Defense Gareth McAuley today claimed West Bromas aBand of Brothersa have impressed his remarkable form as he makes for the chance of more awards. The Northern Ireland global is favourite in my experience named the Baggiesa player of the year on Sunday at Birminghamas ICC when the club maintain their end-of-season dinner. And the centre-back, who was simply named player of the season by the Baggiesa disabled fans membership, says his connection together with his team-mates is responsible. He said: aI want to help keep on experiencing it since playing with these lads is like playing with your partners and you only donat want to allow them down."
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hints at Robert Lewandowski swoop - ESPN.co.uk
Sir Alex Ferguson has suggested Manchester United may yet sign Robert Lewandowski, despite reports the Borussia Dortmund striker is bound for Bayern Munich.
Lewandowski stole the headlines midweek, scoring four goals against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals. The Poland international has become one of the hottest strikers in Europe as a result.
Ferguson believes that, following the announcement that Bayern have signed Mario Gotze for next season, Lewandowski may not be allowed to make the same move, and could instead transfer to Old Trafford.
"If the right player comes along you have to be prepared to make a move," Ferguson said. "I can find room for anybody here as long as they have the required quality.
"I am not sure Lewandowski will be sold to Bayern now. The Dortmund fans are not going to be happy [about the Gotze transfer] and I don't think they will sell to their main rivals.
Bayern, meanwhile, moved to quash reports from Bild that Lewandowski had agreed to terms with the Bundesliga leaders. The club "has no contract with Robert Lewandowski", a statement read.
Hatem Ben Arfa upbeat on Newcastle United future - ChronicleLive
And the French international also feels that United have a team to be envied – when they are able to name a full-strength XI.
And his only frustration now is that the games have run out for the Magpies in what has been a season of trials and tribulations.
However, the ex-Marseille star is confident that if Newcastle retain stars like Yohan Cabaye, Cheick Tiote, Moussa Sissoko, Papiss Cisse and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, they can push for a top-six finish in the Premier League again next term.
Ben Arfa – who turned in a good performance against QPR at the weekend and netted a goal from the penalty spot to bag three crucial points – told the Chronicle: "I think when you look at the individual players we already have, there are some fantastic talented players on that list.
"A few new players also came in during January and needed some time. But when we are all together next season we can really do well.
Ben Arfa missed large chunks of the campaign with a hamstring problem that ruled him out at key stages of the season.
But he responded well to an allotted rest period after United's 0-0 draw in Moscow in the Europa League against Anzhi Makhachkala.
A quick glance at Ben Arfa's top-flight stats this season shows he now has four goals and two assists in 18 matches, and it is clear that his absence has been a big factor in Newcastle's struggle.
Now the Frenchman just wants to look forward – and while staving off relegation is hardly a major achievement, the 26-year-old said: "We wanted to stay up and that's all that matters.
Ben Arfa, though, will first be hoping to sign off with a big finish against Arsenal in Sunday's last game of the season.
The finale will take place in front of another full house, and the possibility of finishing 10th in the table is still up for grabs.
Belmont Stakes 2013: Predicting Top 3 Finishers in Triple Crown's Final Leg
In what can be described as nothing short of a stunning display of dominance, Oxbow led from start to finish en route to a victory at the 2013 Preakness Stakes. With the win, Orb's pursuit of the Triple Crown was crushed and Oxbow entered his name into the hat of favorites for the Belmont Stakes.
Orb entered the race as the odds-on favorite, but it was Oxbow that was led by multi-time Preakness Stakes winners in jockey Gary Stevens and trainer D. Wayne Lukas. Stevens took home his third career Preakness Stakes crown, while Lukas corralled his sixth.
Just don't sell the field short before the action even begins; some horses that ran well in the Kentucky Derby but skipped the Preakness might contend as well.
Oxbow enters the race in fierce competition with Orb to own the label of the favorite, as both have won major races this season. With Oxbow taking the Preakness Stakes and Orb earning the Kentucky Derby nod, the top two contenders at the Belmont Stakes could be the previous winners.
Orb may have finished in fourth at the 2013 Preakness Stakes, but he was starting off of the rail in the No. 1 post. Not only is that unfavorable position, but it's a sign of things to come—no horse has won the event from the rail since 1994.
With this in mind, there's no reason to believe that Joel Rosario will be unable to ride Orb to yet another victory. After all, legendary trainer Claude R. "Shug" McGaughey has won at this event before, taking home the 1989 Belmont Stakes title.
If Orb starts in favorable position, there's a powerful possibility that he walks away with the victory. With that being said, confidence and focus is a key here, and Orb cannot be thrilled with the way the Preakness turned out.
Fresh off of a win at the Preakness Stakes, it's not hard to see why Oxbow will be a favorite at the 2013 Belmont Stakes. It certainly doesn't hurt that Oxbow has the supporting cast to lead a charge toward a victory.
Stevens enters this race having won the Belmont Stakes in 1995, 1998 and 2001. For what it's worth, the 1995 title came alongside none other than Lukas.
Individually, Lukas has won the Belmont Stakes on four separate occasions. He won the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes consecutively in 1994 and 1995.
One of the most surprising finishes at the 2013 Preakness Stakes was held by Mylute. Starting out of the No. 5 post, Mylute ended up finishing third and surprising the field by finishing ahead of Orb by a relatively wide margin.
Mylute is guided by jockey Rosie Napravnik, a 25-year-old from Morristown, N.J. Not only is she one of the fastest-rising jockeys in the world, but she's on pace to reach the height of legends with a win at Belmont.
Napravnik and trainer Tom Amoss appear to have limitless potential together, which will shine through in Elmont, New York. Together, they could join the ranks of history and place Napravnik in a class of her own in terms of modern riders.
Link: The IOC officially approves the 2004 for Manolo Martinez-Olympic bronze
Scouting Rumoured Manchester City Transfer Target, Malaga's Isco - Bleacher Report
If Málaga allow Manuel Pellegrini to leave for the vacant Manchester City job, per Sky Sports, then 21-year-old attacking midfielder Isco becomes a prime target for the Sky Blues, according to Danny Griffiths at The Metro.
Rather than have their answer to Andrea Pirlo, Valencia management were punting on Éver Banega as a playmaker, a role he's had varied success in.
Alejandro Domínguez never lived up to expectations after dominating in Russia, and he constantly went missing under Unai Emery.
Emery claimed Isco's fluctuating weight (something Cazorla struggled with early in his career) was the reason why the youngster never made it at Valencia, per AS.com:
AS.com: Have you heard about Unai Emery's comments about you in his book 'Winning mentality'? He said you had a tendency to put on weight.
Isco: Emery can say what he wants. I think he made a big mistake with me, not just in not giving me confidence, but also in the way he treated me. Perhaps he didn't give me confidence because I didn't win over his confidence.
Despite the setback, Isco knew his self-worth with the FIFA Technical Study Group highlighting him as an outstanding player during the 2009 U-17 FIFA World Cup and 2011 U-20 World Cup.
Two years later, Al Thani, frustrated by the lack of equality in La Liga, stopped funding Málaga, leaving the club in the red and incurring a one-year ban from European competitions.
The first few games of Isco's Málaga career must have been surreal knowing he was playing alongside a masterful technician in Santi Cazorla, one of the best players in the world.
With Cazorla moving to Arsenal last summer, Isco was handed the reigns, and he's had more freedom to operate in his second season for the Andalusian club.
A 7.9 shots per league goal is not even in the ballpark of Real Valladolid's crafty 30-year-old, Óscar, whose SPLG is 3.9.
Though, Isco has repeatedly shown exceptional positional awareness, especially against struggling defenders like Pepe, who was outwitted by the Spaniard's smartness.
When the Málaga midfielder is on song, he takes over games as evidenced with braces vs. Zenit Saint Petersburg and Levante.
It's not just the goals, he can conjure up moments of sheer brilliance, and he was No. 1 in dribbles per game (4.8) during the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.
He has the passing range and the aptitude to seamlessly switch to a midfield conductor, which is what Andrés Iniesta does for Barcelona.
If Málaga wanted to keep Isco, they would have inserted a €90 million buyout clause, which is what Barcelona did with Thiago Alcântara.
Isco's €35 million buyout clause, via his recent contract extension, is pleading for a prospective buyer to trigger it this summer.
When Pellegrini became the Málaga manager, after being unceremoniously ousted at Real Madrid, he requested his former Villarreal player Cazorla, the current Arsenal star, who is finally receiving the world-wide recognition he should have always had.
23-year-old Japanese international Hiroshi Kiyotake, of Nuremberg, doesn't just have vast marketing value, but he has more league assists with inferior players (10) than David Silva (8), who plays alongside some of the most expensive strikers in the world.
Atlético Madrid's 21-year-old midfielder Koke is a more complete footballer, averaging more tackles per game (2.3) than Isco (1.4) and threads more penetrating passes, hence why the Atléti midfielder has seven more assists.
If Mancini was still the manager, then buying Isco is unnecessary as the chances of him being lost in the shuffle is high.
However, if Pellegrini is the manager, you have to project that he'll put Isco, who has FIFA Ballon d'Or potential, in the best situation to succeed.
Via: The IOC officially approves the 2004 for Manolo Martinez-Olympic bronze
2013 Preakness Payout: How Top Favorites and Longshots Made out
The owners of Affirmed can crack the proverbial champagne, as the Triple Crown drought will continue pushing into its fourth decade after Saturday's 138th Preakness Stakes.
Starting from the sixth post, underdog Oxbow came from 16-1 pre-race odds (via Bovada) to end Orb's quest for history. The Kentucky Derby winner was unable to find that extra gear against the nine-horse field, getting lost in a sea of horses down the stretch en route to finishing fourth.
But Saturday's story was all about Oxbow. Jockeyed by Gary Stevens and trained by D. Wayne Lukas, Oxbow got off to a roaring start. The three-year-old colt took the lead from the opening gate and never once relinquished the advantage for a wire-to-wire triumph. You can take a look at the full results of Saturday's race on the video embedded below.
Meanwhile, the run was one of disappointment for Orb, who burst onto the scene with a dominant performance at Churchill Downs. Shug McGaughey's top colt came in as the heaviest favorite in a Preakness since Big Brown and was thought of as a legitimate Triple Crown threat.
However, it was clear that the horse didn't have an extra gear to come from behind as the folks at Pimlico Race Course saw one of the more shocking upsets in the sport's recent history.
As always is the case in major horse-racing upsets, the payout fallout is often as intriguing as the race itself. With that in mind, here is a look at the complete results for the 2013 Preakness Stakes along with the payout for each of the three top finishers:
Of the horses thought most likely to prevent Orb's run at a Triple Crown, Oxbow was at or near the bottom of the list. The D. Wayne Lukas-trained horse was one of three thoroughbreds ending the event for the legendary racing figure and had the second-highest odds of any entrant in Saturday's race.
Then the race started, and it became clear just what fine form Oxbow was in on Saturday. The colt burst out of the starting gate and was dominant from the outset. Oxbow's wire-to-wire win was the first time since Aloma's Ruler captured the 1982 Preakness that any horse has led the entire way, per Derby Contenders' Twitter feed:
Perhaps, we should have seen this coming, though. The 77-year-old Lukas is arguably the greatest trainer in the sports history, a man now with a record 14 Triple Crown victories. Speaking on NBC's telecast after the race, Lukas noted his penchant for shocking the world.
And while it's easy to have 20/20 hindsight, Oxbow's post draw also indicated a strong impending performance. As ESPN Stats & Information points out, the No. 6 post has produced the most Preakness winners in the storied race's history:
For those who had faith in history repeating itself from a gambling standpoint, Oxbow was obviously a major win for anyone who took a chance. The $32.80 payout for a win bet is one of the largest in history and a signal that anything truly does happen in horse racing.
Oxbow's scamper to a dominant win may have shocked the world, but Orb's fall from grace disappointed it. The Kentucky Derby winner came into Saturday's race with the largest hype of any horse in a half-decade and it felt anticlimactic seeing Orb drop from contention down the stretch.
Granted, Orb was racing against a good bit of history. There hadn't been a Preakness winner from the inside post since Tabasco Cat in 1994—and that's the only one over the past five-plus decades. Even in smaller fields, the inside post is a death knell for plenty of top-notch horses, as opponents scamper to get inside position.
And as Chris Brown's Smart Football Twitter feed pointed out, starting on the inside gate left Orb squeezed a little too tight at a couple different points:
Nevertheless, it was obvious Orb did not have that extra gear on Saturday. Even when Joel Rosario finally got his horse some breathing room, the burst to the front was just not there. A horse that came in as -500 to finish inside the top three (per Bovada) came up one spot short.
Speaking after the race, trainer Shug McGaughey said he was disappointed mostly because of the fan letdown, per John Clay of the Lexington Herald-Leader:
It's a great sentiment from McGaughey, who is one of the sport's most beloved faces. But as we begin the lead-up to the Belmont Stakes, the sport again feels like something major is missing. There was no second triumph for McGaughey, Orb or any of the folks who spent countless dollars riding the hot hand.
Mylute was a fast-riser up the odds boards heading into Saturday's race, and it was likely a little puzzling for those who hadn't been paying attention. The three-year-old colt had run 10 races in its short career and only won twice—and not once during this calendar year.
Mylute's biggest banner performance of the 2013 racing season was a fifth-place spot in the Kentucky Derby. And while that made the Tom Amoss-trained horse the second-highest Derby finisher in this Preakness field, that was something of a backhanded compliment. This field had three different new shooters at the starting gate, all of which put this field in massive flux prior to Saturday.
However, the major reason Mylute being bet hard made sense was the presence of jockey Rosie Napravnik. The 25-year-old Napravnik came into the Preakness Stakes with an intricate knowledge of how Pimlico works. Her first victory was at the legendary track, where the New Jersey native spent much of her youth building up a strong reputation.
You could see that familiarity on display throughout Saturday's festivities. Napravnik expertly navigated Mylute through a sea of horses midway through the race, emerging and blowing past Orb en route to a third-place finish.
While not quite the history-making victory Napravnik was hoping for, she did become the highest-finishing female jockey in Preakness history. And as Amoss points out, Mylute looks like he's only going to get better going forward, per Derby Contenders' Twitter feed:
Link: The Barca beats Espanyol the Catalonia Cup on penalties
NBA Business Rumors: Latest Buzz Heading into Draft Lottery.
With the NBA draft lottery impending, there is plenty with buzz regarding what teams may or may well not do with their first-round possibilities. Even though the draft order has yet to remain determined, that hasn't stopped squads from inquiring about possible moves and getting prepared in advance.
There is usually some sort of flurry of trades around draft amount of time in the NBA, so it's interesting to remember that teams are presently posturing. Whether or not rumors come to fruition is anyone's guess as there's a simple lot that goes into at your residence trade, but it's certainly fun to take a position.
The Orlando Magic include the best odds concerning securing the No. 1 overall pick at 25 %, according to SI. com, but it is far from a guarantee. The Charlotte Bobcats, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns and Brand-new Orleans Hornets round out the highest five. All of all those teams have different must have and mindsets, but it's certainly possible that some of them could trade out of your top spot if they ensure it is.
According to Sam Amico from FOX Sports, with so much uncertainty surrounding the the top draft this year, it wouldn't be surprising to find the No. 1 pick get traded.
While trading the pick obviously depends on who wins the lottery, Amico's assessment makes a whole lot of sense. There is commonly a surefire top options, but things aren't quite so paper this year. Most guessed that Kentucky center Nerlens Noel would probably go first, but he might out until Christmas thanks to his ACL injury. Kansas guard Ben McLemore is a other option, but he just doesn't feel like No. 1 pick material a result of the amount of holes inside his game.
There is usually very little drama concerning the top pick, so a trade or at least talk of a exchange is welcomed. Every team has different opinions in regards to a guy like Noel, so although the team that gets the superior selection may not prefer him, there's another team that might be willing to give upward a king's ransom in order to draft him. Whatever the result, this promises to be about the most intriguing drafts in recent memory.
Things didn't go as reported by plan for the Portland Trail Blazers this coming year as they missed the playoffs and are slated to pick Virtually no. 10 if the lottery is chalk, but they have been in a pretty positive position.
They already have a legitimate star in electricity forward LaMarcus Aldridge, and Rookie of 12 months Damian Lillard figures being a big-time point guard for a few years to come. With a lot of youth and talent already relating to the roster, Portland has choices when it comes to the condensation.
According to Joe Kotoch from ProBasketballDraft. com, the Blazers need center depth and may just be willing to part making use of their lottery pick if the appropriate deal comes along.
Portland already has a starting five fitting to a playoff team with Aldridge, Lillard, Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum and additionally J. J. Hickson, but depth is certainly a problem and the main reason why the Blazers only journeyed 33-49. Hickson had a great year as he averaged nearly 13 points and 10 rebounds per game, but he isn't a traditional center at only just 6'9".
The Blazers accomplish have 2012 first-round decide on Meyers Leonard behind her, but they are taking their time concerning developing the talented seven-footer. Developing another center could a smart move for Portland, especially since it's unlikely an immediate-impact player is available around the No. 10 go with. It is unclear which often centers the Blazers will be targeting, but it is probably worth monitoring.
Perhaps no team is more firmly entrenched around no man's land as opposed to the Utah Jazz. Utah narrowly missed the postseason and has now the lowest odds involving any lottery team in regards to landing the No. 1 pick. They also own a Golden State Warriors' Virtually no. 21 selection, so they certainly have some options.
In order for Utah to seriously become a player inside Western Conference, it needs to manufacture a big splash on condensation night.
According to Bill Oram of the Salt Lake Tribune, Jazz overall manager Dennis Lindsey is usually weighing all options, including potentially moving up in order to nab a desired person.
The Jazz already have a lot of depth in their top court with players such as Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Enes Kanter, Derrick Wedding favors and Marvin Williams. Utah's guard play suffered this year, though, so it could certainly work with a bona-fide point guard as well as a shooting guard who may take over games. It's unclear if those categories of players exist in this approach class, but the Jazz won't find them at Certainly no. 14 or No. 7.
If Utah can potentially get into the top 10, then probably Michigan's Trey Burke or simply Indiana's Victor Oladipo end up options. The Jazz have to have a player who can part of and contribute immediately for guard, and trading up is probably the easiest way to make that happen.
More Info: The boat falls in Miribilla in a final heart attack
If You’re Not A Fan Of Tim Tebow, Perhaps This Ham-fisted Love Column By Chuck Norris Will Change Your Tune
If you're like no one, the only reason you don't think Tim Tebow is a good NFL quarterback is because Chuck Norris hasn't come out in his defense yet. Luckily for you, Chuck Norris took a break from being a pseudo-sensation seven years ago to pen a column on why everyone in the NFL is wrong about Tebow, and how the Jaguars need to give him a chance.
The column appeared in NewsBusters, a fittingly conservative outlet. As you might expect, it's a bit misguided and tends to gloss over many of the important elements of the Tebow narrative in favor of phrases like "Tim Tebow is a winner — plain and simple!" (Spoiler alert: that's the last line of the article.)
Norris believes that the Jaguars would be a great fit for Tebow. Why? Certainly not because that's the team that other people have suggested in the past, because Chuck Norris doesn't repeat what other people say — something something something Chuck Norris joke. It's because:
To put it simply, it's because Tim could help turn that mediocre team into a championship one. Tebow works miracles on the field, and his inclusion would embolden the spirit of the Jaguars' players and fans.
This is the crux of many an argument made by Tebow supporters — that Tebow can turn any team around — and it simply does not make sense. Football, more than any other American sport, is a team game. That's why players get cutor re-signed to lesser deals way more often than they get traded — NFL teams know that the team concept outweighs any individual. The quarterback may be the team's most important player, but as we saw in the playoffs last year, anybody can derail a season. The idea that Tebow, or any one player, makes a team is ridiculous.
What sportsman ever could forget how that amazing second-year QB came back from a 15-0 disadvantage to the Miami Dolphins to lead the Broncos to an 18-15 overtime victory and then led Denver to six wins in its next seven games and into the playoffs…
[Reminder: The teams that Tebow beat included the Raiders (2011 season record of 8-8), the Chiefs (7-9), the Jets (8-8), the Bears (8-8), the Vikings (3-13) and those Dolphins (6-10). So, nobody over .500.]
– an amazingly gifted football player, an inspiration to his team and the possessor of intense determination and strategy to bring any team to victory — no matter what the odds.
I have been an athlete all my life, being a six-time undefeated world middleweight champion in the martial arts, and I know a winner when I see one.
[Well, if a dude who beats the shit out of people believes that Tim Tebow can suddenly throw a spiral, then I guess we'll have to believe it. Shad Khan, what are you waiting for? Some sort of quote from Martin Luther King Jr.?]
So let me respectfully challenge Khan to consider these words from Dr. King:"There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right."
Steve Politi I'll have a single-malt witch hazel. RT @starledger: Bar mixed rubbing alcohol w/ food coloring and served as scotch http://t.co/CifVa05TrI
Grant Wahl Lyon has outscored teams 223-10 and is 35-0-1, but this won't be a 10-0 final. Still 0-0 with Wolfsburg 22 minutes in.
Gregg Doyel Sigh RT @EyeOnGolf: European Tour CEO apologizes for using the term 'colored athletes' http://t.co/htu8bMHV2w
Holly MacKenzie More talk of Reggie Bullock being a 1st rounder, as he should be. RT @kpelton: the latest Insider Draft 5-on-5: http://t.co/2xWhEL3h41 ($)
Link: The agent of Jupp Heynckes: "If Florentino Perez calls us, we'd take the offer"
NBA Star Terrence Williams Arrested for Alleged Gun Threats
Boston Celtics guard Terrence Williams has been arrested for making threats with a gun and is currently under investigation by Kent, Wash., police for a domestic violence case.
According to the Seattle Times, Williams—who played high school basketball at Rainier Beach in Seattle—was taken into custody following an argument with a woman who has informed police to be the mother of his 10-year-old son.
At approximately 1:55 p.m., during a scheduled visitation of the boy, Williams exposed the gun in a downtown Kent parking lot, made threats and left before law enforcement could arrive.
The staff of the Kent Reporter found that Williams was taken into custody without issue. Police detective Melanie Frazier said this concerning Williams' arrest: "We investigate and treat all cases such as this very seriously regardless of the status of those involved."
With the investigation ongoing, details are still emerging. This is certainly concerning for Williams' NBA career, as the former lottery pick has bounced around the league during his first four seasons.
After getting selected No. 11 overall by the New Jersey Nets in 2009, the former Louisville Cardinals star has spent time with the Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, Boston Celtics, Springfield Armor of the D-League and Guangdong Southern Tigers in China.
His most recent contributions in the Association came as a backup point guard coming off Boston's bench. He turned a 10-day contract into a two-year deal that has an non-guaranteed option for the upcoming 2013-14 campaign.
It remains to be seen if general manager Danny Ainge will exercise it. The 25-year-old holds career averages of 4.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
RotoExperts On The Radio: Is Patrick Corbin For Real?
Patrick Corbin continued to defy all expectations with a stellar performance at Colorado this week. Did that outing fully convince everyone Corbin is the real deal? Mark "Dr. Roto" Bloom and Adam Ronis have the answers. The RotoExperts are on Sirius/XM Fantasy Sports Radio (Sirius 210, XM 87) weekdays from 6 to 11 a.m., Monday nights from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET, Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET and Sundays from 7 to 10 a.m. ET.
Dan Levy Yes that's ESPN's flagship show asking followers if they want to produce @SportsCenter the same day the company got rid of hundreds of staff
Dan Levy Of all poorly timed promotions RT @SportsCenter: Want to help produce SportsCenter? @JaguarUSA & #YourTurnSC will put fans in TV driver seat
SportsCenter Want to help produce SportsCenter? @JaguarUSA & #YourTurnSC will put fans in the TV driver's seat Wednesday night. Don't miss it!
Link: Ross Brawn back rolling
Crowne Plaza Invitational Play Suspended Due to Inclement Weather on Day 2
Inclement weather was just about the only thing that could stop Matt Kuchar in Friday's second round of the 2013 Crowne Plaza Invitational.
Kuchar was five-under par through 15 holes and standing in good position on the 16th green when officials suspended play at Colonial due to an impending storm in the area (h/t Jimmy Burch of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram). The 34-year-old Kuchar is the highest-ranked player who made the trip to Fort Worth this week, and he's looked it as the course has mostly stayed in low numbers.
Kuchar will return to the course Saturday morning to finish his final three holes, where he will take a one-stroke lead over Graham DeLaet.
Weather played a major factor throughout Friday's second round, as play was suspended twice due to thunderstorms in the area. In all, 18 groups (54 golfers) that did not finish their rounds on Friday and will have to come back early Saturday morning.
For those in contention, the rain out will be a massive inconvenience. The second round will resume at 7:15 a.m. ET, bringing the golfers back to the course less than 12 hours after play was suspended. Kuchar, who was unhappy with the decision to suspend play, was noticeably dejected about returning to the course so soon.
"That's a bit of a bummer," said Kuchar (per ESPN). "It's no fun to wake up at 4:30 to get out here and play three holes."
Assuming Kuchar finishes his round at even-par or better, he will likely be in the last group of Round 3—giving him a lengthy wait in the clubhouse. If all holds, he would be paired with DeLaet, who followed up his opening-round 64 with a three-under 67 on Friday. The 31-year-old Canadian is coming off an excellent performance at the Byron Nelson and seems to be hitting his groove.
Other notables on the leaderboard include 19-year-old Jordan Spieth, whose expertise on this course dates back to his days at the University of Texas.
Saturday's third round will commence at Colonial as normally scheduled. There are no plans at this time for a Monday finish.
Via: The representative of Lewandowski reiterated that Poland will play at Bayern
World’s Longest-Serving Bat Boy Has been At It For 55 Years (And Counting).
That University of Memphis takes the concept of 'bat boy' to your ridiculous extreme. Here's Stan Bronson Jr., 84, who has been on the job for the Tigers' baseball team since 1958. Yep, he's celebrating 55 years for the reason that team's bat boy, which makes him your longest-serving person in that position on the globe, ever. The Guinness Book of World Records says so, so it will have to be true.
During Bronson's initial season as bat boy at Memphis, Stan Musial and Ted Williams were playing with the major leagues. The Russians introduced Sputnik 1 that 365 days. Chess champion Bobby Fischer was 14 yrs . old. You get the idea.
Bronson, who has some learning disability, mild palsy together with a speech impediment, has never been paid by the University. His medical needs are taken care of by the team cross trainers, he has a lifetime pass to your university cafeteria, and this late mother, Irma, left him the family house in a believe in.
"I remember his mother telling us just once, that when Stan was an exceedingly young child, that your beloved physician told her that Stan's life span would be eight or nine years, " proclaimed [Memphis associate athletic overseer Bob] Winn. "We believe that, really, quite frankly, this athletics has kept Stan lively and going. "
Within a interview recently on NPR, Bronson said that he came to Memphis around 1958 after being fired in the athletics department at Rhodes College.
"Coach Murphy explains to the story that Stan proclaimed, 'I need a position, '" recounted longtime Memphis partner athletic director Bob Winn. "Coach Murphy stated, 'Well, son, I'm sorry but I don't have profit my budget to fund anybody else. And Stan stated, 'Don't need money. Have to have a job. '"
Inspiring narrative and all, but shouldn't the university have been completely paying him something in the process? Last year the company held a fundraiser that will help with Bronson's future medical costs (he doesn't have a medical insurance, and is not on social security, due to the fact he's never worked). And recently they retired this number.
Richard Deitsch The best piece I've read today. RT @runofplay: Here's your new column on Mister Alex Ferguson: http: //t. co/l2dzLpc7LO
Bruce Feldman Whoa.. $9. 7 million? RT @ByThomasOToole Coach K made how much? @ByBerkowitz tells you this eye-popping figure: http: //t. co/CDjdYtwWka
More Info: The Tottenham negotiates by Villa
Vassilis Spanoulis’ Euroleague job interview, photo: What’s the note?
Is Vassilis Spanoulis throwing straight down a gauntlet? As the Euroleague endorsed website leads its interview with the Captain by describing your ex as having "taken his place on the list of all-time greats of the game of basketball by leading Olympiacos Piraeus to just your second Euroleague repeat title within the last two decades, " the below picture appears relating to the site's front page.
Provided that Olympiacos' trophy was utilized Britain, does anyone else sense a subliminal meaning here, perhaps to other 'League…?
More Info: Falcao negotiates with the Monaco, which already welcomes you
Trey Burke NBA Unite 2013: Measurements, Analysis in addition to Draft Projection.
At the league's scouting combine, the talented point guard do not participate in drills, as reported by Jeff Goodman of CBS:
Nonetheless, he can still solidify his standing among the top picks in the draft by doing well in interviews and placing strong measurements in Chicago.
While this week is not a make-or-break moment to your All-American, Burke is certain to take delivery of plenty of attention only at that event. Here is a review of the player's profile heading into the majority of the draft season.
A lack of height is about the biggest things preventing Burke from as a possible elite point guard in the NBA. He was only detailed at 6'0" on Michigan's official website and might have been even smaller than her listing.
Fortunately, his official measurements were a lot better than originally thought. According to be able to Nick Baumgardner of MLive. com, the guard said he measured at 6'1" with a wingspan of 6'5".
Considering how well your 6'0" Chris Paul has done in the past, it is certainly possible for Burke to determine the same level of success or near to it at the next level.
The point guard ended up being outstanding during his sophomore season for the Wolverines, totaling 18. 6 items and 6. 7 provides help per game. His contributions relating to the court helped him end up being the consensus National Player within the Year.
Of course, it was eventually more than just his statistics that have been so impressive. He was one within the quickest guards in America income beat almost anyone to the lane where he could finish at the casing. If given space, he could hit three-point shots regularly.
In addition, he is also a decent passer who continually established open shots for this teammates. Finally, the toughness and will to win that had been on display during the NCAA tournament is not something that needs to be ignored.
While he may not an elite defender, his strength and speed will allow him to stay in front of opponents and do enough to aid his team.
There is little doubt that Burke will be the top point guard on the board, but his actual draft position are going to be highly dependent on the lottery and team require.
If a team such as the Orlando Magic wins that lottery and decides they can need a point protect, Burke could end up being the primary player selected in the whole draft. However, a much more likely scenario is that Nerlens Noel in addition to Ben McLemore go Certainly no. 1 and No. 2 in many order.
After that, Burke will discover a spot where they are needed, which will likely be somewhere between the Certainly no. 3 pick and that No. 10 pick.
Nevertheless, the college star will be selected at some point in the lottery and should go on to enjoy a very successful NBA occupation.
LA Clippers' Top Free-Agent Target at Every Position
The Clippers do not have enough cap space to make an offer to Al Jefferson, but they do have the pieces to acquire him via trade. The Utah Jazz are in desperate need of a point guard, and the Los Angeles Clippers have one of the most sought-after point guards on the market in Eric Bledsoe.
A deal involving Bledsoe, Caron Butler and Grant Hill for Al Jefferson and the 21st pick in the draft could entice both teams. Bledsoe would give Utah their point guard of the future, while Caron Butler provides wing depth for the season, not to mention Hill and Butler's contracts both expire next summer.
Jefferson would provide the Clippers with the type of inside scoring they currently lack. For as great as Blake Griffin is, the team is unable to throw the ball to him in the post late in the shot clock and expect him to get an easy look. Jefferson would provide the Clippers that luxury and would also take some of the defensive focus off Griffin.
Furthermore, this would also allow the Clippers to trade DeAndre Jordan in order to upgrade on the wing, or hold on to him as their defensive center off the bench.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson targeting two summer signings - Goal.com Singapore
The Red Devils' boss has revealed that the Premier League champions will be looking to add two new players to their title-winning squad when the transfer window opens in July
The Red Devils were only confirmed as this season's Premier League winners on Monday after beating Aston Villa 3-0, but Sir Alex is already looking towards adding to his team for the new campaign in August.
The United boss told reporters: "I don't think that we need to rebuild at all – possibly two players, if possible. It depends of course. If a player came along that we felt met our criteria, I think we'd push the boat out and get him irrespective of how many players we had.
"Having spoken with the Glazer family [the owners] I think there's every intention we want to kick on, yeah," he added.
"Absolutely. I hope so. It has been fantastic [gaining extra revenue from sponsors] and that's credit to the commercial people, they've done a great job and of course the football team has been [the] platform for that. But they're capitalising on such a great profile of the club – there's no doubt, worldwide it seems to me to be getting bigger.
"We're happy where we are at the moment, that's for sure," said Sir Alex. "We've attracted some really good sponsors, interesting and valuable partnerships because all the sponsors we're combining with have got the same philosophies as ourselves in terms of trying to make their product the best in their business – that's what we're trying to do."
NBA Draw up 2013: Highlighting 1st-Round Prospects Flying Under the Radar.
Whilst the 2013 NBA draft discussion up to now has revolved around Nerlens Noel, Dan McLemore, Victor Oladipo along with Otto Porter, there are a lot of future NBA talents going unrecognized come july 1st.
That's not to say that one particular four players isn't worth the top selection on June 27, but there's plenty more value to be enjoyed once you dive deeper into the first round.
Before a disappointing performance inside Final Four (two tips, two assists and five turnovers), Syracuse point guard Erina Carter-Williams' stock was flying on the ceiling.
The 6'6" floors general averaged 11. 9 ideas and 7. 3 assists per game last season to be a sophomore, struggling from the field on occasion but making up correctly with sensational defense together with a selfless style of enjoy.
Carter-Williams demonstrated tremendous ct vision in two seasons together with the Orange, and his length was enter in Jim Boeheim's vaunted 2-3 zone defense.
The knocks against Carter-Williams are that they needs to bulk up in order to match up with NBA guards and therefore he must improve and turn into a more consistent shooter being more effective at the subsequent level.
While it's hard so that you can argue the 21-year-old is able to dominate right away, given his size and ability to penetrate with a quick first step in the offensive end, Carter-Williams looks poised being a lottery pick and eventually a positive change player in the NBA.
After a quiet freshman year at North park State, Jamaal Franklin exploded on to the scene in 2011-12, playing increased minutes and boosting his scoring output coming from 2. 9 points so that you can 17. 4 points each and every game.
A long, particular sports shooting guard, the 6'5" Franklin are at his best when he's slashing on the basket or making a good play above the rim. His leaping ability is actually impressive, and his rebounding prowess is exceptional in a 2-guard.
The X-factor to get Franklin is his competition. Scouts and coaches aren't going to be questioning his motor anytime soon, and that's key for his development within the next level.
Like Carter-Williams, although, Franklin has to increase his jump shot to be able to truly make a difference on the offensive end in the NBA. But given his athleticism and preference to win, there should be inevitably that he'll continue to enhance in that area.
Another talented guard few are talking about this summer is Lehigh's K. J. McCollum, who is perfect known for helping head the Mountain Hawks in an upset win over Duke inside first round of your 2012 NCAA tournament.
Being a senior this past months, McCollum absolutely lit this up for Lehigh, averaging nearly 24 points per sport on 49. 5 percent shooting within the field and 51. 6 p . c shooting from beyond this arc.
The knock on McCollum is often a significant one, however. He hasn't played since last January after suffering your foot injury, and there are factors about his health and whether or not he's worth a first-round choices.
Assuming he can make contact with being the player he was before the injury, some NBA team will land an efficient scoring guard this kind of tool also impact the online game defensively. McCollum averaged some. 6 steals per game for a junior.
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Monday, June 3, 2013
Dusty Hernandez-Harrison vs. Eddie Soto: Preview and Predictions
As is the case with many talented, young fighters, glaring deficiencies haven't surfaced so far in Dusty Hernandez-Harrison's career.
There are subtle things that Hernandez-Harrison can improve on, such as not pulling straight back and establishing distance with his jab, but that will most likely come with more experience.
It's hard to call it a weakness, but as of right now, Hernandez-Harrison is most lacking in the experience department. By facing Soto, he is putting himself on the right path to boosting his opposition level.
If Soto is able to take Hernandez-Harrison into new waters, we may get a better idea of what the young D.C. fighter's weaknesses truly are.
In fights against Jose Gonzalez and Danny O'Connor, Soto overexerted himself with bobbing and weaving and then lunged into his opponents. This, coupled with a suspect chin, is one of Soto's most glaring weaknesses.
He needs to move more efficiently and try to show Hernandez-Harrison different angles. Against Gonzalez, Soto came straight forward while dropping his right hand, which allowed his opponent to knock him out with a crisp left hook.
Soto needs to work intelligently and enter into striking distance with his guard up. He shouldn't turn the fight into a home-run derby in hopes of knocking Hernandez-Harrison out with one punch.
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Saturday, May 25, 2013
Premier League survey and fittings, week 34: No, nothing is going to be...
The Premier League did itself in to a enormous tangle of general mediocrity this season, and chances are much higher as time goes along that it will all get more confusing. Fulham versus. ArsenalCraven Cottage; Wednesday, 15:00 GMT/10:00 AM ET Everton still comes with an outside chance, but at this point itas looking as though the ultimate Champions League area will soon be given to minimal derpy North London side. Arsenalas process this weekend would appear to be a bit less daunting than that of their opponents, with Fulhamas current activities fairly indicative of a group quite content with their somewhat firm grasp on a mid-table finish. The Gunners have a slight edge over Spurs in terms of stage, but with Tottenham in control of a game in hand itas not even close to a strong lead. These are three points Arsenal canat really afford to drop. Pick: Arsenal, 2-0 Norwich City vs. ReadingCarrow Road; Saturday, 15:00 GMT/10:00 AM ET Itas a to how close things have reached the base of the table that Norwich is in 14th position and still greatly in the relegation challenge. As should a somewhat easy outstanding record of games, the excess point the Canaries have over the three clubs immediately below them will definitely can be found in useful. With Readingas return to the Championship all but certain at this stage, Norwich canat manage a disappointment in this game. At this aspect, if you canat beat Reading at residence, itas entirely reasonable to question whether or not youare good enough in which to stay the group. Pick: Norwich, 3-1 Queens Park Rangers compared to. Stoke CityLoftus Road; Thursday, 15:00 GMT/10:00 AM ET Is this game essential? It's, definitely. Stokeas in freefall, and now look as likely as any club to end up in the bottom three come the end of the year. In the event you look closely at it, and on occasion even accept its existence by any such thing besides inference? No, you ought not. Pick: QPR, 2-1 Sunderland vs. EvertonStadium of Light; Wednesday, 15:00 GMT/10:00 AM ET Well, if Sunderland find a way to stay up, I guess the choices theyave produced in recent weeks are fully justified, right? This is a competitive business. Winning is the only thing that matters as of this stage. If last weekas knocking of Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear Derby is any indication, Sunderland will undoubtedly be back next year. Congratulations all around. Pick: Draw, 1-1 Swansea City versus. SouthamptonLiberty Stadium; Sunday, 15:00 GMT/10:00 AM ET I can not function as the only individual that wishes there is something concrete at risk in this game. Swansea and Southampton are two of the most pleasant teams to view the in the Premier League in completely various ways, and if both teams were only three or four places higher (or lower) in the table, what's probably planning to be the most fun game of the week will be complete canat-miss material. But you know what? Who cares about that. View this game instead of the other people which can be crucial but will likely be poor. Thatas what highlight displays are for, right? Pick: Swansea, 2-1 West Bromwich Albion compared to. Newcastle UnitedThe Hawthorns; Saturday, 15:00 GMT/10:00 AM ET Newcastle is as close to safe as you will get while still striking hand-wringing articles about the "what-ifs" of their probable relegation, while West Brom is simply somewhat chilling out at the top of mid-table, because they have been all season. Thereas demonstrably more stress on the Toon here, but the Baggies took an childlike glee in proverbially relieving themselves in the morning meal cereal of these weight this season. Newcastle has that odd thing happening where they look very much like last yearas team on some days and very much like the 2008-09 team on the others, and which will show up is very much anyoneas guess. Pick: Draw, 2-2 West Ham United compared to. Wigan AthleticUpton Park; Sunday, 15:00 GMT/10:00 AM ET Wiganas under the most force in the relegation challenge today, three points back from the package with a casino game in hand the only benefit they hold at the minute. The Latics have their fair share of knowledge wriggling out of situations far more determined than this and it would needless to say be foolish to count them out, nevertheless the work of great destinations must stop at some time, doesnat it? Pick: Wigan, 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester CityWhite Hart Lane; 13:30 GMT/8:30 AM ET We spoke earlier about the fight between Spurs and Arsenal for the remaining Champions League position, and at the time it'd appear as though the Gunners have top of the hand. Spurs can really change the picture with a win against City, but City is pretty good at soccer and, well, Spurs. I have nothing at all against Spurs; itas that, Spurs. Pick: City, 2-1 Liverpool vs. ChelseaAnfield; 16:00 GMT/11:00 AM ET Did you men know Rafa Bentiez used to handle Liverpool? Pick: Chelsea, 2-1 Birmingham United compared to. Aston VillaOld Trafford; 20:00 GMT/3:00 Pm ET Of all the ways to stop one of the main vacations of the Premier League season, this is really one of them. Aston Villa is typically not especially pleased that United still have something besides delight to play for; the phrase of the afternoon for the guests is going to be "damage control." Pick: United, 3-1
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Michigan Football: Wolverines Have Shot with 2014 5-Stars Brown, Jones, Jackson
While the Wolverines rake in premier athlete after premier athlete, key targets remain who could strengthen an already healthy and robust 2014 recruiting haul.
The obvious biggies are Woodbridge, Va. 5-star defensive end Da'Shawn Hand and Paramus Catholic 5-star corner Jabrill Peppers. If a 6-star ranking was possible, they'd have one from Rivals, Scout, 247Sports and every other prep-talent evaluating service on the Web—that you can take to the bank.
Should the Wolverines have the fortune of landing Hand, a behemoth 6'5", 247-pound man-child, and Peppers, a 6'1", 205-pound possible Charles Woodson-in-the-making, Hoke's 2014 collection would almost certainly be the No. 1 in the land—it's No. 5 at the moment, according to 247Sports.com—and quite possibly the best-ever Michigan class since the inception of the wonderfully entertaining process of rating prep stars.
But let's say that Hand and Peppers choose other schools—they both have plenty options, so thinking about them opting for a program other than Michigan should be in the minds of every Wolverines recruiting follower—next year's grocery bag of eliteness won't be short on the goods.
And that's not because of the players who have already given their pledges to the Maize and Blue—it's because of the ones out there in pick-a-school limbo who could very well commit to Michigan in the coming months.
At 6'5" and 290 pounds, he's near-perfect in terms of size to one day fill the void at left tackle. He's predicted by 247Sports' Steven Lorenz to roll the dice with Ohio State. But Fox Sports Next's Allen Trieu feels differently.
Trieu was a guest Tuesday on the HUGE Show, a popular syndicated program in Michigan. While talking with guest host Sam Webb, the Detroit News' Wolverines football beat writer, Trieu stated that he felt Jones would pick Michigan State.
For starters, one of his schoolmates has already chosen the Spartans: Alvin Ellis, a 3-star rated guard, is joining Tom Izzo's basketball team this season. Perhaps that could influence Jones, who most likely is familiar with Ellis.
After all, they attended school together. They're athletes, and as we all know, athletes tend to associate with other athletes.
Ellis' decision may have absolutely no bearing on whether or not Jones does or doesn't choose Michigan State—or Michigan, for that matter.
Jones visited Michigan on April 4. The popular thought, at least on Twitter, is that Jones likes the Buckeyes. So there goes the Ellis-Spartans theory…for now.
But as we've seen so far, those predictions don't always come to fruition; they're educated guesses. They're probably pretty accurate at the time made, but high school kids are so finicky these days. The slightest whisper could change a decision in an instant.
And that's why Jackson, a 5'11", 185-pound, 5-star rated corner/defensive back could flip his interest more towards Michigan's direction.
Wolverines tight ends coach and special teams coordinator Dan Ferrigno is on the trail for Jackson, who's a No. 3-ranked corner of 2014 according to 247Sports calculations.
Here's why: Ferrigno was almost entirely responsible for landing Drake Harris, the 4-star Grand Rapids Christian two-sport stud who originally committed to Michigan State at about this time in 2012. Harris was Green and White all the way—most thought—and nothing could have made him change his tune.
But that was until Ferrigno strutted his recruiting savvy and pulled the 2014 receiver from the grips of the Spartans, who hoped that Harris would play both basketball and football. That was the original plan, mind you.
If Ferrigno works his magic with Jackson, Michigan may not suffer all that much if it doesn't get Peppers. Jackson wouldn't be a bad consolation prize, but getting Peppers—who wants to basically do everything in college, including winning the Heisman Trophy as a true freshman—is ideal for the Wolverines' overall athletic-talent level.
Note: Peppers is classified as an athlete/safety by 247Sports, which ranks him No. 1 at both spots. However, he's being recruited as a corner by Michigan.
As the No. 4-ranked prospect of 2014, Brown is a nightmarish 5-star defensive tackle (No. 1 overall) to handle. But he could be equally horrific for offensive lines to contend with should he be moved to defensive end: It's possible to play around with Brown at different positions given his athleticism. He'd have to drop weight, but plenty of guys have done that in the past.
Now, if Hand waives goodbye to Michigan and chooses, say, Virginia Tech, the Wolverines would want to pounce on Brown immediately—not that they haven't already.
Browns' two-position potential could supplement the loss of Hand. Again, he brings so much to the table. Wolverines defensive coordinator Greg Mattison would have the time of his life coaching Brown, who would be a surefire NFL candidate after prowling college fields for three years.
The cupboards are quickly being stocked in Ann Arbor. More topnotch talent will surely commit to Hoke's program. And Jones, Jackson and Brown could be among those to make the choice to play for one of college football's sleeping giants.
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Predicting the NFL's 10 Most Disappointing Players of 2013
Mike Wallace is the third-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL based on average salaries in 2013. He's going to a new offense with a new system after signing with the Miami Dolphins this off season.
Wallace's production has slipped each year since 2010 in terms of receiving yards. In 2010 he finished fifth in the NFL with 1,257 yards, in 2011 he finished 11th with 1,193 yards and then in 2012 he finished 34th with 836 yards. There are many reasons for this and it's not the end-all, be-all to how effective Wallace is as a receiver. But he also won't have two-time Pro Bowler Ben Roethlisberger throwing him passes in Miami.
That's not a slight on second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill, but there's going to be some growing pains as Wallace comes into a new situation and when a team gives you $27 million guaranteed, you need to figure it out quickly. The Dolphins have also put a considerable amount of faith in second-year left tackle, Jonathan Martin, as well. Martin's ability to step in and be effective in protecting Tannehill will affect Wallace's impact.
Wallace's game is built on speed and getting down the field. If Tannehill doesn't have the time to allow him to get down the field you're biggest off season acquisition has been neutralized by your inability to keep your quarterback upright. Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus touched on Wallace's abilities to run different routes.
Wallace still has enough deep speed to scare any corner he comes up against, and may be able to run the top off a defense like no other receiver, but he has never developed the ability to run a complete route tree, and is limited by the number of routes he can effectively run.
You have a receiver who's game is almost entirely dependent on his ability to get over the top of a defense and you have a question-mark in protecting your quarterback. This isn't a good combination.
The Dolphins have completely revamped the weapons on offense for Tannehill, losing three of their top four targets from last season. Davone Bess was traded to the Cleveland Browns, Anthony Fasano signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent and Reggie Bush signed with the Detroit Lions as well.
The Dolphins added former St. Louis Rams receiver Brandon Gibson to pair with Wallace and the re-signed, Brian Hartline. Wallace will make an impact for the Dolphins in 2013 but it's not going to justify that contract and it'll leave Dolphins fans hoping that they'll figure it out by 2014.
Tottenham Geneva chamonix transfers: What Would Be a good Price for Spurs' Gareth Bale?
Within the last few months, Gareth Bale's incredible create for Tottenham has caused him to be linked, via the Day by day Mail, with big-money moves off his club.
Now, Spurs would obviously like to sustain their best player in addition to, given that he is under contract for a while, hold most of the cards with this transfer saga.
Further, a quick look at which the club has dealt with transfers in the last few years (the negotiations with Real Madrid designed for Luka Modric spring to help you mind) reveals that it will not be shy in holding on to Bale through demand from club and/or person.
Add on the reality Bale has many good reasons to stay at White-colored Hart Lane, and the prospect of a summer transfer to get Bale seems in mistrust.
However, there is one factor that could override all of them other factors and cause a transfer this summertime: money.
While Tottenham are right to want to hold on to Gareth Bale, it would be silly to your club not to consider a transfer should a rich club offer an absurd income.
As good as Bale is and up to he has carried Spurs within the last few few months, the possibility to trade the Welshman designed for five or six good players would be hard to pass by.
Just a so often ago, Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas wine basket clear that his tavern wouldn't sell Bale despite the fact that Real Madrid were to create a bid of £60 thousand thousand.
Such a fee would qualify for the reason that second highest in story, just £20 million in immediate need of Cristiano Ronaldo's record £80 mil sale to Real This town. That transfer, which happened during the past year, was for a 24-year-old Ronaldo who was coming off a Winners League title and runner-up honor in back-to-back seasons for Manchester United.
As meant for Bale, the 23-year-old has shown great potential, but has yet to totally make a mark when it comes to trophies.
The number is incredible enough that Tottenham must take notice. After all of, given chairman Daniel Levy's history, that sum would be enough to become a whole new side involving fine players.
However, £70 million is often a fair price that would at least make Spurs consider providing their most prized tool.
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Horford leads Hawks to 90-69 rout of Pacers
ATLANTA (AP) — Al Horford had 26 points and 16 rebounds as the Atlanta Hawks turned things around dramatically in their playoff series against Indiana, blowing out the Pacers 90-69 in Game 3 Saturday night.
Playing with much more urgency than they did in two double-digit losses at Indianapolis, the Hawks raced to a 54-30 halftime lead and narrowed the best-of-seven series to 2-1. Game 4 is Monday night in Atlanta, where the Hawks have won 12 straight over the Pacers dating to 2006.
The Hawks changed up their lineup — inserting 7-footer Johan Petro at center and bringing 3-point specialist Kyle Korver off the bench — after getting manhandled on the road. With more favorable matchups and a lot more energy, Atlanta suddenly made a series of it.
Indiana, which looked so dominant on its home court, was a totally different team after heading south. David West led the Pacers with 18 points. Paul George, who averaged 25 points in the first two games, was held to 16 on 4-of-11 shooting.
Atlanta coach Larry Drew started the little-used Petro at center in hopes of cutting into the Pacers' size advantage, a move that had a ripple effect on Horford and Smith, providing more favorable defensive matchups all along the front line. But, after getting manhandled in the first two games at Indianapolis, this wasn't really about a great strategic move.
Petro played only 14 minutes. Korver, who started the first two games, still got the bulk of the playing time with 29 minutes. Instead, this was more about the Hawks coming out with a lot more passion, the very things Drew had been preaching since the start of the series.
After falling behind 8-1 in the opening minutes and calling a quick timeout, Atlanta dominated the rest of the opening half with a display that had the crowd on its feet time and time again, while the Pacers stood around in a state of shock.
As good as the Pacers were in the first two games, averaging 110 points and a 16-point margin of victory, they were that bad in Game 3. They made four of their first six shots — then missed 30 of their next 36 before halftime, many of them the forced, ugly efforts of a team that turned increasingly desperate as the Hawks seemed to get to every loose ball just a little quicker.
Roy Hibbert missed all four of his shots in the first half. The backcourt duo of George Hill and Lance Stephenson each went 1 of 6. The Atlanta defense, which was largely nonexistent in the first two games, contested every shot this time. Not only did Petro bring a more physical presence, Ivan Johnson came off the bench to provide plenty of bruising, quality minutes — not to mention some fierce staredowns when Indiana did manage a rare basket.
With Petro at center, Horford shifted to power forward and Smith moved over to small forward, a lineup that helped shut down the Pacers.
As the Hawks pulled away, things got a bit chippy in the second quarter. The 6-foot-10 Horford led a lumbering fast break and was tripped by West coming through the lane. Horford went down hard, and Teague came up from behind to give West a shove. The Hawks had no intention of getting pushed around again.
There was a bit more shoving and jawing before the teams were separated, but nothing serious. After reviewing the video, the officials stuck with their original call — a flagrant foul on West, a technical on Teague.
For the most part, the game lived up to the nickname the Hawks' PR department has tried to push on the team for years. This was, indeed, the Highlight Factory — most notably late in the first half, when Devin Harris took off on a fast break, glanced over his left shoulder and spotted Smith sprinting up from behind. Harris delivered a perfect behind-the-back pass, and Smith unleashed a thunderous left-handed slam that would've scored a perfect "10" in a dunk contest.
The Pacers, in fact, spent most of the night in a defensive fog. Stephenson fouled Harris on a desperation 3-pointer with the shot clock winding down, and the Atlanta player knocked down all three free throws. Then, after the Pacers made a couple of free throws with 6 seconds left in the half, Harris let the inbounds pass roll nearly to midcourt to save time, then scooped it up and took off for an uncontested layup that sent the Hawks to the locker room with their 24-point lead.
Notes: The Pacers' last win in Atlanta was a regular-season triumph Dec. 22, 2006. ... The Hawks missed six of their first 10 free throws, extending the troubles they had in the first two games. But they bounced back to make 14 of their last 18. ... Petro finished with six points and four rebounds.
Birmingham City may still get Manchester United and get subject, claims Brian Kidd - Metro
Manchester Cityas assistant manager Brian Kidd has ignored talk that the concept race is over and insists the team could however modernize Manchester United and retain the league crown. The comments come in front of per week that can see United declare the Premier League prize, with a make an impression on Aston Villa collection to be adequate if City eliminate to Tottenham. But even though that they are aware that the competition might be over within days, and are 13 things behind in the battle for top level spot, associate chef Kidd feels City must still continue fighting. aThis time this past year everybody said it had been around. No one thought Manchester United could drop ten factors in six games,a said Kidd. aItas Unitedas to lose but, make no mistake, there will be some jittery minutes with last year what happened. aIt was a poor experience for them and they will be surprised by it. aIt sounds silly but this could come out a fantastic season for Manchester City a we could win the league and the FA Cup.a Kidd, who won the league five times while performing across Manchester under Sir Alex Ferguson, said he is not alone in thinking the battle is not over a' introducing that Roberto Mancini, despite saying he'd quit, still believes they could claw back ground. aNo-one believes that he's really abadndoned the title,a he added. aYou donat think for just one minute that he will come in here every day thinking that, generally not very. aWeare champions so itas not over.a
Friday, May 24, 2013
Patrice Evra strikes out at Manchester United experts - The Independent
Full-back Patrice Evra will soon be pleased to apay the musiciana who recognizes Manchester United's Barclays Premier League title victory. While United dropped a few items at West Ham on Wednesday, they now only need six more from their remaining five games to seal a 20th tournament. With a home game against relegation-threatened Aston Villa emerging on Monday and a Swansea team with nothing to enjoy for because of visit Old Trafford next month, the target should really be accomplished quickly enough without worrying about more tough jobs against Arsenal and Chelsea. And that, in Evra's view, could be enough to silence the critics who feel this is well lacking a classic United squad. "You need certainly to recognize the criticism," he said. "But in France we say we pay the artist at the end of the show. "I hope we're going to be spending this year." Seemingly however, Evra is irritated at what he feels is really a repeated refusal to accept United's figure. Twice they battled from behind to secure a precious point at Upton Park - in a throwback to the first months of the plan, when United repeatedly fought their way back from losing opportunities. Against Villa in November, United were two goals down five full minutes into the second-half. Yet they still appeared with maximum points as a result of Javier Hernandez's late winner. Wins like that are the cause United established such a handsome advantage over Manchester City and almost certainly will allow the Blues to be repelled by them, despite their current remarkable kind. But Evra has seen the Red Devils' comeback story is really old, it seldom yields a flicker of interest any more. "Because it's Manchester United people don't give us a lot of credit," said Evra. "They just say 'oh, ok, they escaped, they went back .' "If it's still another team they say what great figure they've, what a great team they're. "But we have maybe not escaped. That is personality. This really is personality. It's the reason we're in the positioning we're. Anyone was not seen by "i with more character than this team." PA
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Why Aaron Curry Will Skin Uphill Battle to Make the New york giants.
Injury and opportunity are the driving forces of a NFL, and as a victim within the former and blessed while using latter, linebacker Aaron Curry is often a member of the Manhattan Giants—for now.
Curry finalized a one-year deal truly worth $780, 000 to join Big Blue, according to Spotrac, as he looks to salvage being labelled as a bust.
Curry hasn't lived as much being picked fourth overall pick with the Seattle Seahawks in this year's draft, and the 27-year-old comes into Giants minicamp fresh shut off a knee injury which limited him to just two games along with the Oakland Raiders in 2012.
The Wake Forest product was a can't-miss commodity five long ago, but according to Michael Eisen of Giants. com, this team's official website, like Giants general manager Jerry Reese right now puts it, Curry can be a "we'll see" addition.
He was the fourth pick in the draft a few years ago, so obviously we think bigger some talent. We had him graded high long ago. We'll see what transpires this spring with him or her.
He passed the physical for people like us and had a top notch workout. We think we have a good opportunity for him here to work out if he can reinvent himself slightly and bring something to the present linebacking corps.
There's a lot of "if's" surrounding the ex-Seahawk together with ex-Raider, and joining an already overcrowded Giants linebacking core while wanting to rebound from knee troubles, far from guarantees Curry a spot when the team fails camp.
The Giants already have a linebacker who hasn't panned out to be what he was purported to be—the ninth overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft, Keith Canals.
Who's to say that you will have room for Curry over the final roster? He's already commencing to garner the bust older.
Mark Herzlich, Spencer Paysinger and Jacquian Williams are also starving to assert themselves, and the addition associated with a one-time fourth overall pick will fuel that desire a lot more.
While it's yet to remain seen who is a winner of this linebacking circus, the loser might become defensive coordinator Perry Fewell.
Fewell showed an failing to draw up numerous schemes last season, so what's he about to draw up when this six best linebackers are typically average on a good day?
In the terminate, the Giants took a very low financial risk on Curry, but making the teams' last roster will be one of several toughest obstacle he'll will need to face—the comeback.
Via: Rosberg, best on the second free in Monaco; Alonso, third
Stoke City 1-2 Tottenham: Dempsey, Adebayor keep Spurs in Champions ... - Yahoo! Sports
Emmanuel Adebayor turned up the heat on his former club Arsenal in the top-four race as Tottenham recorded a hard-earned and vital 2-1 win over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.
Adebayor tapped home Clint Dempsey's low cross with seven minutes left to complete a stirring Spurs turnaround facilitated by Charlie Adam's rash dismissal on 47 minutes.
Adam had earlier crossed for Steven N'Zonzi to put Stoke in front in the opening minutes, but Dempsey equalized when he capitalized on a misunderstanding between Asmir Begovic and Marc Wilson.
The result means that, whatever the result when Arsenal takes on Wigan on Tuesday, Spurs will head into the final day of the season with their Champions League hopes very much alive.
Stoke pressed Tottenham early and hard, pushing the visitors back and forcing an uncertain visiting backline into mistakes, and inside three minutes the hosts had their reward. Adam curled an inviting free-kick delivery into the box from the right and N'Zonzi was left all alone at the near post to head past a floundering Hugo Lloris.
The Potters looked vulnerable in defense, though, and on 20 minutes, moments after seeing an effort correctly ruled out for offside, Dempsey made them pay. Wilson cleared a ball heading for Begovic but could only deflect it into the path of the American, who, with the Bosnian stranded upfield, lofted the ball into the empty net from 25 yards.
Tottenham – and in particular Gareth Bale – grew in confidence as the half drew to a close, but Stoke weathered the storm and the two sides went in level at the break. The decisive moment came just two minutes after the interval, as Adam received a second booking for sliding in rashly on Jan Vertonghen.
Almost immediately Spurs' control of the game became total, and two minutes later Dempsey directed Bale's devilish cross just over the bar with Begovic beaten.
Begovic continued to be the only point of significant resistance to Villas-Boas' men, making crucial interceptions and saves as the visitors monopolized the ball and probed for an opening.
Even the Stoke No. 1 was helpless when Tom Huddlestone's lofted in-swinging free-kick found Jan Vertonghen unmarked at the back post, but the defender headed just over.
The introduction of Mousa Dembele on 68 minutes gave Spurs greater guile, and soon after the Belgian threaded the ball into Bale, who, having checked onto his right foot, fired inches wide.
Stoke's only threat came exclusively from set pieces, and 10 minutes from time Robert Huth headed narrowly over from a Dean Whitehead free-kick. Three minutes later, Adebayor prodded home the winner, one certain to make Arsenal fans everywhere feel more than a little uncomfortable heading into Tuesday's match against FA Cup winner Wigan.
More Info: Champions League: Heynckes and Klopp, or two generations of German technicians
WWE Excessive Rules 2013 Results: Brock Lesnar Beats Double H and What It signifies.
For the Extreme Rules event at Sunday night, Brock Lesnar but not just defeated Triple H within the steel cage match, but he also did so by using his own sledgehammer alongside him.
The hard-fought win with regard to Lesnar was made even more symbolic by the way he left Triple H following your match: with his sledgehammer at his chest and his arms folded across the idea.
Yes, it took involvement from Paul Heyman to ensure that Lesnar to pick up the win, but Lesnar has now taken two out of three matches in the 13-time WWE and Country champion.
As Mick Foley explained on the Extreme Rules post-show following on from the event, the two men require one final match, but only if Multiple H puts something big exactly in danger.
The way things ended with the cage on Sunday night will be the way this feud must end. After SummerSlam, Triple H seemed like he was ready to call it a profession. Instead, he came oh no- meet Lesnar at WrestleMania 29.
After a win in that , no-holds-barred contest, the silicone match was set designed for Extreme Rules. Lesnar has only had four matches in WWE since returning the night after WrestleMania 28. Three of have been against Double H.
It is time for Lesnar to advance on and face the other Superstars of the WWE. If Lesnar is part of WrestleMania thirty, WWE would be wise to book him on some dominant run from at this point until then. Randy Orton and Sheamus are two opponents that come to mind whom Lesnar could battle above the next several months.
Concerning Triple H, it remains being seen how much extended his very part-time in-ring career goes on. As COO for the WWE, his responsibilities will grow for a rapid pace, and his time being competitor should be nearly done.
It's hard to imagine the last sight associated with Triple H's career being the main with him laying in the mat the way he or she was at Extreme Tips. But he and Lesnar have put together a trilogy of games the WWE Universe will remember for years to come.
Jerry Lawler was asked prior to the match at Extreme Rules who had quite possibly the most to lose in this match, and his response was Triple H. He couldn't are more wrong. Triple H has literally done everthing in his career, he had nothing to lose. Lesnar, alternatively, can move on together with the victory and remain the pay-per-view draw that WWE knows one is.
The dust has settled, and Lesnar is the person left standing after Severe Rules. Between now and additionally WrestleMania 30, his path of destruction can be widespread.
French Open 2013: Juan Martin Del Potro withdraws from Roland Garros.
Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro has withdrawn in the upcoming French Open 2013 tournament because of a virus that has been affecting him within the European clay season.
"Now I must get rid of this disappointment and recover completely so that they can prepare at 100 per cent for the tests in the future, " he added.
Delete Potro, who won one Fantastic Slam singles title for the 2009 US Open, missed the Portugal Offered and Madrid Masters due to the viral condition. He participated at last week's Rome Masters where he lost with the third round to France's Benoit Paire.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is the unstoppable spirit behind ... - Telegraph.co.uk
The first involves Tony Strudwick, Manchester United's fitness coach who, when he was invited to the prestigious Isokinetic Football Medicine Strategies Conference in London last week, with 1,500 delegates from 77 countries, had to decline. Medical staff from all the Champions League semi-finalists were there but Strudwick was told he could not be spared.
United had the Premier League wrapped up but there was a first-team training session. That came first, second and last.
The second relates more directly to Ferguson himself, who strode into Friday's media briefings ahead of Sunday's match at Arsenal and remained in business mode: this was not the time to rest on his laurels.
The bus, as he once put it, does not stop. A 21st Premier League title needed to be won next year; a third Champions League triumph had to be planned. "I have never looked back, only forward," he stated.
When Ferguson eventually spoke of Arsenal he revealed something else that said much about his psyche and what he is looking for. "I was watching a clip this morning of the semi-final of the European Cup and the boy (Kieran) Gibbs slipped for one of the goals," he said of the costly mistake which allowed Ji-Sung Park to score a decisive away goal on the way to United's triumph over Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final four years ago — a competition they eventually won in Moscow.
"The only Arsenal player who went up to Gibbs was (Robin) Van Persie, he put his arm round his shoulder - and I think he's the same with us," Ferguson added. "I don't think he was captain then, I think it was (Cesc) Fabregas. But he's getting that influence on the young players here. He lives the right way, he trains the right way."
It was instructive, of course, that it was this aspect of Van Persie that Ferguson chose to highlight as he prepared his tactics for Sunday's match.
At an event for the Football Writers' Association the previous evening, Sam Allardyce, the West Ham United manager, chose to describe the type of players Ferguson recruits in terms of character and what is expected of them. "That runs through them like the letters in a stick of rock," he said.
The dynastic nature of Ferguson, completing a 26th season at United, clearly helps. Allardyce also recalled the 71-year-old's recent remarks that he was now too old to retire. Those days back in 2001-02 when he was set to step down certainly seem absurdly premature with hindsight. United had won 14 major trophies then; in the subsequent 11 seasons he has added a dozen more.
But even the trophies do not go close to telling the story of his management. When his Aberdeen side won the European Cup Winners' Cup back in 1983, beating Real Madrid on a rain-soaked Gothenburg night, the Real coach Alfredo Di Stefano no less, delivered one of the most evocative quotes of all-time. "This was not a football team that we met," the Argentine observed. "It was an unstoppable spirit."
Ferguson is that "unstoppable spirit" — ferocious as a player, ferocious as a manager. There has been no letting up. That bus does not stop. He is as driven and as authoritative as ever and his influence can be found in every corner of United.
It is why Paul Scholes will remain at United next season as a coach to join the likes of Mike Phelan, Brian McClair, Nicky Butt and, at some point, Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher as former players who have made that transition. It is to preserve the club's DNA.
Ferguson has, in recent weeks, spoken of how this United squad is his best ever but although it may deliver a record points tally for the Premier League, overhauling the 95 achieved by Chelsea under Jose Mourinho in 2004-05, few would concur. What is more interesting is that Ferguson himself has evidently developed into a better manager — although not necessarily a better coach or tactician — in recent years.
He blends the old and the new and has shown a flexibility that defines management. So when he declared that Rio Ferdinand would be "dealt with" after his refusal to wear a Kick It Out T-shirt, he is able to back down — as he did when claiming it was due to a "communication problem" — without losing face. He can provide every state-of-the-art comfort for his players, while still insisting that those under 23 do not drive sports cars. And he can also act heavy-handedly, as he has done with some of the media bans imposed this season.
Ferguson's sense of real politic has also been remarkable, not least in the way he has managed the transition at United from PLC to the ownership of the Glazer family, which he was again invited to comment upon on Friday, and who have been controversial beneficiaries of his support. Again Allardyce noted that if Ferguson had been, for example, an investment banker then the bonuses he would have earned for the value he has added to the United stock would have far out-stripped the salary he is paid as a football manager.
But what is most remarkable of all is the way in which Ferguson has simply not allowed any other club — whatever their wealth and resources, whatever their ownership structure or management - to have any prolonged period of dominance. He arrived in England intent on taking on Liverpool and achieved that; he then dealt with the challenge of Blackburn Rovers, Arsenal, Chelsea and now Manchester City.
City's geographic proximity to United will have meant this latest title triumph may, in Ferguson's quiet moments of reflection, mean more to him than any other in recent years.
They — and Chelsea - will certainly come again. But United have been the one continual threat. They will not relent.
More Info: The Dortmund will be without Götze before Bayern final
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
What’s Nadal seriously focused upon @ 2013 Rome Professionals? Winning the title? Probably.
Why don't you consider some place called the talocrural region the spot where the foot and the thigh meet? Nadal's fortunes are locked within - including the RATHER immediate ones.
With Djokovic's ankle accepting center stage for not Nadal, you can bet even tomato cans will have him running ragged laterally in the hope from producing what the sporting activities world calls 'blood inside the water'. Wonder if Nadal follows suit, pant and thong IF Djokovic continues to standing by the time semis roll around.
You can actually bet Nadal has contemplated the possibilities in the aftermath of an injured Djokovic not simply @ Roland Garros but on a place called the A long way Far Land. With the precedent of last season when Grandfather episode resulted in what the ankle position can replicate now, would you freaking blame him?
Djokovic will have to bear that 'suspicion' till proven otherwise - emphatically. Like winning Roland Garros - over Nadal. Without it he or she is susceptible and vulnerable to attacks in the same way Federer is to your partner's backhand.
All that without also factoring in Djokovic's very own inclination to 'protect' the joint and thereby creating a mental block at his well-known free flowing contraption.
You need just 1 marble up there to comprehend this ankle problem is NOT the consequence of some deviant step but alternatively a product of Djokovic's form of play thereby producing your reasoning that just 'wash, wash out, repeat' will be enough to aggravate the problem to a sufficient level to render him 'toothless'.
Being a fan, you could be robbed of some exciting extend of tennis lasting at the very least a couple more several years as Murray is woefully incapable - mentally and physically - to stand up to Nadal - on any surface.
It's time for Federer to step in and help Djokovic recover avoiding the trap as he's got a major bone inside the fight as well. Nadal being home free only at that form and stage should not be good to anyone possibly not called Nadal.
Via: The Spanish Igor Bychkov is imposed in the pole of the Beijing meeting contest
RotoExperts Relating to the Radio: Is Hamilton Heating?
Josh Hamilton is commencing to show signs of taken from extended funk. But will there be still concerns about him moving forward? Scott Engel and Gregg Sussman possess answers. Listen to this RotoExperts daily from 6 to help you 11 a. m. ET along with on Saturdays from 10 some sort of. m. to 1 l. m. ET on Sirius/XM Imagination Sports Radio, Sirius 210, XM 87.
Bomani Jones note that wristband. no shower just before work? "@NupeFiasYO: Everyday I waken & thank God my hairline doesn't are similar to @Bomani_Jones"
SportsNation Looks like @AZATHLETICS is hoping to give @GoDucks some competition with the jersey dept. http: //t. co/FsE9oJ4ZLp
Came Magary This is the section where I remind you that the new book comes available tomorrow. BUY IT AND GROW SEXY. http: //t. co/Fgloi1IlQ0
AP NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE AP Source: 2 members of #Jets' front office shouldn't get back http: //t. co/nIcvtrffCA (@DWAZ73) #NFL
More Info: The PSG want Benitez to replace Ancelotti
ESPN’s Top-quality League Coverage On US TV Is going to be Missed.
The retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson last week and the subsequent extensive coverage reminded me the way far soccer has come here in the usa. Since I began following soccer to be a teenager some eight rice, the sport wasn't anywhere close to the consciousness of the standard sports fan. Other compared to myself, there were only a few kids who played FIFA or maybe knew who someone like Alex Ferguson was. Precisely how things have changed. Today many Americans were abuzz along with discussions on Fergie's rule and United's uncertain forthcoming.
But above all one another coverage the story gotten, it was the particular attention that ESPN's SportsCenter gave it ultimately struck me. Here will be the nation's most important physical activities program, on its vital network, kicking off their lesson of highlights and catchphrases by discussing the end of the tenure to a man whose presence the alert to the typical American activities fan has only been cemented within the last five years.
Of course, none of this have to come as that big of an shock. Sir Alex is not alone the manager of the very most famous name in the sport but also one of the big coaches of all-time. Although everything aside, the coverage still brought a smile to my face lake realized that even your "Worldwide Leader in Sports" sees your global soccer story as significant enough to feature upon its signature show.
The sight of Gabriele Marcotti getting interviewed by Hannah Hurricane also reminded me of a fact that gave me a somber feeling: We are in the final analysis of ESPN's Premier Group coverage (when it relates to live broadcasts). The network's coverage for the league is much around just what you find out on TV, with copy writers like Marcotti giving North american soccer fans insight people wouldn't normally see. But it's their on-air productions which happen to have inspired considerable and worthy praise.
When ESPN got Premier League rights just before the 2009-10 season initiated, it was as if a dream was realized: finally, the biggest name in American sports media was getting a huge investment in the game so the majority of us love. I don't think I missed a casino game ESPN broadcasted that period, mainly due to that their matches were proven in HD whereas MONK Soccer had yet to be able to step into that necessary medium.
Although ESPN's magnificent 2010 Earth Cup coverage probably made more for the sport in the usa than can be put into writing, the most important results of that summer was pleasure the emergence of America's soccer commentator, Ian Darke.
Darke's broadcasts were excellent on the board, and his status as fan favorite was guaranteed because because of his call of Landon Donovan's goal against Algeria alone. Then he became ESPN's leading man in the microphone during EPL insurance coverage, and once they picked up the affable Steve McManaman this nation's best commentary team was created.
Both seemed to know exactly how to overcome the job of explaining the game they knew so well from an audience that included together novices and self-proclaimed experts. Darke always explained instances in great detail without ever sounding as condescending, while McManaman delivered formidable insights to be a man who had seen and won almost everything, all paired with a particular unmistakable Merseyside accent.
But don't get from me. The duo provides inspired fake Twitter balances, nicknames, essentially their possess cult, all because within the splendor of their broadcasts. The adoration each of the men have received has exploded even further in the wake within the consistently negative press FOX's Gus Johnson experiment has received.
Darke it's still on American televisions to hide US men's national team games along with the 2014 World Cup, but nothing will compare to these past 36 months when we'd wake up ahead of time Saturday mornings to enjoy matches that – however dull they might have been – became compulsory viewing a result of the voices of two Englishmen.
Who knows, maybe ESPN will buy the next batch of Highly regarded League rights, and a dream team of Darke along with McManaman will return. Today though, their wonderful run is now over, and thanks especially to your hilarious compilation that ESPN assembled after Sunday's game, memories of their time as talking heads are guaranteed to become delightful nostalgia.
So, I for one wants to thank Messrs. Darke and McManaman to make the beautiful game a sight but not just to behold, but anyone to hear. Here's to hoping that will NBC's coverage can surpass one of its predecessors, and that we'll be seeing Ian and Macca with each other on our screens eventually. In the meantime, bye in the meantime.
Link: The second equipment of the boat will wear the colors of the 'flag'
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