Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

University Of Colorado Fires Football Coach Dan Hawkins

Posted: 10 Nov 2010 03:38 PM PST

John Nestor – AHN Sports Correspondent

Boulder, CO, United States (AHN) – A stunning loss at Kansas was the last straw for Colorado football coach Dan Hawkins.

University of Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn announced Tuesday morning Hawkins has been relieved of his duties as head football coach of the Buffaloes effective immediately.

Long-time assistant coach Brian Cabral will serve as interim head coach the remainder of the 2010 season. Bohn said a national search for a new coach will begin immediately.

The Buffaloes are 3-6, with an 0-5 record in the Big 12 Conference, with three games remaining. Colorado would become bowl eligible if it were to win out against Iowa State and Kansas State at home and at Nebraska the Friday after Thanksgiving.

“We collectively believed that it was important to provide the opportunity for Dan as head coach and his current staff to pull things together, and things looked bright just one month ago after we opened with a 3-1 record,” Bohn said.

“However, things have gone downhill from there. While we recognize the progress that we have made in several areas during nearly five years under Dan, the negativity and divisiveness that is associated with the current leadership has become detrimental and is beyond repair to our current enterprise and it’s time to make a change.”

The team was informed of the change Tuesday morning at the regular full-team meeting ahead of practice.

Hawkins was considered a can’t miss hire when Colorado landed him in December of 2005. He went 53-11 at Boise State, where three times he won 11 or more games.

However that success did not translate at Colorado where he was 19-39, the latest loss being a 52-45 meltdown loss at Kansas, where Colorado blew a 28-point lead and watched Kansas score 35 points over the final 11 minutes.

It was the biggest collapse in the 121-year-old program’s history.

Colorado is 8-22 in its last 30 games, including a 4-17 record in Big 12 Conference play. The Buffaloes qualified for one bowl game in Hawkins’ tenure, the 2007 Independence Bowl, after finishing 6-6 in the regular season.

“I’ve met some tremendously special people and had some fantastic experiences during my time here at Colorado,” Hawkins said. “Unfortunately, I was not able to bring the wins that so many Buff faithful wish for and deserve. My biggest pain comes from not being able to see the joy and happiness on our players faces on more occasions following a victory.”

“CU has a great group of young men running out behind Ralphie every Saturday, those guys have worked very hard in the classroom, off the field, and on the field and have earned the right to win. I want the Buffs to experience that special feeling.”

Colorado, along with Utah, is joining the 10 current members of the Pacific-10 Conference to form the Pac-12 next July 1.

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Flyers Sign Winger Claude Giroux To Contract Extension

Posted: 10 Nov 2010 03:38 PM PST

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John Nestor – AHN Sports Correspondent

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – The Philadelphia Flyers and right winger Claude Giroux agreed to a multiyear contract extension Monday.

Terms of the deal were not available but the Philadelphia Daily News cited a source saying the deal was for three years and $11.25 million.

The 22-year-old Giroux has seven goals and 14 points in 15 games this season for the Flyers, who currently lead the Atlantic Division.

“We had this opportunity to do it with Claude and we’re extremely happy to have this done,” said Holmgren. “He’s been a good player for us and we look forward to him becoming a better player over the course of the next few years.”

Giroux has played 141 games for the Flyers over parts of four seasons. He played all 82 games in 2009-10 and had 16 goals and 31 assists to help Philadelphia reach the Stanley Cup finals last season.

Giroux, who was scheduled to become a restricted free agent on July 1, has 32 goals and 56 assists in his career with the Flyers.

“I’m really excited to be with the Flyers organization for three more years,” said Giroux. “We are going to a very good team, hopefully for many years. This is a good group of guys and I am having a lot of fun right now.”

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Tim Tebow By The Book; Quarterback`s Tome Set For April Release

Posted: 10 Nov 2010 03:38 PM PST

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

NY, NY, United States (AHN) – Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Tim Tebow, one of the most popular players in the NFL, is working on an inspirational memoir.

The former Heisman winner Tebow, 29, who has been extremely popular since being drafted by Denver in the first round this year, is collaborating with Nathan Whitaker on “Through My Eyes.”

The book is scheduled to come out in April.

It was announced Monday by HarperCollins, the book’s publisher.

In a statement, Tebow indicated that his book would be a story “of faith, family and football” and inspiring people to “fulfill their dreams.”

Though relegated to backup duty, the NFL jersey of the former University of Florida standout has been among the best sellers in the league.

Tebow has appeared in four contests so far in his maiden campaign. He has scored two TDs in 10 carries, but has yet to throw a pass in the regular season.

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ESPN Breaks Up Jon Miller-Joe Morgan MLB Broadcasting Team

Posted: 10 Nov 2010 03:38 PM PST

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AHN Sports Staff

Bristol, CT, United States (AHN) – After two decades together ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball broadcast team of Jon Miller and Joe Morgan will be split up, the broadcast giant announced.

Miller could continue on with the network’s radio side, it has been speculated.

Both men’s contracts are expiring, according to a report.

“Jon and Joe have contributed greatly to the success of ‘Sunday Night Baseball’ for the past 21 seasons,” ESPN executive vice president Norby Williamson said in a statement Monday. “Over the last two decades, Joe went from Hall of Fame player to one of his sport’s top analysts and Jon’s Hall of Fame voice and tremendous knowledge of the game have connected with baseball fans everywhere. We owe them our deepest thanks for an outstanding body of work.”

They formed a unique tandem, with the comedic though informative Miller softening up the more analytical and serious Morgan, a remarkable second baseman in his time with the Reds.

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Ichiro Golden Again: Outfielder Captures 10th Straight Gold Glove

Posted: 10 Nov 2010 03:38 PM PST

AHN Sports Staff

NY, NY, United States (AHN) – Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro snared his 10th straight Gold Glove, while a trio of New York Yankees were also honored Tuesday in the same category according to MLB.

Robinson Cano, Deter Jeter and Mark Teixeira were the Pinstripes picks for the AL runner up.

Franklin Gutierrez made it two M’s outfielders that were honored, along with Rays standout Carl Crawford.

Evan Longoria of the Rays rounded out the infield, while the top battery of fielders were pitcher Mark Buehrle and Twins catcher Joe Mauer.

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PBA, Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Extend Sponsorship Agreement

Posted: 10 Nov 2010 03:38 PM PST

AHN Sports Staff

Seattle, WA, United States (AHN) – The Professional Bowlers Association and Brunswick Bowling & Billiards have announced a three-year extension of Brunswick’s sponsorshipof the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour and Senior Tour as official lane maintenance and capital equipment supplier.

PBA will use Brunswick Authority22 lane machines, cleaners, conditioners and cloth exclusively on the PBA Tour and the Senior Tour. In addition, Brunswick will furnish the bowling equipment for PBA arena events conducted during the next three seasons, including GS pinsetters, ball returns, Vector scoring systems, and Pro Lane synthetic lanes.

“The PBA is gratified to be able to continue and expand upon the relationship it has had with the world’s leading bowling product company since the formation of our organization 52 years ago,” said PBA CEO and Commissioner Fred Schreyer. “The enduring nature of our partnership with Brunswick points to the importance of bowling industry leaders working together to serve the best interests of the sport.”

Brunswick will also supply the bowling pins to be used during televised PBA Tour events and will be the preferred bowling ball brand at PBA Tour pro-am events.

“We are pleased to continue our sponsorship of the PBA Tour,” said Brent Perrier, President Brunswick Bowling Products. “Our long-term relationship with the PBA has demonstrated that both companies are committed to the growth and success of competitive bowling. By continuing to be the choice of equipment for the PBA, Brunswick maintains its industry-leading status to help build the future of the sport.”

The PBA Tour kicked off its 2010-11 season recently with the PBA World Series of Bowling at the South Point Bowling Center in Las Vegas.

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David Beckham To Support England`s World Cup Bid With Flight Around World

Posted: 10 Nov 2010 03:38 PM PST

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

London, United Kingdom (AHN) – David Beckham, one of the most respected soccer players in the world, is reportedly set to fly around the world to boost England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

The 35-year-old Beckham, who currently plays for the L.A. Galaxy of the Major League Soccer, will travel to Zurich on Dec. 2 for the decisive final presentation for the 2018 World Cup, according to ESPN.com.

The Galaxy superstar is hoping that his presence hours before the votes will be counted will help sway votes for England, which is projected to finish only third behind the bids of Russia and Spain/Portugal.

The effect of the investigations into alleged FIFA corruption by the English media have contributed to England’s not so positive outlook.

After traveling with the Galaxy from Los Angeles to Australia for a one-match postseason tour, the English midfielder will fly back to London to meet with the FA delegation.

Beckham will then proceed to Zurich for the decisive final presentation.

Beckham, who was England’s captain from Nov. 15 until the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals, missed the 2010 World Cup due to injury but still went to the tournament as part of England’s back-room staff.

Apart from becoming the team’s No. 1 supporter in the recent Cup in South Africa, he also acted as a mediator between management and players

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Berdych, Verdasco Bolster ATP Finals Bid; Youzhny Exits Paris Masters

Posted: 10 Nov 2010 03:38 PM PST

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Paris, France (AHN) – Former champion and Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych, sixth-seeded Spaniard Fernando Verdasco and 2009 runner-up Gael Monfils highlighted second-round winners Tuesday at the Paris Masters.

The fifth-seeded Berdych, the 2005 champion here, boosted his chances in the ATP Final race after plastering wild card crowd favorite Florent Serra 6-3, 6-1 to advance into the next stage of the final ATP Masters event of the year.

Berdych, along with Andy Roddick, David Ferrer, Jurgen Melzer and Verdasco, are vying for a spot at the year-year tournament in London.

Verdasco also improved his bid following a 3-6, 6-3, 6-0 conquest of veteran French crowd favorite Arnaud Clement. Verdasco will next play No. 12 seed Monfils, who ousted German qualifier Benjamin Becker Tuesday.

Monfils succumbed to 2010 U.S. Open runner-up Novak Djokovic in last year’s Paris Masters finale.

Meanwhile, ninth-seeded Russian Mikhail Youzhny’s hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals were dashed after a back injury forced him to retire in his match against Ernests Gulbis.

Youzhny, who needed to reach the final in Paris for a chance to qualify for the London tournament, was trailing his Latvian foe 6-4, 3-0 when he retired.

Czech veteran Radek Stepanek also posted a second-round minor upset over 14th-seeded Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 7-6 (7-3), 6-4.

Also Tuesday, five matches concluded the first round of the Paris event.

Among the first-round winners were former world No. 3 Argentine David Nalbadian, the 2007 Paris Masters champion and 2008 runner-up, French favorite Gilles Simon and Argentine Juan Monaco.

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Shoulder Injury Could Sideline Lions Quarterback Stafford For Season

Posted: 10 Nov 2010 03:38 PM PST

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Allen Park, MI, United States (AHN) – The Detroit Lions are expected to mix it up in their lineup when they collide against the Buffalo Bills in Week 10 after losing starting quarterback Matthew Stafford to a right shoulder injury.

The 22-year-old Stafford left in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 23-20 overtime loss to the Jets and did not return.

The second-year pro out of Georgia suffered a Grade 3 separation and is not expected to play again this year, according to reports.

Stafford endured punishing hits early in Sunday’s contest before the final blow came on a sack by linebacker Bryan Thomas.

It caused the Lions quarterback to land hard on his right shoulder.

Sunday’s tilt marked only Stafford’s second game since separating the same shoulder during the Lions’ opener at Chicago.

Stafford missed five contests because of the previous injury.

Meanwhile, Detroit’s primary backup, Shaun Hill, is questionable for Sunday’s clash against the Bills.

Hill has been sidelined since Week 6 with an injured left forearm.

In the event Hill is not fit to play, Drew Stanton, who took over for Stafford against the Lions, would make his first start of the season.

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Frustrated Wizards Coach Saunders Leaves Practice

Posted: 10 Nov 2010 03:38 PM PST

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Washington, D.C., United States (AHN) – Washington Wizards head coach Flip Saunders ended team practice early Monday citing what he considered a lack of effort and focus by the struggling Wizards.

The Wizards (1-4), who have lost two in a row and four out of five, were thrown out of practice Monday afternoon by a frustrated Saunders.

They were ordered to return for a second session at 4 p.m. with no media availability.

The incident occurred five minutes after the media was let onto the main court for practice Monday.

The 55-year-old Saunders, who previously coached the Pistons and the Timberwolves, walked off the court and cancelled practice due to the lack of effort and complaints that were taking place over disputed calls.

“We’re not going to beg guys to work hard,” Saunders told USA Today.com.

The Wizards are fourth worst in the league in points allowed with 109. They are ranked 22nd in points scored (97.4) and lead in turnovers with 19 per contest.

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