Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

NASCAR Chief Appellate Office Upholds Bowyer Points Penalty

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 05:14 PM PDT

Edward Lewis – AHN Sports Reporter

Concord, NC, United States (AHN) – Richard Childress Racing threw itself on the mercy of National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer John Middlebrook Tuesday in hopes of having driver Clint Bowyer’s points penalty reduced.

Middlebrook upheld the previous ruling though he reduced the fines applied.

Bowyer was penalized for rules infractions to the No. 33 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car that were found after he won at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the first race of The Chase.

“I’m disappointed that the results are not what we wanted, but I feel we received a fair hearing today. The final step in the appeals process is very good, and I can assure you we would not have taken our case to the chief appellate officer if the first step in the process had been as fair as today’s,” said RCR owner Richard Childress in a statement.

“I want to thank all of the fans for their support. I’m proud to be a part of this sport and proud to represent RCR’s partners. We all need to put this behind us and get back to racing. There are seven races remaining in the Chase, and Richard Childress Racing will continue our focus on winning the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.”

Bowyer’s crew chief, Shane Wilson, had his fine reduced from $150,000 to $100,000 and Wilson and car chief Chad Haney’s race suspensions were lowered from six to four races.

Both are suspended from NASCAR until Nov. 3 and on probation until Dec. 31.

Bowyer and Childress’ loss of 150 championship owner and driver points remains intact.

The No. 33 car was penalized Sept. 22 after being inspected at the NASCAR Research and Development Center.

The car body location specifications in reference to the certified chassis did not meet NASCAR-approved specifications of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book.

“After reviewing all the data, presentation and factors involved, I am ruling NASCAR was correct in its decision to levy penalties,” said Middlebrook, the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer who presided over the hearing.

“I believe that the revisions that have been made to the penalties are consistent and fair to both parties involved.”

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Cavs Topple Bobcats In First Preseason Game Of Post-LeBron Era

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 05:14 PM PDT

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Corine Gatti – AHN Sports Contributor

Cleveland, OH, United States (AHN) – Daniel Gibson poured in 18 points and J.J. Hickson added 17 with nine rebounds, as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 87-72 Tuesday in the first preseason game of the post-LeBron James era.

D.J. Augustin led the Bobcats with 14 points and Tyrus Thomas added 11 points and nine rebounds.

Ramon Sessions had 11 points under Cavaliers new coach Byron Scott.

Scott took advantage of mixing his lineup and will continue until he finds the right combination in the absence of starters Anderson Varejao (death of grandfather in Brazil) and Mo Williams (groin).

It paid off, especially during the second half when Charlotte was limited to just 25 points.

The Bobcats were missing Gerald Henderson with a pulled hamstring, Shaun Livingston, who has a sore knee, DeSagana Diop (personal) and Kwame Brown (ankle sprain).

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Reports: Mike Ilitch Probable Choice As Next Pistons Owner

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 05:14 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Detroit, MI, United States (AHN) – Detroit sports mogul Mike Ilitch was selected as the new owner of the Detroit Pistons, it was reported Tuesday.

Multiple reports, including the Detroit Free Press, citing a source, indicated that the both sides have begun negotiating financial terms and that a deal could be completed within the next 30 days.

Pistons majority owner Karen Davidson, who previously indicated she was considering a sale of the team by itself or as part of a package, has granted the Ilitch family an exclusive 30-day window to make a winning bid for the team.

Davidson inherited the team after her husband, Bill Davidson, died in 2009. Bill Davidson became the Pistons’ majority owner in 1974.

Although the final purchase price for the team has not been set, Davidson indicated she expected the deal to be done by the time the 2010-11 NBA season begins at the end of November, according to reports.

If the sale goes through and is approved by the NBA, Ilitch would become the only person to own and control teams in three of North America’s four major pro leagues.

The 81-year-old entrepreneur, who is the founder and owner of Little Caesars Pizza since 1959, already owns MLB’s Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League.

Apart from adding the NBA franchise to his Detroit’s sports empire, Ilitch would also likely have a leverage in a deal with Detroit and Wayne County in building a new downtown arena for the Red Wings.

The Red Wings call the 31-year-old Joe Louis Arena home. The hockey team has been contemplating whether to construct a new arena, renovate their aging home or temporarily transfer to another venue.

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Lightning Claims Forward Ritola Off Waivers From Red Wings

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 05:14 PM PDT

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Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Tampa Bay, FL, United States (AHN) – The Tampa Bay Lightning made a slew of roster moves Tuesday, among them claiming left wing Mattias Ritola off waivers from the Red Wings.

The Lightning, whose 23-man roster is yet to be finalized before Wednesday’s 3 p.m. deadline, picked up the promising and developing Ritola, who is expected to turn into a solid set-up man for Tampa Bay.

The 23-year-old Ritola, considered as one of the top Red Wings prospects, was placed on waivers Monday after turning in a sub-par performance in training camp and exhibition season.

This season, Ritola was supposed to contend with veterans Drew Miller and Patrick Eaves for a fourth-line spot with the Wings, who eventually went for Miller.

Ritola recorded a point in seven NHL contests. Last season, he had 19 goals and 42 points for the AHL’s Grand Rapids.

Acquiring Ritola signaled the end of Eric Perrin, who was in camp on a tryout basis. He has been released from his tryout.

Tampa Bay’s other roster moves include the placing of defenseman Mathieu Roy on waivers and the shipping of goalie Cedrick Desjardins to AHL Norfolk.

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Wade Exits New-Look Heat`s Preseason Opener With Injury; Miami Routs Pistons

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 05:14 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Miami, FL, United States (AHN) – The public’s first view of the Miami Heat’s Big 3 lasted for only three minutes Tuesday, as Dwyane Wade left the team’s preseason opener vs. the Detroit Pistons with a strained right hamstring. Miami went on to defeat Detroit 105-89 at American Airlines Arena.

Wade,a six-time All-Star and former NBA Finals MVP, limped off the court with just over three minutes into the tilt and did not return afterwards.

Wade, who averaged 26.6 points, 6.6 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 2009, ended with two points, two steals and had two turnovers Tuesday.

The union of guard Wade and forwards LeBron James and Chris Bosh lasted briefly, but offered a glimpse on what to expect from Miami.

After Wade left the game, the NBA’s two-time reigning MVP James took over, showing flashes of the player who led the Cleveland Cavaliers to consecutive playoff appearances from 2006 through ’10. He collaborated with Bosh for a combined 38 points.

James, who took his game to Miami this summer in his quest for the elusive championship title, finished with 18 points, four assists, three boards and two shot blocks in 27 minutes of action.

Bosh paced the Heat with 20 points and six rebounds, while Udonis Haslem registered a double-double with 14 points and 13 boards off the bench.

The Heat raced to a 24-15 lead after the first quarter. They were up 58-38 at the break, while holding the Pistons to just 39 percent shooting.

Miami shot a high 53 percent overall and won the battle off the glass 39-32.

Ben Gordon scored 17 points off the bench to lead the way for the Pistons, while Tayshaun Prince added 15 points.

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U.S. Wallops France In Straight Sets At Men`s Volleyball Worlds

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 05:11 AM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Rome, Italy (AHN) – Clayton Stanley tallied 14 points, including four blocks and four aces, as the Olympic champions United States clobbered France in straight sets Monday in the third round Pool O of the 2010 FIVB Men’s World Championship at PalaLottomatica in Rome, Italy.

Sean Rooney and David Lee each scored 11 points, while Reid Priddy finished with 10 points as the No. 3 ranked Americans opened the third round with 25-16, 25-14, 25-23 triumph.

The dominating victory showed sheer power by the US squad, which not only executed its attack fluidly but also registered a high block percentage, which was key to the win.

The vaunted blocking trio of the Americans, composed of Stanley, Priddy and Lee, formed an insurmountable obstacle for France, which were out-blocked, 17-7.

Lee accounted for five of the total stoppages, while Priddy registered four.

Monday’s win marked the 13th in 20 matches against France by Americans, who fortified their bid for a strong finish.

Aside from the United States, Brazil, Serbia and Bulgaria also solidified their campaign for semifinal positions after winning their respective Pool matches Monday.

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Big Ben Back: Ban Over For Steelers Quarterback, Roethlisberger Rejoins Team

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 05:11 AM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Pittsburgh, PA, United States (AHN) – Ben Roethlisberger, who has not suited for the Pittsburgh Steelers since the preseason, is officially back Monday after the Steelers starting quarterback was reinstated by the NFL following a four-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

Roethlisberger, 28, who for the first time since 2007 was not elected captain by his teammates, received a warm reception from his teammates in his return.

The Pro Bowl quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion attributed to his absence as the cause of his failure to get the nod of his teammates for the co-captaincy.

“It’s good to be back here at the facility, especially with my teammates,” Roethlisberger said at a news conference Monday. “It’s good to see coaches and be around my teammates. I’m just excited to be back and get focused on football, focused on this year and try to get to Dallas,” he added.

Roethlisberger is not only expected to work his way back slowly, but will have plenty of making up to do with the Steelers, his teammates and even the city of Pittsburgh.

The Steelers were 3-1 without their starting quarterback, who led them to two Super Bowl victories over the previous five seasons.

Despite establishing themselves as one of the top teams in the AFC during Roethlisberger’s absence, the Steelers struggled with their passing game, placing 31st among 32 NFL teams.

Pittsburgh went through a quarterback carousel in Roethlisberger’s absence, with third-year signal-caller Dennis Dixon starting the season.

But Dixon did not last long under center as he suffered an injury vs. the Titans on Sept. 19.

The ailment sidelined Dixon for the rest of the season, paving the way for veteran Charlie Batch to direct the offense. Batch, in turn, will have to step back in the return of Roethlisberger.

Roethlisberger reportedly attended the Steelers’ meeting in advance of Tuesday’s practice. He is most likely to play in Pittsburgh’s Week 6 contest against Cleveland.

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Impressive Preseason Earns Rangers Forward Fedotenko One-Year Pact

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 05:11 AM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – Free agent veteran forward Ruslan Fedotenko, who earned his spot over the past few weeks as a tryout player at training camp, was signed to a one-year contract by the New York Rangers.

The deal with the 31-year-old Fedotenko, who led the Rangers in scoring with seven points in five preseason contests, is worth about $1 million according to multiple reports

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Russian forward ended with one goal and six assists, along with two penalty minutes and a plus-five rating.

Aside from points, Fedotenko also led the team in assists, which placed sixth in the league, and plus/minus rating. He also tied for second on the Rangers with 11 shots.

Fedotenko not only shown offensively in the preseason, but the big Russian left winger also asserted his physical presence in all three zones.

Fedotenko, a two-time Stanley Cup Champion, having helped Tampa Bay win the title in 2003-04 and Pittsburgh in 2008-09, is expected to continue his successful partnership with Sean Avery and rookie Derek Stepan on the Rangers’ third line.

Avery and Stepan were Fedotenko’s most frequent partners in the preseason.

Fedotenko spent the past two seasons in Pittsburgh. He recorded 11 goals and 30 points in 80 contests with the Penguins last season.

Originally signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Flyers in August of 1999, Fedotenko has compiled 150 goals and 308 points in 677 tilts with the Flyers, Lightning, Islanders and Penguins in nine NHL seasons.

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EURO 2012 Schedule Finalized; Poland, Ukraine To Host Games

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 05:11 AM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Minsk, Belarus (AHN) – The UEFA Executive Committee approved the EURO 2012 match schedule Monday during a meeting at Minsk, Belarus, with Poland and Ukraine confirmed as hosts of the games slated from June 8- July 1 in 2012.

Warsaw is set to host five matches, three first-round matches, a quarterfinals and a semifinal. Poland will play its second group match in Warsaw.

Other Polish cities confirmed by European soccer’s governing body are Wroclaw and Poznan, which will host three group stage matches.

Gdansk will be the site of stage three group stage matches and a quarterfinal.

In Ukraine, Donetsk will also host three group stage matches, a quarterfinal and a semifinal, while Kharkiv and Lviv will welcome stage three group matches.

Ukraine is scheduled to open their bid in Group D in Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Sweden was appointed as host nation for the UEFA European Women’s Championship in 2013.

Confirmed as hosts for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship final rounds in 2012 and ’13 were Slovenia and Slovakia, respectively.

As for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship final rounds, Slovenia and Slovakia were designated hosts in 2012 and ’13, respectively.

Turkey and Wales were also appointed hosts for the UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championships in 2012 and ’13, respectively.

Apart from the UEFA EURO 2012 match schedules, amendments to the UEFA Europe League access list were also approved during the meeting.

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Eagles Quarterback Vick Expects To Miss 1-2 Weeks Due To Rib Injury

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 05:11 AM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – The Philadelphia Eagles not only lost the much-anticipated clash with the Washington Redskins Sunday but also lost quarterback Michael Vick to injury.

Vick, 30, in the midst of one of the more astounding comebacks in recent NFL history, left the game with a reported rib injury in the first half of a 17-12 loss to the Redskins.

Known for giving opposing defenses nightmares with his speed and his arm, Vick is also known for taking off when he sees an open lane.

On Sunday, the speedy left-handed Vick did just that, but was hurt in the process. He received a crushing blow from Kareem Moore and DeAngelo Hall after he took off on a 23-yard scramble.

The anticipated showdown between Vick and Donovan McNabb, the former Eagles franchise quarterback, who led the Eagles to five NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance during his 11 seasons in Philly, did not last a half.

Due to the jarring hit he sustained, Vick gave way to Week 1 starter Kevin Kolb.

Vick may not be out for long, however, as he told a Philly radio station.

“Maybe a week, maybe two weeks. Usually I’m a fast healer, so we’ll have to see,” Vick said Monday in a radio interview on WXTG Radio 102.1′s The Game and The Bruce Smith Show, out of Virginia Beach. Vick added, “it won’t be no more than two weeks, hopefully. Hopefully.”

That means Vick should miss Sunday’s tilt vs. the 49ers and perhaps an Oct. 17 contest vs. the Falcons.

Sunday’s game was sweet revenge for the Eagles’ all-time winning quarterback McNabb, who tried to show the Eagles made a mistake trading him after 11 seasons.

McNabb, who received a standing ovation during the pregame introductions in his first game as a visitor in Philadelphia, completed just 8-of-19 for 125 yards with a TD and an interception for the Redskins (2-2).

He also ran five times for 39 yards in the victory.

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