Saturday, November 13, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

UNC Football Dismisses Tutor At Center Of Academic Fraud Allegations

Posted: 13 Nov 2010 05:59 AM PST

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Chapel Hill, NC, United States (AHN) – The University of North Carolina has formally severed ties with a football tutor in connection with the ongoing NCAA investigation of its football program.

In a letter dated Nov. 5 and released Thursday, UNC officially severed ties with Jennifer Wiley, the former tutor associated with the school and NCAA’s probe into possible academic misconduct within the Tar Heels football program.

The letter was released to the media Thursday afternoon as the result of public records requests.

It was signed by athletic director Dick Baddour, who informed Wiley that the university collated information confirming that she provided “impermissible” financial and academic assistance to some UNC student-athletes.

It stated that Wiley provided about $2,000 of benefits relating to travel and transportation issues this year.

It also indicated that Wiley provided impermissible academic assistance to some of the school’s student-athletes in 2009 and 2010.

As a result, Wiley, the third person whose disassociation letter has been released to the media in relation to with NCAA investigation, cannot provide any assistance to the school or have contact with student-athletes — prospective or enrolled, during the disassociation period

That peroid will last for at least five years. Also, she is banned from accessing campus athletics facilities.

Wiley, in a statement made through her lawyer, said Thursday she “acknowledges her role” in the investigation, and added the financial assistance came when she allowed a player to use her credit card for a transaction, the Raleigh News & Observer reported.

She added that it was then was “immediately repaid” for that amount and “never knew this type of transaction was impermissible.”

Meanwhile, UNC also released additional information relating to the NCAA investigation.

As per reinstatement requests sent to the NCAA by the university indicated that five people, including former Tar Heel and current New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, provided impermissible benefits to football team members that included cash, jewelry and travel and entertainment expenses.

Apart from Nicks, former UNC players Omar Brown and Mahon Carey, along with San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis and an unidentified person from Miami, were also mentioned in the said release, according to reports.

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Ex-Jets Employee Sterger, NFL Meet Over Favre`s Alleged Texts

Posted: 13 Nov 2010 05:46 AM PST

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AHN Sports Staff

NY, NY, United States (AHN) – Former New York Jets game-day reporter Jenn Sterger has provided the NFL “substantial materials,” which could shed light on the league’s ongoing investigation on Brett Favre’s sexual harassment scandal, multiple sources reported Thursday.

Accompanied with her manager and lawyer, Sterger reportedly met with NFL investigators Thursday and handed over evidence that could back up her claims she received voicemails and obscene photos from the three-time NFL MVP in 2008.

Favre’s sexual harassment scandal erupted last month, when Deadspin.com uploaded X-rated photos alleged to be of the Pro Bowl quarterback.

Several sources indicated the voicemails and photos were all part of Favre’s alleged plan to seduce the 26-year-old reporter in 2008.

Favre played for the Jets in 2008 before joining the Minnesota Vikings during the 2009 offseason.

Sterger’s manager Phil Reese also confirmed the meeting with the NFL, saying they will just wait for the result of the investigation.

If the NFL finds Sterger’s claims true, the 41-year-old Favre could face suspensions and fines for violating the league’s personal conduct policies.

Favre, whose record-setting 293 consecutive starts at quarterback in jeopardy, could also be subject to civil litigation, if found out guilty of harassment.

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Matt Ryan Outduels Joe Flacco; Falcons Edge Ravens

Posted: 13 Nov 2010 03:19 AM PST

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Atlanta, GA, United States (AHN) – Matt Ryan’s third TD toss with 20 seconds to play to Roddy White ended a last-minute drive, lifting the Atlanta Falcons to a 26-21 decision over the Baltimore Ravens at the Georgia Dome Thursday night.

Ryan’s 33-yard hook-up to his favorite target, White, not only produced the game-winner but it enabled the Falcons signal-caller to come out on top against Joe Flacco in the battle of first-round quarterbacks from the 2008 draft.

Ryan’s third TD toss came after a major comeback from Flacco and the Ravens, who rallied from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

It trumped Flacco’s third TD, his second in the fourth frame that gave the Ravens a 21-20 edge with 1:05 left in the period.

Ryan, who entered Thursday’s tilt with a sterling 17-1 career mark at the Georgia Dome, completed 32-of-50 passes for 316 yards and three scores for the Falcons (7-2), who won for the seventh time in their last eight.

White, dealing with a right knee problem that he sustained in last Sunday’s win over Tampa Bay, hauled in 12 passes for 138 yards and two TDs for the victors.

Ryan’s counterpart, Flacco, finished 22-of-34 for 215 yards and three TDs with one interception for the Ravens (6-3), who failed to extend their two-game winning streak.

As a result, Baltimore slipped a half-game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North.

The Falcons, on the other hand, have a one-game advantage over New Orleans for the NFC South lead.

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Alexander Semin Third-Period Hat Trick Defeats Lightning

Posted: 13 Nov 2010 03:19 AM PST

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Corine Gatti – AHN Sports Contributor

Washington, DC, United States (AHN) – Alexander Semin had three third-period goals with two assists as the Washington Capitals rolled over the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-3 Thursday night at the Verizon Center.

Teddy Purcell opened the game with a blast for the Lightning’s initial lead, but goals from Tom Poti and Mike Knuble made it 2-1 Caps during the second period in front of an announced crowd of 18,398.

Ryan Malone, who connected with Steven Stamkos, wristed his second goal of the season with the extra man 2:43 into the third to knot it up for Tampa Bay, which fell to 8-5-2.

The tie didn’t last long, with Semin taking a shot from between the circles, tilting the game for Washington with his first goal at 4:33 and a second six minutes later to frustrate Lightning goalie Dan Ellis (20 saves).

At 4-2, Stamkos added a another goal 12:43 into the third, but was answered by Alex Ovechkin’s ninth of the season for a 5-3 Caps’ lead at 15:08. Semin was credited with his second helper of the game.

Semin scored an empty netter less than five minutes later to improve Washington’s record to 12-4-0.

Mical Neuvirth stopped 38 for the Capitals.

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Jordan Todman Runs Wild, UConn Tips Pitt In Big East Battle

Posted: 13 Nov 2010 03:19 AM PST

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

East Hartford, CT, United States (AHN) – Jordan Todman rushed for 222 yards on 37 carries and Nick Williams returned a kickoff 95 yards as the Connecticut Huskies outlasted the Pittsburgh Panthers 30-28 Thursday.

The junior back moved into third place on the school’s all-time rushing list against the normally stingy Panthers run defense that came in allowing 97 yards a game.

Zach Fraser tossed for 100 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Kashif Moore and Isiah Moor each caught a touchdown pass.

The Panthers (5-4, 3-1 Big East) needed the win to be the first Big East team to become bowl eligible.

Pitt led 21-13 with 13 seconds left in the third quarter, but Williams’ return started a Husky 17-point surge that would seal the win.

Tino Sunseri went 20-for-28 for 220 yards, a touchdown and an interception for Pittsburgh. Jon Baldwin had six catches for 95 yards and a touchdown.

UConn (5-4, 2-2 Big East) trails Pitt by just a game in the Big East, with second-place Syracuse (6-3, 3-2) hosting the Huskies Nov. 20.

Pitt heads to South Florida to face the Bulls (5-4, 2-2), also in contention for the Big East title.

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Adam Scott Leads Ian Poulter By Two Shots In Singapore

Posted: 13 Nov 2010 03:19 AM PST

Tom Edrington – AHN Sports Reporter

Singapore (AHN) – Adam Scott called it “a long day.”

Most of the field at the Barclay’s Singapore Open didn’t finish their opening rounds due to a four-hour rain delay Thursday.

Friday, Scott played 30 holes at the Sentosa Golf Club and finished the 36-holes with a pair of 65s and a 12-under par 130 total.

Scott, who won this tournament in 2005 and 2006, was two shots in front of defending champion Ian Poulter, whose second round 63 got him to 10-under par, 132.

Poulter finished his second round on a high note when he holed a 100-foot birdie putt on the final hole of the Tanjong course. The field played the first two rounds over the Tanjong and Serapong courses.

It was a massive field of 204 players but the cut came at three-under par and only the low 70 and ties will play the weekend.

American Phil Mickelson added a 69 to his opening 67 and was tied for 15th at 136, six-under par. He was joined at that number with Germany’s Martin Kaymer.

Ignacio Garrido of Spain was the first round leader with a nine-under par 62 on the Tanjong course but he soared to a 79 on the Serapong Friday and missed the 36-hole cut.

“It was a good day overall,” Scott said of his effort. “It was a long day so I’m pleased with the outcome.”

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Ohio State Star Terrelle Pryor To Stay For Senior Year

Posted: 13 Nov 2010 03:19 AM PST

AHN Sports Staff

Columbus, OH, United States (AHN) – Ohio State junior quarterback Terrelle Pryor has decided to stay with the Buckeyes for his final year of eligibility Thursday, saying he wants to leave a legacy in Columbus before jumping into the pro-ranks.

Considered one of the nation’s top college prospects, the 21-year-old Pryor announced he will return for his senior year, as the Buckeyes’ top signal-caller aims for more glory.

Pryor said his goals are to have his jersey retired and finish a degree in Columbus.

“I’m a Buckeye until I break all the records,” Pryor told USA Today Thursday. “I want to leave a legacy here, maybe someday get my jersey hung up. That’s one of my goals as well here.”

In order for Pryor to achieve his first goal, he wants to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy, joining Buckeyes Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, Howard Cassady, Archie Griffin, Eddie George, and Troy Smith.

Pryor added he’s not worried about the money waiting for him in the NFL, insisting education should come first in his order of priorities.

Pryor, a top basketball prospect in high school, also brought up the idea of playing college hoops.

“You never know. You might see me with black shoes and white socks on the court.” Pryor added.

Pryor has been a vital cog for the No.9 Buckeyes, as he has completed 67.6 percent of his passes for 1997 yards with 20 TD passes.

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Urijah Faber Leaves WEC With Main Event Win

Posted: 13 Nov 2010 03:19 AM PST

Shawn Krest – AHN Sports Correspondent

Las Vegas, NV, United States (AHN) – One of the best-known fighters in WEC history won in the second-to-last main event the organization would ever hold.

Urijah Faber, who first fought for the circuit at WEC 19, more than four and a half years ago, choked out Takeya Mizugaki in the main event of WEC 52, Thursday night in Las Vegas.

At the end of October, the UFC announced it will absorb the WEC. The two MMA powerhouses have worked together in recent years, with the WEC focusing on lighter weight fighters.

The final WEC event is scheduled for December 16.

After several minutes of relatively even stand-up to open the bout, Faber shot in for a takedown attempt. In the scramble for position, Faber was able to get behind Mizugaki and sink in a rear naked choke from a standing position.

The fighters went to the floor, where Faber was able to tighten the hold. Mizugaki refused to tap, and instead was choked unconscious at 4:50 of the first round.

The fight was Faber’s first at bantamweight, where he will join the UFC. Previously, he spent his WEC career ten pounds heavier, in the featherweight division. “When I first started fighter, there was no 135-pound class,” Faber said. “I didn’t have a choice.”

The new weight seemed to serve him well, as Faber saw the end to a stretch where’d he lost three of five fights.

He enters the UFC with a career record of 24-4 on the strength of his 13th career submission, a victory that earned him Submission of the Night honors.

Faber’s last three wins have come by submission, the second longest streak of his career. He won four straight by submission as WEC featherweight champion in 2007.

“It’s been an awesome run for the WEC. I love these guys,” Faber told the media. “It’s time to step it up and get my belt in the UFC.”

Mikugaki fell to 13-5-2 with his third loss in five outings.

In earlier bouts, Erik Koch won Knockout of the Night with a left kick to the head of Francisco Rivera at 1:36 of the first round.

Koch moved to 11-1 with his second career knockout, the first since 2007. Rivera lost for the first time after five victories to open his career.

Chad Mendes won a unanimous decision over Javier Vazquez, 30-27 on all cards. Mendes controlled the action with takedowns and significant time in top position in all three rounds.

Mendes remained unbeaten at 9-0. Vazquez fell to 15-5.

It took three attempts, but Joseph Benavidez finally produced a submission with his guillotine choke on Wagnney Fabiano.

After a first round highlighted by even striking, Benavidez scored a knockdown early in the second. His first attempt at a guillotine wasn’t tight enough. After making an adjustment, Benavidez tried again, but Fabiano managed to keep his arm in and took Benavides to his back.

The third time was the charm, and Benavides got the tap at 2:45 of the second.

Benavidez’s eighth submission moved him to 13-2. Fabiano fell to 14-3.

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Tiger Woods Nine Back At Aussie Masters; Adam Bland Holds Lead

Posted: 13 Nov 2010 03:19 AM PST

Tom Edrington – AHN Sports Reporter

Melbourne, Australia (AHN) – Australian Adam Bland’s second round 67 Friday put him atop the leaderboard at the Australian Masters but he was concerned about the impending weekend weather.

Bland posted a 36-hole total of 132, 10-under par at the Victoria Golf Club. He has a two-shot lead over Andre Stoltz and Sergio Garcia made a big move Friday to move into solo third place.

Garcia shot a six-under par 65 and is four-under par at 138, a half dozen shots behind Bland.

But Bland feels that uncertain weather for the weekend could make it anyone’s tournament to win, perhaps even Tiger Woods, although Woods is nine shots behind Bland.

Woods was one-over par with a 72 on Friday and is one-under at 141 and tied for 16th.

“Anyone who makes the cut can win,” Bland said. “If we get bad conditions and I play bad or someone plays good, this just closes the gap.”

Three of the prominent Australian players have not fared well over the first 36 holes.

Stuart Appleby was at two-under par 140 while pre-tournament favorites Geoff Ogilvy and Robert Allenby were at even par 142 and three-over par 145.

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