RIO DE JANEIRO -- With fireworks forming the word Rio in the sky and supermodel Gisele Bundchen shimmering to the tune of The Girl from Ipanema, Rio de Janiero jubilantly welcomed the world Friday to the first Olympic Games in South America.After one of the roughest-ever rides from vote to games by an Olympic host, the city of beaches, carnival, grinding poverty and sun-kissed wealth opened the two-week games of the 31st Olympiad with a high-energy gala celebration of Brazils can-do spirit, biodiversity and melting pot history.The low-tech, cut-price opening ceremony, a moment of levity for a nation beset by economic and political woes, featured performers as slaves, gravity-defying climbers hanging from buildings in Brazils teeming megacities and -- of course -- dancers, all hips and wobble, grooving to thumping funk and sultry samba.But Brazil also packaged its party with solemnity, lacing the fun and frivolous show with sobering messages about global warming and conservation. Images of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, swirling in the Earths atmosphere were followed by projections of world cities and regions -- Amsterdam, Florida, Shanghai, Dubai -- being swamped by rising seas. The peace symbol, tweaked into the shape of a tree, was projected onto the floor of the Maracana Stadium that filed with thousands of athletes from the 207 teams.The heat is melting the icecap, a voice intoned. Its disappearing very quickly.The crowd roared when Bundchen sashayed from one side of the 78,000-seat arena to the other, as Tom Jobims grandson, Daniel, played his grandfathers famous song about the Ipanema girl tall and tan and young and lovely.In a video preceding the show, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the games celebrate the best of humanity and appealed for an Olympic truce, calling on all warring parties to lay down their weapons during the two weeks of sporting achievement.There were times after the International Olympic Committee selected Rio ahead of Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid in 2009 when it seemed that the city of 6.5 million people might not get its act together for the worlds greatest sporting mega-event. The spreading health crisis of the mosquito-born Zika virus kept some athletes away. Promises to clean up Rios filthy waters remained unfulfilled. The heavy bill for the games, at least $12 billion, made them unpopular with many. Heavily armed security stopped a small group of protesters from getting close to the stadium ahead of the ceremony.But with more than a dash of gambiarra, the Brazilian art of quick-fixes and making do, Rio is ready.Just.Our admiration is even greater because you managed this at a very difficult time in Brazilian history. We have always believed in you, IOC President Thomas Bach said.The honor of officially declaring the games open fell to Michel Temer, Brazils unpopular interim president, who was loudly jeered and faced shouts of out with Temer. He was standing in for suspended President Dilma Rousseff. Her ouster less than four months ahead of the games for alleged budget violations was one of many spanners in the works of Brazils Olympic preparations and impacted the opening ceremony itself. Fewer than 25 foreign heads of state were listed as attending, with others seemingly staying away to avoid giving the impression of taking sides amid Brazils leadership uncertainty.The cannonball-shaped cauldron was lit by Brazilian marathoner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima. At the 2004 games, an Irish spectator wearing a kilt, knee-socks and a beret tackled de Lima while he was leading the Olympic marathon. Instead of gold, he fell back to take bronze.Greece, the historical and spiritual home of the games, led the march by athletes into the stadium. They were joined by a first-ever Refugee Olympic Team of 10 athletes, displaced from Syria, South Sudan, Congo and Ethiopia. Their flag-bearer, Rose Nathike Lokonyen, fled war in South Sudan and ran her first race in a refugee camp in northern Kenya. Only Brazils team, which marched last, drew a louder roar from the crowd than the refugees.The athletes were given tree seeds, plus cartridges of soil. When they sprout, they will be planted in a Rio park.With USA emblazoned on the back of his jacket, Michael Phelps carried the flag for the U.S. team, the largest with 549 competitors. At his fifth and last Olympics, it was the first time the record holder of 22 medals had marched in an opening ceremony, having skipped previous ones to save energy for competition.On behalf of all 11,288 competitors (6,182 men; 5,106 women), Brazilian two-time Olympic champion sailor Robert Scheidt pledged that they wont take banned drugs -- an oath likely to ring false to fans after the scandal of government-orchestrated cheating in Russia. As a consequence, Russias team was whittled down from a hoped-for 389 athletes to around 270.Iran picked a woman, archer Zahra Nemati, as flag-bearer for its team made up overwhelmingly of men. Another woman pushed Nematis wheelchair. She was paralyzed in a car accident as a teenager.Shoals of samba dancers flowed in a rainbow of colors, but many showed less flesh than normal for Brazil, seemingly mindful of their global TV audience.After the grandeur of Beijings opening ceremony in 2008 and the high-tech, cheeky inventiveness of Londons in 2012, Rios was earthier and less swish but more sobering with its gloomy environmental look at the future and deliberate penny-pinching. Creative director Fernando Meirelles said their budget, slashed by half as Brazils economic recession bit ever harder, is 12 times less than London, 20 times less than Beijing.It is pretty tacky to be overspending, he said. It is not a good message for the world. When 40 percent of the homes in Brazil have no sanitation, you cant really be spending a billion reals for a show.In the end I feel good that I am not spending money that Brazil hasnt got. Wesley Matthews Jersey . Brett Kulak and Jackson Houck of the Vancouver Giants were each charged with assault causing bodily harm on Aug. 18, according to the B.C. court services. Gary Trent Jersey . -- Adam Snyder returned to the San Francisco 49ers this season because the offensive lineman thought it was his best opportunity to win a championship. https://www.cheapblazersonline.com/328i-damon-stoudamire-jersey-blazers.html . It is a cliché dragged out by fans and pundits regularly when discussions take place around which teams are better than others. Greg Oden Jersey . Thousands of Southern California fans enveloped the Trojans to celebrate an improbable win secured by an interim coach, an inconsistent kicker and a thin defence that wouldnt break. Jusuf Nurkic Jersey . On Mar. 16, coming off a "fight of the year" performance at UFC 154 the previous November, St-Pierre faced Nick Diaz at UFC 158 in what would be his eighth defence of the welterweight title. Using his superior athleticism, St-Pierre cruised to a five round, unanimous decision victory setting up a much-anticipated title defence against number one contender Johny Hendricks. MILWAUKEE -- Atlanta Braves starter Joel De La Cruz left after being struck by a hard grounder in the fourth inning of a game against the Brewers on Wednesday night.Orlando Arcias comebacker nailed De La Cruzs right knee. The ball deflected to first baseman Freddie Freeman, who tagged Arcia for the final out of the inning. De La Cruz hobbled off the field under his own power.Chase dArnaud pinch hit for DDe La Cruz in the fifth, and Chaz Roe replaced him on the mound.ddddddddddddAtlanta says De La Cruz has a right knee contusion, and that X-rays were negative. Hes day-to-day.De La Cruz allowed four runs and seven hits, including a three-run homer to Chris Carter in the third. ' ' '

With Mark Schlabachs most recent Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings as our guide, we have ranked everything from the weakest position groups to stand-up comedians. This week, we look at which players would get the call with the game on the line and the ball on the 1-yard line.1.?Alabama Crimson Tide Bo ScarbroughOf course you want the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Bo Scarbrough?going over the top, but the real question for Alabama is who will be his lead blocker? Continuing what has become a tradition of unique goal-line fullbacks that includes Jesse Williams and AShawn Robinson, dont be surprised if defensive tackle DaRon Payne, who is a rather nimble 319 pounds, takes the field in the Tides jumbo package. -- Alex Scarborough2. Clemson Tigers Jordan LeggettOdds are Dabo Swinney would make the call for Deshaun Watson. After all, how do you put the game in the hands of anyone other than your Heisman contender? But who would Watson look to if he decides to throw? Chalk this one up for tight end Jordan Leggett, who had a touchdown in five straight games at one point last season, finished the year with eight scores and was a finalist for the Mackey Award. --?David M. Hale3.?Michigan WolverinesJake ButtMaybe its a bit unorthodox, but since when has that bothered Jim Harbaugh? The big, strong, athletic senior is one of the most valuable players on the roster, and Butt is surely more than capable of shifting from tight end, taking a handoff and bulldozing his way to the end zone. -- Austin Ward4.?Florida State Seminoles Dalvin CookFlorida State was poor in short-yardage situations but through no fault of Cook. The junior has the wiggle and power to score at the goal line. A quarterback sneak might be effective with the bigger Sean Maguire, but with that position unsettled, its best just to turn it over to the Heisman candidate. --?Jared Shanker5. Oklahoma SoonersSamaje Perine Nobody in crimson and cream would think twice about putting the ball in the hands of Baker Mayfield in this situation. But that didnt work out so well for Pete Carroll. So its pretty simple: Tell Mayfield to put the ball in the arms of Perine, and let the 235-pound running back do the rest. -- Brandon Chatmon6. LSU TigersLeonard FournetteFor all his impressive stats last season, Fournette struggled in short-yardage situations. On runs on which he needed between 1 and 3 yards to convert, Fournette was successful just 52.9 percent of the time -- well below the Power 5 average of 66.9 -- according to ESPN Stats & Information. However, when you have the countrys most dynamic running back in your backfield, you give him the ball and take your chances. -- David Ching7. Stanford Cardinal Daniel Marx David Shaw had a favorite for this job last season, and it wasnt Christian McCaffrey. Remound Wright earned a heavy load at the goal line, so the Cardinal must replace his short yardage wizardry that led to 13 touchdowns. At 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, Marx is a throwback fullback built like a bowling ball. -- David Lombardi8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Malik ZaireIn limited action, the world has gotten a glimpse of what Zaire is capable of. He is a unique, dual-threat lefty who might be as strong as he is speedy. Its no wonder the 225-pounder is the ultimate Irish trump card come red zone scenarios, and he is a great option to have at the goal line. -- Matt Fortuna9.?Ohio State Buckeyes J.T. BarrettThe junior quarterback started winning his job back last season, thanks in part to his willingness to come in as a red zone finisher. Even if Mike Weber and the young Buckeyes taking over in the backfield emerge to fill Ezekiel Elliotts shoes, with the game on the line, Barrett isnt likely to be denied. -- Ward10. Tennessee Volunteers Kahlil McKenzieYeah, Joshua Dobbs or Jalen Hurd would be the obvious offensive options at the 1-yard line, but if the game is on the line and you need a big body to plow through two lines, Tennessee should go with sophomore defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie. Hes Tennessees largest player at 6-foot-3, 344 pounds, and though he is still a work in progress as Tennessees man in the middle, he would be a no-brainer for a goal-line score with the girth he carries. -- Edward Aschoff11. USC Trojans Ronald Jones IILast season, Tre Maddens 220-pound frame made him a nice option to bull toward hard-earned yardage. He is gone, though, so the Trojans will have to sift through their stable of running backs for a short-yardage replacement cut from a smaller cloth. The natural choice is likely Ronald Jones II, but USC should be creative with its play call, as Jones 195 pounds might not be best-suited for a simple plunge up the middle. -- Lombardi12. Georgia Bulldogs Nick ChubbIt doesnt matter how healthy Chubb is -- you want him on that line in crunch time. One of the strongest players in the league, Chubb could run through Superman if a touchdown were on the line. People might want to opt for a heavier option at the 1-yard line, but besides?Leonard Fournette, there is no running back better suited for a goal-line plunge. --?Aschoff13. Ole Miss Rebels Breeland SpeaksThe Rebels are still trying to figure out who is going to be their consistent ground-and-pound running back. That said, Ole Miss should opt for an athletic, versatile, big body to carry the rock in this short-yard situation. Step on down, Breeland Speaks. The hefty (313 pounds) defensive tackle has resembled Robert Nkemdiche with his athleticism inside and could easily carry the ball in from a yard away. He has solid speed for a big guy and a little wiggle. Plus, he plays angry, and thats what you need this close to the end zone. --?Aschoff14. Oklahoma State CowboysMason RudolphTemptation to go with Barry J. Sanders exists, simply because his father scored 37 touchdowns in 1988. That must be good for something. The Stanford transfer rushed for four touchdowns last season, equal to the total of Chris Carson,?the Cowboys top returning rusher. Neither is an inspiring pick, though. OSU struggled mightily in the run game in 2015 and might not be improved enough this year to rely on a back in this spot. That means give it to Rudolph, the junior QB whos adequate on his feet and can find receivers James Washington or Marcell Ateman in tight spaces. -- Mitch Sherman15.?Michigan State SpartansLJ ScottThere is no need to mess around in East Lansing. Just give it to the big guy. The 6-foot, 238-pounder needed only one season to prove he has a nose for the end zone, as he led the Spartans with 11 touchdowns and promised even brighter things to come in his career. -- Ward16. Washington Huskies Lavon ColemanMyles Gaskin was the Huskies breakout star in 2010, but at 220 pounds, Coleman sports about 25 extra pounds of beef. Wed be comfortable with him throwing that size into a crowded goal-line situation, especially because Gaskin will likely shoulder a heavy workload between the 20s this season. A two-headed monster can be effective for Washington. -- Lombardi17. Houston Cougars Greg Ward Jr. You want the ball in the quarterbacks hands on the goal line. The running back group is unproven at this point, but in Ward, you have a known quantity. The senior quarterback rushed for 1,108 yards and 21 touchdowns while passing for 2,828 and 17 scores last season. Being able to rely on a quarterback who is dangerous both rushing and passing is what would make him so dangerous on the goal line. Let him do his thing and ring up six more points. --?Ching18. North Carolina Tar HeelsElijah HoodThis is an easy one, even if Larry Fedora made the wrong call in Week 1 last season. In that game against South Carolina, Hood ran for 138 yards but got just 13 carries, while QB Marquise Williams tossed three interceptions inside the Gamecocks 25. Hood wouldnt be ignored again, however, and he finished the year with 17 touchdowns after serving as one of the most punishing backs in the country. --?Hale19. Oregon Ducks Royce Freeman When it comes to this exercise, we can get creative with some teams -- but not with Oregon. The Ducks have their main man in Freeman, and his specialty -- despite his speed -- is bruising all over opponents. Freemans 230-pound frame is not likely to be denied on the goal line. Give him the ball. -- Lombardi20. TCU Horned FrogsKyle HicksThe Frogs had a game-on-the-line scenario from the 2-yard line last season against Oklahoma and went to the air. It didnt work out. If that happens again this season, running back Kyle Hicks is likely getting the ball. Or maybe its a QB keeper. Or perhaps Gary Patterson knows the D expects a run and fools them with a pass. Its a tough call. This is why hes the successful head coach and Im not. -- Max Olson21. Texas A&M Aggies Daylon MackThe Aggies have plenty of traditional choices, such as stout running back Keith Ford, dual-threat quarterback Trevor Knight and electric wideouts Christian Kirk, Speedy Noil and Ricky Seals-Jones. But my coworker Sam Khan Jr. offered an outside-the-box idea that might have some promise: What about defensive tackle Daylon Mack doing his best Refrigerator Perry impression? Even if he has never been a short-yardage back in college, the 335-pound Mack was in high school, and he was productive, with a total of 262 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. --?Ching22. UCLA Bruins Soso JamaboFor the first time in several years, someone other than Paul Perkins will be the Bruins featured man here. Jamabo is an exceptionally tall back -- he checks in at 6-foot-3 -- who is projected to step into Perkins void after emerging from Texas as one of the nations most prized recruits. If leveraged correctly, Jamabos height can become an asset in a pressure-packed goal-line situation, especially if a score is a dive or reach away. -- Lombardi23.?Iowa HawkeyesLeShun Daniels Jr.Behind another stout offensive line that continues the programs rich blocking tradition, perhaps it doesnt make much difference who touches the football, as long as he is working behind those beefy Hawkeyes. But Daniels boasts some size and strength himself, and hes coming off an eight-touchdown season that qualifies him as a closer for Iowa. -- Ward24. Miami HurricanesGus Edwards Theres a reason Edwards has the nickname The Bus. At 6-2, 240 pounds, Edwards has the ability to bull rush through a stacked line with defenders on his back. After missing last season with injury, there is little doubt he will be eager to get the ball in such a crucial situation and score. --?Andrea Adelson25. Louisville CardinalsLamar Jackson The sophomore proved to be a threat with both his arms and his legs last season, and he is only more dangerous now. The former track star will make defenders miss and will keep them guessing, as he is one of the nations most valuable red zone commodities. --?Fortuna Air Force 1 Mid Just Do It . MORITZ, Switzerland -- Fog prevented downhill racers from getting their Olympic dress rehearsal. Nike Sf Air Force 1 Mid Nere . Kyle Denbrook, a soccer player from Saint Marys University, took the CIS male athlete of the week honour. Stanley, a fourth-year business administration student from Charlottetown, scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Dalhousie on Friday and tallied again in a 1-0 win over Saint Marys on Sunday. http://www.airforce1outletitalia.it/scontate-air-force-1-mid-utility.html . -- Jimmy Walkers first PGA Tour trophy came with a special gift tucked inside. Air Force 1 Doernbecher . Arsenal failed to take full advantage of its main rivals stumbles on Saturday as substitute Gerard Deulofeu levelled with a hard shot from a tight angle in the 84th minute to give Everton a deserved point. Ahead of a crucial fortnight that will see them play against Napoli in the Champions League, Manchester City and Chelsea, Arsenal leads by five points ahead of Liverpool and Chelsea. Air Force 1 Scontate Uomo . It is a cliché dragged out by fans and pundits regularly when discussions take place around which teams are better than others. MIAMI -- Hassan Whiteside likes when teams challenge him inside.The reigning NBA blocks leader piled up seven to go with 12 points and 17 rebounds and the Miami Heat beat the Milwaukee Bucks 96-73 on Thursday night to end a six-game losing streak.Theres two different types of coaches and teams, Whiteside said. Theres coaches that say, `Hassan Whiteside is down there, dont attack him. And then there are coaches that say, `Hassan Whiteside is down there, lets attack him, God bless those teams. Long live those teams. I need more of those teams.Dion Waiters led Miami with 23 points, and Josh Richardson added 18. The losing streak was the Heats longest since 2008.Its just another game, we cant get too happy about one win, Richardson said. Were glad we won, but weve got to move on to the next game.Point guard Goran Dragic returned for the Heat after missing three games with a sprained left ankle. He had 16 points in 35 minutes.Rusty a little bit, Dragic said. I didnt feel quite fast enough. The first half I struggled a little bit and then I finally got my legs under me a little bit and in the second half I felt great.Giannis Antetokounmpo and Tony Snell each had 14 points for Milwaukee. The Bucks shot 32.9 percent (28 of 85) from the field and have lost four of five.As a team we struggled on the defensive end, Bucks head coach Jason Kidd said. We couldnt guard the ball. We couldnt grab rebounds when we had to. We gave them second opportunities. On the offensive end, we just lost our patience.Richardson hit a corner 3, Whiteside blocked a layup attempt by Antetokounmpo, and Dragic hit a 3 in a flurry of big plays to give Miami an 80-69 lead with 7 minutes left.That was a big sequence for us, Richardson said. Hassan, when he gets blocks like that it energizes everybody and were running I think were a dangerous team.The Heat held on the rest of the way, with a 3 by Waiters making it 88-73 with 3:31 left.Miami outscored Milwaukee 29-11 in the fourth quarter.The Bucks entered the game leading the NBA in points in the paint, averaging 49.8 a game after leading the league a year ago, but were held to 34 and just 10 in the second half.dddddddddddd.They cover so much ground in particular G.A. and (Jabari) Parker, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. They really have a way of cutting and attacking, and catching and going into the paint. You have to have guys who are willing to compete, be physical, and do it with technique and discipline. And then when you get beat it helps to have a great eraser back there (with Whiteside).Milwaukee jumped out to a 20-6 lead, which included three impressive dunks by Parker, including taking one around-the-back on a dribble to avoid Richardson, and holding the Heat to 3-for-18 shooting.Miami quickly bounced back as Tyler Johnsons 3 gave the Heat a 30-27 lead and the teams were knotted at 48 at the break.Josh Richardson hit a pair of 3-pointers for the Heat during a 13-4 run in the third quarter to give Miami a 65-54 lead.Miami led 67-62 to start the fourth quarter.Our best basketball was in the second half, Spoelstra said.BUCKS STARS STRUGGLEAntetokounmpo and Parker, who entered the game averaging over 41 points, combined to score 25 on 10-of-35 shooting (28.6 percent).(Whiteside) did a good job of contesting shots, but I go to the basket, and I didnt get nothing the whole game, Parker said. I didnt get no calls.McGRUDER, COACHES RECEIVE RINGSMiamis Rodney McGruder and assistant coaches Dan Craig and Octavio de la Grana received their NBA D-League championship rings for winning the title last season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Miamis affiliate.Thats the same rock we got, thats awesome, Spoelstra said in reference to the Heats three championship rings. We all felt that we were a part of it.McGruder, a Kansas State product who went undrafted in 2013, made his NBA debut this season and recently earned his first start.UP NEXTMilwaukee will host Golden State on Saturday. The Bucks handed the Warriors one of their nine regular-season losses last year ending their 24-game winning streak to start the season.Miami begins a four-game, seven-day trip Saturday at Washington. ' ' '

Roberto Firmino, Gary Hooper, Max Power and Shay McCartan have been named the PFA Fans Players of the Month for January. Firmino, who moved to Anfield last summer from Hoffenheim in an initial £21.3m deal, hit the headlines in January by scoring four goals in as many games in the Premier League.The Brazilian, who beat Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney and Tottenhams Harry Kane to the top-flight award, scored twice in his sides 3-3 draw with title challengers Arsenal, before firing another double in his sides thrilling 5-4 win at Norwich. Firmino (right) scored four goals in four league games in January The Championship accolade has been picked up by Sheffield Wednesday striker Gary Hooper, who scored five goals in January to help his side stay unbeaten during the month.The 28-year-old, who joined Wednesday on a three-and-a-half-year permanent deal from Norwich in the transfer window, saw off competition from Hull City striker Abel Hernandez and Birmingham midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld. Gary Hooper (No 14) picked up the Sky Bet Championship award In League One, Wigan midfielder Max Power topped the poll ahead of Port Vale forward Ajay Leitch-Smith and Barnsley striker Sam Winnall.Power scored two goals as Wigan moved up to third in the league following an unbeaten six-game run during January. Max Power was a key figure in Wigans unbeaten run in January Finally, the League Two award went to Accrington Stanley forward Shay McCartan after his three January goals helped him claim more votes than Oxford United striker Kemar Roofe and Plymouth Argyle midfielder Gregg Wylde. Accrington Stanley forward Shay McCartan led the vote in League Two Every month throughout the English football season, fans will have the opportunity to vote on skysports.com for who they think has been the best player in the Barclays Premier League, Sky Bet Championship, Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two, after Sky Sports teamed up with the PFA to be the digital platform for the Awards.Before the vote opens each month, an expert panel produce a shortlist of contenders. Fans are then able to vote for the player they think deserves the award.The panel includes Sky Sports football pundits Paul Merson, Ian Holloway and Peter Beagrie.That trio are then joined by Mike Riley, general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials, and Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the Football Supporters Federation, as well as the winning fan from each month. Mesut Ozil receives the PFA Fans Player of the Month award for December The winning fans who will take their places on next months shortlisting panel and make the awards to players will be announced in due course.PFA Fans Player of the Month awards for JanuaryPremier League: Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)Championship: Gary Hooper (Sheffield Wednesday)League One: Max Power (Wigan Athletic)League Two: Shay McCartan (Accrington Stanley) Also See: Past results Meet the panel PFA Fans PotM news Live on Sky Adolis Garcia . Mickelson barely made the cut but had the best round of the day with nine birdies and an eagle coupled with two bogeys to sit two shots behind leader Craig Lee of Scotland. Lee shot a 69 for a 12-under 204 total. "I just love the fact I am in contention and have an opportunity in my first tournament of the year here in Abu Dhabi," Mickelson said. Kolten Wong .J. -- Pitcher Carl Pavano is retiring after 14 major league seasons. http://www.custommlbcardinalsjersey.com/custom-alex-reyes-jersey-large-1431q.html . Marincin has played in two NHL games so far this season with two penalty minutes. The 21-year-old has three goals, four assists and a plus-5 rating in 24 games with the American Hockey Leagues Oklahoma City Barons this season. Jack Buck . And follow TSN.ca right through Deadline Day for all the updates. From Pierre LeBrun While Anaheim GM Bob Murray said earlier this season he was not going to trade Jonas Hiller despite the fact hes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, some sources have told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun that Murray might be willing to move another goalie. Cheap Cardinals Jerseys . The recently retired Stern was elected Friday to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and will be enshrined with the class of 2014 on Aug. MARINA BAY, Singapore -- Kimi Raikkonen says his Ferraris lack of overall grip was to blame for the 0.956s gap to Nico Rosbergs Mercedes on pole position during qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix.At the same race last year, Ferraris Sebastian Vettel held a 1.4s gap over the fastest Mercedes, but this year that advantage had swung back in favour of the world champions. Raikkonen said it is obvious what Ferrari is lacking compared to Mercedes.I dont really care what the gap is right now -- we are fifth and weve seen that before in some races and in some races not, he said. Theyve been strong here and unfortunately this is what weve got today.The car was behaving pretty decently, apart from obviously lacking a bit of grip overall. But there werent issues that we could have fixed to suddenly go faster, apart from adding overall grip.The first lap in Q3 was a good lap and I knew I had to try a bit too much to go faster in the second lap and itt didnt pay off.dddddddddddd This is where you ended up.The Red Bulls completed Q2 on the super-soft tyres, meaning they will start the race on those tyres while the rest of the top ten will start on the ultra-softs. Raikkonen, who starts the race from fifth behind both Mercedes and both Red Bulls, said Ferrari considered the strategy but believes it will be a better approach to start on the ultra-softs.Obviously all of us had the chance to do that but we all do what we think is the best for our cars and our teams. How it will pan out tomorrow, well see, I have no idea and Im not really interested on how they will run it.We have to do our maximum and hopefully it will pay off in a good way. Its going to be a long race and a lot usually happens, so we have to right with the timings and hopefully we gain some places. ' ' '

CLEVELAND -- The Indians activated Danny Salazar from the 15-day disabled list to start Thursday night against the Chicago White Sox.The right-hander had been on the DL with right elbow inflammation since Aug. 2. He last pitched on Aug. 1, allowing six runs in two innings during a 12-5 loss to Minnesota.Salazar is 11-4 with a 3.38 ERA in 20 starts this season, striking out 133 in 117 1/3 innings for the AL Central leaders.The Indians had an open spot on their 25-man roster after placing right-hander Josh Tomlin on the family medical emergency list Wednesday. Vans Slip On Clearance . Patrice Bergeron and Daniel Paille scored 20 seconds apart a few minutes after Stamkos was taken off the ice on a stretcher with a broken right leg, and the Bruins beat the Lightning 3-0 on Monday afternoon. Vans Shoes Clearance . And follow TSN.ca right through Deadline Day for all the updates. From Pierre LeBrun While Anaheim GM Bob Murray said earlier this season he was not going to trade Jonas Hiller despite the fact hes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, some sources have told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun that Murray might be willing to move another goalie. http://www.vanssalestore.com/vans-old-skool-clearance.html . "Were just throwing s--- at the wall hoping something sticks," said Tortorella about the possible line combinations for Fridays game against Columbus. The Canucks have lost five straight games and six of their last seven, leaving them in a logjam in the Pacific Division, currently sitting fifth - good for ninth in the Western Conference. Vans Store Near Me . Vancouver Whitecaps and Toronto FC failed to make the postseason while Montreal Impact fell at the first hurdle losing heavily to Houston Dynamo in the Eastern Conference Knockout Round. Cheap Vans SK8 . 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.Hull KRs caretaker coach Willie Poching believes there could be no better opportunity to lift his side out of the doldrums than by facing a wounded St Helens, live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 7.30pm. Poching, placed in temporary charge following the sacking of Chris Chester three games into the season, takes the reins of a side still reeling from Sundays surprise defeat by last years bottom club Wakefield.Saints, too, are in something of a slump, having suffered heavy back-to-back defeats to Salford and Sydney Roosters, and Poching is expecting a backlash. I think its a good time to play them, he said. Youve got to be excited about every opposition you come up against but theyre one of the big clubs that you get excited about.These are the games that the players want to be part of. Saints will be looking to reverse some of the results theyve had and I know Keiron (Cunningham) will have them fired up but its a challenge were looking forward to. Highlights of Wakefields 14-12 win over Hull KR in Super League Weve got our own situation to worry about. There will be no better way to try and get a response out of them than up against a St Helens team that is really hungry.Poching will take confidence from the proud home record of Hull KR, who are undefeated in their last eight meetings with St Helens at their Craven Park home going back to to the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup in 2008.Bounce back St Helens full-back Jack Owens talks to Sky Sports about his future in rugby league Saints head coach Cunningham, insists his clubs previous record on the ground will be irrelevant as they look to bounce back from their 38-12 World Club Series mauling.ddddddddddddIt is something you can look at but it is, and has to be, a fresh slate every time you go, he said.Our challenge as a team and a club is to be ready for every game regardless of whatever the team you are facing is doing. We have to focus on our own performance.The Roosters game gave us a shot in the arm because we physically matched it with one of the best packs in the world. I saw a twinkle in the eye of my forwards because it showed they are as good as we think they are. Now we have to get the rest right.If we take that physicality into the game then we wont be far off, but we have to be more clinical with the ball. Highlights of the Sydney Roosters 38-12 win over St Helens in the World Club Challenge series Saints are boosted by the return of hooker James Roby after he sat out the last two games with a rib injury while full-back Shannon McDonnell is also included in Cunninghams 19-man squad after recovering from a snapped Achilles.Hull KR: 1. Ken Sio, 3. Liam Salter, 4. Iain Thornley, 5. Kieran Dixon, 7. Albert Kelly, 8. Adam Walker, 10. Mitch Allgood, 11. Maurice Blair, 12. Graeme Horne, 13. Chris Clarkson, 16. James Green, 17. Dane Tilse, 18. Ben Cockayne, 20. James Greenwood, 21. Thomas Minns, 23. Ryan Shaw, 24. George Lawler, 25. Stephen Holker, 26. Robbie Mulhern.St Helens: 2. Tommy Makinson, 3. Jordan Turner, 5. Adam Swift, 6. Travis Burns, 7. Luke Walsh, 8. Alex Walmsley, 9. James Roby, 10. Kyle Amor, 11. Atelea Vea, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 14. Lama Tasi, 16. Andre Savelio, 17. Luke Thompson, 18. Dominique Peyroux, 20. Joe Greenwood, 21. Matty Dawson, 22. Jack Owens, 23. Shannon McDonnell.Watch Hull KR v St Helens live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 7.30pm on Friday. ' ' '

ATLANTA -- Freddie Freemans 30-game hitting streak ended Thursday night when he struck out in the eighth inning of a tie game. That certainly didnt slow the Atlanta Braves as his teammates quickly scored four runs to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-2 in their final homestand in Turner Field.The longest hitting streak in the majors since 2011, when Atlantas Dan Uggla went 33 straight, is over yet the Braves continue winning -- especially against Philadelphia.Moments after Phillies closer Jeanmar Gomez (3-5) struck out Freeman, Matt Kemp doubled off the wall in right field. That scored rookie Dansby Swanson, who walked before Freemans at-bat, for a 2-1 lead.Jace Peterson added an RBI single and pinch-hitter Emilio Bonafacio added a two-run single to give the Braves their seventh straight victory over the Phillies, and their 10th win in 11 games.Some guys drive runs in, Atlanta interim manager Brian Snitker said of Kemp, who has 38 RBI and 11 home runs since being traded from San Diego on Aug. 2 to help the Braves average 5.3 runs in that time. Hes just one of them guys you can count on.You kind of feel good about our offense. ... The umpires say, `Play ball, and our guys are expecting to win right now I think. Were going to go out there and win the game somehow.Philadelphias heading home in the other direction. The Phillies lost six of seven games on a road trip on which they were outscored 68-33.Philadelphia starter Jeremy Hellickson, who entered 12-10 with a 3.78 ERA, left with a 1-0 lead after 3 1/3 innings because of a sprained right knee. He hurt himself running the bases as he scored in the third on Odubel Herreras soft hit to left field.Phillys bullpen was fine until Gomez came on in the eighth and gave up four earned runs, hitting a batter, walking two and allowing three hits in 1/3 of an inning.Atlanta tied the game in the sixth on Swansons third home run, his first in Turner Field.Mauricio Cabrera (5-1) became the first Braves rookie reliever since Mike Stanton in 1991 to record at least five wins and five saves (6) when he retired the only batter he faced in the top of the eighth. He induced cleanup hitter Tommy Joseph to line out to left field with a runner at second.Braves started Josh Collmenter, acquired Sept. 14 from the Cubs for cash, allowed one run in seven innings. He earlier appeared in relief in 15 games for the Diamondbacks before Arizona released him.In three starts with the Braves, hes 2-0 with an ERA of 2.37.The whole atmosphere is not that of a club thats in the position were in, he said. Its a laid-back environment and everybodys excited to come here every day. To think that my season was prematurely over a few weeks ago ...TRAINERS ROOMPhiladelphia LF Roman Quinn, who left Tuesdays game against the Braves with a strained oblique after registering hits in his first three at-bats, may be finished. I doubt if hell play the rest of the year, Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. Hellicksons knee sprain is not believed serious.TIGER TALESAtlantas final opponent is shuffling. The Tigers will start LHP Daniel Norris (3-3, 3.59) Friday against the Braves after his scheduled Thursday start against the Indians was postponed by foul weather. RHP Jordan Zimmermann was to start Friday against Atlanta, he will instead go Saturday. RHP Justin Verlander will start Sunday for the Tigers, who are chasing a wild card spot in the American League.BETTER LATE THAN NEVERWhile surging late in the season to counter a dreadful first half, Atlanta has won 19 games in the last at-bat, the most in the National League.UP NEXTPhillies: Philadelphia returns home for a day off and then will close the season with two games against the Mets.Braves: RHP Matt Wisler (7-12, 4.86) will make his final start Friday. It will be his first against visiting Detroit. Cheap Shoes From China . And when it opened, every player was at his stall. Thats a sure sign that a team is in a slump and is searching for answers. "Its embarrassing to be at home and play the way we did," said defenceman Josh Gorges. Cheap Shoes 2020 . Perhaps Carroll was so prepared for a break because he believes there is very little the Seattle Seahawks need heading into the off-season. "I dont see anything that we need to add. We just have to get better," Carroll said. https://www.cheapshoesdiscount.com/ . Ibaka equaled a career high with 20 rebounds, adding four blocked shots and 15 points as the Thunder smothered the Milwaukee Bucks offence in a 92-79 victory Saturday night. Cheap Shoes Discount . Most important, perhaps, it went off without a hitch. Organizers poked a little fun at the now-infamous opening ceremony gaffe that saw only four out of five snowflakes open up into rings, leaving the Olympics logo one ring short. Cheap Shoes Wholesale . 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. TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Lightning used the power play to extend their recent dominance over the New York Islanders.Steven Stamkos had a goal and two assists, Andrei Vasilevskiy made 31 saves and the Lightning beat the Islanders 4-1 on Thursday night.The Lightning went 2 for 6 on the power play, and New York failed to score on its one chance.The power play helped us out, kick-started it, Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper said.Nikita Kucherov, Tyler Johnson and Brian Boyle also scored for the Lightning, who have outscored the Islanders 10-2 in winning the first two games of the season series.Tampa Bay also beat the Islanders in five games during the second round of last seasons playoffs.Theyre a good hockey team, New York center John Tavares said. We just havent played to a level that we need to have success against them.The Islanders got a goal from Andrew Ladd.Stamkos opened the scoring by beating Jaroslav Halak from the left circle on a power play 8:03 into the game. The star center has 111 career power-play goals with Tampa Bay, one shy of Vincent Lecavaliers team record.It was just the fifth time in 14 games that the Lightning scored first.Thats something weve discussed, Stamkos said. For sure, weve got to start games better.New York was called for all three penalties in the first period, on undisciplined infractions for elbowing, cross-checking and high-sticking.You have to work as a unit of five, and at the end of thee day you just have to find a way to do it, Islanders coach Jack Capuano said of New Yorks 25th-ranked short-handed success rate.ddddddddddddKucherov also scored from the left circle 3 minutes after Stamkos goal to make it 2-0. Victor Hedman got his 188th career assist to become the franchise leader for defensemen.Halak was pulled and replaced by Thomas Greiss 2:50 into the second after Johnson scored from the left circle on Tampa Bays fourth power play. Halak allowed three goals on 16 shots.Theres no secret, Tavares said. The amount of penalties we take, its really putting us in a tough spot.Shortly after Vasilevskiy made a strong save on Casey Cizikas during a 4-on-1, Ladd pulled New York to 3-1 midway through the second.Boyle scored early in the third.Game notes The Islanders host Tampa Bay on Monday night to complete the three-game season series in a 14-game span. ... Stamkos has 13 goals and 29 points in 27 games against the Islanders. ... Tampa Bay LW Jonathan Drouin missed his fourth straight game after taking a hit to the head Nov. 1 from Islanders D Calvin de Haan. ... The Islanders returned forward Mathew Barzal to Seattle of the WHL.UP NEXTIslanders: Wrap up a two-game southern swing Saturday night at Florida.Lightning: Complete a two-game homestand Saturday night against San Jose. ' ' '

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Receiver or running back -- Ronald Cleveland doesnt know how to classify himself.How about this: Burgeoning playmaker.Cleveland rushed for a score and caught a 62-yard TD pass as Air Force beat Abilene Christian 37-21 on Saturday for its 13th straight win at home.The sophomore plays a hybrid position in the Air Forces triple-option offense. His 33-yard TD run in the second quarter began a spurt of 21 straight points to help the Falcons (1-0) pull away from pesky Abilene Christian (0-1). Cleveland entered the game with one career carry.I dont want to be one of those guys if I come in the defense can key on me, said Cleveland, a football, basketball, track and soccer standout during his high school career in Franklin, Tennessee. I want to focus on getting stronger and being able to make those blocks you need to make on the linebackers and defensive ends. Do whatever I need to do.Hes certainly getting stronger. He can already bench about 60 pounds more than he could a season ago.Tremendous athlete. Highly skilled, Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said. The thing hes done -- finally has arms. When he first got here, this (microphone) cord right here was thicker than his arms. Hes added a little bit that way. It was good to see him contribute.Quarterback Nate Romine guided the offense in his return from a knee injury that sidelined him most of last season. He finished with two TD passes as Air Force improved to 21-0 all-time against Football Championship Subdivision teams.But he didnt play late in the fourth quarter, with backup Arion Worthman taking some snaps. Worthman threw a 17-yard TD pass to Jalen Robinette with 5:27 remaining.Asked if Romine was banged up, Calhoun simply responded: We chose to put Arion in there. We thought we needed to get him out there.Abilene Christian kept it close for most of the game thanks to a defense that recovered two early fumbles. Dallas Sealey threw three TD passes, including a 76-yard strike to Tracy James with 4:14 remaining that made it 37-21.We always say around our place, when you get squeezed the real you comes out, Wildcats coach Ken Collums said. You saw the real us and I like what I see.Air Force hasnt lost at Falcon Stadium since Nov. 21, 2013, against UNLV. Its the longest home winning streak in team history.THE TAKEAWAYAbilene Christian: Dropped to 11-34 all-time against FBS teams, but proved they could hang with the bigger schools. It couldve been even closer, but James tripped over the turf after breaking into the clear in the second quarter and Brendan Conn missed a 35-yard field goal late in the third.These guys are a high-class outfit. They go to bowl games every single year, Collums said. They are tough, and they are relentless, and they are disciplined.Air Force: A ho-hum performance. The Falcons improve to 10-0 in season openers under Calhoun.REMEMBERING DEEThis was a difficult day for the Falcon family as they honored former quarterback Dee Dowis by wearing helmet decals that featured his initials and No. 6. The school also stenciled DD on the 6-yard-line at both ends of the field and held a moment of silence.Dowis died Monday morning in a car accident outside Atlanta. He was 48.A technician at running the option offense, Dowis graduated as the academys career leading rusher.Hed make plays on his own that were beyond sensational and yet the first thing -- and I dont know why this phrase sticks in my mind, but I heard it over and over and over -- `Hey, good job, yall, Calhoun recounted. That tells you a little bit in terms of how strongly he felt about the guys alongside him.UP NEXTAbilene Christian: Host Northern Colorado, Sept. 10. The Wildcats lead the series, 10-5-1, but have dropped five straight.Air Force: Host Georgia State, Sept. 10. The Falcons beat the Panthers 48-34 on Sept. 13, 2014, in the only meeting between the two teams.-----Follow Pat Graham on Twitter: www.twitter.com/pgraham34. AP College Football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org . Air Max Pas Cher Chine . Speaking Thursday on TSN 1050 Thursday, the Leafs GM also touched on the questions surrounding the teams leadership and the struggles of his big-name free-agent signing. “Its not from lack of effort from the coaching staff. Air Max 95 Pas Cher Chine . The Cincinnati Reds remain perfect with their speedy rookie outfielder in the starting lineup. http://www.airmaxpaschervente.fr/destockage-air-max-90-france.html . -- Arizona raced out to a big lead and did not back off, hitting the accelerator instead. Air Max Pas Cher En Ligne . Cuban testified Thursday that he was upset when the companys CEO told him news that would reduce the value of his shares, for which hed paid $7.5 million. But he said he did nothing improper when he sold those shares over the next two days. Fausse Air Max 90 Pas Cher . Traditional contenders Brazil, Greece and Turkey drew the other three spots to complete the 24-team field for this summers tournament in Spain, basketball governing body FIBA announced Saturday at its meeting in Barcelona. DETROIT -- Detroit long snapper Don Muhlbach was with the Lions back in 2008, when they became the first -- and so far, the only -- NFL team to go 0-16.This season, as the Cleveland Browns approach that mark of infamy, Muhlbach would rather not see a sequel.That was a brutal year, Muhlbach said. As a football player to another football player, I hope no one else has to go through that.The Browns have three more chances to avoid a winless season, starting with this weekends game at Buffalo. If Cleveland does finish 0-16, those 2008 Lions would have company in that pitiable club, but Detroit isnt exactly buzzing with anticipation.Can we wait for them to go 0-16 before I pop champagne? joked Dominic Raiola, who played center for the Lions from 2001-2014.All kidding aside, its not like an 0-16 season in Cleveland would change what the Lions had to endure eight years ago.I havent been following what theyve been doing and I dont really care if they win a game or not, said Raiola, now an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Lions.The Browns actually have a chance to surpass the 2008 Lions in one measure of futility. Cleveland also lost all four of its preseason games this season. Before Detroits 0-16 nightmare under Rod Marinelli eight years ago, the Lions managed to win the four games that didnt count.Of course, even that may have come with a cost.We were 4-0 in the preseason and showed our whole hand, said Roy Williams, a wide receiver for that team. We used all our plays and didnt change anything when the season started.Williams got off easy that year. He was traded in October to Dallas. But he has some, well, interesting tales.What really sums it up is what happened in Atlanta in our first game, Williams said. We were about to score and (quarterback Jon) Kitna was gesturing to the sideline to let them know that he wasnt hearing a play in his headset. Rod says into the headset, `Come in Jim! Jim! Colletto! And Colletto finally answered and said, `Sorry, coach. I mustve dozed off.Colletto, who was Detroits offensive coordinator that year, says he doesnt remember any incident like that. He says in their Thanksgiving loss to Tennessee, the Lions were penalized for delay of game immediately after a timeout, and he had to apologize to Marinelli because hed drawn a blank on what play to call.There wasnt anybody dozing off, Colletto said.Colletto can certainly empathize with what Clevelands coaches are facing now.I know (Browns coach) Hue Jackson. Theres a lot of good coaches there, Colletto said. Its hard. Its really hard. I know what theyre going through.The 2008 Lions had their chances to win a game. During one stretch, they dropped games to Minnesota, Houston, Waashington and Chicago, all by eight points or fewer.dddddddddddd Detroit was even tied in the fourth quarter of the season finale at Green Bay before falling 31-21.Every week it just kept building and building, Muhlbach said.Muhlbach and quarterback Dan Orlovsky are the only current Lions players who were with the team in 2008. Needless to say, its hard to stay hopeful during a season like that, and players -- both in Detroit in 2008 and Cleveland this year -- are put to an unenviable test.Be a pro. You have a job to do, said Tampa Bay offensive lineman Gosder Cherilus, who played for the Lions in 2008. Every day you wake up, dont look at the record. Know youre a big part of the team and every time you have a chance, you want to be a part of the reason theyre winning -- not part of the reason why theyre losing. At the end of the day, not everyones going to give you their best, but you want to be one of the good guys.If theres any solace for the Browns, its that the Lions actually recovered from 0-16 rather quickly. That awful season netted them the No. 1 pick in the 2009 draft, which they used on quarterback Matthew Stafford.Calvin Johnson was in his second season when the Lions went winless, and he went on to become one of the greatest players in franchise history. Team president Matt Millen was fired during that 2008 season, and Marinelli met the same fate when it was over. The Lions moved on with Martin Mayhew as general manager and Jim Schwartz as coach.Neither of them is still with the organization, but they helped the Lions recover from depths no team had ever reached. In 2011, Detroit made the playoffs -- and Stafford is a big part of this years NFC North-leading team .Yeah, but we couldve won one game and still got Stafford, Muhlbach said.Plenty of teams have hit rock bottom and then returned to respectability. Only one of them went 0-16.The memories of that season linger for those who experienced it.Sometimes when you keep hearing how much of a loser you are, you start to believe it and you accept it. Dont you ever accept that, regardless, Cherilus said. A lot of people think you win in the National Football League just on talent, but it takes so much more than that. If you look at the Browns, theyre just as talented as other teams in the league. That tells you how hard it is to win.But Im rooting for them because I dont wish for that kind of thing to happen to anyone else.---AP Sports Writers Larry Lage and Fred Goodall contributed to this report.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL . ' ' '

SPIJK, Netherlands -- Home favourite Joost Luiten won the KLM Open for the second time after a course-record equalling 63 at The Dutch.The 30-year-old entered the final day three shots behind overnight leader Scott Hend but while the Australian stumbled to a closing 73, Luiten fired 10 birdies and two bogeys to get to 19 under and secure a three-shot victory over Austrias Bernd Wiesberger.Hend had still held the lead after eight holes but two double-bogeys after finding the water saw his chances evaporate as the tournament developed into a straight shootout between Luiten and Wiesbeger.Luiten held a two-shot lead after a birdieing the 10th and 11th but a brilliant up-and-down on the 15th moved Wiesberger ahead in a nip-and-tuck contest.A first bogey of the day on the 17th stalled the 30-year-olds momentum, however, and three birdies in his last five holes gave 2013 champion Luiten an eventually comfortable victory.The first one was special but this one is very special, he said. To have the Dutch people behind me all week and to be able to stand here with the trophy in my hands is very special.It was one of those days where everything I looked at went in the hole. People talk about the zone and I think I was in it today. I missed one shot when I went in the water on 13 but besides that I didnt do much wrong.These are the kind of days that make it all worth getting out of bed for.South Koreas?Byeong-hun An?closed with a 65 to sit at 13 under, a shot clear of Hend, English duo Ben Evans and David Horsey, and Spaniard Alejandro Canizares.Chris Hanson was in the group at 11 under, a shot clear of fellow Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Simon Khan, and Scotlands Scott Jamieson. Air Force 1 Mid Nere . Newcastle dominated in the early stages but City weathered the storm and then raised its game in extra time. Negredo broke the deadlock from close range after a simple move in the 99th minute before Dzeko took the ball round goalkeeper Tim Krul to seal the victory in the 105th. Air Force 1 Alte Premium . Aaron Harrison scored a 22 points for Kentucky (6-1), which has won four in a row following a Nov. 12 loss to current No. 1 Michigan State. Julius Randle overcame a scoreless first half and added his sixth double-double in as many games with 14 points and 10 rebounds. http://www.airforce1outletitalia.it/ . -- 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. Air Force 1 Alte Qs . -- PGA TOUR Canada member Steve Saunders took a three-stroke lead Saturday in the Web. Air Force 1 Mid Uomo . Andreas Johnson had a goal and two assists while Jacob de la Rose also scored for Sweden (2-0-0). Esa Lindell and Rasmus Ristolainen replied for Finland (1-1-0) Lindell opened the scoring for Finland just 41 seconds into the game, but the hosts quickly regained their composure and tied the score less than four minutes later on Wennbergs first of the game. HOUSTON -- They have crisscrossed the country, delivering basketball blowouts from coast to coast.Now the U.S. Olympic teams can finally take the only flight they really want.They were to depart together Tuesday night for Brazil, a trip thats expected to lead to gold.This is the exciting part, knowing that were about to go to Rio, mens star Carmelo Anthony said. Were about to just lock in in just one location, and we can just really focus on playing basketball and getting better individually and as a group.Anthony, at 32 the old man of the U.S. team, wasnt a fan of the early morning flights that the Americans took during their exhibition tour, as evidenced by DeMar DeRozans Instagram video of a team singalong during one trip.Now the teams can drop anchor and stick around in one spot -- theyre staying on a cruise ship along one of Brazils beautiful beaches.Im excited to see (Kevin Durant), DeMarcus Cousins, all the guys. I like them all, and its a great group of guys, Angel McCoughtry of the womens team said following its final exhibition in New York. Im ready to get to know them better and continue to hang out with these girls and have a good time in Rio. This is the Olympics, its a positive thing and were ready to go in there and have some fun.The men finished off their exhibition tour here Monday with a 110-66 rout of Nigeria, a game attended by the womens team after it arrived earlier in the day. After unveiling their team in New York in late June, the men reported three weeks later to training camp in Las Vegas and also played exhibition games in Los Angeles, Oakland and Chicago.They went 5-0, averaged 102.8 points and overwhelmed their opponents by 43 per game. The road to Rio was easy, but coach Mike Krzyzewski insists the Olympics wont be.The competition is going to get better. I mean, really good, Krzyzewski said.We play two games against teams that weve beaten, but theyll be a little bit different, in China and Venezuela. And then we play Australia, who is very goood.dddddddddddd Theyll probably start five NBA players. And then you play Serbia, and we know them from the world championships, with (Milos) Teodosic and their big guys. And then you play France, who will probably have eight or nine NBA players. So it goes up. It goes up, and we have to react accordingly.The U.S. crushed China, the opponent in its opener Saturday, 106-57 and 107-57. The Americans beat Venezuela 80-45.The women played higher-caliber opponents during their tour, which started in Los Angeles before moving to the Northeast for victories over France, Canada and Australia. They are a heavy favorite to win a sixth consecutive gold medal in Rio and have won 41 consecutive Olympic contests, with the last loss coming in the 1992 semifinals.They gathered on July 23 and coach Geno Auriemma said Tuesday was the first real practice theyve had. He plans another Wednesday after they arrive in Rio.So were not as good as were going to be, and thats kind of the way its been for us at the Olympics, Auriemma said. We get better as the week goes on and thats certainly been the case since the 23rd.USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo visited the womens team at practice and addressed the players afterward, wishing them luck in Rio.Durant and Anthony are the only players on the mens team who have played in the Olympics, while the women have much more experience playing together -- some even as college teammates under Auriemma at Connecticut. But there was still plenty of learning to do on and off the court during the tour, with more still come when the games start to count.I think theres a level of comfort now that you can tell that we have from our first game to our last warmup game, Maya Moore said.---AP Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg in New York contributed to this report.---Follow Brian Mahoney on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Briancmahoney ' ' '

WASHINGTON -- Stephen Strasburg thinks relying too much on his new slider put stress on his pitching arm and contributed to the injury problems that sidelined him during the second half of last season and the playoffs.I fell in love with it, the Washington Nationals right-hander said Sunday at the teams annual fan festival, because it was working, especially the first half. I mean, it was a quick out.Strasburg threw sliders on 17.1 percent of his pitches last season, according to Fangraphs, more than changeups (13.1 percent) or curveballs (12.6). He said that because the slider was not a pitch he was used to throwing, he had trouble delivering it exactly the same way each time.That altered his motion, and the fact that he went with the slider more often than he should have, he believes, led to a tendon issue in his right elbow -- although one that is now resolved, he said.I had a new pitch, and I probably abused it. So I need to go back to what Ive thrown much longer, said Strasburg, sporting a thick beard.The No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 amateur draft, now 28, had Tommy John surgery in 2011, then was shut down by the Nationals late in 2012 to protect his repaired elbow. This season, he started 13-0 with a 2.51 ERA, and in the midst of that stretch signed a $175 million, seven-year contract.He went on the DL with elbow soreness in August, then made one more start before being out again.Strasburgs final 2016 numbers: 15-4 with a 3.60 ERA and 183 strikeouts in only 147 2/3 innings.His biggest takeaway? He said he plans to do everything I can to make the adjustments to stay healthy for the whole season next year.To that end, pitching coach Mike Maddux mentioned that he thinks Strasburg might opt for a tweaked between-starts throwing program in 2017.Were going to sit down with him and discuss it, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said, noting that Strasburg had been in town to meet with the teams medical staff and strength and conditioning staff.Through spring training, Rizzo added, well devise a workout program to handle the forearm soreness.Strasburg will start his offseason throwing, as usual, in late December or early January. Until then, strengthening his forearm is key.I did stuff like that in the past, but it wasnt as much as Im doing right now, he said. When you get older and youve had Tommy John, youve got to kind of tweak it a little bit, because the muscles in your arm are just going to maybe change a little bit. Ive just got to make more of an emphasis on slowing everything down and just making the most of the exercises.Game notes Rizzo did not offer much insight or information on where things stand on a closer for 2017. The GM said he has spoken to the agent for free agent Kenley Jansen several times, but did not directly answer when asked whether the Nationals had made an offer. Were looking for back-end-of-the-bullpen help -- and were looking for bullpen help, in general, Rizzo said. ... Trea Turner spoke Sunday about the trade that sent 2016 starting SS Danny Espinosa to the Los Angeles Angels for two minor league pitchers, allowing Turner to return to his natural position, shortstop, after learning to play center field last season. Excited to have an opportunity to go back there. Thats where Im more comfortable, where Ive played the majority of my career, Turner said. I look forward to trying to prove I can play there at a high level and be consistent. Espinosa would most likely have been a reserve and utilityman with Washington, and Rizzo said: I knew hed be frustrated with the bench role. Manager Dusty Baker called the deal, made late Saturday night, definitely good for Danny, because he deserves to play every day.---Follow Howard Fendrich on Twitter at http://twitter.com/HowardFendrich Cheap Air Force 1 China . LOUIS -- St. Cheap Nike Air Max 97 China . Andrew Luck lost his favourite target and the Indianapolis locker room lost one of its most revered leaders when Reggie Wayne was diagnosed Monday with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee that will cost him the rest of the season. http://www.brandshoescheaponline.com/jordan-wholesale-china.html .Y. - New Orleans forward Anthony Davis was chosen Friday to replace the injured Kobe Bryant in the NBA All-Star game that will be played in his home city. Yeezy Boost China Cheap . -- In one brief spurt, Brazil turned a close game into a rout and proved again it will be a strong World Cup favourite. Nike Air Max Plus Discount .C. Lions has come to an end. Banks told TSN on Jan 2 that he had no interest in playing out the option year of his contract with the Lions in 2014, and he again made that clear in a conversation with Lions GM Wally Buono last week. If one thing in this life is certain, if history has taught us anything, its that you can kill anyone. -- Michael CorleoneJeff Fisher was supposed to have more job security than any coach in the league. No one could ever figure out why, but Fisher proved resistant to strings of losing seasons long enough to do in far more successful coaches. Tom Coughlin got fired from the Giants after three straight losing seasons. Fisher on Sunday ensured his fifth straight losing season as Rams coach, and a little more than a week ago it was revealed that he had received a contract extension.And then, Monday, the Rams fired Fisher with three games left in the season. And everything you thought you knew about NFL coaching job security disappeared into a Southern California rush-hour traffic jam. If Fisher cant survive a losing season anymore, who can?The coaching seats in places such as Jacksonville, Buffalo, San Diego and Cincinnati cant feel any cooler than they did 24 hours ago. Fishers surprise in-season firing was a reminder that the ugly January coaching-change season is just a few weeks away now. Speculation about who and where is risky business at this point -- heck, 19 percent of the season remains to be played. But there are always changes, and theres no way Los Angeles will be the only one. Here are two nuggets of info Ive gathered from making calls the past couple of weeks:Los Angeles will be an attractive job to the top candidates. Big market, clean slate, patient ownership, a quarterback who was the No. 1 overall pick, a star-caliber running back, playmakers on defense. Whats going to come open that looks better? Maybe Jacksonville, if you like Blake Bortles and not having to pay state income tax. The Rams arent on the cusp of greatness or anything, but few of the teams that hire coaches ever are. And they have a few things going for them.Josh McDaniels, Kyle Shanahan, Teryl Austin, Jim Bob Cooter, Sean McDermott ... these are the candidate names youve heard and will hear again. Jim Schwartz can get back into the cycle if Philadelphias defense finishes strong. Rising young stars such as Washington offensive coordinator Sean McVay and Miami defensive coordinator Vance Joseph could get calls. Dallas offensive coordinator Scott Linehan could potentially parlay the success of his rookie-driven offense into a return to the interview circuit. But a surprise name to watch is Mike Smith, the former Falcons coach whos now running a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense thats keying a potential playoff run. Smith was 56-24 and made the playoffs four times in his first five seasons as Falcons head coach, then flamed out to the tune of 10-22 in the final two. He got some attention last year -- the Giants and Dolphins interviewed him for their head-coaching jobs before turning elsewhere -- and hes well-regarded around the league.So yeah, it may feel early to be talking about this. But a month from now, the non-playoff NFL world will be consumed by it. And Mondays news let everyone know that it has already begun.What else did we learn in Week 14?The New York Giants killed it in free agencyWe hear all the time that free agency isnt an instant fix. But for the Giants defense, the 2016 free-agent class is an all-time winner. The Giants identified the players they wanted in free agency and then made sure to spend literally whatever they needed to spend to sign them. All three of the guys they brought in from other teams have performed up to their contracts so far. Janoris Jenkins has been a lockdown cornerback. Damon Harrison remains, as he was with the Jets, the best run-stopping defensive tackle in the league. And Olivier Vernon has rejuvenated the pass rush with his relentless motor and versatility.Add in Jason Pierre-Paul, a free-agent re-sign who was playing very well before groin surgery sidelined him last week, and the breakout of second-year safety Landon Collins, and the Giants have a defense capable of winning a game by itself. They made every play but one against the Cowboys on Sunday night, and so when their offense finally made its one pllay -- an electrifying 61-yard Odell Beckham Jr.dddddddddddd catch-and-run touchdown -- it was enough to end Dallas 11-game winning streak.The Cowboys are 11-2, and the Giants have beaten them twice. That defense has a chance to be the Cowboys biggest January roadblock. Its the only thing Dallas hasnt been able to overcome.The Denver Broncos are in real troubleThe loss to Tennessee was, on paper, the defending Super Bowl champions best chance to win a game the rest of the season. That doesnt mean theyre going to lose the rest of their games and finish 8-8, but they absolutely could lose at home to the Patriots, at Kansas City and at home to the Raiders to close out the season. Denver is running an increasingly distant third in the AFC West and playing around on the fringes of the wild-card race. And while, yes, the Broncos did finish strong last season when it looked as if they might not get in, the schedule is not in their favor this season.If Tom Brady is in the MVP conversation, LeVeon Bell should be tooMy feelings on Brady as an MVP candidate should be well known by now. He may be the best player in the league, playing the most important position on the best team. But the fact that he missed one-quarter of the season means his performance needs to be clearly better than those of the other candidates if hes to win the award. So, same thing with Steelers running back Bell. But if you disagree with me, and you think that missing a chunk of the season shouldnt be a disqualifying factor, then you have to consider Bell, who right now is the Steelers offense. He had 298 of the Steelers 460 yards and all three of their touchdowns Sunday. In Pittsburghs past four games -- all wins -- Bell has 53.9 percent of the teams total yardage and five of its 11 touchdowns. The Steelers are working him hard, in the running game and in the passing game, and making up for time lost to the three-game drug suspension with which he began the year. What remains to be seen is whether they sign him to a long-term deal after this season or keep him around on the franchise tag and keep working him this way.Matt Barkley may not be just some placeholder jokeMuch was made last week of the Browns running Robert Griffin III out there the final four games to see if he can be part of their quarterback solution next season. So far, it looks drastically otherwise. But over in Chicago, Barkley has looked remarkably competent the past two weeks starting for the Bears in place of the injured Jay Cutler and Brian Hoyer. And with Cutler likely on his way out and no obvious instant-helper solutions in the draft, Barkley may have a chance to position himself to compete for the job next summer. Barkley will get a boost from the return of top receiver Alshon Jeffery?from suspension this week, and if he finishes with three strong games, dont be surprised if hes in the mix. There arent any Peyton Manning-level solutions kicking around on the market.The Kansas City Chiefs have players who can elevate them above very good come JanuaryKansas City has won 21 of its past 25 games. But there long has been a sense, since Andy Reid got there in 2013, that the Chiefs would be good but would struggle to be great. Alex Smith is a steady quarterback, but not the kind of downfield dazzler you need to elevate past the other top teams in the playoffs. But the return of pass-rusher Justin Houston from injury has made it clear that Kansas City has a Von Miller/Khalil Mack-type difference-maker on defense. (Can the Steelers or Patriots, for example, say the same?) And the breakout of rookie receiver Tyreek Hill gives the Chiefs an offensive difference-maker the likes of which Reid hasnt had since he coached DeSean Jackson in Philadelphia. If the Chiefs keep winning, theyll get a good seed in the AFC playoffs -- maybe even the best one. And they have the kinds of difference-makers on either side of the ball that you need to have if you want to win those games. ' ' '

momentum builder because the Yankees were down

The right-hand injury that Jorge Linares suffered during the sixth round of his lightweight title-winning victory against Anthony Crolla on Sept. 24 will keep him out of the ring for an extended time, which led the WBC on Thursday to rule that its titleholder, Dejan Zlaticanin, would be allowed to have an optional defense before having to face Linares in a mandatory bout.Venezuelas Linares won the WBA version of the 135-pound world title by unanimous decision against Crolla in his hometown of Manchester, England, but he entered the bout also as the WBCs titleholder in recess, because he had been out of action for 11 months because of a previous right hand injury and stripped of the full belt.That allowed Zlaticanin, who was supposed to fight Linares in April, to win the vacant title by third-round knockout of Franklin Mamani on June 11.Linares injured his right hand in the sixth round of the ferocious battle versus Anthony Crolla, and after analyzing the situation and confirming with Dr. Jedediah Jones, it has been concluded that Linares will not be able to fight for some time, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said on Thursday. The WBC is hereby confirming that Dejan Zlaticanin is free to make a voluntary title defense of his WBC lightweight title.Sulaiman said the organization will review the lightweight division mandatory situation, as well as the other weight classes, during its annual convention, which is scheduled to take place in December in Hollywood, Florida.Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker Robert Diaz, who is close to the 31-year-old Linares (41-3, 27 KOs) and accompanied him to Manchester, said he would be sidelined for six or seven weeks but that there was no break or fracture in Linares hand.Its still swollen, but thankfully there is no break, Diaz said. Linares injury is in a different spot on his right hand than the previous one that led to the 11-month layoff, Diaz said.Whether Linares eventually faces Zlaticanin (22-0, 15 KOs), a 32-year-old southpaw and first world titleholder from Montenegro, upon his return is up in the air because Crolla (31-5-3, 13 KOs), 29, has the contractual option for a rematch in his next fight if he wants one. Diaz said he would soon be in touch with Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn to see what they have decided about doing a rematch.Right after the fight Eddie and Crolla were saying they want the rematch next but a couple of weeks have passed, and sometimes things change, Diaz said. So next week Ill send Eddie an email and see what they want to do and get it in writing. The most important thing is to see when Linares hand is ready to go. If Eddie and Crolla want the rematch, Jorge will be available for it. Air Force 1 Alte Hand Wash Cold . R.J. Umberger scored twice to lead the Blue Jackets to a franchise-record for consecutive wins with a 5-3 victory Tuesday night over the Los Angeles Kings. Air Force 1 Alte Liberty . The Croatian served 21 aces and hit 42 winners against Sijsling, who double-faulted to give Cilic a 4-3 lead in the deciding set. "All the players, they know me and they were really happy to see me and they were really happy that this is over for me," Cilic said. http://www.airforce1outletitalia.it/scontate-lunar-force-1.html .C. -- Al Jefferson joked that he feels he can score from anywhere on the court. Air Force 1 Doernbecher .500 on the season. The Jets are now 0-5-1 in the second game of back-to-backs. The game started the same way the Vancouver game started the night before, with the Jets taking the first two penalties of the game and killing off the first, but the Oilers getting on the board first, scoring on the second man-advantage. Air Force 1 Scontate . He said Tuesday thats a big reason why he is now the new coach of the Tennessee Titans. Whisenhunt said he hit it off quickly with Ruston Webster when interviewing for the job Friday night. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan -- Nao Hibino is one match away from retaining her title at the Tashkent Open after beating Denisa Allertova 6-2, 6-3 in the semifinals Friday.The fourth-seeded Japanese player can become the first woman to win the Tashkent title twice if she beats another Czech player, Kristyna Pliskova, in Saturdays final.Pliskova, the identical twin sister of sixxth-ranked Karolina Pliskova, beat Kateryna Kozlova of Ukraine 7-6 (2), 6-0.ddddddddddddPliskova has won both of her previous matches against Hibino. However, those encounters were on grass rather than the hard-court surface used in Tashkent. ' ' '

n around no other player like him, with that meticulou

Oakland Raiders punter Marquette King may be one of the NFLs best, but its his Twitter game that people should watch -- just ask Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.Following wide receiver Tyreek Hills 78-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter of Thursday nights 21-13 Chiefs win, Kelce ran onto the field and danced right in front of King.It appeared as though Kelce would have the last laugh, saying after the game, [King] told me I didnt have any rhythm.Trust me, wait until I get into the end zone again, he said. Ill show you some rhythm.But King put all that talk to rest with this tweet making fun of Kelces?TV dating show, Catching Kelce.The 28-year-old punter, who is averaging 47.6 yards per punt and has landed 27 punts inside the 20-yard line this season, is a man of many talents and enjoys celebrating after a good punt. As Kelce learned the hard way -- if you come at the king, you best not miss.--?Isaac Chipps Cheap Custom Packers Jersey .Y. - Nelson Mandela will be honoured by the New York Yankees with a plaque in Monument Park. Custom Packers T-shirts . -- PGA TOUR Canada member Steve Saunders took a three-stroke lead Saturday in the Web. http://www.custompackersjersey.com/ . Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek defeated Nenad Zimonjic and Ilija Bozoljac 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (4) on the indoor hard-court at Belgrade Arena. The victory improved the Czech pairs impressive cup doubles record to 14-1. Rashan Gary Jersey Large . 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. Wholesale Custom Packers Shirts . Mitch Holmberg added a goal and three assists. Connor Chartier also scored for the Chiefs (3-0-0). Luke Harrison spoiled Garrett Hughsons shutout bid with a power-play goal at 13:17 of the third period. The Spokane goaltender finished with 28 saves, including a Brandon Fushimi penalty shot in the second period that would have tied the game 1-1. CHICAGO -- Kris Bryant was back in the Chicago Cubs lineup Tuesday and apparently OK after an outfield collision 24-hours earlier that left him with a leg bruise.The run-in with Albert Almora Jr. while both pursued a fly ball also prompted an admonishment from Cubs manager Joe Maddon to be more watchful in the future.I didnt like it, I didnt like it at all, Maddon told said. When a player is camped, theres no reason to run a player off. ... It happens to every team throughout the course of the season, but I would like it not to happen again.The versatile Bryant has played in 31 games in the outfield this season, but was back at his normal third base spot Tuesday.He is not a player the Cubs could afford to lose for any significant part of the season, a worry Bryant himself shared when talking about how the Cubs lost Kyle Schwarber for the season in an April 7 outfield collision with Dexter Fowler.I was just kind of scared about the knee at first, Bryant said Tuesday. Im feeling better today, a lot better, nothing to prevent me from playing. I think I got lucky. Things could have been a lot worse.Bryant, voted in as an All-Star Game starter, felt so good that he clubbed his major-league-leading 25th home run of the season in the third inning Tuesday during the Cubs 9-5 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.He is batting .278 with 64 RBI, 19 doubles and a .578 slugging percentage.In the series finale Wednesday, Bryant will be batting against a pitcher who finally made his season debut last month after sustaining a spring training injury, and he will be fielding behind a pitcher who hasnt seen a lot of action as a starter.Chicago right-hander Adam Warren (3-1, 4.56 ERA) will be called up to make a spot start -- his first in a Cubs uniform -- after two outingss at Triple-A Iowa.ddddddddddddHe was acquired by the Cubs from the Yankees in December as part of a trade that sent Starlin Castro to New York. Warren began the season in Chicago and made 25 relief appearances before being optioned to Iowa on June 21.Warrens return is part of Maddons strategy to give his staff a breather during on ongoing run of 24 games in 24 days heading into the All-Star break.Reds right-hander Anthony DeSclafani, meanwhile, will be making only his sixth appearance and start this season.He started 31 times for the Reds last year, but he spent much of this season on the disabled list with a strained left oblique that occurred in a final spring training appearance.DeSclafani (2-0, 1.78 ERA) went on to make late-April rehab starts for Double-A Pensacola and Class A Dayton before he felt soreness again in the muscle. He didnt make another rehab appearance until May 25, the first of three outings for Triple-A Louisville.He was activated off the disabled list on June 10 and made his season debut that night against the Oakland As, working six innings of one-run ball but getting no decision in a 2-1 Reds victory.DeSclafani worked just 2 2/3 innings in his next outing on June 16 at Atlanta and also had a no-decision.Everything clicked in his third outing, when he pitched seven innings and struck out six in an 8-2 win over the Texas Rangers. He then tossed a career-high eight innings on June 26 against the San Diego Padres in a 2-0 win.DeSclafani wasnt involved in the decision in his most recent start, Friday at Washington, when he worked 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball, striking out eight while walking two. ' ' '

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea -- Pyeongchangs preparations for the 2018 Winter Olympics are on course but South Korean organizers must step up efforts to promote the games worldwide, the head of the IOCs inspection team said Friday.Gunilla Lindberg, head of the International Olympic Committees coordination commission for the games, said her team was satisfied with the progress they saw in their latest three-day inspection visit.According to Pyeongchang organizers, construction is on schedule for a series of 26 test events scheduled from November to April. They said six new competition venues for the games are now 90 percent complete.We saw firsthand the progress of the construction projects, Lindberg said at a news conference. There is no doubt that the venues will be ready for the upcoming test events.My colleagues and I leave here more confident than ever that Pyeongchang 2018 will deliver great games, she added.The first test event will be a World Cup snowboard big air competition from Nov. 23-26. Snowboard big air will make its Olympic debut at the Pyeongchang Games.A new high-speed rail line -- designed to link the countrys main gateway of Incheon airport with Pyeongchang in less than two hours -- will be completed in June and start operations in January 2018.Lindberg said that the biggest challenge left for Pyeongchang is promoting the Olympics across the world.Pyeongchang, a sleepy ski resort town in South Koreas mountainous east, is a much smaller destination than Tokyo, which will host the 2020 Summer Olympics, and Beijing, which will host the 2022 Winter Games.The biggest challenge at the moment is ... how to promote the games over the world, because this is a small place. Its not Rio de Janeiro and its not London, said Lindberg, who added that the upcoming test events, which will be televised internationally, will be an important opportunity to promote the games and showcase the level of preparation.Another critical issue for Pyeongchang is securing the participation of National Hockey League players. IOC negotiations with the NHL have stalled over the IOCs decision not to pay for NHL players travel and insurance as it has in the past.NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly recently told The Associated Press he felt negative about the chances the leagues players will appear for a sixth straight Olympics in Pyeongchang.Christophe Dubi, the IOCs executive director of the Olympic Games, said NHL representatives have agreed to pay an inspection visit to Pyeongchang later this month, which he described as a very positive step.Dubi didnt offer a firm answer on whether the IOC would consider allowing the NHL to skip the Pyeongchang Games before returning for Beijing in 2022.We definitely always try to have the participation of the best athletes. It is reassuring that NHL is coming to Pyeongchang and especially look at the operations in Gangneung, he said.When it comes to the final participation ... there is a date set at Jan. 15 to find an agreement, Dubi said. Until then it will be work between all parties involved to make sure that we get the participation of the very best, and thats for both Pyeongchang and Beijing.The ice hockey tournament during the Pyeongchang Olympics will take place at a stadium in the nearby city of Gangneung.Lee Hee-beom, head of the local organizing committee, said ticket sales will be launched in conjunction with the 1-year-to-go countdown in February. Vapormax Plus Grigie . The 29-year-old from Port Colborne, Ont., has nothing but good things to say about former U.S. marine Liz (Girlrilla) Carmouche ahead of their co-main event Wednesday on the UFCs "Fight for the Troops" televised card in Fort Campbell, Ky. Vapormax Plus Saldi . Louis. To which I would say two things: 1. Where there is smoke, there is or perhaps has been a little fire. Or, in other words, the two teams would appear to have at least spoken. And spoken is defined as one calling the other to inquire, no more, no less. http://www.scarpevapormaxscontate.it/vapormax-off-white-italia.html . Cote was eligible to become a free agent Feb. 15. Cote helped running back Jon Cornish run for a league-high 1,813 rushing yards en route to being named the leagues most outstanding player. Vapormax Scontate . Dukurs winning time was 1 minute, 45.76 seconds, a quarter-second better than Russias Alexander Tretiakov. Lativas Tomass Dukurs was third, 1.41 seconds off the pace. Jon Montgomery of Eckville, Alta. Vapormax Prezzo Basso . -- Arizona raced out to a big lead and did not back off, hitting the accelerator instead. LONDON -- The joyful spirit from the 2012 London Games has gone from the Olympic Stadium, replaced instead by hatred and ugly skirmishes.West Hams new home, converted into a soccer stadium with the seats newly painted in the teams claret and blue colors, has been marred by violence this season as small mobs create a toxic atmosphere during matches.Further disorder erupted in the closing stages of Wednesdays game against Chelsea, with bottles, coins and seats hurled between rival fans and seven people arrested. Such unrest -- and far worse -- was a regular occurrence in the last century, but English authorities thought they had contained the problem.Football has become a better, more welcoming environment for a wider fan base, sports minister Tracey Crouch said Thursday. No one wants to see a return to the dark days of the late `70s and `80s. It is completely right that strong action is taken and that anyone involved in last nights trouble is banned for life.Later Thursday, West Ham and London Stadium said in a statement that they are finalizing the identification of 200 individuals who will receive stadium bans having been involved in incidents of disorder ranging from the use of abusive and offensive language to missile throwing.The statement added that rapid progress has been made thanks to extensive CCTV footage being shared between the two London clubs, the Metropolitan police and London Stadium partners.The cause of the disturbances, which Crouch called desperately sad, is perplexing authorities. Why should a club, which was renowned in the past for hooliganism, see a revival of a violent element of its fan base just by moving a few miles across east London from Upton Park?Security numbers were increased inside the stands and riot police stationed around the streets of Stratford for the visit of Chelsea. But there are problems segregating fans in a stadium that was not initially designed for soccer and had to be partially rebuilt after the Olympics to make it suitable for West Ham, which has a 99-year lease.Although Wednesdays game was a London derby, it was in Englands second-tier League Cup competition when weaker lineups are typically used by teams.dddddddddddd And beating Chelsea 2-1 to advance to the quarterfinals produced a rare bright moment this season.But a visiting Chelsea fan said he was hit by an object soon after Cheikhou Kouyate headed West Ham in front in the 11th minute.As soon as they scored there was abuse being hurled over and we were watching the game and all of a sudden I felt a massive thump on the side of my head, thinking it was a bottle or a stone, Steve Cutting said. I put my hand up to my head and realized Id been cut. I looked down and there were some coins, 50p (pence) and pound coins.The English Football Association has opened an investigation into the latest disturbances. The English Football League, the organizers of the League Cup, is working with the clubs and authorities to identify the perpetrators of the violence.West Ham was known for having an organized group of hostile supporters called the Inter City Firm, active mostly in the 1970s and `80s and at away games. The movie Green Street, released in 2005, was based on the group. Behavior among West Ham fans significantly improved in recent years, although there have been isolated incidents, including at the clubs last game at Upton Park in May when the Manchester United team bus was attacked.West Hams inability to shake off its harmful image of a small section of its fan base may hamper attempts to secure naming rights for its new stadium.Olympic Stadiums dont generally make great naming rights sponsors, Tim Crow, chief executive of sports marketing agency Synergy, said by telephone. Very few have attracted a naming rights sponsor and as a result London was up against it anyway.What last night and previous incidents have done is make it extremely unlikely we will see anything happening in the near future and maybe longer.---Rob Harris is at www.twitter.com/RobHarris and www.facebook.com/RobHarrisReports ' ' '

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears had their coach back on Thursday.Although the quarterback and running back remained an entirely different matter.A day after missing practice because of a stomach virus, coach John Fox returned to Halas Hall and said quarterback Jay Cutler is not up to playing in a game at this point.So Cutler sat out of practice Thursday because of a sprained right thumb.I think we just didnt want to aggravate it more, Fox said. Again, a thumb on a throwing hand of a quarterback is a delicate situation. So we just figured we wouldnt go out there and have any stress on it.Cutler, who missed Sunday nights 31-17 loss at Dallas, had practiced Wednesday on a limited basis for the first time since his injury occurred Sept. 19 in a 29-14 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.Fox said it wasnt a case where Cutlers thumb worsened after Wednesdays practice.No setbacks, just healing, Fox said.However, Cutler hadnt really done much throwing in Wednesdays practice as the winless Bears (0-3) prepared to host Detroit (1-2) Sunday.A clearer situation could present itself Friday, but backup Brian Hoyer continues to lead the offense while Cutler watches.Right now hes really not able, Fox said about Cutler. He can go out there and take snaps, but to be able to throw the ball into tight windows and the things youve got to do in this league to perform at a high level, if we feel good about that tomorrow (Friday) or we feel good about that Saturday, then (we) wouldnt hesitate to put him in.Right now its hard for me to say, until those days hit.Hoyer continues to operate under the uncertainty of whether hell start, but said its merely the life of an NFL backup.For me Im every day trying to prepare to play whatever his status is, Hoyer said. Until someone tells me different Im just preparing like Im going to play and thats if he was playing I would prepare the same way.Hoyer completed 30 of 49 for 317 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions against Dallas, but was just 8-for-12 for 71 yards at halftime. The Bears managed only four first-half first downs and trailed 24-3.Its possible Hoyers job would be easier with the other positions on offense more settled, but running back remains an issue.Starter Jeremy Langford has been out since suffering an ankle injury in Sundays game and backup KaDeem Carey remains out of practice after missing Sundays game entirely with a pulled hamstring.As a result, rookie Jordan Howard has taken first-team snaps and is the likely starter. Howard has 67 rushing yards on 12 attempts this season, but the fifth-round draft pick from Indiana has to display improvement in the passing game as a blocker.Hes getting there, offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said. Hes getting closer.In the NFL, its a little bit different than college football with all the different fronts and with all the different personnel packages. Hes working really hard to get caught up to speed with that, but hes doing a nice job as a runner.The Bears rank 30th in the league in rushing and last in time of possession, so the running game has to show drastic improvement.Earlier this week, the Bears signed former Lions running back Joique Bell and hope to have him available after only a few practices for backup duty against his old team.Picking up the offense in such a short time will be a challenge.Asked if Bears coaches were picking his brain for information on the Lions, Bell said, Right now, I think theyre just trying to feed my brain.Game notes Guard Kyle Long (shoulder) went through a full practice after being limited Wednesday. Guard Josh Sitton (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis. ... Defensive end Mitch Unrein (knee) went through a full practice Thursday after being limited Wednesday. ... Safety Harold Jones-Quartey, who had suffered a concussion, was able to practice Thursday on a limited basis.---Online:AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Michael McCrary Jersey . A lawyer for MLB, Matthew Menchel, confirmed Wednesday the league dropped its case against Biogenesis of America, its owner Anthony Bosch and several other individuals. The lawsuit had accused Biogenesis and Bosch of conspiring with players to violate their contracts by providing them with banned performance-enhancing substances. Chuck Clark Jersey . The players spoke Jan. 13 during a Major League Baseball Players Association conference call after Rodriguez sued the union and Major League Baseball to overturn an arbitrators decision suspending him for the 2014 season and post-season. http://www.customravensjersey.com/custom-jamal-lewis-jersey-large-483d.html .C. -- After a listless first half, the Washington Wizards used a big third quarter run to beat the Charlotte Bobcats Bradley Beal scored 21 points and the Wizards used a 17-0 run in the third quarter to take control of what had been a close game and beat the Bobcats 97-83 on Tuesday night. Anquan Boldin Jersey . According to a report from the Vancouver Province, the Lions are expected to replace former DC Rich Stubler with defensive backs coach Mark Washington. Mark Ingram II Jersey . As he recorded his 23rd and 24th points of the evening, a segment of the sellout Air Canada Centre crowd expressed their appreciation for the Raptors point guard with a smattering of MVP chants. WACO, Texas -- Two women who reported being gang-raped by Baylor University football players have reached a settlement with the school, which has been hammered by months of criticism that it ignored or mishandled assault claims for years.The settlement was announced Tuesday night in a joint statement by Baylor interim President David Garland and the lawyers representing the women. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.It breaks my heart that even one student would be sexually assaulted while a part of this university. I offer my sincere apologies, both personally and on behalf of the university, that we did not do more to prevent, respond or support the care of these young women, Garland said.The settlements were the latest development in a scandal that has rocked the nations largest Baptist university. An investigation by the law firm Pepper Hamilton earlier this year found that the school mishandled assault claims for years. Football coach Art Briles was fired, school President Ken Starr was demoted and eventually left, and Athletic Direct Ian McCaw resigned.Baylor regents recently disclosed that 17 women had reported domestic violence or sexual assaults that involved 19 football players since 2011, including four gang rapes.The school is facing several federal lawsuits by womenn who say the university ignored or tried to suppress their claims of sexual and physical assault.dddddddddddd ESPN and the Waco Tribune-Herald reported that the women who settled their cases had not sued the university.Details of the attacks on the women who settled were not disclosed, but the statement said that both reported in 2015 they had been sexually assaulted by multiple football players in 2012. One of the women also reported being physically assaulted by a football player in 2013.Garland said the football players implicated in the assaults and the athletic department official who received a report of the physical assault are no longer at Baylor.Baylor said that since the time of the reported assaults, it has established a full-time Title IX office to investigate and respond to claims of assault and gender discrimination, revamped school policies and adopted a prevention and education program for students, faculty and staff.We commend Baylor for its work with Pepper Hamilton in its effort to improve its handling of sexual assault reports, said John Clune and Chris Ford, the Boulder, Colorado attorneys representing the women who settled with Baylor. ' ' '

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Dance parties. Dark chocolate. Calls to mom.All are helping Missy Franklin cope with an Olympics gone wrong.A huge star at the London Games four years ago, Franklin was one of the biggest U.S. disappointments in Rio de Janeiro -- an inexplicable fall shes at a loss to explain.I really wish I could tell you, Franklin said Thursday, not long before her final race. In my mind, I made the hardest sacrifices Ive ever had to make this year. Ive poured myself into this every single day for the whole year and the three years leading up to that. For whatever reason, its just not happening at this meet.Franklins last event epitomized her struggles.In the 200-meter backstroke, an event she won at London, Franklin finished next-to-last in her semifinal heat with the 14th-ranked time overall, 2 minutes, 9.74 seconds. That was nearly 3 seconds slower than her semifinal time at the 2012 Games -- and more than 5 1/2 seconds off her gold medal-winning performance.This has been by far the hardest week of my entire life, Franklin said, her voice breaking and tears in her eyes. Theres definitely a bit of relief that it is over.As a high school senior-to-be, Franklin competed in a staggering seven events in 2012, winning four gold medals and a bronze. She became only the second American woman, after Amy Van Dyken, to capture four golds at a single Olympics.But, following two years swimming collegiately at California and then turning pro last summer, Franklin hasnt been able to recapture the form that made her one of the most-hyped -- and heavily sponsored -- U.S. athletes heading into the Rio Olympics.She struggled at the U.S. trials, qualifying for the team in only two individual events, both with runner-up finishes.In Rio, she didnt make the final of either event, also getting knocked out in the semifinals of the 200 freestyle. Given her form, the coaches only picked her to swim the preliminary of the 4x200 free relay, a decision that would have seemed unfathomable just a few months ago but didnt meet with any protest from Franklin.I was absolutely fine with it, Franklin said. They 100 percent made the right decision.The 21-year-old still earned a gold medal -- the fifth of her career -- when a Katie Ledecky-led squad swept to victory in the relay final.That did little to ease the sting for Franklin.Shes ready to go home to Colorado.Right now, my future is not warming down and eating a Popsicle tonight, she said, recapturing her omnipresent smile. Thats just about all Im thinking about. Its been a really hard year for me. Its going to take some time for me to recover from it and thats what I plan on doing. Spending some quality time with family and just getting back on my feet and making sure that I keep a smile on my face the whole time.To her credit, Franklin showed that her bubbly, accommodating personality was no facade.She never skipped out on a session with reporters in the mixed zone, even when she knew what the questions would be. Instead of avoiding the media, she was always gracious and forthcoming.Franklin has coped with her struggles by leaning heavily on her religious faith.My faith in God is really getting me through, she said. I know that hes going to make something beautiful out of this, hes going to transform me and my life into doing something from all of this. I have no clue what that is. I wish I could ask him what hes going to do.Her teammates did all they could to help.I just throw a couple of random dance parties. I take some really, really horrendous Snapchats of her, Cierra Runge said. Whatever I can do to make her laugh.Those Dove chocolate candies with the inspirational messages on the wrapper help, too.One of the verses really stuck with Franklin.Every day is an opportunity to change things for the better, she recounted. That was a good reminder that regardless of how things have been going, how Ive been feeling, every day is a new opportunity.And, of course, she can always turn to her family.Youre never too old to call your mom and cry and ask her for advice, Franklin said. Its going to be OK. Im loved. Im supported. When you put things in perspective, if a disappointing meet is the worst thing that happens in my life, then I have a pretty damn good life.Franklin will return to Cal in the fall to resume her studies, but she made clear that her swimming career isnt over.It doesnt mean Im anywhere close to being done with this sport, she said. Ive got so much left to give to this sport, to my fans, to the people whove been supporting me.If theres a bright side, Franklin has learned just how much shes really loved.Yeah, its a disappointment. But the support Ive received has shown me so much more than I ever couldve expected, she said. Youre so much more than the number of medals you have, youre so much more than the time you spend in the pool, your value goes so beyond all of that. I dont think I ever wouldve come to that realization without going through something like this.---Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963 . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/paul-newberry . Fake Vapormax . The veteran safety was a starter for the Bengals from 2008-2012. He totaled 41 tackles and three interceptions while starting all but four of the 13 games he played last season. Vapormax Online . Now tied for second in the league in shootout goals, the 24-year-old likes to see what the opposing goaltender has in store before he ultimately lands on a move. https://www.cheapvapormaxoutlet.com/ . 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. Vapormax 2021 . Any real chance at payback wont come until the playoff. Still, Pittsburgh knows its taut 3-2 win over the Bruins on Wednesday night is a pretty good place to start laying the groundwork. "They are a very good defensive team," Penguins forward Brandon Sutter said. Cheap Vapormax . MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez also will attend the session, which was announced Monday. The league has discussed placing its next two expansion teams in Miami and Atlanta. NEW YORK -- Having lost his everyday designated hitter job due to a season-long slump, Alex Rodriguez was back at first base taking ground balls before the New York Yankees opened the second half against Boston on Friday night.Rodriguez, who turns 41 on July 27, has not been in the field this year. He had two appearances at first last season, playing the entire game April 11 against Boston and moving there for the final three outs of a blowout loss to Texas on May 23.Last year we were not able to get him comfortable. He wants to try it again, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. He came to us, and Im not going to deny a player a chance, in that sense, so the fact that he wants to try to get comfortable is a good sign.Rodriguez is hitting .220 with eight homers and 28 RBI in 186 at-bats, including .198 with five homers and 17 RBI in 126 at-bats against righties. A-Rods start Friday night against All-Star knuckleballer Steven Wright was just his second since June 30.I think its a mental test for him, in a sense, Girardi said. Physically I think he has the skills. He has the hands. He has the ability to throw. He understands the game. So I think its more of a mental: Do I feel comfortable enough to go out there at first base?Girardi would like more options at first. Mark Teixeira, Dustin Ackley, Greg Bird and Chris Parmelee have all spent time on thhe disabled list.dddddddddddd. While back, Teixeira is limited by his right knee.Four days has been about his limit. He gets fairly sore, Girardi said.Girardi also disclosed slumping Nathan Eovaldi will rejoin the rotation Tuesday against Baltimore, a day after Ivan Nova starts the series opener. New York began the second half at 44-44, 5 1/2 games back for the ALs second wild card.Only four Yankees had outstanding first halves: right fielder Carlos Beltran, and relievers Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman.Consistency is the word thats going to ring out loud here, Girardi said. Thats how you put long streaks together where you win six out of seven, you win 14 out of 17, if your starting pitching is consistent. Our offense has to be consistent, where we put up runs on a consistent basis. And the other thing I think is really important is the bullpen besides the last three guys.The 10-game homestand, which ends with three games against San Francisco, likely will determine whether the Yankees start to deal veterans before the Aug. 1 trade deadline.Yeah, I think its fair to say that, Girardi acknowledged. I think that we have to make up ground or win games, or were going to be in a pretty tough position. ' ' '