Thursday, November 11, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

Yankee Dixie: Cashman Travels To Arkansas To Meet Free Agent Cliff Lee

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 02:57 PM PST

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Benton, AR, United States (AHN) – New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is in familiar territory.

Though he might not be too familiar with Benton, AR, he sure knows what it will take to lure the pride of Benton to the north.

The Cash Man met with top free agent prize pitcher Cliff Lee, his agent and family Wednesday afternoon in an effort to bring the former Cy Young Award winner to the Bronx.

However, Lee’s decision will likely factor in more than salary. His wife and family reportedly enjoy Texas and the native Southerner could be swayed to stay close to what he knows as home.

Derek Braunecker, Lee’s agent, is expected to seek a similar contract as that given to current Yankees ace CC Sabathia. At the age of 28, New York threw six years and a record $161 million at Sabathia, the largest ever contract given to a starting pitcher.

Though Lee is slightly older (32), his playoff pedigree and performance against the Yankees in the postseason may serve to earn the nine-year veteran the contract he desires. Yankees fans have mixed reactions.

“I thought after spending a quarter of a million dollars on pitching in 2008, the Yankees were set for a while,” said avid fan Andrew Girgis. “Now that they’re going after Lee, who knows when it will stop.”

“That’s what the Yankees do,” said Jason Weissbein when asked his opinion on acquiring Lee. “They are the biggest and baddest and richest team out there. Instead of complaining, Yankee fans should celebrate the fact the Steinbrenners are willing to shell out millions to build a winning team.”

After spending his first eight seasons without the postseason in Cleveland, Lee went on to put together a 7-2 playoff record with a 2.13 ERA while leading the Phillies and Rangers to the World Series in back-to-back years. Though his team lost in both instances, Lee remained almost untouchable.

The Rangers are also expected to make a play for the ace. Other teams may also be interested, namely the Red Sox, Angels and maybe the Cubs.

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Chelsea Hike Premiership Lead, United Held To A Draw

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 02:57 PM PST

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Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

London, United Kingdom (AHN) – Michael Essien’s first-half tally helped extend Chelsea’s lead atop the Premier League table with a 1-0 victory over Fulham Wednesday, while Manchester United fell four points back after being held to a 0-0 draw at Manchester City.

An unmarked Essien tallied the game’s lone goal in the 30th minute when he pounded home a nifty cross from Florent Malouda that helped Chelsea move four points to the top of the Premiership table.

A red card on Essien, however, took the luster out of the Blues victory over their west London rivals.

Essen was sent off in stoppage time after the Ghana international was shown a red card for a poor challenge on Fulham’s Clint Dempsey.

Meanwhile, defenses dominated the clash between United and Manchester City that resulted in a goalless draw at Eastlands.

It enabled Sir Alex Ferguson’s wards to stretch their unbeaten run to 25 games, while Roberto Mancini’s City fell to seven points behind leaders Chelsea in the rankings.

Arsenal, on one hand, drew within one point of United’s 24 points after routing Wolverampton, 2-0

Newcastle remained in fifth place behind Manchester City after being edged by Blackburn, 2-1.

In other Premier League matches Wednesday, Everton forced a 1-1 draw with Bolton, while Wigan held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw courtesy of Hugo Rodallega’s second-half strike.

Pablo Ibanez’s tally in the final 20 minutes helped West Bromwich forge a 2-2 draw at West Ham.

Aston Villa, which is in 10th place, topped Blackpool, 3-2.

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Auburn Quarterback Newton Faces More Pay-For-Play Allegations

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 01:14 PM PST

John Nestor – AHN Sports Correspondent

Auburn, AL, United States (AHN) – Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton faces more allegations regarding his recruitment, but he still has the support of the school.

As the Tigers prepare for a stretch run at the National Championship, Newton has been the center of allegations regarding his recruitment from junior college and academic cheating while at Florida.

Now comes another report that will take even more of the focus off the field, where Newton has become a Heisman Trophy candidate and made Auburn a contender for the BCS title game.

ESPN reported on its website that Newton and his father each had a phone conversation with a Mississippi State recruiter that acknowledged a pay-for-play arrangement for the quarterback.

One of the recruiters said Cecil Newton told him before Cam Newton committed to Auburn that it would take “more than a scholarship” for his son to attend Mississippi State.

An unidentified source told ESPN that another recruiter received a phone call from an emotional Cam Newton after he committed to the Tigers, when he said his father selected Auburn for him because “the money was too much.”

The NCAA is reviewing the recruitment of Newton and Auburn has stood by him through all of the allegations.

Foxsports.com reported Monday that Newton was caught cheating three times and was facing possible expulsion during the spring semester of 2009 at Florida.

Auburn coach Gene Chizik came to Newton’s defense Tuesday.

“I’m standing up here on a very important week trying to defend something that’s garbage,” Chizik said. “I’m wasting my time addressing allegations that blow my mind that they’re even out there, because there’s federal privacy laws that dictate that these things don’t get out in public.”

“He’s a great human being that comes from a great family. He is one of the leaders in the Heisman race because he deserves it. That’s fact.”

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Millsap Putting Utah Back On NBA Map With Remarkable Play

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 01:14 PM PST

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AHN Sports Staff

Salt Lake, UT, United States (AHN) – Rising star Paul Millsap lived up to his hype Tuesday night, scoring a career-best 46 points to help the Utah Jazz end a seven-game losing skid in Miami with a 116-114 victory over the Heat.

Millsap burned the Heat all night, as he shot 19-28 from the field and grabbed nine boards in 43 minutes of action.

Millsap’s inside dominance helped the Jazz overcome an early 22-point deficit and give the vaunted Heat their second loss in three games and third this season.

After struggling in his first few games as Utah’s premier bigman, the 25-year-old Millsap is hitting his stride. In his last five games Millsap is averaging 26.8 points, 11.0 boards, and 3.6 assists.

With Millsap’s current form, the Jazz might feel vindicated after letting all-star forward Carlos Boozer leave the ball club in the offseason.

Indeed, Millsap looks perfect for Jerry Sloan’s pick-and-roll plays.

His rare agility despite his size (6-foot-8, 250 pound) and ability to knock down shots from deep make the work easy for all-star guard Deron Williams.

Millsap, who led the nation in rebounding in three-consecutive years at Louisiana Tech, is also tenacious hustle player, who can affect the game on both ends of the court.

Moreover, Millsap was picked 47th overall in 2006, making him a nice steal for the Jazz.

In the Jazz’s next game in Orlando, Millsap will once again be put in a test, as he faces the Magic’s tall frontline led by two-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard.

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Muldoon Receives U.S Sailing`s Herreshoff, Larr Trophies

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 01:14 PM PST

AHN Sports Staff

Phoenix, AZ, United States (AHN) – Former U.S Sailing president Jim Muldoon received the Nathanael G. Herreshoff and Timothea Larr trophies for his contribution in advocating the sport of sailing in the country.

Muldoon, who currently heads the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Board of Trustees, accepted Nathanael G. Herreshoff trophy, U.S Sailing’s most coveted award, for promoting the sport at the grass-root level.

Previous winners of Nathanael G. Herreshoff trophy are: Roy E. Disney, Gary Jobson, Harold Sterling Vanderbilt, Harry C. Melges Jr. – individuals behind the development of sailing in the United States.

Muldoon expressed his appreciation to U.S sailing for the award, assuring he will continue to support organization’s future plan.

I’ve witnessed first-hand how sailing can change lives,” Muldoon said. “I believe sailing is transformative. For everything it has brought to my life, I believe I owe that experience to anyone who wants it.

Muldoon also accepted the Timothea Larr Trophy for giving tutorials and advanced training for aspiring sailors across the country.

Among Muldoon’s accomplishment was the formation of the Brendan Sailing Training Programs for Youths with Learning Differences.

He also served as an advisor for the National Sailing Hall of Fame and backs up the St. Mary’s College of Maryland sailing team.

Muldoon received the awards during the U.S Sailing annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona last month.

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Skins` McNabb Wants To Move On From Playbook Controversy

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 01:13 PM PST

John Nestor – AHN Sports Correspondent

Washington, DC, United States (AHN) – Washington Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb called the idea that he does not know the team’s playbook hilarious and is looking to move on.

As the Redskins come off their bye week and prepare for a crucial game agains NFC East rival Philadelphia on Monday night, McNabb was looking to move on past his benching two weeks ago while addressing recent rumors.

“That is hilarious to me. That is really funny to me,” McNabb said Tuesday during his weekly appearance on ESPN980. “For everyone who may not have heard any of this, it’s probably a shock to them.”

Washington coach Mike Shanahan did his part to keep the controversy going by giving different explanations as to why he benched McNabb in the closing minutes of the loss at Detroit.

At first, Shanahan offered up an excuse that backup Rex Grossman had a better grasp of the team’s 2-minute offense.

Shanahan later said McNabb’s sore hamstrings had kept the team from practicing the hurry-up offense and that McNabb lacked the “cardiovascular endurance” to run.

McNabb said he was ready to turn the page.

“It’s over to me, and I just look to move on,” he said.

McNabb also said he was able to clear the air with Shanahan and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.

“Yes, I’m satisfied,” McNabb said. “You get what you ask for, and after that you put it behind you and move on.”

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Analysis: Mental Mistakes, Penalties Cost Lions Possible Upset Of Jets

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 01:13 PM PST

Chad Hutchinson – AHN Sports Correspondent

Detroit, MI, United States (AHN) – In less than three minutes, the Lions went from an upset victory, to overtime and a 23-20 loss to the visiting New York Jets Sunday.

The Lions gave up 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to allow the Jets to send the game to overtime. A call by Lions head coach Jim Schwartz on a crucial third and six has left many fans scratching their heads in confusion.

The Lions possessed the ball with two minutes remaining in the game, and the Jets were left with no time outs remaining. Instead of running the ball and taking atleast 30 seconds off the play clock, Coach Schwartz elected to throw the ball.

Drew Stanton rolled out on a play action, and short armed a pass to fullback Jerome Felton and resulted in the clock stopping with 1:54 left.

Coach Schwartz’s poor call was not the only mistake that led to the Lions allowing the Jets to tie the game. Linebacker Julian Peterson had a personal foul late hit on Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson that moved the ball from the Lions 43 yard line, to the Detroit 28 yard line and put the Jets well within field goal range.

These mental mistakes by the Lions and their coaching staff were crucial in the loss of the Lions upset opportunity.

The heartbreaking loss for the Lions should not overshadow an otherwise great performance by the team. Quarterback Matthew Stafford finished the game 20 of 36 passing for 240 yards and two passing scores, as well as one rushing touchdown.

Stafford’s fellow ’09 first round pick, quarterback Mark Sanchez seemed to be well contained by the Lions defense, but came up with the big plays when the Jets needed them.

Sanchez finished 22 of 39 passing for 323 yards with one passing touchdown and one interception, as well as a touchdown on the ground. Sanchez also delivered a strike to wideout Santonio Holmes on the second play of overtime that went for 52 yards and set up the game winning field goal.

Jets shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis kept Lions star wide receiver Calvin Johnson well contained and quiet the entire day. Johnson had only one catch for 13 yards on the day.

The Lions improved their play and it clearly showed. Now the Lions must learn from their mental mistakes and coaching errors if they are to more avoid heartbreaking losses like this in the future.

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Players To Pick Teams For NHL All-Star Game

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 01:13 PM PST

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – The 2011 edition of the NHL All-Star Game will get a new look by switching from the conference vs. conference format to a player draft conducted by the All-Stars themselves.

Under the reported new format, two captains selected per team will choose players to make up the teams for the 2011 All-Star Weekend which will be hosted by Carolina on the last weekend in January.

The resulting two teams will compete in the All-Star Game and SuperSkills competition.

“There is no doubt that the competitive juices will rise when the players themselves select the line-ups for their All-Star teams as well as deciding who will go head-to-head in the skills challenges,” said Mike Ouellet, NHLPA Chief of Business Affairs, as reported by NHL.com.

Brendan Shanahan, an eight-time All-Star and current NHL vice president, indicated that the objective of the All-Star format change is to “make the game more fun for everyone” and to “inject more excitement and intrigue into all the events.”

The All-Star Game featured the Eastern Conference squaring off against the Western Conference since 2003.

Prior to that the league used the North America vs. the World format.

It will mark the first that Carolina will host the NHL All-Star activities.

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Federer Denies Involvement In IMG Betting Scandal

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 01:13 PM PST

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Paris, France (AHN) – Roger Federer is caught up in a gambling scandal involving a member of a sports company IMG that represents the tennis superstar.

The 16-time Grand Slam champion Federer, whose name is part of a lawsuit involving IMG chairman Ted Forstmann, asked the latter to provide a detailed explanation of why he is alleged to have used information from Federer to change his betting patterns, the New York Times reported.

Federer told the Times he contacted Forstmann after learning of a lawsuit against the IMG CEO, who is being sued in Los Angeles County Superior Court by Agate Printing Inc. for fraud, interference with contract and breach of contract.

“I reached out and told him I want to know everything about it, how this came about,” Federer, who is in Paris for this week’s BNP Paribas Masters event, told the Times. “And he’s been, you know, nice enough obviously to tell me from his side and has been very open in the press already. So that’s O.K.”

“He’s not my agent. Tony (Godsick) is my guy, but still, it’s a firm that does a lot in sports, so it’s just something that for me is important to know what is going on from their side, too,” the Swiss master added.

In the lawsuit, Agate accuses Forstmann of using alleged inside information from Federer to increase a wager on the 2007 men’s singles final at the French Open.

Agate’s executive Jim Agate claims to have acted as a conduit for Forstmann’s gambling.

Federer, who lost the 2007 French Open finale against arch-rival Rafael Nadal, has denied any involvement with gambling, including the alleged high-stakes betting involving Forstmann.

Forstmann for his part acknowledged betting on Federer and gambling on sports in general. He, however, denied Agate’s claims that he hiked bets on Federer after conferring with the player.

“I might have called Roger before the match in 2007,” Forstmann told the website The Daily Beast. “But Roger is a buddy of mine, and all I would be doing is wishing him luck,” the Times reported.

Players are barred from betting on Grand Slam matches, but there are no rules prohibiting agents or other members of a player’s entourage from betting on tennis.

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One Chad, Two Chad; Pennington To Start At QB Vs. Titans

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 01:13 PM PST

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Davie, FL, United States (AHN) – The Miami Dolphins announced Wednesday quarterback Chad Pennington will start in place of Chad Henne in Week 10 against the Tennessee Titans.

“After making long evaluation on all details involved, what I’ve decided to do here, this week — Chad Pennington is going to be the quarterback,” head coach Tony Sparano told the Miami Herald. “I took a lot of things into consideration. I weighed an awful lot of options out.”

The move comes as somewhat of a surprise, replacing the young, nimble Henne with an aging veteran in Pennington.

Henne did toss three interceptions in Sunday’s 26-10 blowout against the Ravnes, giving him 10 to only eight touchdowns with a 78.2 QB rating.

“This is not an indictment on Chad Henne,” continued Sparano. “This is not an indictment on his future. He has come two-fold from where he was, but at this particular time, it’s something I feel like I need to do for our football team.”

Pennington is the most accurate passer in the history of the NFL with a 60.6 career completion percentage (min. 1,500 attempts). He also won an unprecedented two Comeback Player of the Year Awards.

The Knoxville, Tenn. native had a stellar campaign in his first year with Miami in 2008 after being acquired from the Jets in the Brett Favre trade. Pennington helped turn an 1-15 team into an 11-5 squad and finished second in MVP voting to Peyton Manning.

Miami (4-4) trails the Jets and Pats by two games in the AFC East.

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