RIO DE JANEIRO -- After Claressa Shields won her opening fight at the Olympics on Wednesday, she stood in the concession area of the arena speaking with Sue Jaye Johnson. The two hugged and Shields introduced Johnson as her aunt. While theres no actual familial relation, its understandable since the two have spent a considerable amount of time together during the past few years. Johnson profiled Shields life as a boxer in Flint, Michigan in a January 2012 photo essay for The New York Times Magazine and then produced radio features on her for NPR and WNYC. She followed those up as the executive producer for the award-winning documentary, T-Rex: Her Fight for Gold, along with directors Drea Cooper and Zackary Canepari, that showcased Shields highs and lows in her historic quest to become the first woman boxer to win Olympic gold in London. Now Shields, 21, returns to defend her title and become the first American boxer to win consecutive Olympic golds, and Johnson will once again be in the crowd to bear witness. What follows is a conversation with Johnson on the making of T-Rex and Shields journey. Connie Aitcheson: How did you become aware of Claressa? Sue Jaye Johnson: I had started boxing myself, and it transformed so many things for me. I had this idea that it was about the practice of dealing with fear and overcoming it, so I thought I would do a photo project about that. I began photographing all these women at the Golden Gloves gym, and it wasnt about fear for them. And then it occurred to me that 2012 was the first year that women were going to box [in the Olympics] and this personal history of mine was intersecting with history.So I started thinking about how to make a film specifically about Claressa, and the Olympics was coming up fast. I said to myself, Well you need about $30,000 to go to the Olympics. Youre going to have to go to Flint and do everything with her for the next five months. And crap, I have two kids. Thats not going to happen in time.And just about the same time Zack and Drea were doing this pilot for MTV about girl boxers and they called me up and said, Hey, we want to go interview Claressa. And they emailed me over the weekend after they shot with her, and said, We are ready to drop everything and make a feature film about her. Im like, Do you have children? [She laughs]. They said, We have enough capital to start shooting right now. We can get us to where we need to go. We can start a campaign to get to London. Its as if the universe was setting this one up in such a big way. Zack and Drea and I had never even worked together. We didnt meet until we were on the set shooting. But we felt we needed to do this together and make it work.CA: Claressa was open to this? SJJ: Mostly Jason [Jason Crutchfield, her former coach] said, Were going to do this. Jason knew how great they were and how it was going to go down. They were both really frustrated by the lack of attention they were getting and toiling away in obscurity. So Jason said, Yeah, I want everyone to know this whole thing. I think he also wanted people to know his contribution. He would go pick her up in the middle of the night when she needed it, or he would see her walking to school at six in the morning by herself and give her a ride. She was basically a feral child in the streets of Flint.CA: Was she the most gifted athlete that he had seen? SJJ: I wont necessarily say athlete, but hes like, Yeah, shes got some fire. He was not looking for a girl. He was actually disparaging of girls, but he quickly saw that she was catching on. I mean hes training kids all the time and has had years and years of kids passing through there, so he can tell when somebody fits.CA: I think in the film, she says something about staying at the gym later or longer for the attention, but it kind of morphed into something else. SJJ: It was her safe space. It was her only safe space. When I first met her, she was living in Flint with her aunt. She was in this bedroom with all this stuff -- boxes and boxes of stuff. There was this little bit of room for her that shes sharing with cousins. I thought, Oh my God, heres this phenomenal athlete and nobody here knows that. They dont know how much they need to be taking care of her. So the disconnect between her family life and her potential was so huge.CA: There are parts of the film where the camera is on her face for two seconds longer than normal. One example is at the table with her mother and stepmother talking about going to London, and it just stays on her. Was that deliberate to show us her thinking process? SJJ: Shes so quick. She processes stuff so fast -- except when it comes to family. Shes so loyal. That was such a bad idea to bring her mom and stepmom. Her mom hadnt even driven the 40 minutes to Detroit to ever see her fight. But its a beautiful intention to have her mom there.CA: How do you maintain distance? Or do you maintain distance when you see something going down? That is not over the edge per se, but is deliberately wrong. SJJ: Theres no right answer. We try to be out of the frame, but wed have these conversations that would go on for days about stuff -- including should her mom come to the Olympics or not. That would happen on camera, and then we would wrap shooting and would still be talking about it. But everybody was always themselves and said what was on their minds - especially Claressa and Jason.CA: I think one of the things that pulled me into the film was this young woman navigating her high school prom and her boyfriend and also the world of boxing. You see her growing up and maturing, but shes also just trying to be a girl. Did she ever say, No you cant show this side of me because Im this boxer? SJJ: Shes going to do whatever she wants to do, but shes a little more conscious of stuff like her hair and makeup now. There are some photos that we have in our press kit and she said, Nah, these photos have to go. I look way too rough in these. It doesnt look like how she really looks or what she wants to project because thats not who she is. Shell say, I look that way in the ring, but Im not that person. Its something that she fights against. You see that smile. Shes perfect with that million dollar smile. But she isnt a girly girl either. You saw her superman socks [referring to the socks Claressa wore after the fight.]CA: Where would you rank her in the history of female athletes? SJJ: Im not the person to ask, but Im not alone in saying that she is probably one of the best boxers to ever exist, and her goal is to convince everybody of that. Who knows whatll happen when she goes pro. Is there competition with women in her weight class? Will she get a chance to prove herself against others who will come out of the woodwork? Who knows, but shell have a long career.CA: What about you? What will you do? SJJ: Im writing this novel about South Africa, and Ive been working with this group called Rock Girl, taking high school girls on road trips to train them in radio and photography. These girls document their stories and just connect in this sacred safe space and amplify their voices. I keep looking for other Rock Girls. I mean, what are good examples in magazines for girls? 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What general manager Dave Nonis called "short and productive" negotiations ended with Kessel signing a US$64-million, eight-year contract on Tuesday. <a href="http://www.cheapraptorsjerseys.com/">Wholesale Raptors Jerseys</a>. Rob Manfred, baseballs chief operating officer, testified last week during the grievance filed by the players union to overturn Rodriguezs 211-game suspension. A person familiar with the hearing, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press on Saturday that Manfred testified the sport wasnt concerned whether Bosch distributed performance-enhancing drugs to minors because MLBs interest was his relationship with players under investigation. At the age of 19, Shan Masood took his fitness seriously.Nearly every day he threw on his gym clothes, left his parents flat on Hall Road, St Johns Wood - they lived near Lords from 2008 to 2013 - and ran to a gym in Baker Street to train. But while the outbound journey was focused on physical fitness, the return route provided his real motivation.Id run to the gym through Lisson Grove but on my way back Id make sure Id come through Park Road and then St Johns Wood Road to just see Lords every day. Id look into the sky and hope that maybe one day Id be playing here rather than just making this walk past every day.The daydream has morphed into reality and Masood admits the transition from strolling the streets as a St Johns Wood local to walking out of the pavilion to open the batting for Pakistan is weird.While many players in the England and Pakistan teams may be more familiar with the Lords dressing rooms, the Long Room and the pitch, the names of the surrounding streets, lanes and parks roll effortlessly off Masoods eloquent tongue.Id just roam around this area like any normal person would do, Masood told ESPNcricinfo. Now Im here with the Pakistan cricket team, Im roaming around the same neighbourhood but it just feels different. Theres a lot of excitement.The gates I used to pass by are the ones that have actually opened for me now, and Im really looking forward to making my mark come Thursday.Masood was born in Kuwait on the 14th of October, 1989, his mother going into labour as Pakistan took on West Indies in an ODI in Sharjah. His father missed the birth, too busy watching Wasim Akram take a hat-trick that would help Pakistan to an 11-run victory.It is hardly surprising then that Masood caught the bug at an early age. His first memory of cricket is strong amid those of the early tumultuous years of fleeing Kuwait during the Gulf War and then moving to his native Pakistan after two years in the US.Were at our place in Karachi, he recalled. Im about four years old. My brothers in a corner. Hes moody and miserable but Im in my full whites, I have a bat in my hand and my oversized kit all over me.If his brother, Ali, was sometimes unhappy, it may have been because Shan received more encouragement and support to play the game from an early age. Ali was more naturally gifted but Shan was determined, always greedy to bat, and clearly passionate about playing.He joined a cricket academy at the age of five and represented Pakistan Under-15s when he was 12. But after a disappointing performance in the 2008 U-19 World Cup - I was awful, said Masood - he lost confidence and drifted away, instead deciding to concentrate on his education.But the pursuit of academic excellence in England merely led Masood back to crickets door. At Stamford School in Lincolnshire, where he crammed his A levels into one year rather than the usual two, he was persuaded to play and benefited from the coaching of Elliott Wilson.We had the indoor academy, so he could work with me all year round, said Masood.When the cricket season came the second time around I managed to have a really good school season and it really invigorated my love for the game.That 2009 season he describes as really good was actually a remarkable achievement. Masood scored 1237 runs for Stamford that year, falling just 50 runs short of the schoolboy record set by another left-handed opener, Alastair Cook.Scoring ten thousand runs, being the youngest player ever to score ten thousand runs, speaks volumes for the sort of player he is, said Masood. Ive always admired him. I like watching him play. There are few cricketers that I personally watch on TV and hes probably one of them.At Durham University, Masood studied economics but his cricket education continued at the MCCU under the tutelage of Graeme Fowler. Masood played three first-class matches and came up against sides boasting future England players such as Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, Liam Plunkett and Gary Ballance.I have to give Foxy a lot of credit in terms of the development Ive had as a cricketer, he said. He saw things in me that I didnt see myself at that particular time and they still stick with me. I still remember the things that he asked me to do, he wanted me to do, in terms oof being an international cricketer for Pakistan.ddddddddddddut the difficulty of juggling study, cricket and his family life in Pakistan was taking its toll and Masood entered a distance learning programme through Loughborough University, where his final year - now majoring in Management and Sports Sciences - is on hold, while he tries to cement a place in the Pakistan side. Masood got his chance when Mohammed Hafeez was dropped after the 2013 Zimbabwe series. He made 75 on debut against South Africa but has played just six Tests since, the highlight being a fourth-innings century against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, when he formed a 242-run partnership with Younis Khan that led to Pakistans win in the third Test and a series victory.Masoods seven Tests have been split over three spells in the side, each break lasting several months, partly because of the relative scarcity of Test fixtures for Pakistan and partly because of the three-way battle for the opening positions with Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad. Masood admits coming in and out of the side makes finding his feet at the top level difficult, but doesnt want to use it as an excuse.Its a challenge I have to accept and I have to step up. I want to be consistent and I want to be scoring heaps of runs for my country.He must also contend with rumblings surrounding his selection - Masoods family is considered privileged, his uncle has a prominent position in the Pakistan government, and his father is a representative on the PCB board.My fathers never really been part of the system over there. It just happened to be that he was a representative of his bank to the board of governors, and that only started a year or so ago. Hes never been an actual part of the board or made decisions that involve cricket.At the end of the day Ive been playing cricket a long time. Ive been playing with my own merit, with my own potential, and if there were strings being pulled then I reckon I wouldnt have such a stop-start career so far. I would have been part of the set-up a long time ago and I would have been playing more games for Pakistan. I get my reward when I perform well and I get punished when I dont perform well.So far on this tour - for which he was preferred to Shehzad - his returns have been solid rather than dominant; scoring 62 and 29 against Somerset, followed by innings of 4 and 38 not out against Sussex. But he points to the fact that he has fulfilled his major role in negating the new ball on three occasions and is confident in facing Englands attack in English conditions, perhaps because they are not foreign to him.Giving extra motivation to Masood is the presence of his parents, who arrived in London on Monday night. They will only be present for the Lords Test as they must return home to care for Shans sister, Meeshu, who suffers from a rare chromosome disorder that has seriously affected her development.I dont think theres a lot of awareness in Pakistan about children like my sister, said Masood. Shes a special child. Her physical development is completely fine. Shes 30 years old, but mentally she hasnt developed one bit. Shes like a newborn child. She couldnt get a dependent visa, she couldnt fly to England and live with my parents, so my parents were quite divided in that my mother had to keep going back and forth and my dad was running two houses at once, just to make sure my sister was fine. I just hope she realises what we do and that it makes her proud as well.Theres little doubt Masoods parents, back in their old neighbourhood, will be proud of their sons achievements. He is about to realise his fathers dream - Mansoor Masood based his family near Lords because of his passion for cricket - along with his own.My dad always wanted me to do two things, Masood said. One was to try and get into Cambridge University. I tried twice, I got the grades, but they have an interview process, a selection process, and I wasnt good enough to get in. The other was to make a name for myself in cricket and play a Test match at Lords.No doubt, when Masood achieves the second wish, it will more than make up for the first. <a href="http://www.chinawholesalejerseysnfl.com/">Wholesale Jerseys</a> ' ' '

Theyre clear favourites to win Tuesday nights World Cup qualifier, but former Brisbane Roar captain Matt Smith has warned the Socceroos might struggle to contain Thailands `Messi.Diminutive playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin, fittingly known as `Messi J, will be Thailands tricky trump card at the Rajamangala National Stadium.Former Socceroos defender Smith, who won three A-League titles the Roar, has himself been on the receiving end of Chanathips cunning game.Smith plays for Thai Premier League outfit Bangkok Glass while Chanathip steered champions Muangthong United to last seasons title.In terms of their attacking strengths, he would be the one the Socceroos would have the most trouble with, Smith said.Hes probably the cleverest, hes very good on the ball technically - he could definitely play at a higher level.He tries to get the ball into the smaller pockets and hes very comfortable linking with players around him.With a name like Messi J he literally floats around.Hell get himself into transition and look to counter-attack pretty quickly.Hes good around the box and he can see a lot in terms of forward runners - and he can finish.Smith expected Thai fans to come out in force on Tuesday, in what will be the first opportunity for the community to show public national support following a 30-day mourning period after the death of their king.Despite Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou predictingThailand would set up defensively, Smith felt their real strength lay in attack.I see it week in, week out, he said.They can defend also, but in terms of picking one over the other they attack very well.Smith was on the sidelines watching Socceroos training over the weekend, taking up a rare opportunity to reunite with former Roar coach Postecoglou.The 34-year-old has been attempting to implement Brisbanes football philosophy at Bangkok Glass, where he is their first foreign captain.The team also has another Australian influence in new coach Aurelio Vidmar, appointed in August after his contract with the Australian national teams wasnt renewed.I think our club is ready for a coach of Aurelios stature, Smith said.Hes settled in well, now weve got a good opportunity in the pre-season to work on stuff hes been trying to implement. <a href="http://www.cheappatriotsjerseysauthentic.com/?tag=authentic-lawrence-guy-jersey">Lawrence Guy Jersey</a>. 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If Exaggerator wins Saturdays Travers Stakes, the centerpiece of a Saratoga meet that is annually the best race in North America, he will have built a case for this years champion 3-year-old male that will be difficult, if not impossible, to overcome.I suppose if Nyquist won the Breeders Cup Classic and defeated Exaggerator in the process, it might tip the balance for this divisional title back in his favor. But thats a tall order. While a lot can happen between now and the Breeders Cup Classic on Nov. 5 at Santa Anita, the truth is neither Nyquist nor Exaggerator have yet shown they are in the same league as our two top older males -- California Chrome, who was monstrous winning last weeks Pacific Classic, and Frosted, so impressive winning the Met Mile and Whitney in his past two starts.So, short of some Breeders Cup Classic fireworks, a victory Saturday in the Travers by Exaggerator will put Nyquist in an Eclipse Award hole that he wont be able to get out of. A resume of victories in the Travers, Haskell, Preakness and Santa Anita Derby, and a second in the Kentucky Derby, would outshine Nyquists record this year of wins in the Kentucky Derby, Florida Derby and San Vicente, a third in the Preakness, and whatever he might do between now and the Breeders Cup, if anything.Of course, all of this depends on if Exaggerator wins the Travers. And that is a HUGE if. Exaggerator might be by far the most accomplished member of this bulky 14-horse Travers field, but his accomplishments were not fashioned in a vacuum. In fact, the way Exaggerator has compiled his record this year has made him one of the most polarizing horses of 2016, and makes him vulnerable Saturday.Some handicappers, this one included, maintain that Exaggerator has been extremely fortunate over the past 5? months. Exaggerator is a horse who requires a hot and contested pace to make his late run most effective, and he is a horse who relishes a wet racing surface. Exaggerator has been blessed in 2016 to have had both far more often than not.Exaggerator got a scorching early pace and a sloppy track in the Santa Anita Derby, and he won laughing. He got a hot early pace in the Kentucky Derby, and while the official track condition for the Kentucky Derby was fast, there was a big rain storm minutes before the race, leaving stannding water in many spots on the track.ddddddddddddExaggerator finished second, beating 18 opponents.The early pace in the Preakness was unsustainably fast and the track was a sea of slop, and Exaggerator scored going away. And the Haskell was a virtual carbon copy of the Preakness -- too hot an early pace, a sloppy track, and Exaggerator won decisively.But in the Belmont Stakes, Exaggerator saw an early pace that, while reasonably honest for the distance, was by no means fast. Exaggerator also caught a dry racing surface, and he had lost his prior three dry track starts. As the strong 7-5 favorite in the Belmont, Exaggerator surrendered, finished 11th of 13, and was beaten by 14 lengths.On Saturday, Exaggerator will get only half of what he wants. The pace in the Travers should be honest, with the potential of it going even a little faster than that. Barring an unforeseen track bias -- with a couple of isolated exceptions, the main track at Saratoga has for the most part played fairly this year -- the pace will play toward the late kick of Exaggerator, and other closers like him.However, unless the National Weather Services forecast for Saratoga is horribly wrong, Exaggerator will not catch the wet track that was present in all of his big performances this year, and, for that matter, in his Delta Downs Jackpot win last year. And that presents an interesting question.There are those who maintain that Exaggerator is more pace dependent than he is surface dependent, and might even go so far as to say he is not surface dependent at all. And to support their position, they will point to his win on a fast track in last summers Saratoga Special, even if that victory came at the expense of a suspect field.There are others who believe Exaggerator needs both a fast pace and a wet track, perhaps not in equal measure, but both, nonetheless, to produce his best performance in top-level races. I fall into this camp.This storyline is just one of several reasons why this Travers is so interesting. We might get the definitive answer as to whether Exaggerator is indeed a creation of both tremendously favorable pace set ups, and rainy weather, or if he is more than that. <a href="http://www.chinawholesalejerseysnfl.com/">Wholesale Jerseys</a> ' ' '

LOS ANGELES -- After giving up 11 offensive rebounds and losing by an uncharacteristic 17-point margin in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, the Lynx felt like their identity had been stolen.Minnesota simply isnt accustomed to losing the battle on the boards.But in an elimination game with the WNBA championship on the line Sunday, the Lynx turned to defensive anchor Sylvia Fowles to steer the team back to rebounding supremacy.Led by Fowles game-high 13 rebounds, the Lynx dominated the glass and beat Los Angeles 85-79 to force a decisive Game 5 on Thursday (ESPN2, 8 p.m. ET) in Minnesota.Rebounding is our identity, said Fowles, who helped the Lynx outrebound the Sparks 41-25. If we want to win on the road, thats something that we have to do.Fowles struggled mightily in Fridays Game 3, posting a career-low four rebounds as Los Angeles hauled in 11 offensive boards.After Game 3, we kept it at the top of our minds that four rebounds from us bigs wasnt enough, Fowles said. We just tried to go out there and assert ourselves better.Fowles finished Sundays season-saving victory with her fourth double-double in seven games, adding 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting.Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said Fowles hustle plays on the glass were huge. The Lynx created 12 second-chance opportunities off 14 offensive rebounds, six of which were grabbed by the 6-foot-6 post.Anybody that understands what it takes to win games, you know that rebounding is at the top of the list, Reeve said. Its possessions, and so we got huge effort from Sylvia Fowles.Minnesotas rebounding margin Sunday was particularly impressive given the absence of forward Rebekkah Brunson, who after being whistled for three fouls in the first quarter was used sparingly by Reeve for the rest of the game. Brunson, who was the teams second-leading rebounder behind Fowles at 7.3 boards per game during the regular season, finished with just two rebounds in 17 minutes.Minnesota made up for Brunsons absence collectively, the majority of the production being spread amongst the other four Lynx starters. For the second time this postseason, the first not including Brunson, four Lynx starters totaled at least six boards, including a playoff-high six rebounds from veteran guard Lindsay Whalen, seven rebounds from Seimone Augustus and nine rebounds from Maya Moore.I think everybody wants to come in and own the boards, said Moore, who scored a game-high 31 points. Collectively, as a team, we have to help Syl out because she creates so many opportunities for us by being in there. We appreciate the heck out of her.Augustus said the Lynx expect the same level of production from Fowles in Thursdays winner-take-all Game 5. Its a level of expectation that she says Fowles has met all season.We expect the world from her, and tonight she came through, Augustus said. We took advantage of trying to get the boards up, Syl had six offensive boards tonight, got us some extra possessions. If we continue down that path, I think well be fine. Canucks Jerseys From China . Miller finished in two minutes, 6.09 seconds, one day before the first medal race on the Alpine schedule. The 36-year-old American also turned in the top time in Thursdays opening training session. Alex Biega Jersey . Dallas hasnt ruled out the star quarterback for Sunday nights game against Philadelphia, but all signs point to Romos back injury pushing Kyle Orton into the starting role after two years of limited play as the backup. 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SAINT PAUL, Minn. -- When their team scores a goal at home, Calgary Flames fans are used to fire shooting from strategic points in their buildings ceiling, not from the home teams bench.Still, Flames first-year coach Glen Gulutzan is finding himself on an increasingly hot seat with less than 20 percent of the seasons games played as Calgary sinks further and further back in the Western Conference standings.The Flames come to Minnesota on Tuesday having lost four in a row, and owning a 5-10-1 mark, which is second-worst in the league (ahead of only the Arizona Coyotes).All of that recent losing had Gulutzan juggling his lines on Monday at practice before the team boarded a Minnesota-bound plane, looking for a new spark.When you lose four in a row, youve got to make some changes, Gulutzan said, without revealing the exact combinations the Wild will be expected to counter on Tuesday, although it looks as if Alex Chiasson will move to the second line and be replaced by Troy Brouwer, who will play with regular top-liners Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. Any guy weve got here weve got a chance of putting in, so well see how the lineup transpires.The Flames have scored just four goals during the four-game skid, and speculation is growing in Calgary that an early-season coaching change may be needed. However, Gulutzan, who coached the Dallas Stars for two seasons and is in his second head-coaching gig in the NHL, is less concerned about offense and focusing more on his teams inabiliity to consistently stifle the opponents offense.ddddddddddddEverybodys talking about the points, but the reality is weve given up 60-some goals, 50-some goals, Gulutzan said. If you go back a year from now, one of the reasons we didnt have success is we gave up 260-some goals. The top teams in the league dont do that.After a brief power outage in early November, the Wild (8-5-1) are back to looking like one of the top teams in the league, coming home after two weeks away and having just collected four of a possible six points on a three-game eastern road trip. And the health news is even better in Minnesota, after star left winger Zach Parise skated in practice on Monday and may return to the lineup after a two-week absence caused by a lower-body injury.Its good. It beats skating on your own, Parise said Monday after practice. Its one of those things I needed to get the progress and get back to feeling good again. It was good to be practicing with the team.Parise said he felt fine and would make his case to coach Bruce Boudreau about a return to the ice against the Flames on Tuesday, hoping to join Charlie Coyle and Eric Staal on the teams top line.It is the start of a whirlwind stretch in which Minnesota will play seven games in 12 days -- five of them at home.The Wild defense is on a roll, having allowed just nine goals in the past eight games. ' ' '

WHICITA, Kan. -- Landry Shamet and Daishon Smith each set career highs with 16 points and the Shockers shot 66 percent from the floor in a 116-79 victory over Maryland-Eastern Shore on Sunday.The last time the Shockers scored at least 110 points was against North Texas on March 1, 1962.Austin Reaves scored a career-high 15 points, Zach Brown had 13 points, Conner Frankamp 11 with five assists and Darral Willis Jr. added 11 points, all in the first half, for Wichita State (4-0).Shamet and Frankamp hit consecutive 3-pointers and the Shockers surged early, doubling the Hawks 21 points on Markis McDuffies layup en route to a 62-37 halftime lead. The Shockers shot 73 percent from the floor (19 of 26) in the first half.Smiths 3-pointer with 5:55 left put Wichita State over the 100-point mark.Ryan Andino scored a career-high 27 points on 9-of-15 shooting for the Hawks (0-4), who shot 49 percent from the floor (27 of 55). Braxton Miller Jersey . They hope to persuade the other team owners and commissioner Roger Goodell to put pressure on Redskins owner Daniel Snyder to drop the nickname they find offensive. "Given the way the meeting transpired," Ray Halbritter, an Oneida representative and leader of the "Change the Mascot Campaign," said Wednesday, "it became somewhat evident they were defending the continued use of the name. Cheap Philadelphia Eagles Jerseys . LeBron James and Chris Bosh didnt need any more. Williams scored 11 points in 10 minutes, Alan Anderson scored 17 points, and the Brooklyn Nets finished the exhibition season with a 108-87 win over the Miami Heat on Friday night. http://www.cheapeaglesjerseysauthentic.com/?tag=authentic-mike-quick-jersey . -- The goal posts lying flat on the field, Arizonas fans lingered on the field, congregating around the locker room entrance nearly 30 minutes after rushing out of the stands. Nick Foles Jersey . But now that hes in the NHL, the Calgary Flames centre showed big improvement in that department by scoring the winner in the eighth round of a 5-4 shootout victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Monday. DeAndre Thompkins Jersey . Now that hes hitting streaking teammates with pin-point passes for easy layups, Love is asserting himself as one of the true superstars in the league. HARTFORD, Conn. -- UConn didnt look pretty in beating Boston University, but after a rough start to the season the Huskies werent looking for style points.Freshman Christian Vital scored 13 points and UConn, down to just eight scholarship players because of injury, held off BU 51-49 on Wednesday night.Kentan Facey added eight points and seven rebounds for the Huskies (3-4), who picked up their first home win in three tries, despite shooting just 32 percent from the field.Eric Fanning led all scorers with 21 points for BU (4-3), which shot 31 percent and was just 3 of 19 from 3-point range.We just needed one stepping stone, and getting this win is hopefully going to lead us on to greater things, said UConn center Amida Brimah, who finished with nine points and three blocked shots.UConn led for more than 27 minutes, but never by more than eight points.A free throw by Jalen Adams made it 51-48 with three seconds left and UConn fouled guard Kyle Foreman in the backcourt with just under two seconds left to prevent the Terriers from attempting a 3-pointer. He missed his second free throw on purpose, but Facey was able to pull down the rebound.The teams combined to hit just 14 of the 54 shots taken in the first half and UConn led 21-17 going into the break.Rodney Purvis hit a shot from behind the arc that began a 9-3 second-half run that put UConn up 44-36, but the Huskies couldnt pull away.Fanning scored the next five points.His layup brought the Terriers to within three points at 46-43, by Tyler Scanlon missed a 3-pointer that would have tied the game.I dont care if we win by a point or 15, well take all the wins we can get, Facey said.BU hasnt beaten the Huskies since 1986. UConn leads the series 43-12.THE BIG PICTUREUConn: The Huskies will be short-handed the rest of the season. The team announced Tuesday that freshman point guard Alterique Gilbert will undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and will miss the rest of the season and freshman forward Mamadou Diarra will redshirt this season to undergo treatment for a painful knee condition known as patellofemoral syndroome.dddddddddddd UConn already had lost starting swingman Terry Larrier, who tore the ACL his left knee in the Huskies loss to Oklahoma State in Hawaii on Nov. 21.We just have to try and get better, coach Kevin Ollie said. Weve got eight guys and were going to continue playing with those guys. Were not making any excuses. But I was very happy with the win and were finding ways to win.Boston University: BU showed it will struggle when it cant hit from behind the arc. The Terriers came into the game making an average of more than nine 3-pointers per game. They were shooting more than 26 3-pointers a game and were making almost 36 percent of those.I think sometimes we settle for the 3, when there are other things that we are capable of doing that were not doing, said BU coach Joe Jones. Getting the ball inside, driving the ball to the basket more often is some of the things that we are kind of missing in the diversity of how we play.While UConn dresses just eight scholarship players, the Terriers have had 11 players reach double figures this season. They have a streak of 628 games with at least one made 3-pointer.REBOUND TURNAROUNDBU Outrebounded the Huskies 26-16 in the first half. UConn turned that around, grabbing a 26-18 advantage after the break.FAST BROKENOllie wants the Huskies to be a running team. But UConn put up just two fast-break points on Wednesday, despite forcing 16 BU turnovers. Ollie said Adams, who will run the point in Gilberts absence, must do a better job.Jalen has to get the ball and command it, especially when we hold a team to 31 percent we have to get those long rebounds and push it up and down the court, he said.UP NEXTUConn: The Huskies travel to Madison Square Garden on Monday to face an old nemesis in No. 22 Syracuse before visiting Ohio State.BU: The Terriers visit North Carolina State on Saturday, before returning home to play Canisius.----More AP college basketball: www.collegebasketball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25. ' ' '

WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Wayne Gretzky will make a rare return to the ice Saturday to play alongside other former Edmonton Oilers greats against Winnipeg Jets alumni as part of the Heritage Classic weekend.I mean, I skate once a year. I just really never find the energy, the enthusiasm to grab my equipment and say, `Oh, Im going to play pickup hockey, Gretzky said Friday. I think when you play in the National Hockey League -- you play with the best players and against the best players -- its hard to go play Friday night hockey.Golf is more Gretzkys game now, and he has left his competitive drive behind him, for the most part.Its not going to change my life if I shoot 81 or 96, so I really just truly have fun now, Gretzky said.The outdoor alumni game is the second for Gretzky. He laced up for a similar Heritage Classic matchup in 2003 between former Oilers and Montreal Canadiens.Hes playing again because the game raises money for charities. Its also a chance to see some of his former teammates from the Oilers dynasty of the 1980s -- Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey and more.And facing the Jets -- longtime rivals in the World Hockey Association and National Hockey League -- is special. The Oilers repeatedly pounded the Jets in the playoffs in the 1980s, but Gretzky said they were always tough opponents.The games and the series were closer than the scores would indicate, he said. We had a Hall of Fame goaltender and an almost-Hall of Hame goaltender, and those guys played really well here all the time, but those teams were evenly matched.Dale Hawerchuk, the Jets captain during the Oilers dynasty era who is leading the Jets alumni team Saturday, remembers facing a powerhouse every time the former Smythe Division rivals met.The challenge to beat the Edmonton Oilers was incredible ... and we beat them a few times, we just couldnt get through them in the playoffs, Hawerchuk said. Thats why you sign up to play this game -- to play with the best against the best, and they were definitely the best in that decade. Brock Boeser Jersey . PETERSBURG, Fla. Adidas Canucks Jerseys . The Browns coaching search remains incomplete. http://www.cheapcanucksjerseyschina.com/anders-nilsson-jersey/ . Galatasaray said in a statement on its website Monday that Mancini signed a three-year contract and will be paid 3.5 million euros for the upcoming season, with his salary upped to 4. Igor Larionov Jersey .5 million, one-year contract on Friday. Hawkins, who turns 41 in December, will compete with Rex Brothers for the closers role at spring training. Canucks Jerseys Outlet . Still, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke thought taking him out before the fifth inning was an unusual move. "Im looking up at the board and hes got two hits given up and one run, and Im taking him out after the fourth inning," Roenicke said. The goal of any promoted side is simple: avoid relegation and secure a second consecutive season in the top flight, allowing the club to further establish itself at the Premier League level. Collecting a slice of the television revenue doesnt hurt either.With both Middlesbrough and Hull City shooting to achieve that same goal, Monday nights clash between the sides at the Riverside Stadium is massive.Middlesbrough (2-6-5) entered the weekend in 15th place and struggling a bit as they find themselves winless in their last three league matches and 10 of 11. The clubs wins came against Sunderland and Bournemouth, and Mondays clash represents an opportunity to better their own standing while simultaneously pushing a relegation rival further into the abyss.Boros most complete performance of the season came in an Oct. 29 2-0 victory over Bournemouth their first home win of the campaign, but its been a struggle to come up with another complete performance.Last weeks effort against Leicester City held some positives as the club took the early lead after 13 minutes thanks to a goal from Alvaro Negredo, and again seized the lead on 71 minutes through Negredo, but Islam Slimanis stoppage-time penalty forced the clubs to share the spoils.Manager Aitor Karanka was proud of his sides spirited performance.We showed again we are a really good side and how well we can play, against Leicester who won the league last season, he said. We should have won the game and I think we were the better team. But football can be unfair and today we didnt get the three points we deserved.But as they move on from last week and focus on Mondays tilt, midfielder Marten de Roon believes his side has shown marked improvement and its only a matter of time before the results come.Honestly, I think in the last few weeks weve been improving as a team in every single game, the midfielder said. I think we were a bit c against Leicester when we shouldve taken three points.But it gives us confidence that were playing better and showing that we can compete with anybody then finally the points will come.The Dutchman also reallises the significance of this match.ddddddddddddull is a big match, he added. Monday is a massive opportunity for us to show the people around us that were above them.Hull City (3-2-8) have a much tougher road ahead as the Tigers find themselves in the relegation zone with just 11 points from their 13 matches. They have just one victory, a 2-1 result over Southampton on Nov. 6, in their last 11 league matches and will need to string a few wins together if they hope to pull themselves out of the drop zone.The win over Southampton saw Michael Dawson and Robert Snodgrass strike in a span of two minutes, but since that match they looked listless in a 3-0 loss to Sunderland, and out of ideas in the final third of last weeks 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion.On the positive side, the club will bring some positive momentum into Mondays clash after knocking off Newcastle United in midweek to secure a spot in the EFL Cup semifinals against Manchester United.Even with the success in the Cup, midfielder Tom Huddlestone realises the focus must now shift to picking up points in the Premier League.We need to be picking up a lot more points in the league, said Huddlestone. Weve been a bit hit and miss recently, so we need to find a consistency and start putting our chances away.We also need to get back to being solid in defence like we were at the start of the season. Hopefully what weve done in the cup will be a boost to us in the league, which is where we need to knuckle down. Its over a month until the first leg of the semi-final, so its about playing well in the league now.Middlesbrough have had a few positive results against big teams recently. We saw their quality in the Championship last season and theyve only added to that since. But well go there and try and stamp our authority on the game.The sides split both meetings in the Championship last season with Boro collecting a 1-0 victory courtesy of a late strike from David Nugent in March. Hull claimed a 3-0 result at the KCOM Stadium in November 2015. ' ' '

LOS ANGELES -- Add on yet another injury for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Starting pitcher Bud Norris left Sundays 14-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning with back muscle tightness.Norris, who was acquired by the Dodgers in a trade with the Atlanta Braves shortly after Clayton Kershaw went on the disabled list in late June, was visited twice by a trainer and manager Dave Roberts in the first inning?before the pitcher was finally removed after facing two hitters.Roberts said the veteran right-hander is expected to make his next start. Right-hander Ross Stripling replaced Norris on the mound.The Dodgers have been plagued with injuries all season, which is a big reason they are in reported pursuit of players on a number of fronts before Mondays 1 p.m. PST non-waiver trade deadline.The Dodgers have placed 22 different players on the disabled list, tied for most in the National League over the past 30 years. Only the 2012 Boston Red Sox have sent more players to the DL (27) in a single season. Cheap Jets Jerseys Authentic .B. - Sebastien Auger made 44 saves as the Saint John Sea Dogs edged the visiting Acadie-Bathurst Titan 2-1 on Saturday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. Cheap Winnipeg Jets Jerseys . -- Devin Hester is done returning kicks in Chicago. http://www.cheapwinnipegjetsjerseys.com/ . LOUIS -- Alexander Steen scored a power-play goal with 59. Cheap Jets Jerseys China . -- Claudio Bieler hadnt scored since early September, and not from the run of play since mid-July. Wholesale Jets Jerseys . The move comes after the Canadiens were approached by the Buffalo Sabres for permission to speak to Dudley - a former Sabres player and head coach. "The Sabres called for permission and I appreciate that, Im flattered, Dudley told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun of ESPN. San Antonio coach Dan Hughes has a picture of himself alongside Pat Summitt and Kay Yow. Its an image that, understandably, would mean a great deal to anyone who coaches basketball. But it has an additional meaning for Hughes, who had spent most of his career in mens basketball before joining the WNBA in 1998.The photo reminds him of how welcomed he was by important figures in the womens college and pro games.People like Pat Summitt, Kay Yow, Geno Auriemma, Ann Meyers -- they made me feel really comfortable, said Hughes, who is retiring from his Stars coaching job at seasons end. It opened the door. They accepted me. I really went to work at understanding where the womens game was then, but also learned how it got there.Hughes was a mens assistant at Toledo until 1996, when the Rockets head coach moved into administration. The new coach brought in his own staff, so Hughes took the opportunity to work with the Rockets womens team in 1996-97. Then Hughes father suggested another possibility as well: a pro league that was launching in 1997.He called me and said, Dan, what about this new WNBA? Hughes said. He told me, This is something you should look into.Hughes interviewed for an assistant position with the Charlotte Sting in 1997, but didnt get it. But there was another opening with the Sting in 1998, and he was hired.I was pretty persistent, Hughes said, laughing.Nearly two decades later, Hughes will leave the WNBA knowing that its better off because of his contributions. He has seen the ups and downs, including the dissolution of two franchises that he worked for, in Charlotte and in Cleveland. His time as a general manager also brought home the hard business realities of the sport.Hughes doesnt rule out the possibility of ever coaching again, but says if it happens, it will be at another level. For the foreseeable future, he is focused on being a television analyst for womens and mens college basketball, and looks forward to spending more time with his family. But he will always have a great affection for the WNBA.I got to be in three great franchises and part of a league in its formative years, he said. Im so thankful for that, and Im excited for the WNBA and its future.But I also kind of want to do one more basketball experience. I like the diversity of my career. That it was coaching men and women. That it was high school, college, pro, USA Basketball. I want to see if theres maybe one more different kind of chapter.Hughes hopes we are moving toward an athletic world in which male and female coaches have a reasonable chance at any job based on them beeing the right fit.ddddddddddddThat a woman can coach a mens team, a man can coach a womens team, or we can jump back and forth, he said. I love the fact that now you have people like Becky Hammon coaching in the NBA.Hughes, in his role as general manager and coach of the Stars, brought Hammon to San Antonio in 2007 in a trade with New York. Hughes said the deal was agreed to in principle a few months before the 2007 draft day, when it was finalized. He recalls feeling nervous all that time that something might derail it and joyous relief when it was official.Hughes was eager to bring Hammon to San Antonio for two reasons. First, having coached against her, he felt like her competitiveness, leadership and on-court skill immediately would help the Stars.But he also saw how much San Antonio fans were passionately attached to the Spurs standouts like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. He wanted the Stars to also have the kind of player that people in that city would gravitate toward.It was a great blessing to get Becky here, Hughes said. And that trade actually played out even better than I hoped it would.The highlight of Hughes time with the Stars was a 2008 trip to the WNBA Finals, led by Hammon and Sophia Young. San Antonio made the playoffs from 2007 to 2012, but has been to the postseason just once in the past four years. The Stars are last in the league this year.But with San Antonio having young standouts like Moriah Jefferson and Kayla McBride, and a lottery pick in 2017, Hughes has an optimistic outlook on the future. Former WNBA player Ruth Riley is now San Antonios general manager, and Hughes said he enjoyed working with her?this past season.Im glad they split it into two jobs again, said Hughes, who filled both positions for most of the past decade before this summer, save the 2010 season when Sandy Brondello was head coach and Hughes the GM.I just feel like with two people, you can get more done and cover more ground. I realized in talking with Ruth how much I had missed having someone else to work with in that regard.Now Hughes will move on, but the WNBA will always be a part of him.I came into this league, and I learned a lot, Hughes said. Not just about being a coach but being a better man. It taught me how important it is that women get the chance to grow and have the opportunities to be all that they want to be. I love the landscape that I see now better than I did 20 years ago. I want it to keep growing. ' ' '

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Hawks won their first three games by an average of 19.3 points and outscored their opponents 90-47 in the fourth quarter.None of the victims made the playoffs a year ago, though, and that will be the case again Wednesday night as the Hawks host the Los Angeles Lakers.In fact, the Hawks dont face a team that had a winning record last season until they play the defending NBA champion Cavaliers at Cleveland on Nov. 8 in their seventh game and only six times in the first 19 games do they play a 2016 playoff team.The Hawks, who won their first three games by double digits for the first time since moving to Atlanta in 1968, are taking advantage of their soft early schedule so far and done it with defense, especially in the fourth quarter.The Sacramento Kings were the most recent victim, being outscored 27-14 in the final period of Mondays 106-95 loss after taking the lead with a 37-point third quarter.The Hawks, who havent allowed 100 points in any game this season, had five of their 11 steals in the decisive quarter and center Dwight Howard swatted away two of his four blocked shots.Atlanta has been tenacious defensively under coach Mike Budenholzer and now the Hawks have a rim protector after signing Atlanta-native Howard as a free agent.We have a lot of great individual defenders on this team and we have a great team concept, veteran guard Kyle Korver said. As long as we stay in that, we have the potential to be a great defensive team.Howard has blocked 10 shots in the Hawks three victories and is averaging 12.3 rebounds despite playing limited minutes while battling foul issues in the blowout win at Philadelphia on Saturday.The Hawks are also getting stellar defense off the bench from veteran Thabo Sefolosha, who had four steals against the Kings and chased down Rudy Gay from behind to knock the ball away in the fourth quarter.We made some big plays down the stretch, Budenholzer said. I thought the Thabo chase down and knock away, thats a winning play that we need. Those plays become critical to you.The game against the Lakers will be first of two for Howard against one of his former teams in four days. The Hawks host the Houston Rockets on Saturday.The Lakers (1-3) are finishing a four-game trip after falling 115-108 to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night for their 16 straight road loss dating to last season.The Lakers have used the early season trip for some bonding, with the teams veterans and many young players spending time with each other.They hang out together and are interacting together, coach Luke Walton told the Los Angeles Daily News. Its not a separated group. The vets are doing a good job of helping bring along some of the young guys.The Lakers came from 16 points down in the second quarter to take a fourth-period lead at Indiana, but Paul George scored the Pacers final 12 points in a 30-point outing.When youre at home, you have the crowd behind you. You play with a lot more confidence, Walton said. When youre on the road, its just our group in the building. Its up to us to produce our own energy and its up to us to be so mentally locked in that we can withstand their run and the energy theyre getting from their crowd.The Hawks won the last three games with the Lakers, whose last victory was 114-109 in Atlanta on Nov. 18, 2014.The game against the Lakers will be the first for the Hawks since the team and the City of Atlanta announced Tuesday an agreement in principle for a $192.5 million renovation of Philips Arena, which opened in 1999. The deal would bind the Hawks to downtown Atlanta through 2046. Wholesale Rangers Jerseys . Tracey comes to the Blue Bombers after spending over a decade with Queens University. Most recently he was the schools assistant football coach. Cheap Rangers Jerseys .com) - The Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks both take aim at their first wins of the season on Saturday, as the Canucks open their home slate at Rogers Arena. http://www.cheapnewyorkrangersjerseys.com/ . At a news conference Tuesday where it was thought that the fiery Schallibaum may be shown the door after a dismal finish to the Major League Soccer season, team president Joey Saputo said no decision has been made on whether the Swiss Volcano will be back in 2014. Cheap Adidas NHL Jerseys . Jane Virtanen scored two, and Alex Roach and Elliott Peterson rounded out the offence for the Hitmen (40-15-6). Brady Brassart chipped in with three assists. Colton McCarthy scored twice, Brayden Point had a goal and two assists, and Jack Rodewald also scored for the Warriors (15-35-9), who were 2 for 5 on the power play. Cheap New York Rangers Jerseys . At a news conference Tuesday where it was thought that the fiery Schallibaum may be shown the door after a dismal finish to the Major League Soccer season, team president Joey Saputo said no decision has been made on whether the Swiss Volcano will be back in 2014. Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza has called for an aggressive approach from the team on the eve of the first ODI against Afghanistan.We want to play all-out aggressive cricket, Mashrafe said. We want to begin like we had finished last year. We sometimes have to play defensively, but we want to play our best cricket.Mashrafe, however, was wary of Afghanistan, who had defeated BCB XI by 66 runs in the warm-up match on Friday.Why shouldnt we think of this as a tough series? We should keep that in mind when taking the field on Sunday, he said. We will do well if we can carry the confidence that we built through training in the last two-and-a-half months. Coach Chandika Hathurusingha felt that the long gap between international matches - one day short of six months - was the major problem for his team. He also believed that the first hour of the first ODI would be vital in shaking off the rust.The main focus is to win the three ODIs against another national team, he said. Not playing for a long time is a bit of an Achilles heel for us. That is what we are trying to get over, that uncertainty.The first match is very vital for us. The first hour is vital for us. It is important that we start well, so the focus is all about winning the first game.Hathurusingha was pleased with the skills of the side, but said that playing in front of a large crowd could be a challenge for the players.We have no concern over any skill part - batting, bowling or fielding. It is all about the mental side of the game - getting into the gamee, playing in front of a crowd for your country, he said.ddddddddddddWe played so many practice matches with the top 25 players in the country. You cannot create that atmosphere. Probably, we play a higher level of cricket, but you cannot create that atmosphere of playing another international team.Bangladesh will be without their best bowler, Mustafizur Rahman, who is undergoing rehabilitation after a shoulder surgery. He is set to miss the home series against England too, but is likely to recover for the New Zealand tour at the end of the year.In the absence of Mustafizur, Mashrafe hoped himself, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain and Shafiul Islam would step up.We had the same attack in the 50-over World Cup, he said. We will miss the Fizz, but the ones who are in the team, they have a chance to prove themselves. I think this is our best possible bowling attack.The Bangladesh squad includes uncapped batsman Mosaddek Hossain, who has been a prolific run-getter in domestic cricket. He staked claim for a place in the first ODI by top-scoring for BCB XI on Friday.Mosaddek is in the team on merit, Hathurusingha said. He played very well in first-class and the Dhaka Premier League. We played four to five practice matches and we saw him, and yesterday, he obviously put his hand up. He is really putting pressure on the guys who are in the team, so thats a healthy situation for me and the selectors. ' ' '

LOS ANGELES -- Maya Moore hit four free throws in the final 40 seconds to help the U.S. womens Olympic basketball team survive a stiff test from a U.S. select team with an 88-84 victory Monday night.After trailing for most of the first half and building a 12-point lead in the third quarter, the select group rallied.Trailing 73-61, Natasha Howard helped fuel a 16-3 run by the select team, which took a 77-76 lead with 4:05 left.Howards three free throws with 1:13 remaining gave the younger team an 84-82 lead.Breanna Stewart hit a layup and Moore hit her free throws to rally the Olympic team to victory.Moore and Elena Delle Donne scored 11 points each to lead the U.S.Howard scored 24 points and Jewell Loyd added 20 for the select group.The Olympic team will play three exhibition games against France, Australia and Canada on the East Coast before heading to the Rio Olympics. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jerseys China . In the lead up - which seemed to begin the moment Mike Geiger blew the whistle in Houston last Thursday night - the Impact rumour mill went into overdrive. The speculation went into meltdown mode, of the golden nugget variety. Cheap Buccaneers Jerseys China . Self was acquired from the Buffalo Bandits in a trade for Alex Hill midway through last season, and made his debut in Rochester on March 16, 2013. http://www.cheapbuccaneersjerseysauthentic.com/?tag=authentic-john-lynch-jersey . Rousey will put her perfect 8-0 record and hardware on the line against another undefeated fighter, 7-0 Sara McMann in the main event of UFC 170, which will be held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas Nevada on February 22nd. Buccaneers Jerseys China . That gave fans outside Joe Louis Arena another chance to ask for autographs from the 19-year-old whose stardom in the NHL has arrived earlier than most expected. Wholesale Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jerseys . The No. 1-ranked Nadal tweaked his back warming up for the Australian Open final, which he lost almost four weeks ago in a major upset against Stanislas Wawrinka. His first stop after the layoff is the clay in Rio as he tests the back and tries to stay healthy for the French Open in three months. Its possible that by the time the Jon Lester takes the mound to start tonights game that five of the six division champs will have been crowned, including all of the National League titles. However, with a three-teams-for-two-spots wild-card race in the NL in progress, tonights match-up of NL Central rivals is far from meaningless.While their wild-card foes, the Mets and the Giants, spent the weekend facing opponents that may lose 90-plus games this year, the Cardinals were tasked with traveling to Wrigley Field to play the best team in baseball. Through two games of the series, though, the Cardinals havent lost any ground as all three teams split their Friday and Saturday contests. St. Louis will send its best pitcher this year, and presumed starter of the NL wild-card game should they get there, Carlos Martinez to the mound. Thanks to a rotation otherwise full of starters witth ERAs well above 4.dddddddddddd.00, the Cardinals have to feel confident with Martinez and his 3.16 ERA manning the bump, but their enthusiasm must be tempered by the realization theyll be facing the Cubs ace, Jon Lester. Since joining the Cubs as a free-agent signing before the 2015 season, Lester has pitched 45 1/3 innings against St. Louis and has a 2.18 ERA.With this marking the end of Sunday Night Baseball telecasts, it means our Chalk handicappers will be gearing up for the postseason as well, and for the second year in a row, our team of handicappers will enter October as net winners over the course of the regular season. Tonight we get divergent side plays from Joe Peta (11-8, +5.08 units on the season) and Andrew Lange (6-8, -2.08 units). ' ' '

Joique Bell has a new home and hes staying in the NFC North.The former Detroit Lions running back signed with the Chicago Bears on Tuesday, ?and his first game with his new team will come against his old team. The Bears also signed another former Lion Tuesday, adding defensive lineman C.J. Wilson.In another move Tuesday, the Bears placed cornerback Kyle Fuller on injured reserve. Fuller hadnt appeared in a game this season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in Week 2 of the preseason. A 2014 first-round pick, Fuller started 30 games and intercepted six passes over the last two seasons.The Bears also promoted linebacker John Timu to the active roster. Linebacker Jonathan Anderson and tight end Greg Scruggs were waived.Bell posted an announcement to his Instagram account before his signing was made official later Tuesday.Detroit worked Bell out last week after the franchise lost Ameer Abdullah to injured reserve but decided not to sign him again after cutting him as a salary-cap casualty in February.But Chicago needs running backs after Jeremy Langford injured his ankle in Sundays loss to Dallas. ESPN Insider Adam Schefter is reporting Langford will be out four to six weeks.Bell joins a backfield that includes rookie Jordan Howard and KaDeem Carey, who missed Week 3 with a hamstring injury.The 30-year-old Bell struggled last season with Detroit, rushing 90 times for 311 yards and four touchdowns. He battled a multitude of injuries along the way that limited him to 13 games and also took the majority of his offseason work away from him as well. He eventually ended up behind Abdullah and Theo Riddick on the Lions depth chart.Originally an undrafted free agent from Wayne State, Bell has 561 career carries for 2,235 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. Also a receiving threat out of the backfield, he has 161 receptions for 1,640 yards.ESPNs Jeff Dickerson contributed to this report. Buy Cheap Raiders Jerseys . After slipping from the summit during the week, the Gunners overcame struggling Crystal Palace 2-0 on Sunday thanks to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlains second-half brace. Womens Raiders Jerseys . Scott Kazmir allowed four hits in seven shutout innings, Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning and the Indians maintained their hold on an AL wild-card spot with a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night. http://www.cheapraidersjerseyschina.com/nick-nelson-jersey/ . 1 position. The Mustangs (6-0), who beat Queens 50-31 last weekend, earned 17 first-place votes and 287 points in voting by the Football Reporters of Canada. Western was last ranked first in the country in October 2011. Marcell Ateman Jersey .Y. -- Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone has drawn on his Syracuse connections once again by hiring Rob Moore to take over as receivers coach. P. J. Hall Jersey . It might not have mattered. While the Dodgers are preparing for the playoffs, the Padres showed their future has promise behind two rookies. INDIANAPOLIS -- The University of Notre Dames police department doesnt have to release crime reports about student athletes to ESPN, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled Wednesday.The court said in unanimous ruling that the private universitys police department isnt a public agency that falls under the state open records law. The states highest court reversed a state appeals court decision from March that said the law applied because the department has legal authority from the state to make arrests and has jurisdiction beyond the universitys campus.The Supreme Court justices found the public records law didnt apply to Notre Dame police because the department isnt part of any level of government.A grant of arrest powers enabling university police departments to keep order on their private campuses does not transform those officers or the trustees who oversee them into public officials and employees, Justice Mark Massa wrote.Bristol, Connecticut-based ESPN said in a brief statement that it was extremely disappointed by the ruling and what it represents for public transparency.An ESPN attorney told the Indiana justices in September that the ability of Notre Dame police officers to arrest and apprehend represented the core powers of the state.ESPN sued Notre Dame in January 2015, asking a judge in South Bend to order the school to release campus police records detailing allegations against athletes. That St. Joseph County judge ruled in Notre Dames favor three months later, finding that Indianas private schools arent subject to its open records law.Peter Rusthoven, an attorney for Notre Dame, had argued that Indianas law includes the wording such as in describing which law enforcement entities are subject, but lists only public agenciees, not private entities.dddddddddddd He said that if Notre Dames police department had to comply with Indianas records law, other aspects of the universitys functions would be forced to as well.Notre Dame spokesman Paul Browne said Wednesday that the university follows federal requirements on disclosing campus crimes and that it was pleased with the Supreme Courts decision.An ESPN reporter initially sought any campus police reports involving any of 275 Notre Dame athletes as a victim, suspect, witness or person who reported the incident, according to court records.The ESPN request was so broad that even if we were a municipality we think that it wouldve been lawfully denied, Browne said.Hoosier State Press Association Executive Director Steve Key, whose group filed legal briefs supporting ESPN, said he was disappointed the court didnt see the Notre Dame police as operating the same as a city or public university police department.I think most people would agree that the public should have the same understanding of what crime is being reported and how its being handled whether its being done by a private universitys police department or any other police department, Key said.Indiana legislators approved a bill earlier this year specifically sheltering the police departments at Notre Dame and 10 other Indiana private colleges from the state access laws. Republican Gov. Mike Pence, now vice president-elect, vetoed that measure in March, saying those college departments performed a government function and that limiting disclosure was a disservice to the public and an unnecessary barrier to transparency. ' ' '

RICHMOND, Va. -- A University of Virginia football player was bullied and harassed by teammates because of his learning disability and seriously injured after being forced to fight another athlete in order to prove his manliness, according to a federal lawsuit filed against the school this month.Aidan Howard, who has since left the school, said in the complaint filed in a Pennsylvania federal court that his teammates called him slow and retarded in front of coaches when he couldnt quickly comprehend plays. Howard also suffered a broken eye socket when he was forced to fight another first-year player in August as part of his initiation onto the team, according to the complaint.A university spokesman said the school is investigating, but couldnt comment further on the lawsuit.The university is aware of Mr. Howards allegations and has made all of the required external notifications in accordance with state law, Anthony de Bruyn said in an email. The university has been actively investigating these reports consistent with its obligations under the law and University policy, he said.The complaint says the hazing was done primarily by two wide receivers: Doni Dowling and David Eldridge. In addition to making fun of Howard for his learning disability, it says the two would make him eat his lunch and dinner alone because he was not as tough and manly as others within the football program.De Bruyn did not immediately respond to an email seeking information about whether the players have obtained attorneys.The lawsuit states Dowling and Eldridge orchestrated a locker room fight between Howard and another player after a team practice that was witnessed by more than 100 people, including Famika Anae, a graduate assistant for the team. The lawsuit also says Dowling and Eldridge forced Howard and the other student to `enter the ring to flashing lights, loud music and announcements to simulate a prize fight.The lawsuit names Teresa Sullivan, president of the university; Craig Littlepage, director of athletics and Marques Hagans, wide receivers coach. It states that Hagans would participate in the bullying and that the university knew why Howard chose to leave the school, but did nothing about it.Howard transferred to Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania shortly after the incident and its unclear if he will ever be able to play football again, the complaint states. Howard is asking for unspecified monetary damages.---Online:More AP college football: http://collegfootball.ap.org Cheap MLB Jerseys Authentic . - Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie never doubted he would bring back coach Dennis Allen for a third year despite back-to-back 4-12 records. Cheap Rockies Jerseys Authentic . Tracey comes to the Blue Bombers after spending over a decade with Queens University. Most recently he was the schools assistant football coach. http://www.cheaprockiesjerseys.com/ . The visitors took a deserved lead in the 16th minute with midfielder Yohan Cabaye curling the ball beyond Adrian from inside the penalty area. Cheap Colorado Rockies Jerseys . -- Linebacker Myles Jack ran for four touchdowns, defensive end Cassius Marsh caught a scoring pass, and No. Wholesale Rockies Jerseys .Y. -- Canadas Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse have another World Cup gold medal after winning the two-women bobsled race on Saturday in Lake Placid, N. MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Miami went to Duke last year with its season on the absolute brink, a lineup besieged by injuries and what would have been considered at best a minimal chance of winning.A miracle kickoff return at the end lifted the Hurricanes that night.The teams meet again Saturday, and now its Duke in need of a surprise.Needing a win to have any chance of reaching a bowl game, Duke (4-7, 1-6 Atlantic Coast Conference) visits Miami (7-4, 4-3) in the regular-season finale for both teams. Ordinarily it takes six wins for a team to get a bowl invitation, though 5-7 will likely be enough for a few lucky programs this year -- and Duke, because of its Academic Progress Rate score, would be the first team from the sub-.500 group in line for an invite.Theyre well aware of what could or could not happen, said Duke coach David Cutcliffe, whose team comes into this matchup as a two-touchdown underdog. But the bottom line is were going with the mentality of trying to win. ... If were fortunate enough to win, we will worry about that business after the fact.Miami looks like its rolling again in this up-and-down season -- one where the Hurricanes started 4-0, then went 0-4, and are 3-0 since. But even a struggling Duke team has the Hurricanes attention, and coach Mark Richt said thats with good reason.Well, all I know is they beat two teams we couldnt beat, Richt said. They played Notre Dame and beat them; we didnt do that. They played North Carolina and beat them; we didnt do that. So, theyve got my respect, I can tell you that.Richt wasnt there for the eight-lateral kickoff return touchdown that lifted Miami over Duke in that hotly debated finish last season, giving the Hurricanes a 30-27 win in a game where the team was dealing with the firing of coach Al Golden (the fallout from a 58-0 loss to Clemson the week before) and the death of star defensive back Artie Burns mother. As if that wasnt enough, quarterback Brad Kaaya stayed home that week because of a cconcussion.ddddddddddddCutcliffe, of course, was there -- and hes insisting he and his team havent thought about that final play.Last years game will have no bearing, Cutcliffe said.---Heres some of the storylines going into Saturday:CHASING RECORDS: Brad Kaaya comes into this week 275 yards away from matching Ken Dorseys Miami school record of 9,565 career passing yards. Kaaya is also 146 yards shy of becoming the first Miami quarterback to have three different 3,000-yard seasons, and is 29 completions away from matching Jacory Harris school record of 703 in his career.RESIDUAL EFFECT: When Miami went to Duke last season, the Blue Devils were 6-1 and ranked in the AP Top 25. Maybe its just a coincidence, but that kickoff return by Corn Elder (and some of his friends) seems to have sparked quite a downturn. Duke is 6-11 and hasnt spent any time in the national rankings since.SENIOR DAY PART 3: Miami is already 2-0 on Senior Days this season, having prevailed at Virginia and N.C. State in the contests where those teams honored their departing upperclassmen before final home games. The Hurricanes will fete their 18 seniors on Saturday.COMING CLOSE: Yes, Duke will finish this season with a losing record and were routed by Pitt last weekend 56-14. But a play here or there could have made 2016 look very different for the Blue Devils. In four of their losses this season, they had the ball in the fourth quarter with a chance to tie the game or take the lead.THE END?: Bob Harris will call his 471st consecutive -- and possibly last -- Duke football game. Harris has been the voice of Duke football and mens basketball for 41 seasons, and is retiring when basketball season ends. He worked with nine Duke football coaches and will retire as the ACCs longest-tenured play-by-play announcer.---More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org ' ' '

NEW YORK -- The Nets hit a wall in the third quarter and were finished off by John Wall in the fourth.Wall scored 25 points, including 11 in the final period, to help the Washington Wizards overcome a 15-point halftime deficit and beat Brooklyn 118-113 on Monday night.I was just being aggressive, Wall said. I missed some shots in the third quarter that I was mad about. But the defense was giving me shots and I had it rolling and I just kept making them.The Wizards trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half and 66-51 at halftime. However, Washington scored the first 13 points of the second half to pull within two points and went on to lead 83-81 after three quarters.The Nets committed 10 turnovers in the third quarter, when they have struggled all season.Our hands were active in that third quarter and that changed the game, said Wizards coach Scott Brooks. Brooklyn couldnt get into their offense. They were under duress to make that first pass, and that is what we have to do to start the game.Bradley Beals 3-pointer gave the Wizards a 107-106 lead with 3:27 left and Wall scored five consecutive points to up the advantage to 112-106.The Nets pulled within 116-113 on Sean Kilpatricks layup with 39 seconds left and had a chance to tie after Kelly Oubre Jr. missed a 3-point attempt with 19 seconds left. However, the Nets did not call a timeout and Beal stole the ball from Joe Harris, the Nets 22nd and final turnover of the game.Its one of those situations where we made a great defensive stop and Coach really wanted us to roll with it offensively, Harris said. He wasnt going to call anything in particular. Its just one of those unfortunate plays late in the game.Wall hit two clinching free throws with 5 seconds left.Beal and Otto Porter Jr. finished with 18 points apiece and Markieff Morris added 16 for Washington. Marcus Thornton scored 11 points, while Marcin Gortat and Oubre each had 10. Gortat also had 12 rebounds.It was all about effort, Beal said. In the first half we were horrible on defense. At halftime we were real disappointed in ourselves, so we did a good job of flipping the switch.Brook Lopez scored 25 and Kilpatrick had 21 for the Nets. Bojan Bogdanovic added 18 points and Trevor Booker had 14 points and 14 rebounds.Its just been the story of our season, Lopez said. I dont know what it is. I wish I had the answer, but its something we need to figure out.TIP-INS:Wizards: Washington has won the last four meetings against the Nets. The Wizards have not lost a game in the series since April 10, 2015. The Wizards swept the season series in two of the last three years and have won nine of the last 11, overall.Nets: Brooklyn has not won consecutive games this season. The last time the Nets put two victories together was March 24 and 26 last season.EMPTY NETSSince March 28 of last season, Brooklyn has posted a 5-25 record. That span has included losing streaks of 10 and seven games.HOME SWEET HOMEBeginning on Tuesday against Orlando, the Wizards will play six of their next seven games at home in the Verizon Center. Washington is 5-5 at home this season, but only 2-7 on the road.UP NEXTWizards: Washington hosts Orlando on Tuesday. The teams have already met twice this season. The Wizards lost 88-86 on Nov. 5, but won the rematch 94-91 on Nov. 25.Nets: Brooklyn hosts Denver on Wednesday. The teams will play once more this season, on February 24 in Denver. The Nets have a five-game winning streak against the Nuggets. Wholesale Mariners Jerseys . Instead of dwelling on the negative, Oates focused on what was good about the clubs recent play. It worked. Cheap Edgar Martinez Jersey . 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Danuki will be out to build on a recent winning streak when he faces a fresh challenge on the straight course at Flemington.The Clinton McDonald-trained sprinter has hit form in recent starts with wins at Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong in benchmark races.He steps up in class in Saturdays Fiesta Star Handicap (1100m) and will be racing down the straight for just the second time and first since finishing at the tail of the field in the Group Two Danehill Stakes 15 months ago.Thats our little question mark with him, whether he is a straight horse because he seems to really kick on the bends, McDonald said.So I will be interested to see how he goes. But Im happy with the barrier hes drawn. Hes out wide and hopefully thats the place to go on Saturday.Danuki carried 59.5kg when he led throughout in an 1100m benchmark-70 on Ballarat Cup day before carrying 59kg after Liam Riordans three kilo claim when he won by 2-1/2 lengths at Geelong last start.He drops to 52kgg after Ben Thompsons claim in the higher grade race on Saturday.ddddddddddddHes racing well and hes in good order, McDonald said.Hes been solid all the way through his last three runs which has been a nice surprise because he has been a horse that has been a little bit weak at the end of his races.But he did have a throat issue and weve fixed it and it seems to be working.Danuki underwent a tie-forward operation before he returned to racing in August.McDonald also has three-year-old Toorak Rose entered for the Flemington meeting, with the filly resuming from a spell in the ISCA Handicap (1100m).McDonald said she had trialled well in a jump-out ahead of her return.Shes a sneaky little chance, he said.Well just race her through this period and ideally wed like to get a city win with her if we can and then work it out from there. ' ' '

LOS ANGELES -- Mississippi State barely broke a sweat getting to 11-0 on Friday night.Lost a little blood, though.Blair Schaefer scored a career-high 18 points before leaving to get stitches on her face, and No. 5 Mississippi State beat SMU 91-42 on Friday night at the Woman of Troy Classic.The Bulldogs advanced to Sundays tournament championship game against Southern California.Schaefer made 6 of 11 shots, including four 3-pointers, and MSU remained the only undefeated team in the SEC.It was cool that my teammates were getting me open looks, said Schaefer, who is the daughter of head coach Vic Schaefer. They kept me telling me to shoot, and when a few went in, all of our confidence increased.Schaefer exited after getting a cut over her the left eye with 4:31 remaining in the third quarter and did not return. She got four stitches and is expected to play Sunday.I got elbowed in the eye on defense while posting up, and I didnt know if it was bleeding, but I couldnt see out of my eye and came out of the game, she said.Victoria Vivians and Roshunda Johnson scored 13 points each, Morgan Williams added 11 and Chinwe Okorie 10 for the Bulldogs.Kiar Perry led SMU (6-4) with 17 points.Mississippi State shot 51.5 percent and held the Mustangs to 29.8 percent shooting. It marked the ninth time the Bulldogs have shot over 45 percent in a game.Mississippi State led 19-8 after one quarter and 44-18 at the break.I am pleased with the way we came out tonight, Vic Schaefer said. I was concerned that we might be lethargic, but you could see right from the beginning we werent. Weve been on the road forever, and so Im really proud how these kids come out and are focused.BIG PICTUREMississippi State: The Bulldogs No. 5 ranking is the highest in the schools history and theyve been doing it on the road. Theyve played 10 games away from home, most in the country.SMU: After an 11-day layoff, the Mustangs were beginning a string of four games in six days. SMUs last action was a win over No. 25 Texas A&M, its first victory over a ranked opponent since March 2008.UP NEXTSMU: Plays Grambling State, which lost to Southern California on Friday, in the consolation game of the tournament on Sunday. The Mustangs then return home for two games on Monday and Wednesday.Mississippi State: Takes on Southern California on Sunday in the championship game and to complete an eight-game road trip. Cheap Greg Maddux Jersey . Houston won 3-0 to advance to face New York in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Last in the game, Di Vaio and Romero got into a shoving match with several Houston players. Romero appeared to elbow and kick Houston defender Kofi Sarkodie. Cheap Sammy Sosa Jersey . -- Quarterback Will Finch threw for 252 yards and three touchdowns, and Yannick Harou rushed in two scores as the No. http://www.cheapcubsjerseysshop.com/?tag=cheap-kosuke-fukudome-jersey . Perez, 35, posted a 1-2 record with a 3.69 earned-run average in 19 relief appearances last season. His season ended Aug. 9 due to a torn ligament in his left elbow. Perez joins infielder Andy LaRoche and catcher Mike Nickeas with minor-league agreements for 2014 that include invitations to attend spring training. Cheap Cubs Jerseys .J. Jefferson has been charged with assaulting his girlfriend. Cheap Cubs Jerseys Authentic . 31, the CFL club announced Monday. The team also has yet to decide on the future of Doug Berry, who began the season as a consultant to the head coach but took over the offensive co-ordinators duties in July. CINCINNATI -- Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton was placed in the concussion protocol program after getting hit by a fly ball that deflected off left fielder Adam Duvalls glove during Wednesdays game against the Chicago Cubs.The hit, which came off the bat of Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, resulted in a three-run, inside-the-park home run.Hamilton and Duvall?were converging on Rizzos line drive to left center field in the first inning when the ball deflected off Duvalls glove, hitting Hamilton in the face.Hamilton was on the ground as the ball rolled to the wall in left field. Rizzo circled the bases for an inside-the-park home run, the first of his career.We both called for it at the same time, Duvall said. I thought we were going to collide. I didnt take my eye off the ball, but I mightve flinched a little biit.dddddddddddd It hit him pretty good. It ended up rolling pretty far.Rizzo said he couldnt remember the last time he circled the bases that way.Maybe Little League? he said. Nothing like that. Ill take it.It was the Cubs first inside-the-park homer since 2011, when Tony Campana circled the bases, also against Cincinnati.Earlier this month, Hamilton was on the seven-day disabled list because of a concussion he suffered sliding into third base.Reporters could see a noticeable knot on the side of Hamiltons head Wednesday after the game, but he did not speak to the media.The Cubs beat the Reds 9-2 on Wednesday to complete a three-game sweep.The Associated Press contributed to this report. ' ' '

Five-time defending FCS national champion North Dakota State was awarded the No. 1 seed and a bye week in the FCS playoffs. Next week, the Bison will face the winner of Saturdays first-round game between Cal Poly and San Diego.?Eastern Washington, Jacksonville State, James Madison, Sam Houston State and The Citadel earned the No. 2-6 seeds while North Dakota and South Dakota State round out the top eight spots for first-round byes. Fans of those teams can sit back, relax, and watch all of the first-round action on ESPN3 this weekend.The entire FCS playoffs will be available on the ESPN family of networks. Wholesale Nuggets Jerseys . Ancelotti says Ronaldo has recovered from a hamstring injury but "but he doesnt feel comfortable yet so we wont risk him." Madrid is third in the Spanish league, six points behind leader Barcelona, going into Saturdays game against Valladolid. Thomas Welsh Jersey . Colin Wilson had two goals and an assist, and Mike Fisher scored a goal and helped set up two others in the Predators 6-4 victory over the Red Wings on Monday night. http://www.cheapnuggetsjerseys.com/?tag=cheap-michael-porter-jr-jersey . "It doesnt get any better than that," Giambi said. "Im speechless." The Indians are roaring toward October. Giambi belted a two-run, pinch-hit homer with two outs in the ninth inning to give Cleveland a shocking 5-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night, keeping the Indians up with the lead pack in the AL wild-card race. Cheap Nuggets Jerseys . Vettel, who has already clinched his fourth straight F1 title, enters the finale with a chance to equal Michael Schumachers 13 victories in a year and match the record of nine consecutive wins by Alberto Ascari in the 1952 and 1953 seasons. Jarred Vanderbilt Jersey . They had already blown a double-digit lead, fans were hitting the exits, and a long seven-game road trip waited at the end. SUNRISE, Fla. -- On Monday, President-elect Donald J. Trump chose Florida Panthers owner Vincent Viola to serve as Army secretary.Viola, a 1977 West Point graduate who bought the Panthers in 2013, will need to be confirmed by the Senate. If that happens, then -- pending NHL approval -- ownership of the Panthers would remain in the Viola family, and his roles as chairman and governor of the club would be filled by Doug Cifu, a partner in the ownership group.Viola would become the Armys top civilian official.It is an honor to be nominated to serve our country, he said.Trump called Viola an incredibly accomplished and selfless individual.Whether it is his distinguished military service or highly impressive track record in the world of business, Vinnie has proved throughout his life that he knows how to be a leader and deliver major results in the face of any challenge, Trump said in a statement. He is a man of outstanding work ethic, integrity and strategic vision, with an exceptional ability to motivate others.Violas Army ties run deep and have carried over into his leadership of the Panthers. The team has held training camps and played exhibition games at West Point, has several West Point graduates and military veterans working in the front office, and incorporates some military thinking into its day-to-day marketing strategies.Our hockey team has always been proud to be part of Mr. Violas legacy, Panthers president of hockey operations Dale Tallon said. We admire his dedication too his country and are excited to watch him pursue this new endeavor.ddddddddddddTrump, in announcing Viola as his pick, said he was living proof of the American dream.Viola founded Virtu Financial, an electronic trading firm that has a multibillion-dollar valuation. He is listed 374th on Forbes Magazines top 400 with a net worth of $1.8 billion.Violas father served in the Army during World War II. Viola became the first member of his family -- Italian immigrants living in Brooklyn -- to attend college. He served in the 101st Airborne Division, then was part of the U.S. Army Reserve after his active duty.Hes a graduate of New York Law School, has long been involved with philanthropic projects and is a past winner of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. In 2003, he founded and helped fund the creation of the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point.We could not be more proud for Vinnie and his dedication to our country, Panthers president and CEO Matthew Caldwell said.The NHL offered Viola congratulations.The club has assured us that the day-to-day operations of the Panthers franchise will not be affected by this development, and we will certainly work closely with the club to ensure that is the case, the NHL said in a statement. Mr. Viola and team ownership have further advised that they remain completely committed to South Florida and to the Panthers fans. ' ' '

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Illinois and Rutgers are struggling and facing quarterback questions.The Illini (1-4, 0-2 Big Ten) are worried about Wes Lunt heading into Saturdays game at High Point Solutions Stadium. He hurt his back last week and his status is unclear.Chaye Crouch filled in and did well, running for 137 yards and two touchdowns against Purdue.Chris Laviano of Rutgers has not lost his starting job, but he hasnt gotten a vote of confidence from coach Chris Ash with the Scarlet Knights (2-4, 0-3) and on a three-game losing streak.Last week against No. 4 Michigan, Laviano was pulled in the second half in a 78-0 loss. TCU transfer Zach Allen replaced him and didnt do much. Giovanni Rescigno hasnt gotten a lot of playing time.Freshman Tylin Oden has shown flashes and looks to be the quarterback of the future. He can run, but his passing game is a question mark.That leaves Ash with questions.Illinois coach Lovie Smith has faith in both his quarterbacks.Very confident on what we can do with Chayce running the offense. ... I really like what he was able to do, Smith said. If Wes cant go of course.The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder has shown to be a fearless runner. However, Smith wants to make sure he says healthy.`Hey Chayce, `its OK to slide. Hes going head first. But we needed that. He brought energy, Smith said. Eventually youre going to get an opportunity, but you need to be ready.For Rutgers, just about every quarterback should be ready.Weve played three different quarterbacks, really four with the one play that Gio had. But we have to continue to try to find consistent play at that position, Ash said.Some things to note for Rutgers vs. Illinois:SHORT SERIES HISTORYIllinois and Rutgers have played twice (2005 and 2006), splitting the home-and-home series. This is their first Big Ten contest.BIG LOSSESAfter a tough loss against Iowa to open Big Ten play, Rutgers has lost to No. 2 Ohio State and No. 4 Michigan by a combined 136-0 margin.The players have been outstanding, Ash said. I think there was more hang over after the Ohio State loss. Because I thought coming out of Iowa we had some pretty good confidence. We didnt win the game, but I thought we played well enough to give ourselves an opportunity to win the game.Ohio State shook Rutgers confidence and Michigan simply overpowered Scarlet Knights.PENALTIESIllinois leads the Big Ten in both penalties committed with 46 and yards lost to flags at 375. Penalties were a problem for both teams in Illinois 34-31 overtime loss to Purdue last week, including a handful of flags for unsportsmanlike conduct, roughing the passer and targeting (Illini defensive end Carroll Phillips ejected) as the tight game grew more and more tense.Illinois linebacker Hardy Nickerson said his team needs to do a better job of playing under control, but acknowledged that can be a challenge.Football is an emotional game, so each guy has a one-on-one battle with the opponent. Sometimes those matchups can get heated, the graduate transfer said.RUNNING SUCCESSThe Illini offense is quietly finding success on the ground this fall, behind a trio of backs. Kendrick Foster leads with 276 yards on 41 carries and four touchdowns, but right behind him is freshman Reggie Corbin with 235 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. KeShawn Vaughn, who started the season as the go-to tailback, has dropped down the depth chart but is still contributing, with 219 yards on 43 carries and two scores.Thats the one position Ive been pretty pleased with, Smith said.OFFENSIVE LINE STRUGGLESAsh and offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer put much of the offensive struggles -- five completions and 155 total offensive yards in the last two games -- on the offensive line.Everything we do starts up front, Ash said. We have to play better on the offensive line. Weve struggled to run the football in the last two games. Weve struggled to protect the quarterback in the last two games.---Associated Press writer David Mercer contributed to this report from Champaign, Illinois. Matt Nieto Jersey . -- An ugly goal by Nick Bonino helped the Anaheim Ducks overcome the defensive-minded Phoenix Coyotes on a night when their ragged power play continued to struggle. Anton Lindholm Jersey .com) - Richie Incognito has reportedly been admitted to a psychiatric care unit in Arizona. http://www.cheapavalanchechinajerseys.com/ .Y. -- Injured Buffalo Sabres forward Marcus Foligno did not practice with the team Monday and head coach Ron Rolston said its unlikely hell play in Wednesdays season opener in Detroit. Blake Comeau Jersey . The parade and rally were held to celebrate the Saskatchewan Roughriders 45-23 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sunday in the CFLs championship game. Erik Johnson Jersey . LOUIS -- St. CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Mississippi State coach Ben Howland is done trusting last years film on the NCAAs tallest player, UCF 7-foot-6 center Tacko Fall.That kids a lot better than last year, Howland said.And that could be very bad news for the Knights opponents this season.Fall had a career-high 26 points and 12 rebounds in UCFs runaway, 86-61 victory over the Bulldogs at the Charleston Classic on Thursday.Fall, considered a project during his freshman year, was nimble around the basket and dominant when he got the ball -- eight of his 13 made baskets were dunks. He and the Knights made quick work of Mississippi State, taking a 29-point lead in the opening half and never giving up the double-digit margin the rest of the way.I have confidence from coaches and my teammates because they know I can do whats needed for us to win, Fall said.First-year UCF coach Johnny Dawkins was grateful to see Fall on the roster when he came over after eight years at Stanford. Fall has been coachable and eager to improve, Dawkins said.Its a unique opportunity, he said. Tackos made it enjoyable because hes allowed us to coach him as he grows in the game.Fall finished shooting 13 of 17 and added three blocks and an assist as the Knights cruised the victory.Tank Efianayi had 17 points, 15 coming in UCFs big first half as it made 19 of 30 shots to take a 53-33

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Following a commendable performance in the Grade 1 Arlington Million, Danish Dynaformer will be back on his home course on the Woodbine Mile undercard in Saturdays Grade 1, $300,000 Northern Dancer Turf.Danish Dynaformer saved ground at the back of the pack in the Aug. 13 Arlington Million before mounting a late charge to finish a close fifth, beaten 1-1/2 lengths. Jockey Patrick Husbands said a bobble at the break put Danish Dynaformer behind the eight-ball in the 10-furlong event.When the gates flew, I lost my position, said Husbands. He was probably the only horse to close that day, and I just got beat a length. He was so mad after the race, I couldnt get him stopped.Danish Dynaformer is 2 for 4 going the 1-1/2-mile distance of the Northern Dancer. Each of those victories took place here on the roomy turf course -- in the 2015 Breeders Stakes and the Grade 3 Singspiel on July 3.Anything long he loves, said Husbands, who will ride him again for Hall of Fame trainer Roger Attfield and owner Charles Fipke.The Northern Dancer, race 10, drew a field of eight 3-year-olds and up.Key ContendersDanish Dynaformer, by Dynaformer Last 3 Beyers: 98-94-93Husbands throttled him down during a five-furlong breeze in 1:02 on the Tapeta on Aug. 28, and the 4-year-old followed up that work with a pair of solid turf drills.Hes in good order, said Husbands.Big Blue Kitten, by Kittens Joy Last 3 Beyers: 101-96-106The multiple Grade 1 winner has been idle since an unproductive spring campaign, during which he finished fifth in the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill and sixth in the Grade 1 Manhattan at Belmont. Trainer Chad Brown has been working him at Saratoga.The Pizza Man, by English Channel Last 3 Beyers: 98-96-96He was among the top turf horses on the continent in 2015, but the 7-year-old has failed to deliver in four starts this year. He finished just behind Danish Dynaformer in sixth in this years Arlington Million, which he won last year.Majeed, by Mount NelsonThe English invader is coming off a nose loss in a stakes at Windsor and goes on Lasix for this race.His trainer, David Simcock, won the 2014 Northern Dancer with Sheikhzayedroad.World Approval, by Northern Afleet Last 3 Beyers: 97-105-105He was beaten only 1-3/4 lengths when seventh in the Arlington Million after having captured the Grade 1 United Nations at Monmouth.Wake Forest, by Sir Percy Last 3 Beyers: 93-100-101The Grade 1 winner was in solid form prior to finishing 10th in the Arlington Million. Rob Ramage Jersey . Down by seven with 90 seconds left in regulation, thats where they looked comfortable. 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Eric ONeal says most of the arrests at Monday nights game were for public drunkenness, though one person was taken into custody on suspicion of trying to steal a seat from the stadium. RIO DE JANEIRO -- Every Friday after nightfall, teenage girls and young women make their way through a middle-class apartment complex and take over a field of emerald green grass. They put on their cleats, tie their hair into ponytails and test their speed with agility drills.The Friday night practice is the only time of the week when you will find women playing soccer here.Every day you see teams and teams of only men, and on top of it, we also had to fight for this slot, said Bruna Cavaliere, a 16-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a professional player.In a country where mens soccer is ingrained in peoples psyche, women have found it difficult to find their place in sports because of the lack of athletic programs, funding shortfalls and what they call unfair marketing decisions that promote men.But Brazilian female athletes are shining at the Rio Olympics -- and people here are paying attention, some for the first time.Each victory of Brazil womens soccer team is savored with more enthusiasm, and female athletes in other sports are being celebrated in ways rarely seen in Brazil. When Rafaela Silva won gold in womens judo -- Brazils first gold medal of this Olympics -- major newspapers splashed her photo on front pages.All the love we are getting during the Olympics, we hope that it doesnt go away, Brazils most famous female soccer player, Marta, said to reporters Monday ahead Tuesdays semifinal against Sweden. We hope that it lives on, and with that much-needed support, womens soccer can grow and the love is not just a fleeting thing.Cavaliere, like most girls interested in soccer in Brazil, grew up playing with boys. At 4, she chased her older brother and his friends down the street with a ball. Later, she attended after-school practice where she was the only girl among the boys training with a 90s soccer star.While boys could try out for dozens of under-17 clubs in soccer-mad Rio de Janeiro, she found only two places. At 14, she was chosen for the female youth squad of a famous Rio soccer club.After practices, her teammates passed around a tin to collect money in the dressing room.It was so sad to watch. That money was for the bus fare or a bologna sandwich. Some girls had to choose between food and transportation, Cavaliere said.Some of her teammates also had to miss practice because of money problems.You think `hey Brazil, everyone plays soccer all the time, but when you are a girl and you want to get more serious about it, it is a lot more difficult, she said. Its the country of soccer, but there are very few places where you can go.Many school physical education classes teach boys soccer and girls volleyball, a practice that dates back to 1965 when tthe military dictatorship banned girls from playing soccer and other sports.dddddddddddd The dictatorship-era law held women back for decades as soccer continued to be perceived by many as too rough for women, academics say.But thanks to the strong performances of Brazilian women at the Rio Games, fans are shouting Marta! at stadiums even when the men are playing. In Fridays qualifier shoot-out against Australia, goalkeeper Barbara won the hearts of the country when she stopped an attempt.I never thought I would live to see the day when people would say `the men should play more like the women, said Jamile Marques, a 33-year-old biologist who founded and coaches the neighborhood soccer team Cavaliere plays on.Some people have even scratched Neymar, the biggest star on the mens team, off jerseys found in the busy flea markets to write Marta, who also is No. 10 in the team. Thats because Marta shirts are hard to find.They are very difficult to get because womens soccer is not watched like mens soccer, said Jair Neves, 25, a salesman in downtown Rio.Cavalieres father shares that sentiment. He urges her to give up playing and focus on studying. He tells me I should stop because theres no future for female soccer in Brazil, she said. I dont think I have ever seen him watching women play on TV.The gender gap is not unique to Brazil. Women play far less soccer than men in much of South America and other parts of the world. In the United States -- where womens soccer is much more popular -- female players filed a complaint for wage discrimination earlier this year, contesting their male counterparts are paid much more even when women have out-performed them.Vadao, the head Brazilian womens coach, said he hopes the Olympics is a start toward having more girls play soccer in his country.The hope that we have is that this will be the first stage and (we) have the motivation to develop the sport in this country, he said Monday.In the meantime, Marques, the neighborhood coach, encouraged Cavaliere and her mother to seek opportunities for the teen to play collegiate soccer in the U.S. Theres no structure here for her, says Marques, who feels she missed her shot of playing professionally by not applying for scholarships in American universities.I want to go to the United States because soccer is much stronger there and they appreciate it more, Cavaliere said. Maybe I can study and play.---Associated Press journalists Renata Brito and Anne M. Peterson contributed to this report.---Adriana Gomez Licon is on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/agomezlicon ' ' '