DALLAS -- The Mavericks signed free agent forward Harrison Barnes to a four-year, $94 million maximum contract as soon as the rules allowed, with a lighthearted poke at the drama that cost them DeAndre Jordan last year.Dallas owner Mark Cuban tweeted a picture shortly after the NBAs moratorium ended at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time Thursday showing the former Golden State player playfully handcuffed to president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson, with both smiling.It was actually still late Wednesday night in Barnes hometown of Ames, Iowa, where the signing took place. The photo included a smiling coach Rick Carlisle pointing to the contract, along with assistant vice president Michael Finley, a former Maverick.On the last day before signings could become official a year ago, the Mavericks lost out on Jordan when the center backed out on an agreement with Dallas and stayed with the Los Angeles Clippers. A contingent led by coach Doc Rivers descended on Jordans Houston home and stayed with him until he signed.After missing out on Memphis guard Mike Conley and Miami center Hassan Whiteside this year, the Mavericks worked a deal with Barnes as a restricted free agent, with the possibility of the Warriors matching. But that changed when Golden State got a commitment from Kevin Durant and would have to renounce the rights to Barnes to create room under the salary cap.Dallas is also getting Andrew Bogut from Golden State in a trade also sparked by cap needs over the Durant agreement. The NBA must still approve that deal.The rest of the business in another busy year of free agency for Dallas can wait.That starts with star forward Dirk Nowitzki, who at some point will sign a two-year, $40 million contract after again removing any doubt over whether he would leave. The 38-year-old, who opted out of the final year of a three-year deal, is getting ready for his 19th season in Dallas.Point guard Deron Williams is returning for a second season with his hometown team on a one-year, $10 million contract. He came to the Mavericks last year in the wake of the Jordan reversal after accepting a buyout in Brooklyn. Williams had chosen the Nets over Dallas in free agency in 2012.The Mavericks also have an agreement on a four-year, $37 million deal with restricted free agent Dwight Powell, who is all Dallas has left to show for the ill-fated Rajon Rondo trade with Boston from two seasons ago. Jordan 1 For Sale Cheap . Following a lopsided 5-2 loss against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night, Paul MacLean told reporters that "theres a lack of focus, theres a lack of leadership and theres a lack of preparation" with his struggling team. That came on the heels of Bryan Murray taking the unusual step of going into the locker room at the Prudential Center and addressing the players himself. Jordan 1 Retro Off White . Neymar curled home a free kick from just outside the area to put the 2014 World Cup host ahead in the 44th minute. Three minutes after the break, a simple through pass from Paulinho freed Oscar and the Chelsea star rounded goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong to extend Brazils lead. http://www.saleairjordan1.com/ . After dropping their final six games of December, the Wild opened the new calendar year with four consecutive wins. Following a loss to Colorado on Saturday, Minnesota rebounded the following night to blank Nashville 4-0, but then had the tables turned on them Tuesday. Air Jordan 1 Sale . Miikka Kiprusoff had just announced his retirement after a decade-long run in Calgary and it would be up to Berra and Ramo to fill the void. Air Jordan 1 Retro For Sale . 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.Former Warrington favourite Richie Myler is warning his Catalans Dragons team-mates to expect their toughest test yet as they seek to put together a three-match winning run for the first time for 18 months at the expense of his old club. The Perpignan club kick-started their Super League campaign with back-to-back wins over Leeds and Wakefield but on Saturday face a Warrington side who have won all four games so far in their best start to a season for seven years.We havent hit our straps yet, said Myler, who joined the Dragons from Warrington at the end of last season. Were not putting 80-minute performances in. I think we showed what we are capable of last week and weve got to build on that now but we know it will be tough against Warrington.Theyve started the season really well. They obviously recruited well in the off season and theyve got a good set-up there, obviously I was part of it.Myler, who made 131 Super League appearances for the Wolves after joining them from Salford in 2010, is relishing playing behind one of the biggest packs in the competition.The arrival of 19st heavyweight Dave Taylor, the man nicknamed Coal Train, and 6ft 5in Willie Mason has increased the size of the Dragons pack this year and they have been boosted by the return of French Test front-rower Remi Casty from a knee reconstruction.Australian stand-off Todd Carney is set to play five games in a row for the first time after an injury-hit first season in Super League and Myler is excited by his partnership with the 2010 international player of the year. Myler made 131 appearances for Warrington He was hampered a lot by injury last year but hes fit now and a key member of this team, said Myler.Hes a massive player and I think he showed that against Wakefield, where he had a hand in most of the tries.We have got a big pack and it gets bigger now weve got Mason and Remi is back. Its handy. Thats what all half-backs want, a decent-sized pack to look after you. Theres some great players in the team.It was a bit of a tough season for me last year but its a nice fresh start and a new challenge and Im really enjoying it. Great start for Sandow Can Chris Sandow lead Warrington to Grand Final glory? Warrington coach Tony Smith is able to recall Kurt Gidley after he missed the win at Salford through concussion to renew his thriving partnership with fellow Australian Chris Sandow and he is looking forward to the battle of the half-backs.I thought Rich probably had his strongest game for a long time against Wakefield last week, said Smith. Carney and he combined well together.Weve got two experienced halves that are playing well together so it should be a good battle.It will come down to the forwards to see which team gets on the front foot so those half-backs can probably get the edge. Chris Sandows late drop goal against Salford maintained Warringtons 100 per cent start Although they have won all their games so far, Smith says his side will need to find some improvement if they are to keep the run going and says they will need to be at their best in front of a partisan French crowd.ddddddddddddWe havent quite hit our straps yet, even though weve a lot of Ws next to our name, he said.Last week I thought defensively we werent great but our attack was pretty good. We need to put the whole lot together in one day.And this time weve got to play the whistling crowd. Often you get a whistle from the crowd and then you get a whistle from the referee. Catalans were 42-28 victors at Wakefield last Sunday Thats the home advantage that they have. It means youve got to be squeaky clean on all your passes, youve got to be onside and youre not going to hold the opposition down for very long because the whistles keep coming.Weve got to be good enough to overcome all those things. Sky Sports Rugby League Podcast - 10th March Catalans Dragons: Louis Anderson, Jason Baitieri, Thomas Bosc, Julian Bousquet, Jodie Broughton, Todd Carney, Rémi Casty, Vincent Duport, Morgan Escaré, Tony Gigot, Justin Horo, Krisnan Inu, Willie Mason, Greg Mounis, Richie Myler, Eloi Pelissier, Pat Richards, Glenn Stewart, Dave Taylor.Warrington Wolves: Ryan Atkins, Jordan Cox, Ben Currie, Mitchell Dodds, Brad Dwyer, Rhys Evans, Kurt Gidley, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Benjamin Jullien, George King, Tom Lineham, Kevin Penny, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Matty Russell, Chris Sandow, Ashton Sims, Joe Westerman.Watch Catalans v Warrington live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Saturday from 4.55pm. Catch the match for £6.99 on NOW TV. No contract. ' ' '

Kadeen Corbin has put her World Cup heartache behind her as she tries to force her way back into the England squad. The 25-year-old shooter missed out on selection for last years tournament and had to watch her England team-mates win a bronze medal in Australia.Ahead of the new season, Corbin decided to leave Hertfordshire Mavericks and link up with her sister Sasha at Loughborough Lightning. Highlights of the Lightnings victory over Celtic Dragons Corbin has embraced her new challenge, impressing in Monday nights win over Celtic Dragons, but still yearns for a place in head coach Tracey Nevilles England set-up.With scheduled games against Australia and South Africa this summer, Corbin is seeking a call-up and retains ambitious plans for the future.She told Sky Sports: I want to be part of the next Commonwealth Games and World Cup which is 2018 and 2019, which is what Im looking forward to. Ive always wanted to put the England dress back on, so if I do this year, Ill be absolutely over the moon. Kadeen Corbin Obviously there are England games beforehand, so Im looking to be in that squad, be in that team, and put my best foot forward. I cannot dwell on what happened when I didnt get to the World Cup. Ive got to move forward and make sure Im still a part of that team.Youve got to put it in their heads that youre still there and ready to go. Ive always wanted to put the England dress back on, so if I do this year, Ill be absolutely over the moon. Jade Clarke left Lougborough to link up with Adelaide Thunderbirds Loughborough have been forced to cope without centre Jade Clark following her surprise move to Adelaide Thunderbirds in the ANZ ChampionshipThis switch sparked fresh debate about whether English players can benefit from a spell in the southern hemisphere and Corbin admits it would be a dream to test herself against top stars in Australia and New Zealand.I would love to go to the ANZ. That is a big dream to have, said Corbin. They are the best leagues in the world. If I ever have the chance to, I would love to go. Youre playing against the top two countries in the world, and its a good experience to have as well. Sasha Corbin is facing a long spell on the sidelines Another blow for Loughborough and England was the loss of Corbins sister Sasha, who has been ruled out for the season after injuring her anterior cruciate ligament.Kadeen has overcome the same knee injury and is confident her older sibling will make a successful comeback.Shes good, shes recovering well, said Kadeen. Finally now partial weight bearing, so shes slowly putting her foot on the floor. Shes very positive about it and knowing that Ive been through it too, shes been positive about the outcome.England netball is completely taking care of her. Shes had her op, which was good, and now shes on her rehab stage. She will definitely come back stronger and raring to go to hit the court. Watch Team Bath take on Celtic Dragons in the Vitality Netball Superleague this Monday night, starting at 7.30pm on Sky Sports 4. Also See: Lightning hold on for win WATCH: Annas netball diary Cheap Custom Baseball Jerseys Free Shipping . The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Lions have not announced the hiring, which was first reported by ESPN. Lombardi, the grandson of former Green Bay Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi, has been an offensive assistant on Sean Paytons New Orleans staff since 2007. Custom Washington Nationals Jerseys Cheap .In my heart and mind Im competing for India, luge competitor Shiva Keshavan told The Associated Press in an email interview. Every day Im flooded with messages from Indians all over the world telling me they are supporting me. http://www.baseballjerseyscustom.com/custom-san-francisco-giants-jerseys-cheap-566c . -- There were a lot of firsts for the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. Custom Cincinnati Reds Jerseys Cheap . The scientists believe the small earthquake during a Marshawn Lynch touchdown was likely greater than Lynchs famous "beast quake" touchdown run three years ago, which also came against New Orleans during a playoff game. Custom Arizona Diamondbacks Jerseys Cheap . Tracey comes to the Blue Bombers after spending over a decade with Queens University. Most recently he was the schools assistant football coach. BEAUMONT, Texas -- Nick Garth drilled a career-high seven three-pointers and scored 22 points to lead Lamar to an 82-65 win over Liberty on Monday night.Garth 7 of 8 from the field, all from behind the 3-point line. Dorian Chatman added 12 points and seven rebounds while Torey Noel and Josh Nzeakor finished with 11 points apiece for the Cardinals (6-5). Junior Joey Frenchwood had his first-career double-double, finishing with 10 points and a career-best 12 assists.Lamar shot 62.8 perccent from the field and 60 percent from 3-point range.ddddddddddddRyan Kemrite hit 7 of 10 shots for 15 points to lead Liberty (5-7), which remains winless on the road. A.C. Reid also scored 15 on five 3s -- both season highs.A Garth 3 with 17:36 left extended the Cardinals lead to 11 points and a Terrance Hubby jumper about five minutes later made it 59-43. ' ' '

Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy has vetoed a trade to the Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee general manager David Stearns confirmed Sunday.The Indians were one of eight teams on Lucroys no-trade list.?Certainly, if we were at the point where we were strongly considering pursuing a deal, we were pleased with the return, Stearns told reporters, according to MLB.com. But Jonathans a very good player, as well, and if hes on our team going forward, well be happy to have him.A two-time All-Star, Lucroy is batting .300 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs this season. He has a $4 million salary this year as part of a contract that includes a $5.25 million team option for 2017.?According to multiple reports, Lucroy had asked the Indians to remove the option year in 2017 from his contract, making him a free agent this season, a request that was denied by Cleveland.?According to USA Today, the Indians would not guarantee Lucroy would be their starting catcher next season.?Cleveland has responded to Lucroys requests by telling the Brewers it was their responsibility to appease Lucroy and get him to consent to the agreed-upon trade, a source told ESPNs Buster Olney.I know you guys want [details], but Im not going to [give them], Lucroy told reporters, according to MLB.com. Some circumstances came up that made me void it, obviously. I think when it comes out, everyone will understand why. ... Im not going to comment on any specifics, nothing like that, as much as Id like to. Im respecting their process and what the Brewers are trying to do in terms of the trade. If thats going to happen or not, I dont know. As of right now, Im still a Brewer, and Im going to be until somebody tells me different.Lucroy appeared as a pinch hitter and flew out to right field in the bottom of the eighth in the Brewers 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates?on Sunday. He received a standing ovation from the Miller Park crowd.According to reports, the Brewers would have received four minor league prospects from the Indians. Included among the prospects would have been prized switch-hitting catcher Francisco Mejia, 20, and outfielder Greg Allen, 23.Shortstop Yu-Cheng Chang, 20, also would have been headed to Milwaukee, along with another prospect.Lucroy had told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel this offseason that he wanted to play for a contender.?I want to win and I dont see us winning in the foreseeable future. I want to go to a World Series. Thats what all players want. Rebuilding is not a lot of fun for any veteran guy, he said.The New York Mets and Texas Rangers were among the teams linked to Lucroy, with New York reportedly offering a three-player package that included the clubs own catcher, Travis dArnaud, along with a top prospect and one more piece.?The Mets were no longer pursuing Lucroy as of Sunday afternoon, a source told ESPNs Jayson Stark.The Indians have been in the market for a catcher since Yan Gomes?was put on the disabled list July 18 with a shoulder injury. Gomes, who struggled most of the first half of the season, is expected to miss four to eight weeks.With Gomes out, Chris Gimenez and Roberto Perez have been sharing catching duties, but neither has been productive. Gimenez entered Saturdays game batting .200, and Perez is in a 1-for-23 slump. He previously missed six weeks with a broken thumb.Many Indians players declined to comment when asked about Lucroy on Sunday, but Gimenez responded, his loss, according to MLB.com.The Associated Press contributed to this report. Cheap Swell Water Bottle Canada . 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. Swell Marble Water Bottle . Takahashi, who had a 10-point lead after the short program, received 268.31 points after the free skate to finish 15 points ahead of second-place Nobunari Oda. http://www.swellbottlesaleclearance.com/swell-water-bottle-marble-wholesale.html .ca NFL Power Rankings, overtaking the Denver Broncos and remaining ahead of NFC competition San Francisco, Carolina and New Orleans. Swell Bottle Black . The phone hearing is scheduled for 4:30pm et/1:30pm pt. Winchester, who was not penalized for the hit, appeared to make contact with Kellys head early in the first period of Thursdays game in Boston. Swell Canada Sale . 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. She is still only 21.So ask PV Sindhu, who is back home after clinching her first Superseries title in China and following that up by reaching the final of another Superseries event in Hong Kong, what this phase on the road was like, and you get the response of a chirpy, sprightly young person relishing her time in the sun.She describes the two weeks as extremely wonderful, the victory in China as a great achievement and a tremendous experience. She winds down her sentence by saying reaching back-to-back finals made her incredibly happy.So, was the defeat in the final in Hong Kong to Tai Tzu Ying, an opponent she had beaten comfortably on her way to silver in Rio, at all disheartening?Nah. Sindhus default setting is upbeat.My opponent was extraordinarily brilliant on the court on that day, she concedes. And a few foul shots cost me the match.These have been a heady few months. Since that historic run to the podium in Rio, Sindhu has taken pride of place among Indias most prominent sportspersons. Her first two tournaments on returning to competitive play after a couple of months of manic celebrations and felicitations ended in early defeats in Denmark and France.Many wondered if the year would end in a whimper. But not Sindhu. In China, she battled through a string of long matches and backed it up in Hong Kong with four sparkling performances, demolishing the field in her wake, before going down in the summit clash.For coach Pullela Gopichand, who did not travel with Sindhu for these tournaments, the biggest takeaway from the last two tournaments has been watching her evolution as a player. Strokes they would practice on the training court were unleashed in match situations on unsuspecting opponents. To finish her semifinal in Hong Kong against local girl Cheung Ngan Yi , Sindhu jumped to play a reverse drop that caught her opponent completely off-guard because Gopi says nobody had seen her play that stroke ever.From her backhand lane, Sindhu was retrieving and hitting the shuttle cross-court, another addition to her arsenal. Nine-time national champion Aparna Popat likens that shot to Steffi Grafs single-handed, top-spin backhand. She believes Sindhus display of a wider array of shots is a reflection of a much higher level of confidence after Rio.As you grow as a player, against different opponents you find yourself in different situations, Aparna explains. You know you have to hit a particular stroke but you are not so confident to execute it. Thats when you go back to practice and practice very specific strokes under specific situations. For example that bbackhand cross, maybe 75% of the match you will play straight, but say at 16-all or 17-all you pull out one of those strokes.dddddddddddd.As you go along these strokes will keep getting added, one by one. The confidence to use the stroke is something that cant be practiced and cannot be taught. It is when you are so confident in general and when you practice it so much that you will dare to do something like that in a match.Aparna reckons Sindhu is a lot more settled with her own game these days. From being unsure at the start of the year whether she could even qualify for the Olympics, having been laid low by injuries and patchy form, to clinching silver has, in Aparnas estimation, relaxed Sindhu mentally.Gopi agrees increased confidence has led to a spurt in the strokes she feels comfortable employing even in closely contested matches. Sindhu is well aware that on an extremely competitive circuit with the top players in the world bunched together in ranking points, continuing to develop an all-round game is essential.Competition has always been there be it a small stage or big, Sindhu says. Meeting the challenges and winning them are the crowning glories that the titles carry. I feel more confident and also I have been working on all my strokes.Sindhus immediate challenge will be the Superseries finals in Dubai from December 14 where an elite field of eight players participate in a round robin and knockout format.For Sindhu to have accumulated enough points to even qualify for the event was a major surprise as she had missed a few Superseries tournaments at the start of the year. She says shes elated to have made the cut even as Gopi chuckles that he is now cancelling other engagements planned for the time to prepare for the event. As to whether she starts as among the favourites for the title on current form, Gopi offers a more cautious perspective.It is a very open event, he says. You cant rule out the Carolina Marins, Tai Tzu Ying and Sung Ji Hyuns of the world. Many of Sindhus wins and losses have been close matches, we have to remember that.Aparna agrees that the tournament is too hard to call. In her view, after the successes of 2016, Sindhu must target a swift rise up the rankings as her primary ambition next season.I think she should get into the top-5 now, it is high time, Aparna says. She has been hovering around the 9-10 level for a long time. That can only happen if she gets consistent success in Superseries events. ' ' '

DAVIS, Calif. -- Chima Moneke scored 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting and UC Davis pulled away early from Holy Names to win 89-75 in Thursday nights home opener.Lawrence White and Darius Graham scored 15 points apiece and Garrison Goode grabbed 12 rebounds for the Aggies (3-1), who shot 52 percent (31 of 60) from the floor and made 20 of 31 free throws (65 percent).Siler Schneider, Mikey Henn and Darius Graham each hit 3s amid a 15-8 run and the Aggies led 42-27 at halftime. Graham scored 11 points in the first half.The Hawks made 8 of 13 3-pointers in the second half (62 percent) but trailed by double digits the rest of the way.Jewels Sanders and Jake Higgins scored 15 points each for the Division II Hawks (1-2), who counted it as an exhibition game. Custom Denver Broncos Jerseys . 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. Custom Baltimore Ravens Jerseys . "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. http://www.footballcustomjerseys.com/custom-washington-redskins-jerseys-768c.html . With his new coach and six-time Grand Slam singles champion Boris Becker watching him during an official match for the first time, Djokovic appeared tentative early against the Slovakian player, who often appeared content to keep the ball in play. Custom Football Jerseys Online .B. - Sebastien Auger made 44 saves as the Saint John Sea Dogs edged the visiting Acadie-Bathurst Titan 2-1 on Saturday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. Custom Los Angeles Chargers Jerseys . The 26-year-old Ireland striker, who has four goals this season, has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with his new club. A merger between the R&A and the Ladies Golf Union has been completed, the governing bodies have confirmed.The new arrangement, which will see the R&A assume responsibility for staging the LGUs championships and international matches, including the Ricoh Womens British Open, will come into effect from Jan. 1.As was announced when the heads of agreement were signed in June, the LGUs business operations and staff are being incorporated into the R&A group of companies. LGU board members will be represented on R&A committees.The LGU is the encompassing body for womens amateur golf in Great Britain and Ireland. The R&A, which hosts the Open, governs world golf outside the United States and Mexicoo.ddddddddddddTrish Wilson, chair of the LGU, said: The completion of the merger is a progressive and important step for the development of womens golf.Bringing the two organisations together creates a platform that will allow us to develop our aspirations for womens golf on a global stage and encourage more girls and women to play golf and become members of clubs.R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said: The integration of the two organisations puts us in a better, stronger position to realise our collective vision for growing the game of golf around the world. ' ' '

Rochelle Clark marked her record-breaking 115th international cap with the games opening try as Englands late surge secured them a 12-10 victory over Ireland in a womens international at Dublins University College.Worcester Valkyries prop Clark, 35, who has overtaken male counterpart Jason Leonard to become Englands most-capped player, touched down six minutes before the interval, driving over after Vicky Fleetwood had been hauled down five metres short of the line.Ireland hit back through fly-half Nora Stapletons penalty on the stroke of half-time and edged into the lead in the second half as the same player jinked her way over for a try she converted.But world champions England refused to buckle and levelled the scores late on when Izzy Noel-Smith went over, with Katy Mclean converting from out wide to clinch the visitors a hard-fought win.England, who have moved up to number two in the world rankings ahead of Canada, have now won four of their last five meetings with Ireland.Simon Middletons side take on New Zealand on Saturday at Twickenham Stoop in the second match of the Old Mutual Wealth Series and then face Canada at Twickenham on November 26. 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The storylines will be plentiful Wednesday night when the two teams playing the best basketball so far at the Rio Olympics square off, but no subplot was generating more discussion on the eve of the Group A showdown between then United States and Australia than Kyrie Irving versus Matthew Dellavedova.As recently as late June, Irving and Dellavedova were teammates celebrating their first NBA championship together with the Cleveland Cavaliers. But Dellavedova has since moved on in free agency to the Milwaukee Bucks and, coming off the finest game of his national team career, will now go head to head with Irving in the most anticipated game to date in the mens tournament.The individual matchup generated numerous questions Tuesday before Team USAs afternoon practice at Brazils famed Clube Flamengo, sparked partly because of the Melbourne-born Irvings Aussies roots but mostly because of Dellavedovas reputation for in-your-face defense.Dellys gonna compete, Irving said. Thats all he knows. Im used to that already (from Cavaliers practices), so I dont see it as him being feisty or him being a pest. Hes gonna do what Delly does.Irving then tried to assert that he doesnt think Delly is gonna rank as the all-time peskiest guy Ive ever gone against, but Irving also didnt have a ready response when asked to name a defender hes found peskier.Dellavedova enjoyed a near-perfect outing Monday in Australias 95-80 victory over Serbia, totaling 23 points and 13 assists without a single turnover. He and San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills combined for 49 points in the win over Serbia, which followed a 21-point trouncing Saturday of highly rated France to set the tone for whats been a mens tourney filled with upsets already -- excluding games featuring the United States.The Americans have romped to a 2-0 start in Group A with wins over China and Venezuela by a combined 101 points and are frankly in need of a push, having only played one game this summer out of seven so far against what could be considered a legitimate medal contender in Rio: Last months 37-point exhibition cruise in Las Vegas past aging Argentina.Hes just a continuance of the Austraalian that weve played against in my 11 years, Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski said of Dellavedova and his relentless style.ddddddddddddTheyve always played first of all with great spirit and togetherness. As good as they are individually, theyre greater as the sum of those parts.In addition to Dellavedova and Mills, Australia boasts legit NBA size in Dallas Mavericks center Andrew Bogut and Detroit Pistons center Aron Baynes as well as former NBAer David Andersen. Utah Jazz swingman Joe Ingles adds to the Aussies shooting threat.But Krzyzewski is concerned most about Australias pick-and-roll prowess and the passing of Bogut and Dellavedova. Its a much stronger team than the Australian squad Team USA blasted by 33 points in the quarterfinals of the London Olympics in 2012, which Bogut missed thanks to an ankle injury.Im sure Australia sees a lot of things that they can do against us because theyre really good, Krzyzewski said. Australian basketball is terrific. ... They can beat us. We know that and well prepare accordingly.We know that they feel like they can beat us and we understand that, Krzyzewski said.I think it will be a really good game.Said Irving: When I saw the France (score), I was like, OK this will be a great test. We need to be beat up a little bit to prepared for whats ahead.Team USA star Kevin Durant, however, scoffed at the notion that the game will narrow down to a duel between Irving and Dellavedova.Dellys playing well, but hes not getting into no one-on-one matchup (with Irving), Durant said. Kyries a dog; hes an animal. Thats how he approaches the game?.Irving ultimately conceded that Dellavedovas physicality led to a few rough days on the Cavaliers practice floor but said his fondness for the former St. Marys standout is such that theyll be bonded forever.Its been good for the both of us, Irving said of their three seasons together as teammates.Yet when it comes to game day, Irving added: Just like I should be worried about him, he should be worried about me. It goes both ways?. ' ' '

NASHVILLE -- Seth Jones jersey already is setting Nashvilles first-round draft pick apart from the other prospects at the Predators annual development camp. Jones, selected by the Predators with the fourth overall pick in the June 30 draft, stepped onto the ice with his preferred No. 3 sewn on the back of practice jersey. Many of the other campers sported the much higher numbers typically given to prospects who are years away from reaching the NHL. Jones is only 18 years old, but the Predators are going to give the 6-foot-4 defenceman every opportunity to make Nashvilles season-opening roster. "Hes a young man, who you can tell at 18-years-old, hes got lots of poise and polish and moves pretty well," Predators coach Barry Trotz said. "Hes a foundation-type player who will be a foundation-type for us for a number of years." Jones joined other Predators prospects on an early-morning track workout at nearby Vanderbilt University in the oppressive Tennessee heat and humidity. He then got on the ice for a practice session that consisted mostly of power skating drills. "It was pretty intense," Jones said. "It was good to get back on the ice and learn from some of the coaches who are here." Jones was the top player on the NHL Central Scoutings final list of North American skaters eligible for the 2013 draft. The Predators happily took him after the Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning drafted forwards instead. Jones already has Tennessee roots. Hes the son of former NBA forward Popeye Jones, who was born and raised in the west Tennessee town of Dresden. Popeye Jones played in the NBA from 1993-2004. This weeks development camp is his first on-ice audition for the coaching and management staffs of the Predators at their practice facility. After one season with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League, Jones hopes that his junior hockey days are behind him. Jones also was a member of the U.S. team that won gold in the 2013 World Junior Championships. "I have been asked whether he can play for our team this year," Predators general manager David Poile said last week. "Our scouts feel he can. The hockey world feels he can." Leading the players on the ice Tuesday was Scott Nichol, who was named Nashvilles director of player development last month after ending a 20-season pro playing career this spring. Trotz wasnt on the ice with the players Tuesday, but he was present and stood close to the boards to watch the prospects who hope to play for him one day. Lebron 16 Shoes Cheap . Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, announced Wednesday that the team would assign Swedish forward Elias Lindholm to his nations team for the upcoming tournament. 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SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners have picked up needed depth at catcher after acquiring Carlos Ruiz from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for left-handed pitcher Vidal Nuno on Monday at the start of the general manager meetings.First and foremost, Carlos brings us a veteran presence with outstanding leadership qualities and a winning pedigree, Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a statement. His combination of strong on-base skills, situational awareness and game-calling ability are a welcome addition to the Mariners.As part of the trade, the Mariners exercised the option on Ruiz for the 2017 season worth $4.5 million.The acquisition of Ruiz fills an immediate need for Seattle after the Mariners declined the option on Chris Iannetta for 2017. Ruiz, who will turn 38 before the start of next season, hit .264 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 62 games last season with the Phillies and Dodgers.ddddddddddddRuiz was traded from Philadelphia to Los Angeles in August.Ruiz also gives Seattle three options behind the plate heading into spring training along with Mike Zunino and Jesus Sucre. Zunino started last season at Triple-A but became Seattles primary catcher for the second half of the season, appearing in 53 of the final 67 games of the season. Zunino hit .207 with 12 home runs and 31 RBI.Nuno appeared in a career-high 55 games last season for Seattle, with one start, and was 1-1 with a 3.53 ERA. Nuno has been used as both a starter and reliever in his time with the Mariners. Nuno was acquired from Arizona during the 2015 season and has appeared in 126 career games with 42 starts. ' ' '

DENVER -- Often, when it comes to Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, the conversation begins with all the things he doesnt do.Doesnt make mistakes. Doesnt throw interceptions. Doesnt necessarily lose games for Kansas City, but doesnt really win them, either.For a difference-making hour Sunday night that could propel the Chiefs into the playoffs, Smith set all that aside and showed everyone what he does do.He drove the Chiefs 75 yards for the tying touchdown late in regulation. He took them another 46 yards to keep overtime going with a field goal. Then, finally, he moved them another 32 yards to put Kansas City in range of the winning field goal.When the kick clanked off the left upright and through, the Chiefs had a 30-27 victory over Denver and sole possession of second place in the rugged AFC West. Smiths pedestrian-looking, 220-yard, one-touchdown night? It became something to celebrate, not bemoan.People can talk, they can say what they want to say, Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston said. We believe in him in the locker room, thats all that matters.The lack of love for the 12th-year quarterback has been front and center in Kansas City virtually since the day he was traded by the 49ers to the Chiefs and landed in the same division with Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning and, eventually, Derek Carr.Over his three-plus seasons in KC, Smith has compiled 37 victories and taken Kansas City (8-3) to the playoffs twice with a third trip looking likely, especially with road wins over Oakland and Denver already in the bank.There are wins, and then there are stats, and those who focus on the latter like to point out that despite Smiths 64 percent completion rate and passer rating in the 90s with Kansas City, his average yards-per-pass-play has never been over 7.4 yards, and hes at 6.6 after the Denver game. For comparisons sake, Manning averaged 6.8 yards last year, which was statistically his worst season as a pro.For more than three quarters against the Broncos, it was the Smith everyone had grown to know and tolerate in Kansas City -- not losing the game for the Chiefs, but certainly not doing anything to win it.At one point in the first half, ESPN Stats and Info tweeted that Smith had dropped back to pass 14 times and those dropbacks had netted a total of 17 yards.Over Kansas Citys first 12 possessions, Smith was 14 for 25 for 100 yards with no touchdowns -- but no interceptions, either.Over the last three, he went 12 for 19 for 120 yards. That included the game-tying touchdown and 2-point-conversion pass, a drive for a field goal to tie the game in overtime, then another for a 3-pointer to win it.Youre playing faster from the tempo and playing faster at the line, Smith said when asked to explain the desperation turnaround. With that, I think our rhythm comes.But about that first three or so quarters: Theres a lot to learn from that perspective.There have been questions -- still mostly whispers -- about Smiths long-term viability as Kansas Citys answer at quarterback. He has two years left on his contract and is scheduled to earn a $2 million roster bonus in 2017.Smith missed Kansas Citys Nov. 6 game with a concussion and since his return two weeks ago, nobody had been overwhelmed. He struggled to only 178 yards passing against the Panthers in a 20-17 win, then threw a costly interception in a 19-17 loss to Tampa Bay. He hasnt cracked the 300-yard mark since opening day against San Diego, when he engineered the biggest comeback in team history, from 21 points down for the win.But that felt like long, long ago, especially after two games that brought questions about whether Smith had fully recovered from the concussion. After the Denver win, the quarterback suggested his most recent performances may have had as much to do with the quality of the defenses he faced as his health.Neither of those defenses was as good as Denvers. Smith, who got sacked six times and hit eight more while throwing Sunday night, showed himself to be one of the few quarterbacks who could shrug off the punishment the Broncos deliver, then stand tall and pick them apart.Bottom line, says his coach: Forget the stats and focus on the scoreboard.I have respect for the guy, Andy Reid said. Very unappreciated outside these walls. ... Everybody is down on him but he comes through and he shows his mental toughness and pushes through. Cheap Liverpool Jerseys China . Vaives lawyer Trevor Whiffen claims the former 50-goal man wasnt provided with a copy of the claim beforehand and that he would not have agreed to the allegations made against the NHL had he been asked to review its contents. Cheap Barcelona Jerseys China . 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CLEMSON, S.C. -- North Carolina State is seeking to turn the Atlantic Coast Conference from a runaway into a free-for-all this season.Halfway through the season, third-ranked Clemson (6-0, 3-0 ACC) is a heavy favorite to win its second straight ACC title and earn another berth in the College Football Playoffs.But the Tigers path is shrouded with potential speed bumps -- starting with North Carolina State (4-1, 1-0) on Saturday.- Florida State has Oct. 29 circled on its calendar; thats when the No. 14 Seminoles host the Tigers in Tallahassee. Clemson is just 1-11 in its past 12 visits to Florida State.- ACC newcomers Syracuse and Pittsburgh bring feisty attitudes in seeking their first victories at Death Valley next month.- Clemson wraps up its season at Wake Forest, which has been a house of horrors and crusher of Tiger dreams through the years.The Tigers are saying all the right things about the possible pitfalls.Its a long season and a lot of football left, Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson said.Clemson seized control of the ACC two weeks ago with its dramatic, 42-36 win against Louisville and Heisman Trophy favorite Lamar Jackson.Still, college football history is filled with sure bets that went bust in some of the unlikeliest ways.Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher, his teams ACC chances last year cut down on an unlikely kick-six TD by struggling Georgia Tech , isnt abandoning hope of a title run by his two-loss team.Fisher believes even the best teams in the conference must scratch and claw for victory most weeks.Thats what the ACC has become, the coach said.Nearly everyone has a chance.In the Atlantic Division, Wake Forest and Louisville are one-loss ACC teams hoping for a Clemson to get upset.In the Coastal, once a mish-mosh of middling teams -- at this point two years ago all seven teams in the division looked like they could finish 4-4 -- perennial powers Miami and Virginia Tech are scrapping for the top.The 17th-ranked Hokies (4-1, 2-0) and new coach Justin Fuente won a showdown game at North Carolina last week and will try and keep things going at Syracuse this week.Virginia and new coach Bronco Mendenhall, also without a league loss in the Coastal, shook off an 0-3 start to win two straight.We got to keep rolling, Virginia nose tackle Donte Wilkins said. We got two good ones back to back, trying to make it three, trying to take over the ACC.No. 16 Miaami, North Carolina and Pitt are right behind Virginia Tech and Virginia with one ACC loss -- and lots of optimism about their title hopes.dddddddddddd.We still have our dream of an ACC championship, Pitt quarterback Nathan Peterman said. It is not in our hands, exactly. But in a sense it is, because we have to go out there and win the rest.They face long odds: No Coastal Division team has won the ACC title since Georgia Tech in 2009.Clemsons road to the title game in Orlando, Florida continues Saturday with defensive minded North Carolina State, which slogged out a 10-3 win over Notre Dame last week in the midst of Hurricane Matthew.Were dealing with a 4-1 record right now and moving on to be 5-1, Wolfpack defensive end Kentavius Street said.If they are able to win their fifth game of the North Carolina State is eighth in the country in yards allowed -- and its group of all senior and junior starters wants to wipe away the odor of allowing 97 points and 1,116 yards the past two blowout losses to Clemson.I think were better than weve been, North Carolina State coach Dave Doeren said.Florida State knows something about that.The Seminoles (4-2, 1-2) looked finished after its 63-20 drubbing at Louisville last month, but have revived their ACC title hopes after a 20-19 win over Miami on Saturday night.We took a step forward, Seminoles tailback Dalvin Cook said of the Miami win, and well keep going from there.Theyll face the pesky Demon Deacons (5-1, 2-1) on Saturday before taking a week off to get ready for Clemson.The Tigers have had trouble at Wake Forest, where they are just 4-3 since 2003. Their last loss in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 2008 led to the ouster of coach Tommy Bowden and elevation of young receivers coach Dabo Swinney to head coach.Swinney, who has won 23 of his last 24 wins, is mindful of the ACC minefield awaiting his program the next month and a half.The Clemson coach said he doesnt know if this is the strongest the ACC has been during his tenure, saying other people have to answer that.Swinney does know one thing about winning in the ACC these days: Its hard.---AP Sports Writers Jimmy Golen in Boston, Hank Kurz in Richmond, Virginia, and Joedy McCreary in Raleigh, North Carolina, contributed to this report. ' ' '

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Dennis Pitta defied the odds and the advice of medical experts with his return to the NFL.Now that the Ravens tight end has proven that two serious hip operations and a two-year layoff wont keep him down, his next objective is to return to the form he displayed during Baltimores Super Bowl run in 2012.Pitta caught three passes for 39 yards on Sunday in a 13-7 victory at home against Buffalo. After the first reception, many of the fans stood and applauded his return.Now its about continuing to get the feel, Pitta said Wednesday. I hope I can improve as the weeks go on.Pitta dislocated and fractured his right hip during training camp in 2013. He played in the final four games that season, but injured the same hip again in September 2014 at Cleveland.At that point, Pitta had to decide whether a second comeback was feasible, or even possible.There were doctors that suggested I should quit, Pitta recalled. There were friends and family -- looking out for my best interest and my health -- who wanted me to just be smart about it.Including Mataya Pitta, who helped convince her husband to return after the initial hip surgery.My wife is still nervous to this day, to watch me out there, Pitta said. She was nervous last Sunday.The 31-year-old Pitta smiled broadly when thinking back to the feeling of facing the Bills.It meant a lot, being able to take the field, running out of the tunnel again, he said. It was something I didnt know if I was going to be able to do. Extremely grateful and humbled to be back on the field with my teammates.One of those teammates, quarterback Joe Flacco, wasnt exactly swept away with emotion over having his good friend as a target again.Not to sound cold or anything, but I really didnt think about it too much, Flacco said. When he caught the pass, the place erupted a little bit and I thought to myself, `I guess that was the first pass he caught today.Flacco and Pitta formed an impressive connection in 2012, teaming for 61 completions and seven touchdowns. That was merely a prelude to the postseason, when Pitta grabbed 14 passes for 163 yards and three scores, including a 1-yard TD in the Ravens 34-31 Super Bowl win over San Francisco.Pitta didnt play in another game until the following December. Before facing the Bills on Sunday, he played in seven games over a three-year span.After failing to get medical clearance last season, Pitta arrived at training camp this year ready to go. Then, during the first week of practice, he got into a scuffle with a teammate and fractured his right middle finger.It was frustrating at the time ... but fortunately, it wasnt an injury that wasnt going to keep me out of the regular season, he said.Now hes back, and his next stop comes Sunday in the city where his previous comeback ended.The last time I played in Cleveland was a pretty big low point. That was probably the lowest, Pitta said. When you dislocate your hip for a second time in that many years, its tough. I didnt know how I would respond, how my body would feel six months down the road, a year down the road.So I was really relying on what the doctors were telling me, which wasnt all that positive, to be honest.Pitta beat the odds. This week, instead of worrying about his hip, hes got the same agenda as most players: to improve each week.Were both talking about, `OK, now heres where we have go from here, coach John Harbaugh said. You move on to the next thing. But when you take a minute and look back on his journey, it makes you feel good about where hes at right now.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Air Max 90 China Wholesale . But Bourque, who has missed three games with a lower-body injury, wont be in the lineup when the Habs travel to Buffalo to take on the Sabres on Wednesday. Nike Air Max 90 Ultra Se Sale . For the Wild it was their first win of the season and they now have a record of 1-1-2 while the Jets fall to 2-2. Jets start a six game home stand Friday with another divisional game, home to the Dallas Stars. http://www.wholesale90airmax.com/wholesale-air-max-90-essential.html .J. Jefferson has been charged with assaulting his girlfriend. Cheap Air Max 90 Free Shipping . Walcott is available for Saturdays home match against Southampton as Arsenal looks to extend its two-point lead at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners are currently the second highest scorers in the league but Wenger insists Walcott will add something extra to his team. Wholesale Air Max 90 Kpu . This should be celebrated because it will not always be this way. With the amount of money given to players by their clubs these days, it is a wonder that so many of those teams allow the sport to continue to take away many of their assets so they can play for a different team in the middle of their season. ZAGREB, Croatia -- Zeljko Krajan, Croatias Davis Cup captain, says veteran Ivo Karlovic will return in the final against Argentina.Krajan said on Monday that Karlovics return is the best possible news for Croatia ahead of the best-of-five series to be played in Zagreb from Nov. 25 to Nov. 27.Krajan says Our chances now look much better. ... I think we are the favorites.A serve-and-volley specialist, Karlovic will fill the gap in the likely absence of Croatias No.dddddddddddd 2 player, Borna Coric, who underwent knee surgery. Marin Cilic will lead Croatia in the finals against Argentina and Juan Martin Del Potro.Karlovic, the 37-year-old ranked 20th, last played in the Davis Cup in 2012, facing Argentina in Buenos Aires. He has said he retired from the team competition to avoid injuries. ' ' '

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- All the Washington Redskins needed to avoid a dreaded 0-3 start was a couple of fourth-quarter interceptions by backups and five field goals from a guy who had never made that many in a game.Dustin Hopkins kicked a 37-yard field goal with 1:51 to play and the defending NFC East champion Redskins got a much-needed 29-27 win over the penalty- and error-prone New York Giants (2-1) on Sunday.We needed to get that first win bad, said cornerback Greg Toler, who played most of the game after starter Bashaud Breeland hurt an ankle early. We couldnt lose the first three, and we hung in there and got some real contributions from everybody. You get everyone stepping up. The coaches treat all of us the same, coaches us up whether first- or second- or third- or fourth-string like we are starters.The guys who really stepped up were linebacker Sua Cravens and cornerback Quinton Dunbar.After Hopkins put Washington ahead, the Giants got a first down at their own 39 with 69 seconds to play. On the next play, Manning went over the middle to Shane Vereen and Cravens dived in front of the halfback and picked it off.Earlier in the quarter, Dunbar jumped a seam pattern pass to tight end Will Tye in the end zone and intercepted it, ending a Giants drive at the Washington 15 courtesy of an Odell Beckham catch-and-run. It kept Washington ahead 26-24.Josh Brown would put New York ahead with a 30-yard field goal midway through the quarter, but Washington came back.It was a game marked by Giants mistakes. They turned the ball over three times and had 11 penalties for 128 yards.Any time you lose against any team, no matter where they are at, it is a tough one to swallow, receiver Victor Cruz said. Especially one like this where we had some opportunities to put some points on the board, but you win some and you lose some, you have to learn from the losses and move on.The worst of the Giants penalties was a third-down hit to the helmet by Olivier Vernon that kept the Redskins game-winning drive alive.Everyone loves touchdowns. I love touchdowns, Hopkins said. When they call on me, I do the best I can to put the team in a position to win, whether they send me out there five times or once, its OK.Shane Vereen scored on a 1-yard run, Manning threw a 23-yard TD to Shepard and Orleans Darkwa scored on a 2-yard run for New York.Kirk Cousins threw touchdown passes of 44 yards to DeSean Jackson and 55 to Jamison Crowder as the banged-up Redskins handed new Giants coach Ben McAdoo his first loss.This was an NFC East matchup that see-sawed the entire second half after Washington rallied from a 21-9 deficit.BECKHAM VS. NORMAN: The fourth quarter was wild with the matchup of Beckham and Redskins cornerback Josh Norman, leading to big plays by Beckham, an ejection of Giants center Weston Richburg and a personal foul against Norman for a big hit on Sterling Shepard.We got it in us. We are fighters, fighters to the end. Scrapping. Savagery as they come, Norman said. Real gritty, all the way down to the bone and gristle. Fight, fight, fight.In the end, Washington made the big plays in avoiding the 0-3 start. Only three teams since 1990 have made the playoffs after losing three in row to start the season.INJURIES GALORE: The Redskins lost four players to injuries in the game: C Kory Lichtensteiger (ankle), G Shawn Lauvao (calf), CB Bashaud Breeland (ankle) and S DeAngelo Hall (knee). The Giants had CBs Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (groin) and Eli Apple (hamstring) leave.SPECIAL TEAMS: It was an exciting day for the guys from specials. Crowders 50-yard punt return and a 31-yard fourth-down pass by punter Tress Way to Dunbar set up two of Hopkins field goals. Dunbar, however, muffed a punt that led to Vereens TD early in the game. TheGiants had a blocked punt by Romeo Okwara nullified with just over 11 minutes to play by a personal foul against Andrew Adams, who was added to the roster Saturday.NEAR-COSTLY GAMBLE: The Redskins lost a cheap-shot field goal at the end of the first half when they elected to run a play from the Giants 4 with 6 seconds left. Jason Pierre-Paul had a sack and forced fumble on Cousins and the clock ran out.NUMBERS: Cousins finished 21 of 35 for 296 yards. Manning was 25 of 38 for 350. The Giants gained 457 yards in failing to gain their 700th franchise win. The Redskins gained 403 yards and had the ball for 33:26.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Hank Aaron Jersey Large . Aside from the trilogy main event title fight, there are a number of intriguing matchups in the heavyweight, welterweight and lightweight divisions. John Smoltz Jersey Large . 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Youll see all sorts of players when you hit the court for a pickup basketball game. What you might not expect to see is Michael Jordan -- or at least someone dressed from head to toe like the NBA legend. But thats exactly what happened on one pickup court.Yes, thats a Michael Jordan jersey -- complete with NBA Finals patch -- along with matching shorts, black socks (like Jordan would wear in the playoffs) and Nike Air Jordan XI sneakers.dddddddddddd He even has the calf sleeve to match MJ. Heres Jordans look in the 1996 Finals for comparison:This ambitious pickup player got us thinking about other legendary fans who werent content with settling for just a jersey when planning their wardrobe for the day. ' ' '

Three years ago, Texas Tech seemingly had uncovered something special in walk-on true freshman quarterback Baker Mayfield.As it turned out, that relationship burned out before the end of the season. This weekend, the acrimonious split that followed will finally come full circle.Theyll be ready for me when I get down there, thats for sure, said Mayfield, who will return to Lubbock for the first time as quarterback of the Oklahoma Sooners. Im excited for it. Its always fun to play in Lubbock. This time, Im on the other side of it.When Mayfield arrived at Tech in 2013 as an unheralded walk-on, first-year coach Kliff Kingsbury had inherited one quarterback in Michael Brewer and signed another in Davis Webb. Yet by August, Brewer had a back injury, and Webb got sick, which caused him to lose 40 pounds.Baker was really the only guy we had left, Brewer said in an interview with ESPN.com this week.Mayfield, however, made the most of his opportunity. With him behind center, the Red Raiders raced to a 5-0 start before a knee injury knocked Mayfield out of the lineup too. The rest of the season, Kingsbury shuffled quarterbacks, and Tech won two more games before dropping its final five. After starting Mayfield in the regular-season finale at Texas, which the Red Raiders lost 41-16, Kingsbury reopened the competition for the bowl.I guess Baker felt like he deserved to be back in there, Brewer said. Neither party was happy about it. Texas Tech was losing. On the other hand, Baker felt like he deserved to play. Davis had been playing. I was trying to rehab. There was a lot going on.The whole thing got pretty hairy, as far as he said, they said. And to be honest with you, I dont really know too many of the details, other than Baker pretty much had enough and decided to go elsewhere.Mayfield didnt wait. Before Techs bowl game against Arizona State, he informed Kingsbury that he would be leaving.Initially, Mayfield cited a miscommunication with Kingsbury as his reason. But in an interview with ESPN.com a month later, he went in-depth.When I got hurt, there was no communication between me and my coach. When I got healthy, I didnt know why I wasnt playing right away, Mayfield said. At that time, we were losing a couple games in a row. I was still clueless as to why I wasnt playing. That was really frustrating for me because I started the first five games and we won. So I just didnt really know exactly what he was thinking or what the situation was. So that happened. And then going from a week-to-week basis, not knowing whether I was going to play or not and how short the leash would be if I had an average half, how quickly I would be pulled or anything like that, it was making me uncomfortable, and I just didnt want to be there anymore. I loved Lubbock, and I loved my teammates. But going through that, and then [they] tell me theyre still working on a scholarship for next fall, and I wouldnt have one for this semester coming up. It was all that.Tech officials had indicated that Mayfield wouldve been placed on scholarship that spring. But Brewer, who later transferred to Virginia Tech, said Mayfields communication complaint was valid.It was a unique situation, with three of us capable of playing, Brewer said. It seemed like it differed every week. One kid was getting told this, the other kid was getting told this. And then on Friday, neither one of those things happened. So there was just a lot of confusion, and the communication wasnt real great. A couple of people got tired of it and decided to go elsewhere. I think there was a lot of right and wrong on both sides. I think both sides couldve handled it better.For Mayfield, the feud was only beginning. Tech declined to release him so he could transfer in conference to Oklahoma, where he wanted to go. Because Big 12 transfer rules at the time didnt differentiate between walk-on and scholarship players, Mayfield faced the prospect of not only sitting out in 2014 but also losing a year of eligibility.That only inflamed the animosity. After the Big 12 faculty athletic representatives voted down Mayfields appeal to become immediately eligible, his father called Kingsbury a scoundrel in an interview with The Oklahoman.Then in December 2015, after he had won the Oklahoma job and quarterbacked the Sooners to the playoff, Mayfield riled up Techs fan base again. He claimed that during the year he sat out, he was tossed out of a Lubbock bar the weekend the Sooners played Tech (in a Facebook post, the owner retorted that Mayfield had been thrown out because he was a minor). Either way, that eventually prompted the Tech blog Viva The Matadors to run the headline, I Hate Baker Mayfield.Since then, however, the bitterness has begun to thaw. This past summer, a day after voting down a proposal to change the walk-on transfer rule, the faculty reps reversed their decision. The ruling essentially gave Mayfield back his fourth season of Big 12 eligibility, so he could remain at Oklahoma for 2017.In a twist, Tech officials actively supported Sooner officials in trying to get the rule revisited and reversed. Both times, the Red Raiders voted in favor of the changing the rule.During Big 12 media days, Kingsbury added to that by praising Mayfield.I loved coaching him, he said. Loved the chip on his shoulder. Have cheered for him in every game except one.With Patrick Mahomes leading the nation in passing for the Red Raiders, Kingsbury noted again this week that it has all worked itself out in a way where everybodys happy. Baker is playing well, so I dont see the issue anymore.Alls well that ends well. But that doesnt mean The Jones wont be all over him Saturday -- or that Mayfield wont be goading them back.Tech has a passionate fan base, and I know a lot of them werent happy about Baker leaving, Brewer said. And Baker is a pretty outspoken guy. Hes going to go out there a little bit animated and egging them on, for sure.I imagine its going to be pretty crazy. Jordan 6 Wholesale . -- Jaye Marie Green shot a 4-under 68 on Thursday to increase her lead to five strokes after the second round of the LPGA Tours qualifying tournament. Air Jordan 6 Outlet . The Canadian squad, skipped by Jennifer Jones of Winnipeg, got on the board first with two in the second end, and followed that with two more apiece in the fourth and sixth ends. http://www.wholesalejordan11.com/discount-jordan-11.html . Only three players drafted by NHL clubs were included on the Czech selection camp roster on Wednesday. Those players were Dallas Stars 2012 first-rounder Radek Faksa, Winnipeg Jets 2013 fourth-rounder Jan Kostalek and Phoenix Coyotes 2012 seventh-rounder Marek Langhamer. Cheap Jordan 6 Mens . Walcott is available for Saturdays home match against Southampton as Arsenal looks to extend its two-point lead at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners are currently the second highest scorers in the league but Wenger insists Walcott will add something extra to his team. Jordan 11 Cheap China . 8 Iowa State on Saturday, sending the Cyclones to their third consecutive loss. The Longhorns (14-4, 3-2) got their biggest win of the season with their third in the row in the Big 12. This page will be updated with new questions and answers up until just after noon ET, so refresh often to see if your question was answered. The most recent answers will appear first.Sometimes, rankings and columns just arent enough to help you decide which player should go in your lineup. If youre still not sure about that final spot before Sundays games kick off, send us a question on Twitter using the hashtag #startsitESPN, and you just might get yours answered below.Each week, ESPN Fantasy analysts KC Joyner and Jim McCormick will provide advice for players just like you stuck with tough choices to make.Week 13 marks the final bye week (Titans and Browns), which may create additional lineup dilemmas, especially in this critical fantasy week. So lets get started on answering your fantasy football questions for this weeks games.#StartSitESPN golden Tate or Crabtree?- Mark Tigchelaar (@marktigchelaar) December 4, 2016There was a time when Tate caught a lot of vertical passes (aerials thrown 11 or more yards downfield), but he has one or fewer of those types of receptions in all but one game this year. Crabtree has 41 vertical targets this year and thus is used a lot more often on these types of throws. Crabtree is listed as questionable, but he was listed that way last week as well and still caught eight passes, so he would be the pick in this one. -- KC#StartSitESPN Matt Forte or Lamar Miller ?- Eli Floyd (@elifloyd03) December 4, 2016The Colts rush defense has allowed 100 or more rushing yards to opponents running backs in seven out of 11 games this year, including last week, when they gave up 148 to the Steelers. That upside potential is much greater than Millers upside against a Green Bay rush defense that has shut down a number of rushing attacks this year, so go with Forte. -- KCMatthew Stafford or Colin Kaepernick? @ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN- Russ Smith (@RedBirdRuss) December 4, 2016The Saints passing defense has a terrible reputation, yet this platoon has allowed 258 or fewer passing yards in five of its last six games. Kaepernick is facing a Bears defense that has given up two or more passing touchdowns in four of its last five games, and he offers a huge rushing upside potential that Stafford cannot match. That makes Kaepernick the selection here. -- KC@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Rawls or Ajayi Standard- Robert chavez (@RaiderRob209) December 4, 2016Baltimore has shut down many running backs this season, the most impressive of which was holding LeVeon Bell to 32 yards in Week 9, which is the fourth-lowest single game total of Bells career. Rawls has what looks to be a tough matchup against Carolina, but an ESPN Insider piece I wrote this past week notes that the Panthers are not likely to be able to get a pass rush on Russell Wilson. That should open the ground game up for Rawls much more than Ajayi, so Rawls is the go-to option in this one. -- KC@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN D. Moncrief or S. Watkins?- Alex Dierling (@AlexDierling) December 4, 2016Moncrief has a 95 rating in my matchup points system that grades matchups on a 0-100 scale, with 100 being the most favorable. Watkins grades out with a 50-point mark in that category, so Moncrief has a significant edge in that area. Watkins does have home run potential that Moncrief may not offer, so he would be the pick if playing for upside, but the percentage play is Moncrief. -- KCRyan or Brady? #StartSitESPN- Andrew Nikola (@AndrewNikola) December 4, 2016Thats not a bad quandary to have. Ryan has been exceptional this year, but he has posted 17 or fewer points in three out of his past five games. Brady has racked up 17 or fewer points in only two of his starts this year. That means Brady should be sat only if there is a reason to think his production level will drop off, which doesnt look to be the case in a home contest against a Rams defense that gave up 310 passing yards and four passing touchdowns to the Saints last week. That means Brady should be the pick in this one. -- KCDonte Moncrief or Tevin Coleman? #StartSitESPN- Mark Gonzales (@Badboyz79124) December 4, 2016An ESPN Insider article I penned this week noted that there are multiple reasons to think that Coleman is still going to be the alternate back in the Falcons offense rather than reclaiming a strong platoon workload. As noted earlier, Moncrief has a 95 score in my matchup points system that grades matchups on a 0-100 scale, with 100 being the most favorable. Add those two factors together and they equal putting Moncrief into this lineup. -- KC#StartSitESPN Jimmy graham or Travis kelce? #FFNow- Nick Gonion (@Nick_Gonion) December 4, 2016This is another incidence of having an embarrassment of riches. Kelce has posted 15 receptions for 209 yards over the past two weeks, a pace he should be able to replicate against a weak Atlanta secondary. That places Kelce first on my tight end ranking chart this week, but Graham faces a Tampa Bay defense that, as noted earlier, will be hard-pressed to get any type of pass rush on Russell Wilson. This factor and Seattles motivation to get their passing game back in gear give Graham a higher upside score than Kelce. That means play Kelce if looking for a percentage pick, but play Graham if looking for upside -- though in reality, either pick should bring a double-digit score this week. -- KC#StartSitESPN ebron or eifert- Josh Haldorson (@silverwalk2) December 4, 2016Tyler Eifert is facing a Philadelphia defense that ranks second in tight end points allowed per game this year (3.9) and has shut out opponents tight ends in two of its last three games. Ebron faces a Saints defense that just allowed the Rams mediocre tight ends to rack up four receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. Eifert is still a slightly better percentage pick, given his role in the Bengals offense, but Ebron has a lot more upside potential, given the matchup upside, so Ebron would be the suggestion in this one. -- KCStandard league. Pick 2. Latavious Murray, Mark Ingram or Michael Thomas #StartSitESPN- Nicholas Peters (@nickelass88) December 4, 2016This comes down to workload potential. Ingram is battling a toe injury, but hes still apt to serve in a platoon role this week. Murray will be the Raiders lead back and likely wont see a workload decline. Thomas is in the most volatile shape out of this trio, as New Orleans is apt to send a lot more targets to Brandin Cooks after directing zero passes to him last week. This makes Thomas the riskiest selection of the group, so as long as you have a viable fill-in for him at wide receiver, he is the sit option out of this group this week. -- KCKirk Cousins or Andrew Luck? #startsitESPN- Kyle King (@Kingkyle09) December 4, 2016Cousins may have the most difficult matchup among quarterbacks this week, as he has an 18 rating in my matchup points system that grades matchups on a 0-100 scale (with 100 being the most favorable). By contrast, Luck has an 85 score in that matchup grading system and, therefore, has one of the most favorable matchups of the week. That type of disparity makes Luck the pick in this one. -- KCRobert Kelley or Jeremy Hill as RB3 #StartSitESPN- Maurice Dullea (@DulleaMaurice) December 4, 2016Hill has a higher yardage floor after setting career bests in routes, targets and catches this past week in Giovani Bernards absence. -- J.M.Do I start Dion Lewis or Kenneth Dixon? #startsitESPN- Alex Caruso (@alex__caruso__) December 4, 2016Dixon led the team in touches (17) and has a higher ceiling for touches again this week, especially as the Dolphins have ceded the seventh-most rushing yards per game to opposing backs. -- J.M.Rawls or Ajayi? #StartSitESPN- Steve (@sacarson2) December 4, 2016Its not a fun setup with the Ravens stingy defense in place, but Ajayi is averaging more than 23 touches per game and has a bit of upside in the passing game that Rawls doesnt claim, so hes my guy of this tandem. -- J.M.Who should I #StartSitESPN- must win for playoff spot! Kap or Matt Ryan?- Jeremy (@JMH0417) December 4, 2016I have Colin Kaepernick one spot above Ryan. Its a close call, but the Bears dont have a pass rush -- so Kaep can produce via the air -- while his 60-plus yards per game on the ground establish an awesome floor. -- J.M.James White or Wendel Smallwood. #StartSitESPN- Ryan Parker (@Ryan_M_Parker) December 4, 2016With Dion Lewis capturing part of Whites receiving market, Smallwood has a higher floor in standard scoring and a higher ceiling, given the volume on early downs we can expect. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN crabtree or boldin- Chad Jeffries (@cjeffries1) December 4, 2016With Crabtree looking good to go, Ill take his 24.3 percent share of the Oakland passing offense at home here. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN Pick 2: Snead, Hopkins, Gabriel @ESPNFantasy- Mandie Baio (@mandie_joy_2) December 4, 2016Sitting Gabriel, as hes a big-play guy, but also dependent on such production to meet value. These other guys claim at least some volume in their respective offenses. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN r. Jennings or Ingram?- Matt Huhn (@mattjhuhn) December 4, 2016With Ingram looking ready to play, Id assume the risks in his profile for the far greater rewards, as weve seen him go off multiple times for huge games, something simply absent from Jennings production pattern. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN I lost Gronk so do I start Vernon Davis or Jared Cook at TE- Conor Torres (@Conor_Torres) December 4, 2016I prefer Davis. The Cards have been solid to tight ends, but Mathieu is out and Davis has at least 50 yards in all but one game since Week 6 as a steady part of the Washington passing game. Cook is a truly hit-or-miss asset that isnt integral to that offense. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN start A. Boldin or M. Wilson as 3rd wr.- Kevin Schaedler (@906billsfan) December 4, 2016With Marvin Jones ailing, lets go with Boldin and his uptick in target share in that shootout in New Orleans. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN Flex help pick one Booker, Moncrief, or Rawls thank you.- Garrett Burk (@GBURKKILLA) December 4, 2016Riding with Booker here, as his touch rate of 25-plus over the past two games suppports a high fantasy floor.dddddddddddd. -- J.M.Quincy Enunwa, Tyler Boyd, or Kenneth Dixon for flex? #StartSitESPN- Chris Higgins (@_chiggins) December 4, 2016Enunwa has been solid with a 20 percent share of that passing game, but I think this is the week to roll Dixon out there for a breakout box score. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN t.gabriel, t.boyd, m.wilson, enuwa,m.mitchell start 2?- Carlos Ortiz (@gonnalivlife) December 4, 2016Lets get Enunwa and Boyd in there, as both stand to consume six-plus targets in their respective offenses and face nice matchups. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN ppr Tate-Hopkins-Sanders-BPowell.Need3- KungFuPanda (@KeithRickles) December 4, 2016Sitting Powell, as he hasnt done much damage, save for one or two huge plays this season and the meaningful goal-line touches go to Forte. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN Spencer Ware or L. Bount at flex?- Mark Short (@Markshort317) December 4, 2016I prefer Ware, as the Falcons have ceded 68 percent more receiving yardage than league average to backs, which aligns with his skill set. Blount remains a nice angle for a touchdown, but last week might be a template for how the offense will rely on their backfield in the passing game. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Big Ben at home vs Giants or Kaepernick at Chicago?- Rene medina (@Uppercasebee73) December 4, 2016Going with Ben at home, as hes averaged (as weve mentioned) 336 and 3.75 scores at home this season. -- J.M.Flex spot nonPPR : Rawls or Mike Wallace? Thx! #StartSitESPN- Sim Shany (@Simpson15) December 4, 2016Wallace has a respectable yardage pattern and is quietly on place for 1,100 yards, but I find a similar yardage floor and much-higher scoring ceiling for Rawls in place. I also dont like that Wallace relies on vertical success and Miami has the second-best pass rush in the league, limiting Flaccos time in the pocket. -- J.M.Brees or Brady? @ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN- Alissa Lyman (@alissa_lyman) December 4, 2016Its not so crazy to have both, if you consider Brady went late in some drafts with the suspension. That said, Ill call you crazy if you sit Drew Brees at home today! -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy Gates, Ertz, or Brate in Standard? #StartSitESPN- footballislife17 (@msturgis15) December 4, 2016Gates is due to bounce back from that no-show, as he still ran 77 percent of his snaps from the slot and is a viable red zone weapon for Rivers. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN what to do??? Russell Wilson or Carr? HELP!!!!! I need a win!- Shank OPotamus (@mdshanksalot) December 4, 2016Even though the overall season pattern doesnt support this, I want Wilson at home in this soft setup against that young Carolina secondary. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy Moncrief or T. Williams #StartSitESPN- Abdiel Beitia (@imabdielito) December 4, 2016With Williams dealing with the labrum injury, Id look to the healthy alternative in Moncrief, who has a nice matchup and awesome touchdown pattern. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Latavius Murray or Jay Ajayi?- Ross Herzog (@RHerzy14) December 4, 2016Im going contrarian here and siding with Murray, as the healthy scratch to DeAndre Washington and the uptick in snaps and touches last week for Murray was emboldening for his prospects this week. -- J.M.Bengals, Raiders, or Jags D?@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN- JP Ponton (@jaypeezy85) December 4, 2016Starting off with a defensive question; it is the ultimate streaming position, after all. Dont love this trio of options, but the Bengals are facing a depleted Philly offense that is 25th in the league in points per drive and has the fourth-highest turnover-per-drive rate since Week 5 -- when right tackle Lane Johnson left the roster due to suspension. These are inviting and differentiating metrics against a Philly offense without their top receiver, Jordan Matthews, who is not expected to play, according to Adam Schefter. -- J.M.Who should I start Demaryius Thomas or Brandin Cooks#FFNow #StartSitESPN #FantasyFootball- Pj (@SuperJParty) December 4, 2016Lets avoid recency bias and go with the best setup, which is Cooks at home in that awesome potential shootout in the Superdome. Cooks has averaged a team-best 21 yards per reception and has scored five of his six touchdowns this season at home. Last week was also a function of the Rams double-teaming him throughout, so we can expect a revival in usage and production for Cooks. -- J.M.Start Emmanuel Sanders or Deandre Hopkins? #StartSitESPN- Jayme Butts (@JaymeButts) December 4, 2016Siding with Hopkins, largely based on the inviting matchup metrics -- the Packers are 31st in pass coverage on Pro Football. Sanders and Thomas for Denver are both still viable WR3/flex assets, its just that shifting to the rookie quarterback on the road is a factor. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy Smallwood or Boyd. Standard/flex#StartSitESPN- JP Ponton (@jaypeezy85) December 4, 2016Game script limited Smallwood to just 10 touches last week, but with Ryan Mathews out yet another week, we can deploy him again here with an angle for double-digit touches in a game that appears more likely to be ground out on the ground, given the sluggish point total and low spread. Which is to say, the ingredients for the game seem friendly for Smallwood getting the rock a good bit. I dig Boyd, but his value isnt realized in standard leagues. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN J.Crowder or D.Adams- AbdulRaqibAl-Amreeki (@quiFree) December 4, 2016With the Packers passing the ball upward of 40 times per game regularly, and with Adams claiming a strong share of the target market for Green Bay, hes a fine option at home against a Houston team lacking a pass rush (leaving him time to get deep/open). -- J.M.#StartSitESPN need to start 1 person in flex, Randall Cobb, Thomas Rawls, Robert Kelley, Todd Gurley. PPR league. @ESPNFantasy- Nick OConnor (@the_N0C) December 4, 2016Riding with Rawls and the Seahawks sizable upgrade at home against a Carolina defense sans their best playmaker in the front seven. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Michel Thomas or Willie Snead?- JP (@JPSonOfJohn) December 4, 2016Thomas has been so productive as Brees outside contested-catch and vertical weapon, thus he gets the nod here. -- J.M.Have to start two of three, Davante Adams, watkins, or Tyreek Hill #StartSitESPN- Andrew Coleman (@AColemanPhoto) December 4, 2016Watkins is the odd man out here, if only because I have Adams and Hill in the top 50 among flex assets and Watkins is just outside, since his snap and opportunity rate is more compromised than these peers. I dig Watkins as an upside play today but find Hill is also in that tier, given Maclins absence and the nice matchup. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Washington or NY Giants D/ST?- Shelly Martin (@ShellyMartin8) December 4, 2016I dont want to face that elite Steelers offense on the road -- Big Ben is averaging 3.75 touchdowns at home -- thus its Washington if thats your only alternative. -- J.M.River or Stafford...help #StartSitESPN- Kyle Hammett (@kvhammett) December 4, 2016Were here for you, man. Lets ride with Matt Stafford, as shares of the game in the Superdome are enviable, with nearly eight touchdowns projected based on the Vegas ingredients. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy Big Ben or Kapernick today? #StartSitESPN- Scott Drennan (@scottdrennan) December 4, 2016A viable concern, but riding with Ben Roethlisberger, given the Brees-like home rates (336 yards and nearly four scores per game at home). -- J.M.CJ Fiedorowitz or S. Shepard in the flex? 1PPR #StartSitESPN- Seldom Seen (@seldomseen79) December 4, 2016I have Fiedorowicz just slightly above Shepard, which is essentially a floor-over-ceiling-type play given the tight end has a steady market share of the Texans passing targets, but Shepard has the higher big-play ceiling. -- J.M.Gabriel or Robinson #StartSitESPN @ESPNFantasy- Atom (@add_emup32) December 4, 2016Lets ride with Denard Shoelace Robinson, as the Broncos have ceded the fourth-most rushing yards per game to backs and he could be quite busy with Ivory out and Yeldon ailing. -- J.M.T. Hightower, J. Starks, or T. Rawls for Rb2 slot. #StartSitESPN- amanjeet sandhu (@asandhu_89) December 4, 2016Rawls for me -- nice matchup and positive game script as home favorites could feed him a nice workload. -- J.M.Watkins or Boyd 1pt PPR #StartSitESPN- Casey (@bean6095) December 4, 2016Lets go big with Watkins upside, especially with the Bills receiving corps decimated heading into Oakland. There is some risk, but the rewards are substantial. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN Tyreek Hill vs. Falcons OR Doug Baldwin vs. Panthers- Blake Dixon (@FrostedBlakesTV) December 4, 2016I swear your Embiid photo didnt sway me. Lets go with Baldwin, as his 20 percent share of the Seattle passing game is steady and he offers big-play, multi-score upside, just as Hill does, although in a more bankable pattern. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN Start Carr or Luck this week??- RealBillOakley (@RealBillOakley) December 4, 2016Riding with Luck here, as the Bills have the third-best pass rush in the league and could at least cause some traffic in the pocket for Carr. The Jets have one of the quietest pass rushes in the league, affording Luck time to operate against their soft secondary. -- J.M.Starks or yeldon? For the flex. #StartSitESPN #week13- bdub (@b_walsh0511) December 4, 2016Starks gets the nod, especially with the Texans rush defense ranked in the bottom 10 in yardage to tailbacks. Yeldon is banged up, and the staff is talking about how hell likely be limited today. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy Thomas Rawls or Devontae Booker? #StartSitESPN- CesarinPR (@cesarPR) December 4, 2016I prefer Bookers heavy workload (26 touches per over last two) and his increased yardage floor with receiving work. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy Watkins or Jackson #StartSitESPN- F-Breezy ?? (@_FabrizzioM_) December 4, 2016Prefer Watkins here, thanks to the lack of competition for meaningful targets. Both are similar in that we need big plays to return value, which favors Watkins, given his increased target share. -- J.M. ' ' '

2015 Live Results2015 SEC Cross Country Championship Results2015 SEC Cross Country Championship - October 30, 2015 (College Station, Texas)Time (CT)Event10:00 a.m.?Mens 8K Race11:00 a.m.?Womens 6K Race12:00 p.m.?Awards Presentation2015 SEC Cross Country Championships (College Station, Texas - October 30, 2015)Mens Team Results: 1. Arkansas (25) 2. Texas A&M (98) 3. Ole Miss (122) 4. Kentucky (129) 5. Georgia (142) 6. Missouri (146) 7. Florida (170) 8. Auburn (198) 9. Alabama (203) 10. Mississippi State (280) 11. Tennessee (301) 12. LSU (322) 13. Vanderbilt (391)Womens Team Results: 1. Arkansas (38); 2. Mississippi State (95) 3. Vanderbilt (112) 4. Alabama (143) 5. Ole Miss (147) 6. Auburn (164) 7. Florida (183) 8. Missouri (228) 9. Texas A&M (249) 10. Georgia (267) 11. Tennessee (296) 12. Kentucky (297) 13. South Carolina (352) 14. LSU (436)Mens Top-10 Finishers:? 1. Antibahs Kosgei, Alabama (23:24.2) 2. Christian Heymsfield, Arkansas (23:25.2) 3. Frankline Tonui, Arkansas (23:32.5) 4. Jacob Thomson, Kentucky (23:34.5) 5. Alex George, Arkansas (23:36.2) 6. Austen Dalquist, Arkansas (23:36.2) 7. Jimmy Clark, Florida (23:42.6) 8. Cameron Villarreal, Texas A&M (23:43.6) 9. Gabe Gonzales, Arkansas (23:47.6) 10. Jack Bruce, Arkansas (23:49.0)Womens Top-10 Finishers 1. Dominique Scott, Arkansas (19:23.6) 2. Chelsea Blaase, Tennessee (19:40.9) 3. Caroline Pietrzyk, Vanderbilt (19:54.1) 4. Brenda Kigen, Auburn (19:58.2) 5. Karis Jochen, Texas A&M (19:59.2) 6. Kaitlin Flattmann, Arkansas (20:00.7) 7. Katelyn Greenleaf, Alabama (20:06.9) 8. Devin Clark, Arkansas (20:12.8) 9. Marta Freitas, Mississippi State (20:14.3) 10. Mary Alex England, Ole Miss (20:19.5)Mens First-Team All-SEC Antibahs Kosgei, Alabama Christian Heymsfield, Arkansas Frankline Tonui, Arkansas Jacob Thomson, Kentucky Alex George, Arkansas Austen Dalquist, Arkansas Jimmy Clark, FloridaMens Second-Team All-SEC Cameron Villarreal, Texas A&M Gabe Gonzales, Arkansas Jack Bruce, Arkansas Eddie Garcia, Florida Zack Sims, Georgia Alex Riba, Texas A&M Austin Wells, Texas A&MMens SEC All-Freshman Team Dajour Braxton, LSU Reilly Shaw, Auburn Ben Young, Kentucky Brandon Harvey, Ole Miss Jack Guyton, Florida Zach Long, Tennessee Cameron Griffith, FloridaWomens First-Team All-SEC Dominique Scott, Arkansas Chelsea Blaase, Tennessee Caroline Pietrzyk, Vanderbilt Brenda Kigen, Auburn Karis Jochen, Texas A&M Kaitlin Flattmann, Arkansas Katelyn Greenleaf, AlabamaWomens Second-Team All-SEC Devin Clark, Arkansas Marta Freitas, Mississippi State Mary Alex England, Ole Miss Valerie Reina, Arkansas Regan Ward, Arkansas Kelsey Schrader, Arkansas Karissa Schweizer, MissouriWomens SEC All-Freshman Team Caroline Pietrzyk, Vanderbilt Brenda Kigen, Auburn Devin Clark, Arkansas Maria Larsen, Florida Rachael Reddy, Alabama Sydney Brown, Arkansas Elisabeth Bergh, FloridaCourse Maps College Jerseys Outlet . Goals from Jerome Boateng, Franck Ribery and Thomas Mueller extended Bayerns unbeaten run to a record 37 matches. "This record is incredible," Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said. Cheap West Virginia Mountaineers Jerseys China . By having more great seasons. Manning was the only unanimous choice for the 2013 Associated Press NFL All-Pro team Friday. http://www.cheapcollegechina.com/cheap-wake-forest-demon-deacons-jerseys-china_138m.html . As the crowd erupted, Davis knocked the ball off the glass and back into his hands. With 1:14 to go in overtime, Davis sixth block also became his 17th rebound. That, along with his 32 points -- which tied a career high -- proved too much for Denver to overcome, and the Pelicans held on for their third straight victory, 111-107 on Sunday night. College Jerseys China . Vokoun departed practice on Saturday morning after discovering swelling in his thigh. He was taken to a local hospital where the clot was revealed. The club announced the surgery following a 5-3 exhibition loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Cheap Washington State Cougars Jerseys China . -- The Sacramento Kings are set to become the first major professional sports franchise to accept Bitcoin virtual currency for ticket and merchandise purchases. HEMSTEAD, N.Y. -- Justin Wright-Foreman scored 18 points, Brian Bernardi 17 and Hofstra defeated Division III Medaille 89-56 on Friday.Ty Greer added 13 points and Deron Powers 11 for the Pride (4-3), who were 31 of 60 from the field for 51.7 percent and 11 of 23 from 3-point range (47.8 percent). Rokas Gustys grabbed 14 rebounds, after having 25 in Hofstras previous game, to give the Pride a 48-32 edge on the boards. Hofstra blocked 11 shots, led by fivve from Hunter Sabety.ddddddddddddMike Hollenbeck scored 17 points and Meghale Ford 12 for the Mavericks (1-3).The Pride made six consecutive 3-pointers, from five different players, to take a 20-14 lead. Hofstra went up 41-27 at halftime and the lead remained in double figures in the second half, reaching a peak of 35 points. ' ' '

The Buffalo Bills have placed their faith in quarterback Tyrod Taylor by signing him to a contract extension.Sources told ESPN the deal is for six years and $90 million. He will make $9.5 million in 2016, up from a previous base contract of $2 million.Taylor could earn up to $20 million more through difficult-to-reach incentives, sources said, but the Bills can release him by the third day of the 2017 league year and pay him only the $9.5 million he would have made in 2016. They have another out available after the second year of the deal.Im definitely thankful for the Pegulas, for the Bills organization and for Rex Ryan, for giving me an opportunity, first and foremost, Taylor said. Them offering me a contract for this many years definitely shows that theyre all-in, which is what our phrase is for this year. As far as a mindset going into a game, having financial stability or not having it, Im a competitor from day one.The team announced the deal Friday, reached a day before the Bills open their preseason by hosting the Indianapolis Colts.?Taylor was entering the final year of his contract.Next years option is for $15.5 million with a base salary of $12 million, sources said.Before the team exercises the option for the second year, that year is guaranteed for injury at $27.5 million, sources said. After the option is exercised, the guarantee becomes $50 million for injury and $40.25 million fully guaranteed -- including the money he was paid in 2016 and a portion of his 2018 base salary.Taylors base salary of $13 million for the 2018 season will become guaranteed in March of that year. The deal contains no guarantees for after the 2018 season, sources said.Every year you have something to prove, Taylor said of the Bills options in the deal. This is a competition-driven league. Its not like the NBA where everything is guaranteed. You can cut at any given time. Every time you step on that field, you have something to prove, and thats been my mindset every time I step on the practice field -- theres something for me to prove, and Im going to continue to keep showing that every time.Contract talks ramped up over the past month, and the signing comes a week after Taylors agent, Adisa Bakari, attended training camp outside Rochester, New York.We looked at it as we have a quarterback now, general manager Doug Whaley said. I hate to say it, but lack of a better term, we didnt want to be greedy. We like working with Tyrod. We have faith in Tyrod. The coaching staff has faith in Tyrod. But most importantly, the team has faith in Tyrod and Tyrod has faith in himself. So, we said lets go with what we have on hand and were excited about the future.The 27-year-old is being rewarded for displaying his dynamic dual-threat potential with a strong arm and scrambling ability in going 8-6 as a first-time starter last season and being named to the Pro Bowl. He completed 242 of 380 attempts for 3,035 yards and threw 20 touchdown passes. He set the franchise record for quarterbacks with 586 yards rushing and scored four times, trailing only Cam Newton in rushing yards (636) and rushing touchdowns (10) by a quarterback.Taylor did miss two games with a knee injury.We went back and looked at everything he did last year and then we took into consideration how he came into the offseason, how hes got a greater command of the offense, and a greater command of the team, Whaley said. And then when you take into account what he has shown on the field in this preseason camp, we just felt, again, that it was the right time and the right deal for both parties involved.Taylor spent his first four seasons serving as Joe Flaccos backup with the Baltimore Ravens before signing with the Bills in free agency in March 2015. He won the No. 1 job in Buffalo after a three-way offseason competition against former starter EJ Manuel and Matt Cassel.This year, Taylor has already shown signs of becoming more confident and taking on a larger leadership role. Numerous offensive players have credited him for being more assertive in the huddle.Coach Rex Ryan and offensive coordinator Greg Roman project that Taylor has great potential to build off last season because he is more familiar with the playbook.Buffalos offense made significant jumps under Taylor last year and after the team retooled its roster by adding several established threats, including running back LeSean McCoy and tight end Charles Clay.The Bills led the NFL with 2,432 yards rushing and finished 13th with 5,775 net yards offense, the most since 1992.Taylor becomes the latest candidate to fill what has been an unsettled position in Buffalo since Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly retired after the 1996 season. Since then, the Bills have had 12 quarterbacks, including Taylor, start at least eight games. Its a group that included Todd Collins, J.P. Losman, Trent Edwards and Kyle Orton.Drew Bledsoe, from 2002 to 2004, was the only quarterback to retain the starting job over a three-season stretch.Taylor becomes Buffalos third quarterback to earn a contract extension since Kelly retired, joining Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2011 and Doug Flutie in 1999.Fitzpatricks extension, a six-year, $59 million deal, was notable because it failed to pan out. He lasted just one more season in Buffalo before being cut after the 2012 campaign, and the Bills started fresh by using a first-round pick to draft Manuel.Information from ESPNs Adam Schefter and Dan Graziano, ESPN Stats & Information and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Cheap New Orleans Saints Jerseys China . Darren Helm scored on Detroits sixth attempt in the shootout and then Jonas Gustavsson stopped Andrew Shaws shot, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. Cheap Carolina Panthers Jerseys China . 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.cheapfootballchina.com/ . PAUL, Minn. Cheap Buffalo Bills Jerseys China . -- Patrick Reed got an early start in golf. Cheap Tennessee Titans Jerseys China .com) - Following a late-game loss to the reigning NBA champs, the Toronto Raptors will look to sustain their recent high-level play as they travel to Indiana to take on the Pacers. Tom Brady is finding ways to keep busy during his four-week suspension.The Patriots quarterback will be an honorary captain for a weekend at Michigan, his alma mater, according to Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh.Harbaugh told Rich Eisen on his radio show Wednesday afternoon that Brady will be the teams captain for their third game of the season, which is against Colorado on Sept. 17.Brady, who was suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for New Englands first four games of the season, told reporters that he would be searching for ways to stay occupied. The Patriots host the Miami Dolphins the day after the Colorado game, but Brady is not allowed to attend games or visit the teams facility as part of the suspensionn.ddddddddddddBrady last visited Ann Arbor to be a special guest at Michigans National Signing Day show. He and Harbaugh are both former Michigan quarterbacks.Brady will follow Michael Jordan (Sept. 3 vs. Hawaii) and Eisen (Sept. 10 vs. UCF) on the list of honorary captains for Michigan games this season. Bobby Kotick, the billionaire CEO of Activision video games, was previously scheduled to be the guest of honor for the Colorado game.Along with leading the team on to the field for kickoff, Harbaugh said he plans to have his honorary captains address the team the night before each game. ' ' '

CHARLOTTE, N.C. --?Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton called speculation over why he was benched for the first series of Sundays loss at Seattle falsified stories.The reigning NFL MVP said Thursday that the truth was just as he and coach Ron Rivera had said after the game.I violated the wardrobe [policy], and thats it, said Newton, who was punished for not wearing the required tie on the flight to Seattle. You dont have to dig into certain stories that I violated curfew, was out at a club, somebody was calling the room. I still stand by Coach Riveras decision, and thats just a warning for everybody.At no point in time -- or even still -- do I think Im above the law. I never thought that. Im not that type of player.Newton said the whole situation could have been prevented had he had the proper attire for the trip.He said those who dont believe him dont really know him.When you start hearing falsified stories from the people that really know you, thats when it really affects you, he said. And I havent.It is what it is.Asked whether hes been treated fairly this season, Newton said, If I was trying to impress every single person that thought I was an a--h---, then I would be drained. Im me.There also has been speculation that Newtons numbers are down this season because he had too much going on during the offseason with his Nickelodeon television series and other outside interests and that he didnt properly prepare.Newton threw a career-high 35 touchdown passes to go along with 10 rushing touchdowns en route to the MVP award a year ago, when Carolina went 15-1 during the regular season and reached the Super Bowl.During this 4-8 season, he has only 14 touchdown passes and five rushing touchdowns, and his 54.7 completion percentage has him on target for a career low.Newton said that preparation has nothing to do with his drop in statistics or the team record.Distractions come every single day, from family, from media, from workload, he said. Its my job to put myself in the best situation to succeed. I understand were not having the season we wanted to have, but theres no need for people to just maliciously go out and say, Well, he was doing too much. He was doing this. Hes worried about this.Thats the easy route.Rivera said he was very comfortable with his quarterbacks preparation, adding that people dont see the amount of time Newton puts in during the offseason or season.Thats unfortunate and disappointing that people draw conclusions based off other things, Rivera said. The young man is dedicated, and when he comes here, its phenomenal.Newton couldnt say whether he would do the Nickelodeon show again during the offseason.Life is bigger than football, he said. So if youre questioning certain things that Im doing, I have a whole other list of requirements and duties that I need to take care of.Outside of football I do have a life. Football takes up a lot of my life, and I appreciate it. This is the life I chose. Im not complaining. All Im telling you and just everybody is Im human. Thats the moral of the story.Newton doesnt know why his numbers are down, although catastrophic injuries to the offensive line havent helped.I can tell you its not because of preparation, he said. We get ridiculed off our production on the field, so it doesnt how much I prepare, if it doesnt transfer onto the field people will just say, Ah, hes just garbage.For me, its trying to get it to carry over from practice to games. In this situation and this season, it just hasnt turned over. And I dont have nobody to blame but myself. Dodgers Jerseys China . On Tuesday, Ottawa placed forward Cory Conacher and defenceman Joe Corvo on waivers as trade rumours swirl around the Senators. Cheap Dodgers Jerseys . -- Peyton Manning will have all of his wide receivers available for the first time in a month when the Denver Broncos begin their playoff run Jan. http://www.customdodgersjersey.com/custom-babe-herman-jersey-large-79w.html . Brazilian national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed that the veteran goalkeeper is set to join Toronto on loan, saying it will help him be ready for the World Cup. Custom Dodgers T-shirts . Team physician Dr. Steve Traina performed the surgery Friday. Robinson was injured in a spill underneath the Nuggets basket during the first quarter of Wednesday nights loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. Custom Dodgers Jersey China . According the Toronto Star, a knee injury will keep Sundin out of the lineup, which includes former teammates Gary Roberts, Darcy Tucker, Tie Domi and Curtis Joseph. MONZA, Italy -- Lewis Hamilton paid tribute to the extraordinary Jenson Button after hearing his former McLaren teammate will step back from Formula One in 2017.Button is being replaced by Stoffel Vandoorne at McLaren next year, though he is on a deal which could include a return to a race drive in 2018 if the team wants him back. The announcement was made on Saturday, just days after Felipe Massa confirmed his retirement at the end of the year in the Monza paddock.Joking about the weekend of announcements Hamilton, whose media session started just as Buttons news was filtering through social media from further up the paddock, kicked off his session with a smile.Ok guys, well I want to start this session with an announcment of my own.... Im also retiring, he said, laughing.Button became Hamiltons teammate the year after winning the 2009 world championship for Brawn. The pair stayed at McLaren together until 2012, when Hamilton departed for Mercedes.Hamilton says he remembers waatching Button, whose career began at the 2000 Australian Grand Prix, when he was a child.ddddddddddddJensons been an extraordinary British champion. I remember watching him when he first got to Formula One on a weekend with my dad, eating bacon sarnies, watching Jenson doing what I was dreaming to do.Hes done 17 years now, a long, long stint in this sport, but what he has given to it is fantastic.We were joking in the drivers briefing the other day. Max (Verstappen) was sitting next to me, along with Jenson and Felipe, and Jenson told Max You were just one-year-old when I first got to Formula One. That was kind of crazy.But Jenson is still young, still healthy, still fit, so I wish him all the best for the future.Button is the only man other than Hamilton or Sebastian Vettel to have won an F1 world championship since Kimi Raikkonen did so in 2007. ' ' '

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- A grand jury has handed down a wanton murder indictment in the shooting death of Olympic sprinter Tyson Gays 15-year-old daughter.Trinity Gay was shot Oct. 16 outside a Lexington restaurant after witnesses told police that gunfire was exchanged between two vehicles. Police say the teen wasnt in either car involved in the shooting. Police had initially charged four people with wanton endangerment.The Lexington Police Department said in a statement Friday that the indictment against 38-year-old Chazerae M. Taylor included murder and wanton endangerment charges for his role in creating the environment that ultimately led to the death of 15-year-old Trinity Gay. Two others, Lamonte Williams and DMarkeo Taylor, were indicted Thursday on wanton endangerment counts.The fourth person charged, Dvonta Middlebrooks, remains jailed on a wanton endangerment charge. Cheap Air Jordan Shoes . 10 VCU 85-67 on Thursday night at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. The Seminoles (4-0) have scored at least 80 points in each of their games. Wholesale Jordans Online . The Oilers come in having lost five in a row (0-4-1) and 16 of their last 20 games, dropping a 2-1 decision to the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday. http://www.cheapjordanschinawholesale.com/cheap-air-jordan-1-china-wholesale-77e.html . Gerald Green and Miles Plumlee? Green had bounced around the NBA when he wasnt playing overseas. The Pacers gave up on Plumlee after just one season. Now Green and Plumlee are key cogs in the Suns surprising breakout season. Cheap Air Jordan . -- Jimmie Johnson held off a teammate, passed a pair of Hall of Famers, and dominated once more at Dover. Wholesale Authentic Jordans . Anthony Calvillo, through 20 CFL seasons, was frequently invincible and largely stoic in the heat of competition. But underneath the professional exterior he was, and is, compellingly human. Roger Federer suffered a freak knee injury while giving his twin daughters a bath during the January Australian Open and called it a year by July. Rafael Nadal went missing from action after a wrist injury. Maria Sharapova admitted in March that she tested positive for a banned drug and faced suspension. Then Serena and Venus Williams learned their personal medical records with the World Anti-Doping Agency had been hacked -- allegedly by a cyber-warfare group with ties to Sharapovas native Russia.?Then 2016 got even weirder in tennis as the year went on. Its never a good thing for a sport when theres more news made in press releases, news conferences and social media announcements than on the field of play.But 2016 was a year of drama for mens and womens tennis that saw nearly all of its most enduring stars involved in some sort of turmoil.Nick Krygios got suspended for tanking a match in Shanghai and was ordered to get therapy, and Novak Djokovic saw his internal gyroscope go haywire due to private issues he still has never elaborated on. After winning six titles the first half of the year, including his first French Open, Djokovic won only one event afterward, ripping open his shirts and crying in frustration along the way. Then on Dec. 6, the Serbian star ended his three-year stint with coach Boris Becker, who presided over Djokovics streak of making nine finals in the past 12 Slams and his two-year stay at No. 1.Djokovic said they parted amicably. A day later, Becker criticized him in a Sky News interview, saying: He didnt spend as much time on the practice court in the last six months that he should. Success like this doesnt happen by pushing a button. Success like this doesnt happen by just showing up at a tournament. You have to work your bottom off because your opposition does the same.Just this past Thursday, yet another reminder of how many hits tennis had to survive as an institution resurfaced: Tennis Australia announced it had hired two more full-time investigators and cut ties with major advertiser William Hill, the sports betting agency, to underline its seriousness about combating the match-fixing and betting issues that surfaced during the Australian Open last January via a BuzzFeed/BBC report.That story alleged there has been widespread match-fixing in mens tennis and that authorities in the sport ignored it. The report did not name names but said 16 men who have been ranked in the top 50, including a US Open champion, could be involved. And Djokovic caused a further stir by sharing a story days later about how a member of his team had been approached in 2007 and offered $200,000 if Djokovic would throw a first-round match in St. Petersburg, Russia. Said Djokovic: It made me feel terrible because I dont want to be anyhow linked to this. For me, thats an act of unsportsmanship, a crime in sport, honestly. I dont support it. I think there is no room for it in any sport.Sharapova cried foul, too -- albeit for a different reason. In March, she called a news conference in Los Angeles and broke the news herself that she was among the many Eastern European athletes who tested positive for meldonium.She admitted she had continued taking the drug into February because she was unaware meldonium was newly banned as of Jan. 1. The irony? Sharapovas honesty ruined her chances of getting immediately reinstated a few months later when world doping authorities admitted they didnt fully understand how long meldonium stayed in a persons system.Many athletes who said nothing were thus allowed to return to competition because WADA couldnt prove they had ingested meldonium before or after it was banned. Sharapova had no such out. She held her tongue during all the back-and-forth as her appeal waited to be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. When her recommended two-year ban by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) was reduced to 15 months by CAS, Sharapova bitterly blasted tennis officials for the heavy price she paid. The former world No. 1 missed the years last three majors, and was eclipsed by Serena Williams as the top-earning female athlete in the world. Even with the suspension reduction, the 29-year-old Sharapova wont be eligible to play again until just weeks before the start of the French Open in late May. She has promised to return -- with a vengeance.Victoria Azarenka, who made the surprise announcement in July that she and her boyfriend are expecting their first child by the end of this year, could join Sharapova back on tour around the same time. Azarenka has said shes inspired by the example of Kim Clijsters, who won three Slams after giving birth to her first child.Taken all together, the 2016 tennis year has been a lot to digest.But it also has conspired to make 2017 look like it could be one of tennis most wonderfully unpredictable years in decades after years of hegemony at the top.And thats not all bad.Serena owwned the No.dddddddddddd 1 ranking a record-tying 186 consecutive weeks before Germanys Angelique Kerber overtook her in September while winning the US Open. To understand just how remarkable Williams run was, consider this: Williams had more title wins (24) than match losses (19) in those three-plus years she stayed No. 1.And yet, though Williams made the finals of the 2016 Australian and French Open, and won Wimbledon, she played only eight events and 44 singles matches all told -- none of them after September. Her own coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, said Williams had a bad year by her standards, even if she was battling shoulder and knee ailments part of the time.Williams, now 35, wasnt quite as downbeat as Mouratoglou about the big picture. After losing in the semis of the US Open, Williams actually pushed back irritably when a reporter suggested she was too fatigued to win, bristling Im a professional and If I cant turn around after 24 hours and play again, then I shouldnt be on tour. Fatigue had absolutely nothing to do with it.If I was tired, I should definitely get into a new career.The show of pride was good to see.Scotlands Andy Murray roared to the No. 1 ranking for the first time by the end of the year, too, when he won the Paris Masters in early November and then quashed Djokovics attempt to wrest the top spot back. After years of hearing questions about whether he belonged in the Big Four along with Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, the 29-year-old Murray insisted he never really expected to slingshot past them and someday sit atop the world. But he did it, all right, by decisively beating Djokovic at the year-ending ATP Finals in London to become the oldest first-time No. 1 since Australias John Newcombe accomplished it at age 30 in 1974.Unbelievable, Murray said.Puerto Ricos Monica Puig expressed similar astonishment after she was the surprise winner at the Rio Olympics, giving her country its first gold medal at any Summer Games. Puig beat Garbine Muguruza along the way, the young Spaniard who upset Serena in the French Open final to win her first major.But from start to finish, the 28-year-old Kerber was the most consistent female player of 2016. She knocked off Williams for the Australian Open title, lost to her in the Wimbledon final and then finished her climb to No. 1 by beating big-serving Karolina Pliskova for the US Open championship after Pliskova upset Williams in a semifinal shocker. Along the way, Kerber admitted frankly that she initially struggled with the heightened expectations that came from winning her first career Slam in Australia, saying, The pressure after is actually more. Not less.But after winning in New York, Kerber insisted she no longer felt out of her depth.I think Im ready, yeah, to have this pressure on my shoulder, Kerber said. Being No. 1, of course now everybody will try to beat me and have nothing to lose. [But] I will try to take this challenge and try staying as long as I can there.Argentinas Juan Martin del Potro rivaled Murray and Kerber as the feel-good tennis story of 2016 with some snowballing success in the last half of the year that suggested the wrist problems that plagued him since he won the 2009 US Open -- still his only Slam title -- might finally, blessedly be over.First, del Potro upset Stan Wawrinka at Wimbledon, then backed it up by beating Djokovic and Nadal in Rio on the way to winning the silver medal. At the US Open a few weeks later, del Potro advanced to the quarterfinals before Wawrinka defeated him in a late-night match in Arthur Ashe Stadium. But the extraordinary scene still had people talking days later. Fans brought del Potro to tears when they began fondly chanting his name near the end of his Wawrinka loss, just to let him know how happy they were to see him back.From there, it was on to Davis Cup play for del Potro, where he defeated Murray in singles to push Argentina past defending champion Britain in the semifinal round. Then he roared back from a 2-0-set deficit against Croatias Marin Cilic in Zagreb to spark Argentinas second-day comeback to its first Davis Cup title in five trips to the final. Once again, del Potro cried for joy. What a year it had been.I was very close to never playing again, he said, recalling all the setbacks after each of his three wrist surgeries. And, well, here I am.That image of del Potro and his teammates celebrating in Croatia as confetti rained down is a nice grace note to linger on heading into 2017.Federer and Nadal, Djokovic and del Potro, Serena and Sharapova are among the many megastars plotting blockbuster comebacks. If they all return to top form at once, 2017 could be yet another year of fireworks -- but for far happier reasons, and with spectacular results.Im looking forward to it, Kerber said. ' ' '

LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- Albania league winner Skenderbeus expulsion from the Champions League qualifying rounds for match-fixing has been confirmed by sports highest court.The Court of Arbitration for Sport announced its verdict on Wednesday to dismiss Skenderbeus appeal and uphold rulings by UEFAs judicial bodies. UEFA rules bar clubs from its competitions if they are linked to match-fixing.Skenderbeu had been included in the second-round qualifying draw pending the verdict. The club was due to play Hungarian champion Ferencvaros in a two-legged match between July 12 and 20.In a previous statement, Skenderbeu said an inquiry into claims of fixed matches in national and European competitions was based on information from betting companies.UEFA said its betting fraud monitoring system identified certain betting patterns which were in total contradiction with those expected in a regular betting market.Skenderbeus place in the Champions League will be taken by last seasons runner-up, Partizani, UEFA ruled on Wednesday.Tirana-based Partizani already played a Europa League first qualifying round, first-leg game, drawing 0-0 at home to Slovan Bratislava, which now advances to the next round. Custom Twins T-shirts . After slipping from the summit during the week, the Gunners overcame struggling Crystal Palace 2-0 on Sunday thanks to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlains second-half brace. Wholesale Custom Twins Shirts . After a lengthy wait, persistent rain finally forced the postponement of the Nationals game against the Miami Marlins on Saturday night. The teams, and a few thousand fans, waited nearly four hours from the 7:05 scheduled start time before an announcement was made shortly before 11 p. http://www.customtwinsjersey.com/custom-harmon-killebrew-jersey-large-72s.html . John Lucas, signed as a mentor for rookie Trey Burke, showed he can score if required, scoring 12 points of his 16 points in the second quarter as Utah built an 18-point lead. Twins Jerseys China .ca. Kerry, Just watched the shootout in the Coyotes/Leafs game and I have to ask, why was the James van Riemsdyk goal allowed to count? All of the video replays we were shown on TV were inconclusive about whether the puck had entirely crossed the line or not. Custom Twins Jerseys . -- On the field, it was business as usual for Jameis Winston and No. Undefeated UFC lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov has demanded the next title shot against newly crowned champion Conor McGregor.And one of Nurmagomedovs coaches believes McGregor is already doing what he can to avoid the fight.After knocking out Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 in New York on Saturday, McGregor (21-3) didnt seem interested in a fight against Nurmagomedov (24-0), who submitted Michael Johnson on the same night. The Irish star claimed that Nurmagomedov, who missed all of 2015 due to injury, hasnt fought frequently enough to warrant a title shot.Nurmagomedovs striking coach, Javier Mendez of American Kickboxing Academy, took exception to that claim.Yes, 100 percent, he is ducking Khabib, Mendez told ESPN.com. I know that from the words he is saying. He doesnt fight enough for my taste? Give me a break.You can say, Hey, I want to fight Nate Diaz a third time. Fine. Say that. But dont try to put my guy down because you are trying to avoid him. Dont belittle my guy. Thats bulls---.Nurmagomedov, who is originally from the Russian region Dagestan, made a loud statement at UFC 205. He literally demanded the next title shot during the fight while he was hitting Johnson with strikes on the ground.There was even an exchange between Nurmagomedov and UFC president Dana White after the second round. Nurmagomedov believes the UFC used him to book the title fight between McGregor and Alvarez.Hes talking to Dana from the corner after the second round, saying, Dont send me any moree bulls--- contracts, Mendez said.dddddddddddd Danas laughing, saying, Just take care of what you got in front of you. And Khabib says, Dont worry about that. Im taking care of that. You know who the real champ is.Mendez, who also trains current light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and former champs Cain Velasquez and Luke Rockhold, said he felt that McGregor received favorable matchups early in his career. He changed his mind last year, when McGregor agreed to fight Chad Mendes on short notice.He hopes he wasnt wrong in changing his mind.When he fought Chad Mendes, I thought it proved he wasnt ducking anybody, Mendez said. But now hes doing this and Im thinking hes trying to avoid Khabib. I think Khabib, [lightweight contenders] Nate Diaz and Tony Ferguson all give Conor a hell of a fight -- but the guy who gives him the worst time, by far, is Khabib. Hes the strongest grappler in the division.Nurmagomedov, 28, has said that if the UFC denies him a title shot, he wont fight for the organization again.As far as Mendez knows, Nurmagomedov is serious about it.Thats what he has said this whole time, Mendez said. And its not about fighting Conor. He doesnt care if he fights Conor. He wants to fight for the title. He has no beef with any fighter out there. He wants the title to prove hes the best, and he wants to defend it against the best. ' ' '