 35, played for Ryan for three seasons in Baltimore. The four-time Pro Bowler simply said, “When Rex calls, you answer the call.”

Baltimore was going to bring Pryce back Monday after he had a 30-minute chat with coach John Harbaugh. But Pryce said that he never agreed to return to the team, because there was no guarantee he would play again.

It was that, or sit out for the remaining season. The gamble was simply not worth it.

Then he got the call to rejoin Ryan. The matter was settled.

“When this opportunity pops up,” Pryce said, “You go, ‘Ah, I don’t think I’m going back.’ “

Pryce started to feel at home when he looked at the playbook and his teammates.

“It was like I stepped in a time capsule. I saw DT [Dennis Thurman], I saw Rex and I saw [Mike] Pettine. I saw Bart [Scott].”

Now all J-E-T-S…you know the rest.

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Reporter Mariotti Pleads No Contest On Misdemeanor Battery Charges

Posted: 01 Oct 2010 04:11 PM PDT

Corine Gatti – AHN Sports Contributor

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – Sports reporter Jay Mariotti pleaded no contest to a one count misdemeanor domestic violence charge that stemmed from an August incident in which he reportedly grabbed and pushed his girlfriend, a police report cited.

Mariotti and the Los Angeles city attorney’s office came to a deal that would dismiss the six remaining misdemeanor counts against the ESPN personality. Part of the charges included grand theft, false imprisonment and four domestic violence counts.

He will avoid jail time and will be placed on three years of probation, including 40 days of community labor. Mariotti will have to attend a 52-week domestic violence class and refrain from any contact with the victim.

“Jay is very pleased to have this matter behind him and is anxious to get back to work,” said Mariotti’s attorney Nick Hanna told the Los Angeles Times.

“While we are confident he would have prevailed at trial, the process would have been long and expensive. Today’s resolution – a no contest plea to a low-level misdemeanor with all of the other charges dismissed- ends the matter once and for all.”

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Rugby Star Newton`s Death Under Investigation

Posted: 01 Oct 2010 04:11 PM PDT

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Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Wigan, United Kingdom (AHN) – Days after the tragic death of Terry Newton, an inquest into the death of the former Great Britain rugby league star opened and adjourned Thursday.

Newton, 31, the former Leeds, Wigan and Bradford player, was found dead at a house in Greater Manchester Sunday.

It is believed Newton took his own life by hanging himself after becoming depressed over his career and private life, according to reports.

Newton, a father of two, is one of the first athletes in the world to test positive for a human growth hormone (HGH).

The 5-foot-10 hooker, who has logged 15 international appearances for Great Britain in a career spanning all 15 seasons of the Super League, was handed a two-year suspension in February by the UK Anti-Doping Agency.

He tested positive for the banned substance on Nov. 24, 2009 after providing blood samples during pre-season training with Wakefield.

As a result, Newton, who was just two games into a two-year deal with the Trinity Wildcats was booted from the team and his contract canceled. His playing contract with Wakefield was also canceled.

No family members were present during the five-minute hearing at Bolton coroner’s court. It was adjourned until a full inquest into Newton’s death will be held on Dec. 20.

Newton’s funeral will take place on Oct. 8.

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Defenseman Souray, Goalie Gerber Waived By Oilers

Posted: 01 Oct 2010 04:11 PM PDT

Corine Gatti – AHN Sports Contributor

Edmonton, AL, Canada (AHN) – The Edmonton Oilers placed defenseman Sheldon Souray and goaltender Martin Gerber on waivers, it was reported Thursday.

Last season Souray posted 13 points in 37 games because of a hand injury, although it was reported that his relationship with the front office soured and he requested a trade at the end of last season.

According to reports by NHL.com, Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini told Souray to stay away from training camp, as he was deemed a distraction.

Gerber was inked on Aug. 6 due to doubt surrounding Nikolai Khabibulin’s return after back surgery. Khabibulin played all 60 minutes, allowing two goals on 28 shots Sunday against Vancouver.

The team has some depth with goalies Jeff Deslauriers and Devan Dubnyk to backup Khabibulin if he doesn’t fully recover.

NHL teams have until noon on Friday to put in a claim for both players. If not, the Oilers have the option to send both to their AHL affiliate, Oklahoma City.

Edmonton also could put the veterans on re-entry waivers, which means that the team would only be responsible for half of the salary, with the remaining to be paid by the Oilers.

Souray has two years left on his contract for $5.4 million per year. Gerber’s two-way deal earns him $500,000 in the NHL or $200,000 in the AHL.

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Nadal Impresses In Thailand Open Debut; Verdasco Stunned

Posted: 01 Oct 2010 04:11 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Bangkok, Thailand (AHN) – World No. 1 and 2010 US Open winner Rafael Nadal dazzled spectators Thursday by easily dismissing Belgian qualifier Ruben Bemelmans 6-1, 6-4 in his Thailand Open debut.

After exchanging gifts with Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Nadal went on to showcase his talent in front of the sellout crowd.

Nadal used his killer serve and worked his ferocious backhand at the net and from full court.

Bemelmans struggled to win a match in the first set, but eventually gathered himself to force even more brilliance from Nadal.

The world No. 1 goes on to face Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan, who defeated Belgian Olivier Rochus 6-4, 5-7, 6-3.

In other action, German Benjamin Becker stunned No. 2 seed Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in straight sets 6-4, 6-4.

Verdasco committed four double-faults and trailed 5-1 during the first set in his first indoor match since February.

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Six Tied For Lead, Including Atwal, At Viking Classic

Posted: 01 Oct 2010 04:11 PM PDT

John Nestor – AHN Sports Correspondent

Madison, MS, United States (AHN) – Looking for a victory in consecutive PGA Tour starts, Arjun Atwal is among a group of six players tied for the lead after Thursday’s first round of the Viking Classic.

Atwal fired a 6-under-par 66 at Annandale Golf Club and is looking to back up his win at the Wyndham Championship in August.

Joining Atwal at the top of the leaderboard are Bill Haas, Bill Lunde, Ken Duke, Brett Quigley and Brendon de Jonge.

Making his first PGA Tour start since winning the Wyndham Championship, Atwal carded seven birdies and a bogey for his eighth round in the 60s in his last nine rounds, dating to an opening-round 68 at The Greenbrier Classic.

“I was a little rusty after five weeks off. Six-under, I’ll take it,” Atwal said. “I practiced the last three weeks at home. I had actually two weeks off from the game, but I felt pretty good at home with the practice that I put in. So just happened to make a few putts today.”

Jeff Quinney, Nathan Green, Charlie Wi and Dean Wilson are a shot back at 5-under 67.

Former world number one David Duval is in a group of seven at 4-under 68. Duval is in search of his first victory since the 2001 British Open.

“I played well. I was happy. I hit the ball pretty solid. The wind came up the last six, seven, eight holes, but in general I’m pretty pleased,” Duval said. “I feel like I’m playing well enough to win again. Just a matter of putting all those little pieces together that I failed to do so far.”

Defending champion Will MacKenzie opened with a 1-under 71. He is defending this year after winning the Viking Classic in 2008. The event was rained out a year ago.

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Blue Jays Interested In Rockies Coach Baylor For Managing Job

Posted: 01 Oct 2010 04:11 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (AHN) – With long-time manager Cito Gaston retiring at the end of the season, the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly interested in Rockies hitting coach Don Baylor.

Gaston is reportedly campaigning for Baylor, who previously managed the Rockies from 1993 to 1998 and the Cubs from 2000 to 2002.

Yankees third base coach Rob Thomson and Blue Jays third base coach Brian Butterfield are also one of 15 phone interviews Toronto plans to hold before isolating finalists.

Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin and ex-Indians manager Eric Wedge were already interviewed.

Baylor, 61, played 19 years in the majors, batting 260 with 338 home runs and 1,276 RBI for seven different teams. He won three silver slugger awards (1983, 85, 86) and the 1979 AL MVP, eventually led the Minnesota Twins to a 1987 World Series win.

As a manager, Baylor posted a 440-469 record and won the 1995 NL Manger of the year.

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With Padres Loss, Giants Move Closer To Playoffs

Posted: 01 Oct 2010 04:11 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

San Diego, CA, United States (AHN) – Brad Snyder hit an RBI single off closer Heath Bell with one out in the ninth inning to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 1-0 win over San Diego Thursday.

The loss, Bell’s first of the season, puts the Padres at risk for elimination.

The San Francisco Giants need just one win during their weekend series vs. San Diego to clinch the NL West. The Atlanta Braves need to win two more games to clinch the Wild Card.

Cubs starter Tom Gorzelanny played spoiler throwing six scoreless innings. Sean Marshall (7-5) pitched 2-3 innings in the eighth to get the win and Carlos Marmol secured his 37th save with a scoreless ninth.

The Giants got homers from Pabol Sandoval, Andres Torres and Buster Posey to complete the series sweep over Arizona with a 4-1 win.

Madison Bumgarner (7-6) dealt five innings of one-run ball to secure the win for San Fran (91-68), which still needs to win one-of-three to avoid a one-game playoff with the Padres (88-71).

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Prep Star, NBA Coach`s Son Rivers Commits To Duke

Posted: 01 Oct 2010 04:11 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Durham, NC, United States (AHN) – Top basketball recruit Austin Rivers, the son of Celtics coach Doc Rivers, has reportedly committed to play his college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils.

The 6-foot-4, 189-pound senior shooting guard, who once committed to Florida entering his sophomore year in high school, confirmed his choice via Twitter on Thursday with a post that read, “World I have decided to go to Duke! Let’s go Blue Devils….”

According to multiple reports, the 18-year-old Rivers, who enters his senior year, canceled his other recruiting visits and orally committed to defending national champion Duke.

On Thursday, Rivers informed Kansas and North Carolina, the two other schools in his top three choices, of his decision that he is heading to Duke, ESPN.com reported.

He also indicated he will not make any other official visits, canceling the remainder of his campus meetings, including the one he was supposed to have at North Carolina this weekend.

Rivers, a prolific scorer and an excellent playmaker when needed, is viewed as a perfect fit for the Blue Devils’ up-tempo and fast-breaking style of play.

Last season, he steered the Wildcats program to their first state title at the first Class 6A state championship by averaging 23.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

Rivers has amassed 1,967 career points for Winter Park.

Rivers was also part of the gold-medal winning team at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship over the summer, leading the U.S. in scoring (20.2 points per game) and steals (2.0).

In that event, he set a tournament mark by drilling nine consecutive 3-point shots and a Team USA record of 35 points in a 122-89 semifinal demolition of Canada.

Rivers is slated to make a trip to Duke on the weekend of Oct. 15, the Orlando Sentinel.com reported.

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