Chris Gaines never did it for the attention. The former Hawaii guard piled up points, wins and accolades the only way he knew how -- quietly.
Gaines, the all-time leading scorer in UH basketball history, died suddenly of a heart attack on Christmas Day in Orlando, Fla. He was 42.
Word of his passing spread yesterday, shocking his former teammates and coaches. Most had lost contact with the unassuming Gaines soon after his days as a Rainbow Warrior, when he moved to Florida.
Gaines, who put up 1,734 points between 1986 and 1990, had a wife, Diane, and three children, according to his stepmother, Clara Gaines.
Gaines was highly touted out of Waterloo West High, being named Iowa's Mr. Basketball as a senior. A recruit of then-assistant Bob Nash, he arrived in Manoa under head coach Frank Arnold and endured a coaching change to Riley Wallace a year later.
"He just did what you asked him to do," Wallace said. "He could shoot on those curls and coming off the picks. Great with the backdoor, because he could dunk on that. He was a jumper, too. He just was very, very, very coachable. Whatever you'd ask him to do, he did, and that really fit well as a teammate with all of his other teammates as well. Never a problem of any kind. Never one."
Monday, December 27, 2010
Mariota and Parker top All-State team
Saint Louis' Marcus Mariota and Juda Parker are the Star-Advertiser's 2010 All-State players of the year.
***
Top Ten Prospects
***
Top Ten Prospects
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Hawaii joins Mountain West
The University of Hawaii announced today that they will leave the Western Athletic Conference for the Mountain West Conference in football, while their other sports will join the Big West Conference.
This move is not a surprise; in fact, rumors of talks between Hawaii and the MWC have been floating for about a month now.
The MWC has lost its three most successful programs over the course of the last year.
Utah has left to join the new Pac-12, BYU has gone independent in football and TCU is joining the Big East.
In response, the MWC has raided the four best teams from the WAC: Boise State, Nevada, Fresno State, and now Hawaii.
This move may prove to be a death blow to the WAC.
The conference has lost all four teams that finished this year with winning records. The teams that remain are Idaho, Louisiana Tech, Utah State, San Jose State, and New Mexico State.
The WAC will add UT San Antonio and Texas State in all sports, and the University of Denver, which doesn't have a football team.
In order for the WAC to remain a football conference, it must have eight teams.
***
In what could be pricey early Christmas gifts, the University of Hawaii announced yesterday that it received — and accepted — invitations to join the Mountain West Conference in football and the Big West Conference in all other sports except men's volleyball, sailing and swimming and diving.
The Big West does not compete in football, and UH's men's volleyball and swimming teams are members of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
"This is what our coaches and what our fans want," UH athletic director Jim Donovan said, "and we delivered."
UH will secede from the Western Athletic Conference on June 30, 2012. UH is the WAC's senior member, having joined in 1979.
The announced departures of Boise State, Fresno State, Nevada and UH will leave the WAC with seven football-playing schools in 2012, including Texas State and Texas-San Antonio, both of which will join that year.
Donovan said the geography of the WAC was moving eastward, "and the concern I had was eventually some of those schools would start asking for travel subsidies because of the cost, for them, to travel to Hawaii."
Instead, UH will participate in "cost sharing" — meaning it will pay subsidies — for Mountain West and Big West schools traveling to Hawaii. The payments will involve only airfare, not hotel stays, according to UH officials. They declined to provide estimates, noting negotiations were ongoing.
UH will relinquish the television rights to its sports to the Mountain West and Big West.
UH currently earns $450,000 annually as its share of a deal between the WAC and sports cable-television network ESPN.
In addition, UH earns roughly $2.5 million, mostly from pay-per-view subscriptions, in a deal with Oceanic Time Warner Cable and television station KFVE.
The Mountain West has national television deals with the CBS College Sports Network, Versus and Mountain. In 2009 all but four football games involving Mountain West teams were shown on those channels. If the same arrangements were in place in 2012, most UH games would not be available for pay-per-view sales. Oceanic's UH rights are superseded by the Mountain West's national contract.
However, each Mountain West team receives about $1.45 million a year from the national television deal. And with the loss of three key members, UH, if it had chosen to remain in the WAC, would receive a reduced share, probably about $100,000 annually, from the WAC's deal with ESPN.
In debating whether to leave the WAC, Donovan said, the leadership committee decided "we couldn't afford not to do it."
This move is not a surprise; in fact, rumors of talks between Hawaii and the MWC have been floating for about a month now.
The MWC has lost its three most successful programs over the course of the last year.
Utah has left to join the new Pac-12, BYU has gone independent in football and TCU is joining the Big East.
In response, the MWC has raided the four best teams from the WAC: Boise State, Nevada, Fresno State, and now Hawaii.
This move may prove to be a death blow to the WAC.
The conference has lost all four teams that finished this year with winning records. The teams that remain are Idaho, Louisiana Tech, Utah State, San Jose State, and New Mexico State.
The WAC will add UT San Antonio and Texas State in all sports, and the University of Denver, which doesn't have a football team.
In order for the WAC to remain a football conference, it must have eight teams.
***
In what could be pricey early Christmas gifts, the University of Hawaii announced yesterday that it received — and accepted — invitations to join the Mountain West Conference in football and the Big West Conference in all other sports except men's volleyball, sailing and swimming and diving.
The Big West does not compete in football, and UH's men's volleyball and swimming teams are members of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
"This is what our coaches and what our fans want," UH athletic director Jim Donovan said, "and we delivered."
UH will secede from the Western Athletic Conference on June 30, 2012. UH is the WAC's senior member, having joined in 1979.
The announced departures of Boise State, Fresno State, Nevada and UH will leave the WAC with seven football-playing schools in 2012, including Texas State and Texas-San Antonio, both of which will join that year.
Donovan said the geography of the WAC was moving eastward, "and the concern I had was eventually some of those schools would start asking for travel subsidies because of the cost, for them, to travel to Hawaii."
Instead, UH will participate in "cost sharing" — meaning it will pay subsidies — for Mountain West and Big West schools traveling to Hawaii. The payments will involve only airfare, not hotel stays, according to UH officials. They declined to provide estimates, noting negotiations were ongoing.
UH will relinquish the television rights to its sports to the Mountain West and Big West.
UH currently earns $450,000 annually as its share of a deal between the WAC and sports cable-television network ESPN.
In addition, UH earns roughly $2.5 million, mostly from pay-per-view subscriptions, in a deal with Oceanic Time Warner Cable and television station KFVE.
The Mountain West has national television deals with the CBS College Sports Network, Versus and Mountain. In 2009 all but four football games involving Mountain West teams were shown on those channels. If the same arrangements were in place in 2012, most UH games would not be available for pay-per-view sales. Oceanic's UH rights are superseded by the Mountain West's national contract.
However, each Mountain West team receives about $1.45 million a year from the national television deal. And with the loss of three key members, UH, if it had chosen to remain in the WAC, would receive a reduced share, probably about $100,000 annually, from the WAC's deal with ESPN.
In debating whether to leave the WAC, Donovan said, the leadership committee decided "we couldn't afford not to do it."
Curtis Iaukea
Curtis Iaukea, a Hawaii sports legend as a high school athlete and later a pro wrestler, died yesterday after a long illness.
"He died peacefully, with family around him," his son, Rocky, told the Star-Advertiser, last night. "At his home in Papakolea."
Iaukea was 73.
Iaukea starred in sports at Punahou, and then at the University of California, where he received an award for standing out on offense and defense.
He went on to a year in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders and several seasons in the CFL.
But his biggest claim to fame came as a pro athlete in wrestling, where he was known as "King Curtis Iaukea," and Curtis "Da Bull" Iaukea.
Iaukea, who stood 6 feet 5 and weighed 350 pounds, was one of the main headliners who made the 1960s and 1970s the golden age of pro wrestling in Hawaii.
He, along with promoter Ed Francis (father of former NFL great Russ Francis), "King Ripper" Collins and "Handsome" Johnny Barend made 50th State Big Time Wrestling must-see TV during its time with its wild and captivating locker room interviews and antics, much like what's seen in the WWE.
Iaukea would oftentimes hold his interviews in sunglasses with his broad back to the camera.
Iaukea's signature move in the ring was the "Big Splash," where he would launch himself onto a fallen opponent for a pin.
***
Curtis Iaukea stories
Dusty Rhodes on King Curtis
"He died peacefully, with family around him," his son, Rocky, told the Star-Advertiser, last night. "At his home in Papakolea."
Iaukea was 73.
Iaukea starred in sports at Punahou, and then at the University of California, where he received an award for standing out on offense and defense.
He went on to a year in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders and several seasons in the CFL.
But his biggest claim to fame came as a pro athlete in wrestling, where he was known as "King Curtis Iaukea," and Curtis "Da Bull" Iaukea.
Iaukea, who stood 6 feet 5 and weighed 350 pounds, was one of the main headliners who made the 1960s and 1970s the golden age of pro wrestling in Hawaii.
He, along with promoter Ed Francis (father of former NFL great Russ Francis), "King Ripper" Collins and "Handsome" Johnny Barend made 50th State Big Time Wrestling must-see TV during its time with its wild and captivating locker room interviews and antics, much like what's seen in the WWE.
Iaukea would oftentimes hold his interviews in sunglasses with his broad back to the camera.
Iaukea's signature move in the ring was the "Big Splash," where he would launch himself onto a fallen opponent for a pin.
***
Curtis Iaukea stories
Dusty Rhodes on King Curtis
Monday, December 06, 2010
Don Meredith
Don Meredith, the Dallas Cowboys and SMU quarterback and Monday Night Football icon, died Sunday evening in Santa Fe, N.M. He was 72.
Meredith died at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, a hospital spokesman confirmed this morning. The Meredith family's attorney, Lisa Fine Moses, said his wife, Susan, and daughter Mary were at his side.
Meredith had battled emphysema in recent years and suffered a minor stroke in 2004.
He was the only living Cowboys Ring of Honor member unable to attend the franchise's September 2009 inaugural game at Cowboys Stadium.
Meredith was the original Dallas Cowboy, signing a personal services contract on Nov. 28, 1959, two months before the franchise officially gained admittance into the NFL.
Hailing from Mount Vernon in East Texas, the quarterback nicknamed "Dandy Don" had the unique distinction of playing all of his home high school, college and professional football games within 100 miles of Dallas.
"I'm very thankful," said Meredith, when a reporter from The News visited him in Santa Fe last October for a profile commemorating the 50th anniversary of his signing with the Cowboys. "I'm very thankful about where I'm from and who I am."
He had given few interviews since leaving the Monday Night Football booth in 1984, preferring to remain largely out of the public eye while residing in Santa Fe with Susan, to whom he was married for 38 years.
Meredith was a two-time All-American at SMU and played for the Cowboys from 1960 to 1968. He led the Cowboys to the 1966 and 1967 NFL title games, both defeats to the Green Bay Packers, but he abruptly retired from pro football at age 31.
Already famous in his native Texas, he quickly became a national celebrity through his work on Monday Night Football, starting in 1970. Millions tuned in each week to hear Meredith's quick wit, homespun stories and needling of intellectual booth-mate Howard Cosell.
And, famously, Meredith would croon "The Party's Over" to viewers when he determined that the game was out of reach.
By BRAD TOWNSEND/The Dallas Morning News
btownsend@dallasnews.com
Meredith died at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, a hospital spokesman confirmed this morning. The Meredith family's attorney, Lisa Fine Moses, said his wife, Susan, and daughter Mary were at his side.
Meredith had battled emphysema in recent years and suffered a minor stroke in 2004.
He was the only living Cowboys Ring of Honor member unable to attend the franchise's September 2009 inaugural game at Cowboys Stadium.
Meredith was the original Dallas Cowboy, signing a personal services contract on Nov. 28, 1959, two months before the franchise officially gained admittance into the NFL.
Hailing from Mount Vernon in East Texas, the quarterback nicknamed "Dandy Don" had the unique distinction of playing all of his home high school, college and professional football games within 100 miles of Dallas.
"I'm very thankful," said Meredith, when a reporter from The News visited him in Santa Fe last October for a profile commemorating the 50th anniversary of his signing with the Cowboys. "I'm very thankful about where I'm from and who I am."
He had given few interviews since leaving the Monday Night Football booth in 1984, preferring to remain largely out of the public eye while residing in Santa Fe with Susan, to whom he was married for 38 years.
Meredith was a two-time All-American at SMU and played for the Cowboys from 1960 to 1968. He led the Cowboys to the 1966 and 1967 NFL title games, both defeats to the Green Bay Packers, but he abruptly retired from pro football at age 31.
Already famous in his native Texas, he quickly became a national celebrity through his work on Monday Night Football, starting in 1970. Millions tuned in each week to hear Meredith's quick wit, homespun stories and needling of intellectual booth-mate Howard Cosell.
And, famously, Meredith would croon "The Party's Over" to viewers when he determined that the game was out of reach.
By BRAD TOWNSEND/The Dallas Morning News
btownsend@dallasnews.com
Friday, December 03, 2010
LeBron returns to Cleveland
CLEVELAND » He tuned out the boos. He smiled at the derisive chants. He embraced all the negativity Cleveland could muster.
LeBron James wasn't fazed by anything.
He brought his talents back home and reminded everyone -- even the haters -- why he's missed.
Returning as a villain to his native state and the city he scorned this summer, James scored 38 points -- 24 in a virtuoso third-quarter performance -- to lead the Miami Heat to a 118-90 win last night, turning his hostile homecoming into another embarrassing moment for the Cavaliers.
By halftime, James was the one having fun. By the fourth quarter, he was watching from the bench as Cavs fans headed into the cold for a disappointing drive home.
This wasn't the payback they waited five months to inflict.
With security guards forming a human barricade to line his entrance, James came hopping out of the tunnel and into the electrically charged atmosphere inside Quicken Loans Arena, as more than 20,000 fans, the same ones who once adored him, turned their fury on James.
It was rowdy, but thankfully not violent. There were a few minor incidents in the stands.
Just in case, Moondog, the Cavs' fuzzy mascot, wore a bulletproof vest.
LeBron James wasn't fazed by anything.
He brought his talents back home and reminded everyone -- even the haters -- why he's missed.
Returning as a villain to his native state and the city he scorned this summer, James scored 38 points -- 24 in a virtuoso third-quarter performance -- to lead the Miami Heat to a 118-90 win last night, turning his hostile homecoming into another embarrassing moment for the Cavaliers.
By halftime, James was the one having fun. By the fourth quarter, he was watching from the bench as Cavs fans headed into the cold for a disappointing drive home.
This wasn't the payback they waited five months to inflict.
With security guards forming a human barricade to line his entrance, James came hopping out of the tunnel and into the electrically charged atmosphere inside Quicken Loans Arena, as more than 20,000 fans, the same ones who once adored him, turned their fury on James.
It was rowdy, but thankfully not violent. There were a few minor incidents in the stands.
Just in case, Moondog, the Cavs' fuzzy mascot, wore a bulletproof vest.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Artie Wilson 1920-2010
Artie Wilson, a pesky, slap-hitting shortstop in the Negro leagues who created a signing feud between the Yankees and the Cleveland Indians after he hit .402 for the Birmingham Black Barons in 1948, a circumstance that may have cost him a major league career, died Oct. 31 in Portland, Ore. He was 90.
Wilson played five years for Birmingham, where, in spite of having lost the top joint of his right thumb in a factory accident, he twice led the Negro American League in batting and became a mentor and friend to a teenage teammate, Willie Mays.
A speedy left-handed hitter, Wilson epitomized the table-setting leadoff man. He hit so often to the opposite field that some teams played three infielders on the left side against him. He was also an accomplished base-stealer and a slick fielder, especially adept at turning the double play.
His sky-high average in 1948, the year after Jackie Robinson integrated the major leagues, is thought to represent the last time anyone at the top level of professional baseball broke the .400 barrier. (Ted Williams, the last major league player to accomplish the feat, batted .406 in 1941.)
Arthur Lee Wilson was born in Springfield, Ala., on Oct. 28, 1920, and raised by his mother, Martha Wilson, in Birmingham. He played semipro ball for a factory team before joining the Black Barons in 1944. After being released by the Giants, he played minor league ball for several more seasons before starting a career in auto sales.
In addition to his wife, the former Dorothy Daniels, whom he married in 1949, he is survived by their two children, Zoe A. Wilson Price, of Forsyth, Ill., and Arthur Lee II, of Honolulu; a daughter from a previous marriage, Jean Walden, of Youngstown, Ohio; a grandson, three granddaughters and nine great-grandsons.
“A baseball team,” Dorothy Wilson said.
Wilson played five years for Birmingham, where, in spite of having lost the top joint of his right thumb in a factory accident, he twice led the Negro American League in batting and became a mentor and friend to a teenage teammate, Willie Mays.
A speedy left-handed hitter, Wilson epitomized the table-setting leadoff man. He hit so often to the opposite field that some teams played three infielders on the left side against him. He was also an accomplished base-stealer and a slick fielder, especially adept at turning the double play.
His sky-high average in 1948, the year after Jackie Robinson integrated the major leagues, is thought to represent the last time anyone at the top level of professional baseball broke the .400 barrier. (Ted Williams, the last major league player to accomplish the feat, batted .406 in 1941.)
Arthur Lee Wilson was born in Springfield, Ala., on Oct. 28, 1920, and raised by his mother, Martha Wilson, in Birmingham. He played semipro ball for a factory team before joining the Black Barons in 1944. After being released by the Giants, he played minor league ball for several more seasons before starting a career in auto sales.
In addition to his wife, the former Dorothy Daniels, whom he married in 1949, he is survived by their two children, Zoe A. Wilson Price, of Forsyth, Ill., and Arthur Lee II, of Honolulu; a daughter from a previous marriage, Jean Walden, of Youngstown, Ohio; a grandson, three granddaughters and nine great-grandsons.
“A baseball team,” Dorothy Wilson said.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Colt Brennan injured in car crash
Former University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan was in serious condition at the Queen's Medical Center last night, suffering multiple injuries from a two-vehicle collision yesterday morning in Kona.
Also seriously injured was a 47-year-old woman who was driving a Saab sedan that was struck head-on by the car in which Brennan was a passenger.
***
WHAT HAPPENED
Colt Brennan was a passenger in an SUV driven by his girlfriend, Shakti Stream. They were headed north on Queen Kaahumanu Highway near the 90-mile marker at about 9:30 a.m. yesterday. Stream told police the brake malfunctioned, causing the SUV to cross the center line and collide head-on with a Saab sedan driven by a 47-year-old woman, a source said, adding that neither vehicle was speeding.
WHO WAS HURT
» Colt Brennan: He suffered cracked ribs, an injured left collarbone and possible head trauma; taken to Queen's hospital yesterday.
» Shakti Stream: Brennan's girlfriend sustained a broken collarbone; was hospitalized in Kona overnight.
» Second driver: An unidentified woman, 47, had serious leg injuries; taken to an Oahu hospital yesterday.
*** [7/27/12]
Police arrested former University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan late Wednesday night in Kailua on suspicion of drunken driving and promotion of a dangerous drug, police said today.
Also seriously injured was a 47-year-old woman who was driving a Saab sedan that was struck head-on by the car in which Brennan was a passenger.
***
WHAT HAPPENED
Colt Brennan was a passenger in an SUV driven by his girlfriend, Shakti Stream. They were headed north on Queen Kaahumanu Highway near the 90-mile marker at about 9:30 a.m. yesterday. Stream told police the brake malfunctioned, causing the SUV to cross the center line and collide head-on with a Saab sedan driven by a 47-year-old woman, a source said, adding that neither vehicle was speeding.
WHO WAS HURT
» Colt Brennan: He suffered cracked ribs, an injured left collarbone and possible head trauma; taken to Queen's hospital yesterday.
» Shakti Stream: Brennan's girlfriend sustained a broken collarbone; was hospitalized in Kona overnight.
» Second driver: An unidentified woman, 47, had serious leg injuries; taken to an Oahu hospital yesterday.
*** [7/27/12]
Police arrested former University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan late Wednesday night in Kailua on suspicion of drunken driving and promotion of a dangerous drug, police said today.
Officers arrested Brennan, 28,
on Kailua Road near the Uluowa Street intersection just before midnight
on suspicion of driving under the influence and third-degree promotion
of a dangerous drug, police said. The drug charge is a Class C felony
punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Brennan was transferred from the
Kailua station to the main police station at about 6 a.m. He remained
in police custody this morning. He has not been charged with a felony.
The DUI case is a misdemeanor.
Brennan's arrest drew a small
crowd at a nearby 7-Eleven store and Aloha gas station, where he failed a
field sobriety test, a source said.
A small amount of drugs was found in the car. It’s not clear yet what kind of drugs are involved.
***
Former University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan was ready for the rest of his life.
*** [3/7/14]
***
Former University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan was ready for the rest of his life.
*** [3/7/14]
Former
University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan told the Honolulu
Star-Advertiser he has been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury.
Brennan
said the condition was caused from injuries suffered in a 2010 two-car
accident in which he was a passenger. Brennan was hospitalized for eight
days with injuries to his head, ribs and collarbone from the Big Island
accident on Nov. 19, 2010.
Brennan
signed with the Los Angeles KISS of the Arena Football League on Oct.
29, 2013. During the team's physical examinations, Brennan's condition
was detected. Brennan said he was diagnosed with TBI following a series
of medical tests. Dr. Vernon Williams specializes in neurology and pain
management.
The KISS placed Brennan on the physically-unable-to-perform list last week.
"They did
some tests, and there were major concerns about me playing football,"
said Brennan, adding, "I was medically not cleared to play."
Brennan
said he will meet with a neurologist in Hawaii next week for a second
opinion. He also wants to find out why he received medical clearance to
play in what became short stints with the Hartford Colonials of the
United Football League in 2011 and Saskatchewan of the Canadian Football
League in 2012.
Brennan said he and his Honolulu neurologist will review "these new tests just so I can know if football is really over."
Brennan
set several NCAA records, including most touchdown passes in a season
(58), in a three-year UH career. He was the Washington Redskins'
sixth-round pick in the 2008 National Football League draft. Brennan was
with the Redskins for two seasons, spending the 2009 season on injured
reserved, before being released in 2010. He was with the Oakland Raiders
for a month in 2010 before also being released.
This past July, Brennan pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of alcohol. He was fined $300.
Penn shocks Hughes
B.J. Penn is far from finished. Lightweight legend disappeared from pound-for-pound top 10 lists after dropping two fights to current UFC lightweight champ Frankie Edgar. Looks like Edgar is just that good and a terrible matchup for Penn. Against a slower, less dangerous striker in Matt Hughes, Penn looked like a world beater.
Hughes came out looking to strike and got drilled by a counter right. The former welterweight champ fell to his back where he took four blasting rights and a left. Referee Dan Miragliotta stepped in to save Hughes at 0:21 of the first round in the co-main event of UFC 123.
Seconds after the TKO, a confused Hughes asked his cornermen, "what happened?"
***
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson couldn’t solve the defensive wizardry of Lyoto Machida and deliver the knockout he wanted in the main event of UFC 123 on Saturday night, but he did enough to secure a split decision in a battle so close that Jackson said Machida deserved an immediate rematch.
“Machida whipped (me) tonight,” Jackson said. “I’m so ashamed of myself tonight. He did a great job. I didn’t get to do what I wanted. I say the fight was so close, even though I don’t want to, I have to give him a rematch.”
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was surprised to find his hand raised after he was announced as the winner of his UFC 123 match against Lyoto Machida.
(Getty Images)
The unusual concession came after three rounds of, at times, awkward fighting in what was billed as a clash of styles here at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Jackson, of Memphis, comes from an old-school brawling, wrestling background. He starred in last summer’s “The A-Team” as B.A. Baracus. Machida, of Brazil, is a karate-based counter attacker from Brazil. Both are former UFC light heavyweight champions.
Jackson chased Machida for most of the fight but only occasionally landed a heavy punch. Machida countered with some strong kicks and controlled Jackson on the ground during the third round, but it wasn’t enough. The judges seemed impressed with Rampage’s aggressiveness.
Hughes came out looking to strike and got drilled by a counter right. The former welterweight champ fell to his back where he took four blasting rights and a left. Referee Dan Miragliotta stepped in to save Hughes at 0:21 of the first round in the co-main event of UFC 123.
Seconds after the TKO, a confused Hughes asked his cornermen, "what happened?"
***
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson couldn’t solve the defensive wizardry of Lyoto Machida and deliver the knockout he wanted in the main event of UFC 123 on Saturday night, but he did enough to secure a split decision in a battle so close that Jackson said Machida deserved an immediate rematch.
“Machida whipped (me) tonight,” Jackson said. “I’m so ashamed of myself tonight. He did a great job. I didn’t get to do what I wanted. I say the fight was so close, even though I don’t want to, I have to give him a rematch.”
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was surprised to find his hand raised after he was announced as the winner of his UFC 123 match against Lyoto Machida.
(Getty Images)
The unusual concession came after three rounds of, at times, awkward fighting in what was billed as a clash of styles here at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Jackson, of Memphis, comes from an old-school brawling, wrestling background. He starred in last summer’s “The A-Team” as B.A. Baracus. Machida, of Brazil, is a karate-based counter attacker from Brazil. Both are former UFC light heavyweight champions.
Jackson chased Machida for most of the fight but only occasionally landed a heavy punch. Machida countered with some strong kicks and controlled Jackson on the ground during the third round, but it wasn’t enough. The judges seemed impressed with Rampage’s aggressiveness.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Hawaii leaving WAC
After months of anxiety, the University of Hawaii's athletic future suddenly came into focus last night with the stunning revelation that it expects to leave the Western Athletic Conference to join the Mountain West Conference in football and place most of its other sports in the Big West Conference.
UH has been a member of the WAC, the only conference home its football team has had, for 32 years. Talks are still pending, but school officials left little doubt the move will be made for the 2012-13 season.
UH has been a member of the WAC, the only conference home its football team has had, for 32 years. Talks are still pending, but school officials left little doubt the move will be made for the 2012-13 season.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Kahuku forfeits season
[11/10/10] The Oahu Interscholastic Association could have chosen not to take action against the Kahuku High School football team for using an ineligible player this season, according to league bylaws.
However, once the league decided it would, its bylaws dictate that the mandatory penalty is forfeiture of all games in which the team used the ineligible player, a state judge ruled yesterday.
Circuit Judge Karl Sakamoto's ruling came in a lawsuit filed by three Kahuku football players and their parents challenging OIA's decision last week to end Kahuku's season before it got to play in last Friday's OIA championship game against Mililani.
Sakamoto upheld the OIA decision, and the ruling prevents Kahuku from participating in the state high school football championship tournament, which begins Friday. Kahuku was undefeated and No. 1 in the Star-Advertiser's top 10 poll going into the OIA championship game.
A lawyer for the Kahuku players and parents said they will not appeal Sakamoto's ruling.
[11/9/10] The Oahu Interscholastic Association will oppose a request before a state judge this morning to allow Kahuku High School to participate in the state high school football championships starting Friday.
Three Kahuku football players and their parents filed a lawsuit yesterday challenging the OIA's decision last week to bar the school from the playoffs because it had to forfeit games over an ineligible player.
The suit said innocent team members and others would be unduly harmed by an "inadvertent clerical error."
Lyle Hosoda, the OIA's lawyer, said Kahuku High was allowed to present its side before the forfeiture decision.
"It's a situation that is unfortunate and regrettable," he said. "We have to apply the rules uniformly and equally to all."
The Hawaii High School Athletic Association will also oppose the request, according to its attorney, Joseph Stewart.
He said allowing Kahuku to participate would be "catastrophic" in terms of extending the state playoffs and rescheduling games.
The lawsuit says the error involved a player who was in ninth grade for a brief period before he was transferred back to eighth grade.
He went back to Kahuku the following year, the attorneys said.
But under OIA rules a student can be eligible for only four consecutive years "upon entry to the ninth grade," which would mean he would not be eligible this year because of his initial ninth-grade enrollment five years ago.
The lawsuit and supporting papers described the student as a "minor" player who was academically ineligible until he played on the team for the first time this season.
The OIA, the suit's lawyers said, has handled other incidents in "far less draconian" ways than "penalizing the entire team comprised of entirely innocent student athletes."
They said the OIA refused to hear the players' and parents' side of the controversy before the organization made its decision. The refusal, the suit said, violated their rights to due process under the state and federal constitutions.
Della Au Belatti, a member of Seitz's law firm who will handle the case, said yesterday that they were still seeking a "flexible solution" that would avoid litigation and still allow Kahuku in the playoffs.
But after Sakamoto met the lawyers privately in chambers in the afternoon, the OIA and HHSAA lawyers said they opposed the request for an injunction.
[11/8/10] He quarterbacked the finest high school team in Hawaii this fall.
Now, Evan Moe has taken his offense to another level.
Moe, a senior who guided Kahuku to a 10-0 record, is a co-plaintiff in a lawsuit to be filed this morning against the Oahu Interscholastic Association, the Hawaii High School Athletic Association and state Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi.
The intent? To supersede an OIA ruling, allowing the Red Raiders to play in the state football tournament that starts Friday.
OIA Football Coordinator Harold Tanaka declined comment, noting that he and Executive Director Dwight Toyama are bound to legalities. "I can't comment on this," Tanaka said yesterday afternoon. "It's with the attorneys."
The suit was announced yesterday by attorney Eric Seitz, who is working pro bono on behalf of Moe, his brother Sterling Moe and Jamal Napeahi. Parents Delsa Moe and Joseph Napeahi are also listed as plaintiffs because the players are minors.
The legal angle was a brainchild of parents, former players and other supporters who have been riled up since Friday when the OIA ruled that the Red Raiders had used an ineligible player during the season. Kahuku was prohibited from playing in the league championship game against Mililani on Friday night and is done for the season.
According to Seitz, the player ruled ineligible had bounced between eighth and ninth grade and had never played football until this season, not realizing that he was, technically, a fifth-year senior.
"Adults made mistakes, and kids are being required to pay for it and that is simply an outrageous situation," Seitz said. "There was no fault by any of these people. There was really only minimal responsibility by anybody at Kahuku High School for what happened. The situation that occurred was simply something that could not be avoided. For the OIA to have taken the action that it took, basically to bring down the death penalty for a minor infraction, is something that we simply cannot tolerate."
***
The top-ranked Kahuku High football team lost its appeal yesterday to school administrators for using an ineligible player and will have to forfeit the season, it was announced yesterday by the Oahu Interscholastic Association.
As a result, Mililani won the OIA Red Conference title, and the two teams involved in tonight's third-place game between Leilehua and Waianae automatically advance to the state tournament playoff that begins next weekend.
The infraction was self-reported by Kahuku at an OIA sanctioning committee meeting on Thursday night that led to the forfeiture. The Red Raiders appealed the ruling yesterday but failed to sway the committee.
A statement released by the OIA said the league "unfortunately and regrettably must declare Kahuku High School ineligible to participate in any further varsity football games this season, and must forfeit all games in which it used an ineligible player."
***
Kahuku (10-0) had been a season-long No. 1 team in the Star-Advertiser Football Top 10, heading into yesterday's scheduled matchup with Mililani for the OIA Red title. Among the wins was a 49-27 rout of No. 2 Saint Louis in an early nonconference game.
Two weeks ago, a rumor surfaced that two Kahuku players were in their fifth year of high school, which would mean they were ineligible to play sports. Torres said he looked into it and found the players to be eligible.
By Wednesday, word of a possible ineligibility surfaced again. Principal Donna Lindsey contacted OIA executive director Dwight Toyama. The self-reporting process required Lindsey to conduct her own investigation, and the results were reported to the league in a Thursday night meeting that lasted 3 hours.
When the league scheduled a follow-up meeting for 11 a.m., yesterday, the writing was on the wall. When the morning came, the announcement of a press conference to follow the OIA meeting all but made it official.
However, once the league decided it would, its bylaws dictate that the mandatory penalty is forfeiture of all games in which the team used the ineligible player, a state judge ruled yesterday.
Circuit Judge Karl Sakamoto's ruling came in a lawsuit filed by three Kahuku football players and their parents challenging OIA's decision last week to end Kahuku's season before it got to play in last Friday's OIA championship game against Mililani.
Sakamoto upheld the OIA decision, and the ruling prevents Kahuku from participating in the state high school football championship tournament, which begins Friday. Kahuku was undefeated and No. 1 in the Star-Advertiser's top 10 poll going into the OIA championship game.
A lawyer for the Kahuku players and parents said they will not appeal Sakamoto's ruling.
[11/9/10] The Oahu Interscholastic Association will oppose a request before a state judge this morning to allow Kahuku High School to participate in the state high school football championships starting Friday.
Three Kahuku football players and their parents filed a lawsuit yesterday challenging the OIA's decision last week to bar the school from the playoffs because it had to forfeit games over an ineligible player.
The suit said innocent team members and others would be unduly harmed by an "inadvertent clerical error."
Lyle Hosoda, the OIA's lawyer, said Kahuku High was allowed to present its side before the forfeiture decision.
"It's a situation that is unfortunate and regrettable," he said. "We have to apply the rules uniformly and equally to all."
The Hawaii High School Athletic Association will also oppose the request, according to its attorney, Joseph Stewart.
He said allowing Kahuku to participate would be "catastrophic" in terms of extending the state playoffs and rescheduling games.
The lawsuit says the error involved a player who was in ninth grade for a brief period before he was transferred back to eighth grade.
He went back to Kahuku the following year, the attorneys said.
But under OIA rules a student can be eligible for only four consecutive years "upon entry to the ninth grade," which would mean he would not be eligible this year because of his initial ninth-grade enrollment five years ago.
The lawsuit and supporting papers described the student as a "minor" player who was academically ineligible until he played on the team for the first time this season.
The OIA, the suit's lawyers said, has handled other incidents in "far less draconian" ways than "penalizing the entire team comprised of entirely innocent student athletes."
They said the OIA refused to hear the players' and parents' side of the controversy before the organization made its decision. The refusal, the suit said, violated their rights to due process under the state and federal constitutions.
Della Au Belatti, a member of Seitz's law firm who will handle the case, said yesterday that they were still seeking a "flexible solution" that would avoid litigation and still allow Kahuku in the playoffs.
But after Sakamoto met the lawyers privately in chambers in the afternoon, the OIA and HHSAA lawyers said they opposed the request for an injunction.
[11/8/10] He quarterbacked the finest high school team in Hawaii this fall.
Now, Evan Moe has taken his offense to another level.
Moe, a senior who guided Kahuku to a 10-0 record, is a co-plaintiff in a lawsuit to be filed this morning against the Oahu Interscholastic Association, the Hawaii High School Athletic Association and state Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi.
The intent? To supersede an OIA ruling, allowing the Red Raiders to play in the state football tournament that starts Friday.
OIA Football Coordinator Harold Tanaka declined comment, noting that he and Executive Director Dwight Toyama are bound to legalities. "I can't comment on this," Tanaka said yesterday afternoon. "It's with the attorneys."
The suit was announced yesterday by attorney Eric Seitz, who is working pro bono on behalf of Moe, his brother Sterling Moe and Jamal Napeahi. Parents Delsa Moe and Joseph Napeahi are also listed as plaintiffs because the players are minors.
The legal angle was a brainchild of parents, former players and other supporters who have been riled up since Friday when the OIA ruled that the Red Raiders had used an ineligible player during the season. Kahuku was prohibited from playing in the league championship game against Mililani on Friday night and is done for the season.
According to Seitz, the player ruled ineligible had bounced between eighth and ninth grade and had never played football until this season, not realizing that he was, technically, a fifth-year senior.
"Adults made mistakes, and kids are being required to pay for it and that is simply an outrageous situation," Seitz said. "There was no fault by any of these people. There was really only minimal responsibility by anybody at Kahuku High School for what happened. The situation that occurred was simply something that could not be avoided. For the OIA to have taken the action that it took, basically to bring down the death penalty for a minor infraction, is something that we simply cannot tolerate."
***
The top-ranked Kahuku High football team lost its appeal yesterday to school administrators for using an ineligible player and will have to forfeit the season, it was announced yesterday by the Oahu Interscholastic Association.
As a result, Mililani won the OIA Red Conference title, and the two teams involved in tonight's third-place game between Leilehua and Waianae automatically advance to the state tournament playoff that begins next weekend.
The infraction was self-reported by Kahuku at an OIA sanctioning committee meeting on Thursday night that led to the forfeiture. The Red Raiders appealed the ruling yesterday but failed to sway the committee.
A statement released by the OIA said the league "unfortunately and regrettably must declare Kahuku High School ineligible to participate in any further varsity football games this season, and must forfeit all games in which it used an ineligible player."
***
Kahuku (10-0) had been a season-long No. 1 team in the Star-Advertiser Football Top 10, heading into yesterday's scheduled matchup with Mililani for the OIA Red title. Among the wins was a 49-27 rout of No. 2 Saint Louis in an early nonconference game.
Two weeks ago, a rumor surfaced that two Kahuku players were in their fifth year of high school, which would mean they were ineligible to play sports. Torres said he looked into it and found the players to be eligible.
By Wednesday, word of a possible ineligibility surfaced again. Principal Donna Lindsey contacted OIA executive director Dwight Toyama. The self-reporting process required Lindsey to conduct her own investigation, and the results were reported to the league in a Thursday night meeting that lasted 3 hours.
When the league scheduled a follow-up meeting for 11 a.m., yesterday, the writing was on the wall. When the morning came, the announcement of a press conference to follow the OIA meeting all but made it official.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Vikings waive bye-bye to Randy Moss
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. » Just four weeks ago, Randy Moss gushed about returning to Minnesota. He felt fortunate to return to his first team and was looking forward to seeing those purple No. 84 jerseys again.
One day after Moss' rant following a loss at New England, the happy reunion was over.
Vikings players confirmed yesterday that coach Brad Childress informed them during a team meeting that the wide receiver had been released.
"This decision was made based on what we thought was in the best interests of the Minnesota Vikings, both in the short and long term," Childress said last night in a team-issued statement. "We wish Randy the best as he moves forward in his career."
The NFL Network first reported the struggling Vikings (2-5) had waived the six-time Pro Bowler less than a month after acquiring him from the Patriots for a third-round draft pick. Moss returned to New England on Sunday and was wistful about his days with the AFC East leaders following Minnesota's 28-18 loss and critical of the Vikings for not taking his game-planning advice.
Moss, who was fined $25,000 last week for failing to cooperate with the media and make himself regularly available for interviews, stepped to the podium after Sunday's game but announced he wouldn't take any questions. He repeatedly expressed admiration for coach Bill Belichick and his former team and criticized the Vikings for not paying enough attention to his advice in the run-up to the game.
"I'm definitely down that we lost this game. I didn't expect we'd lose this game," Moss said. "I don't know how many more times I'll be in New England again. But I leave Coach Belichick and those guys with a salute: 'I love you guys. I miss you. I'm out.' "
***
[11/3/10] The Titans felt that Randy Moss was just too good to pass up twice.
So they didn't.
After skipping Moss in the 1998 draft, Tennessee claimed him off the waiver wire Wednesday.
"Timing is everything," coach Jeff Fisher told The Associated Press on Wednesday night. "I really think the quicker we get him on the field, the longer he's here, the more productive he'll be. We think that he can help us, and I'm looking forward to seeing him run under those deep balls."
The Titans didn't seem to be the front-runner to get Moss, ranking 23rd among NFL teams in the waiver system. But Tennessee was the only team to put in a claim on the talented, but much-traveled wideout.
Concerned about Moss' characer in 1998, Tennessee, then the Oilers, drafted Kevin Dyson with the 16th pick overall instead.
Fisher said the Titans did their "due diligence" on Moss. That included talking to Moss and former teammates like current Titans backup quarterback Kerry Collins. Fisher said Moss was excited about the move, and the NFL's longest-tenured coach with his current team isn't concerned about how the 13-year veteran now with his third team this season.
One day after Moss' rant following a loss at New England, the happy reunion was over.
Vikings players confirmed yesterday that coach Brad Childress informed them during a team meeting that the wide receiver had been released.
"This decision was made based on what we thought was in the best interests of the Minnesota Vikings, both in the short and long term," Childress said last night in a team-issued statement. "We wish Randy the best as he moves forward in his career."
The NFL Network first reported the struggling Vikings (2-5) had waived the six-time Pro Bowler less than a month after acquiring him from the Patriots for a third-round draft pick. Moss returned to New England on Sunday and was wistful about his days with the AFC East leaders following Minnesota's 28-18 loss and critical of the Vikings for not taking his game-planning advice.
Moss, who was fined $25,000 last week for failing to cooperate with the media and make himself regularly available for interviews, stepped to the podium after Sunday's game but announced he wouldn't take any questions. He repeatedly expressed admiration for coach Bill Belichick and his former team and criticized the Vikings for not paying enough attention to his advice in the run-up to the game.
"I'm definitely down that we lost this game. I didn't expect we'd lose this game," Moss said. "I don't know how many more times I'll be in New England again. But I leave Coach Belichick and those guys with a salute: 'I love you guys. I miss you. I'm out.' "
***
[11/3/10] The Titans felt that Randy Moss was just too good to pass up twice.
So they didn't.
After skipping Moss in the 1998 draft, Tennessee claimed him off the waiver wire Wednesday.
"Timing is everything," coach Jeff Fisher told The Associated Press on Wednesday night. "I really think the quicker we get him on the field, the longer he's here, the more productive he'll be. We think that he can help us, and I'm looking forward to seeing him run under those deep balls."
The Titans didn't seem to be the front-runner to get Moss, ranking 23rd among NFL teams in the waiver system. But Tennessee was the only team to put in a claim on the talented, but much-traveled wideout.
Concerned about Moss' characer in 1998, Tennessee, then the Oilers, drafted Kevin Dyson with the 16th pick overall instead.
Fisher said the Titans did their "due diligence" on Moss. That included talking to Moss and former teammates like current Titans backup quarterback Kerry Collins. Fisher said Moss was excited about the move, and the NFL's longest-tenured coach with his current team isn't concerned about how the 13-year veteran now with his third team this season.
Giants win World Series
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Say Hey.
Say World Series champions.
The prize that eluded Willie and Barry for so long finally belongs to the San Francisco Giants, thanks to a band of self-described castoffs and misfits and their shaggy-haired ace.
Tim Lincecum, Edgar Renteria and the Giants won the title Monday night, beating the Texas Rangers 3-1 in a tense Game 5 and taking the trophy home to the city by the Bay for the first time.
"San Francisco is going nuts, we're going nuts and it feels really good," closer Brian Wilson said.
It was an overdue victory. Willie Mays led the Giants to their previous crown in 1954, four years before they moved West. After that, they never quite got it done despite the likes of baseball giants Barry Bonds, Juan Marichal and Willie McCovey.
"This buried a lot of bones -- '62, '89, 2002," Giants general manager Brian Sabean said, ticking off losing Series appearances. "This group deserved it, faithful from the beginning. We're proud and humbled by the achievement."
Lincecum outdueled Cliff Lee in a matchup that was scoreless until Renteria earned the Series MVP award by hitting a stunning three-run homer with two outs in the seventh inning. Nelson Cruz homered in the bottom half, but Lincecum returned to his wicked self and preserved the lead.
Say World Series champions.
The prize that eluded Willie and Barry for so long finally belongs to the San Francisco Giants, thanks to a band of self-described castoffs and misfits and their shaggy-haired ace.
Tim Lincecum, Edgar Renteria and the Giants won the title Monday night, beating the Texas Rangers 3-1 in a tense Game 5 and taking the trophy home to the city by the Bay for the first time.
"San Francisco is going nuts, we're going nuts and it feels really good," closer Brian Wilson said.
It was an overdue victory. Willie Mays led the Giants to their previous crown in 1954, four years before they moved West. After that, they never quite got it done despite the likes of baseball giants Barry Bonds, Juan Marichal and Willie McCovey.
"This buried a lot of bones -- '62, '89, 2002," Giants general manager Brian Sabean said, ticking off losing Series appearances. "This group deserved it, faithful from the beginning. We're proud and humbled by the achievement."
Lincecum outdueled Cliff Lee in a matchup that was scoreless until Renteria earned the Series MVP award by hitting a stunning three-run homer with two outs in the seventh inning. Nelson Cruz homered in the bottom half, but Lincecum returned to his wicked self and preserved the lead.
Monday, November 01, 2010
The Giants win the pennant
No one can say the San Francisco Giants took the easy path to the World Series.
They had to wait until the final day to clinch a playoff spot, then had to wait through a tense final out in Philadelphia.
Brian Wilson, Cody Ross and the Giants can exhale. Now they'll try to bring the first crown to San Francisco.
Juan Uribe hit a tiebreaking homer off Ryan Madson with two outs in the eighth inning and the Giants held off the Phillies 3-2 Saturday night in Game 6 of the NL championship series.
They had to wait until the final day to clinch a playoff spot, then had to wait through a tense final out in Philadelphia.
Brian Wilson, Cody Ross and the Giants can exhale. Now they'll try to bring the first crown to San Francisco.
Juan Uribe hit a tiebreaking homer off Ryan Madson with two outs in the eighth inning and the Giants held off the Phillies 3-2 Saturday night in Game 6 of the NL championship series.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Cliff Lee in control
He may end up in a New York Yankees uniform in 2011. Or not. But chances are, it may be a long time before anyone puts together as efficient a season as the one Cliff Lee just completed.
The 12-9 record he compiled for Seattle and Texas does not come close to reflecting the historic nature of what Lee, the Rangers left-hander who is scheduled to start against the Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Monday night, has accomplished.
In 212 1/3 innings, Lee walked only 18 batters, two intentionally. This is how remarkable that is: No pitcher in the last 70 years has thrown so many innings and yet walked so few.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, since 1900, only two other pitchers who threw 200 or more innings in a season had fewer than 20 walks: Babe Adams of the 1920 Pittsburgh Pirates (262 innings, 18 walks), and Red Lucas of the 1933 Cincinnati Reds (219/18). Neither Adams nor Lewis struck out even 100 batters. Lee had 185 strikeouts.
''The ones that have had similar command are sitting in the Hall of Fame or on their way in," said Mike Maddux, the Texas pitching coach, whose brother, Greg, a four-time Cy Young Award winner, is one of those pitchers.
Lee's 10.28 strikeout-to-walk ratio was the second best among qualifiers since 1900, trailing only Bret Saberhagen's 11.00 mark for the Mets in the strike-shortened 1994 season. Lee was far ahead of the record until walking 11 batters the final two months.
This all happened in a season Lee began on the disabled list with a left abdominal strain. He did not make his first start until April 30.
The 12-9 record he compiled for Seattle and Texas does not come close to reflecting the historic nature of what Lee, the Rangers left-hander who is scheduled to start against the Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Monday night, has accomplished.
In 212 1/3 innings, Lee walked only 18 batters, two intentionally. This is how remarkable that is: No pitcher in the last 70 years has thrown so many innings and yet walked so few.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, since 1900, only two other pitchers who threw 200 or more innings in a season had fewer than 20 walks: Babe Adams of the 1920 Pittsburgh Pirates (262 innings, 18 walks), and Red Lucas of the 1933 Cincinnati Reds (219/18). Neither Adams nor Lewis struck out even 100 batters. Lee had 185 strikeouts.
''The ones that have had similar command are sitting in the Hall of Fame or on their way in," said Mike Maddux, the Texas pitching coach, whose brother, Greg, a four-time Cy Young Award winner, is one of those pitchers.
Lee's 10.28 strikeout-to-walk ratio was the second best among qualifiers since 1900, trailing only Bret Saberhagen's 11.00 mark for the Mets in the strike-shortened 1994 season. Lee was far ahead of the record until walking 11 batters the final two months.
This all happened in a season Lee began on the disabled list with a left abdominal strain. He did not make his first start until April 30.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Velasquez stuns Lesnar, claims UFC title
ANAHEIM, Calif. – Cain Velasquez weathered an early storm from Brock Lesnar and proved why he has long been regarded as one of the top prospects in the sport, pounding Lesnar in a stunningly brutal and one-sided fight to win the UFC heavyweight championship at the Honda Center in the main event of UFC 121.
Velasquez hurt Lesnar with nearly every punch he threw and knocked him down several times. After the final knockdown, Velasquez pounded him with elbows and punches before referee Herb Dean stopped it at 4:12 of the first.
“He was better than me tonight,” Lesnar said.
Lesnar roared out of his corner and threw a knee, but Velasquez answered with a hard combination that opened a small gash under Lesnar’s left eye. After they grappled briefly, Lesnar took Velasquez down hard.
Velasquez, though, was calm and worked back to his feet quickly. After one more Lesnar takedown, he bounced up and began letting his hands go. He battered the retreating Lesnar all over the ring, pummeling him with hard shots until Dean halted it.
Velasquez hurt Lesnar with nearly every punch he threw and knocked him down several times. After the final knockdown, Velasquez pounded him with elbows and punches before referee Herb Dean stopped it at 4:12 of the first.
“He was better than me tonight,” Lesnar said.
Lesnar roared out of his corner and threw a knee, but Velasquez answered with a hard combination that opened a small gash under Lesnar’s left eye. After they grappled briefly, Lesnar took Velasquez down hard.
Velasquez, though, was calm and worked back to his feet quickly. After one more Lesnar takedown, he bounced up and began letting his hands go. He battered the retreating Lesnar all over the ring, pummeling him with hard shots until Dean halted it.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Roy Halladay no-hits Reds in NLDS
Nearly an hour after pitching the game of his life for the second time this season, Roy Halladay walked through the Philadelphia Phillies' clubhouse. No one spoke to him as he made his way across the room to his locker in the corner.
Philadelphia starting pitcher Roy Halladay celebrates after throwing a no-hitter to defeat Cincinnati 4-0 during Game 1 of the National League Division Series in Philadelphia.
A sheet of white paper was taped up there, the first few paragraphs of a breaking news story someone printed out. "Phillies' Roy Halladay throws playoff no-hitter,” the headline said. Halladay studied it for a few seconds. He never looked at the unopened bottle of Dom Perignon 1999 sitting in a bucket of ice to the right of him. He pulled his hooded sweatshirt over his head and disappeared through a doorway.
For 13 seasons, Roy Halladay had waited for this moment, as did the rest of baseball. In 2 hours and 34 minutes Wednesday, he made the most memorable postseason debut ever as the Phillies beat the Cincinnati Reds, 4-0, in Game 1 of the National League Division Series at Citizens Bank Park.
"It was a lot of fun,” Halladay said, as only he could.
Philadelphia starting pitcher Roy Halladay celebrates after throwing a no-hitter to defeat Cincinnati 4-0 during Game 1 of the National League Division Series in Philadelphia.
A sheet of white paper was taped up there, the first few paragraphs of a breaking news story someone printed out. "Phillies' Roy Halladay throws playoff no-hitter,” the headline said. Halladay studied it for a few seconds. He never looked at the unopened bottle of Dom Perignon 1999 sitting in a bucket of ice to the right of him. He pulled his hooded sweatshirt over his head and disappeared through a doorway.
For 13 seasons, Roy Halladay had waited for this moment, as did the rest of baseball. In 2 hours and 34 minutes Wednesday, he made the most memorable postseason debut ever as the Phillies beat the Cincinnati Reds, 4-0, in Game 1 of the National League Division Series at Citizens Bank Park.
"It was a lot of fun,” Halladay said, as only he could.
Monday, September 27, 2010
George Blanda
George Blanda, a quarterback and place-kicker who played professional football longer than anyone else and who retired having scored more points than anyone else, died Monday. He was 83.
The Oakland Raiders announced his death but provided no details. Blanda finished his career with the Raiders, playing for them from 1967 until his retirement, at 48, just before the 1976 season.
Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981, Blanda played for 26 seasons and was one of only two men to have played in four separate decades. (Jeff Feagles, a recently retired punter, is the other.) Blanda played in the National Football League, the American Football League and, after the leagues merged in 1970, the hybrid that was unified under the N.F.L. rubric.
He began his career in 1949 with the Chicago Bears, playing for George Halas, the legendary coach and team owner who helped shape pro football in its early years. He finished playing for Al Davis, the Raiders’ legendary owner (and one-time coach) who helped shape the contemporary professional game.
“Blanda had a God-given killer instinct to make it happen when everything was on the line,” Davis said to The Sporting News in 1989. “I really believe that George Blanda is the greatest clutch player I have ever seen in the history of pro football.”
Davis had a firsthand look at Blanda’s most famous stretch of games. On Sunday, Oct. 25, 1970, Blanda stepped in for the Raiders’ injured starting quarterback, Daryle Lamonica, and threw for three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to beat Pittsburgh.
The next Sunday, against the Kansas City Chiefs, he kicked a 48-yard field goal, salvaging a tie with eight seconds left in the game.
The week after that, against the Cleveland Browns, Blanda entered the game with a little more than four minutes to play and the Raiders down by a touchdown. He threw a touchdown pass, kicked the extra point, drove the team into position for the winning field goal and kicked it — that 52-yarder — with three seconds on the clock.
The next Sunday, he beat Denver with a late touchdown pass; the Sunday after that, he beat San Diego with a last-minute field goal.
Five straight weeks he saved the game; he was 43 at the time.
The Oakland Raiders announced his death but provided no details. Blanda finished his career with the Raiders, playing for them from 1967 until his retirement, at 48, just before the 1976 season.
Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981, Blanda played for 26 seasons and was one of only two men to have played in four separate decades. (Jeff Feagles, a recently retired punter, is the other.) Blanda played in the National Football League, the American Football League and, after the leagues merged in 1970, the hybrid that was unified under the N.F.L. rubric.
He began his career in 1949 with the Chicago Bears, playing for George Halas, the legendary coach and team owner who helped shape pro football in its early years. He finished playing for Al Davis, the Raiders’ legendary owner (and one-time coach) who helped shape the contemporary professional game.
“Blanda had a God-given killer instinct to make it happen when everything was on the line,” Davis said to The Sporting News in 1989. “I really believe that George Blanda is the greatest clutch player I have ever seen in the history of pro football.”
Davis had a firsthand look at Blanda’s most famous stretch of games. On Sunday, Oct. 25, 1970, Blanda stepped in for the Raiders’ injured starting quarterback, Daryle Lamonica, and threw for three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to beat Pittsburgh.
The next Sunday, against the Kansas City Chiefs, he kicked a 48-yard field goal, salvaging a tie with eight seconds left in the game.
The week after that, against the Cleveland Browns, Blanda entered the game with a little more than four minutes to play and the Raiders down by a touchdown. He threw a touchdown pass, kicked the extra point, drove the team into position for the winning field goal and kicked it — that 52-yarder — with three seconds on the clock.
The next Sunday, he beat Denver with a late touchdown pass; the Sunday after that, he beat San Diego with a last-minute field goal.
Five straight weeks he saved the game; he was 43 at the time.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Team USA 2010
[9/12/10] Durant leads USA over host Turkey to win World Championship
[9/12/10] Lithuania defeats Serbia for the bronze
[9/12/10] Argentina defeats Spain for fifth place
[9/11/10] Turkey nips Serbia to reach the finals
[9/11/10] Durant carries USA over Lithuania to the finals
[9/9/10] USA defeats Russia to advance to semifinals
[9/8/10] Serbia knocks off defending champion Spain to advance to semi-finals
[8/30/10] USA edges Brazil 70-68
[8/23/10] Rajon Rondo withdraws, finalizing U.S. roster: Tyson Chandler, Kevin Love, Lamar Odom, Kevin Durant, Danny Granger, Rudy Gay, Andre Iguodala, Eric Gordon, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, Chauncey Billups, Derrick Rose
[8/21/10] USA hangs on to defeat Spain 86-85
[8/14/10] USA defeats France 86-55 at Madison Square Garden
[8/14/10] USA cuts roster to 13 dropping Jeff Green and JaVale McGee (again)
[8/3/10] Brook Lopez withdraws, replaced by JaVale McGee
[7/28/10] Evans, Mayo, Wallace, McGee are the first cuts
[7/21/10] USA roster shrinks
[7/21/10] David Lee injures middle finger, will miss world championships
[7/20/10] Robin Lopez to miss World Championships to continue rehabbing back
[7/19/10] Amare Stoudemire to miss World Championships because of insurance concerns
[7/19/10] JaVale McGee added to Team USA roster
***
The next generation of USA Basketball will gather in Las Vegas on Monday and begin training camp Tuesday, in preparation for the 2010 FIBA World Championship, which takes place in Turkey from Aug. 28 through Sept. 12.
No members of the 2008 gold-winning Olympic team will be participating this summer, so USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo and head coach Mike Krzyzewski will be building an entirely new team over the next six weeks. And they won't have the ability to rely on the talents of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and company.
Team USA also will have to build its chemistry. That 2008 Olympic team had the same starting lineup as the team that won the FIBA Americas tournament in 2007.
Colangelo and Krzyzewski are bringing 21 players to Las Vegas. Eventually, they'll have to trim that list down to 12.
Here's a breakdown of the team in the recent past, and a look at what the USA Basketball braintrust will work with in the next few weeks:
*Starter (majority of games)
Point guards
2006: Chris Paul*, Kirk Hinrich
2007: Jason Kidd*, Chauncey Billups, Deron Williams
2008: Jason Kidd*, Chris Paul, Deron Williams
The candidates: Chauncey Billups, Stephen Curry, Tyreke Evans, Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook
Billups should be a lock for three reasons. First, he has 139 games of NBA playoff experience. Second, he's a proven leader. And third, he's one of the only two shooters in the group.
Colangelo told NBA.com that Billups could also play the two, and the same could be said about Curry, the other shooter. Colangelo also mentioned Rajon Rondo's playoff experience, but as the smallest of the group, Rondo could be the least fit for the international game, where much more contact is allowed on the perimeter.
Defensively, Rondo should stand out, but Westbrook should also have an advantage on that end. The competition for the two roster spots after Billups should be fierce. That extra year of experience for Rose and Westbrook may make the difference.
Early Prediction: Billups, Rose and Westbrook
Wings
2006: Shane Battier*, LeBron James*, Joe Johnson, Dwyane Wade
2007: Kobe Bryant*, LeBron James*, Mike Miller, Michael Redd
2008: Kobe Bryant*, LeBron James*, Michael Redd, Dwyane Wade
The candidates: Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay, Eric Gordon, Danny Granger, Andre Iguodala, O.J. Mayo
Durant is on the team and is likely to be the starting small forward when the U.S. takes the floor against Croatia on Aug. 28. The biggest unknown going into camp may be who the starting two guard will be.
You can separate the rest of this group into shooters and non-shooters. Figure that either Mayo or Gordon make the team for their shooting, and Granger would be valuable as a combo-forward. Iguodala is the most experienced and is also the best defender, so Gay may be the odd man out.
Early prediction: Durant, Granger, Mayo and Iguodala
Fours
2006: Carmelo Anthony*, Antawn Jamison
2007: Carmelo Anthony*, Tayshaun Prince
2008: Carmelo Anthony*, Tayshaun Prince
The candidates: Jeff Green, Lamar Odom, Gerald Wallace
Anthony is an NBA three, but he was Team USA's starting power forward for three years. And LeBron James or Prince played the four when Anthony went to the bench. In international competition, you need a four who can shoot and defend on the perimeter, so that's why Kevin Love, a prototypical power forward in the NBA, is not included in this group.
Granger has the size to be a four in international competition, and Durant could see some time there as well. But there should be room on the roster for at least one or two of these guys that have actually played the four in the NBA.
Odom should be a lock with his experience and versatility. Wallace is a terrific defender and rebounder, and is actually the best shooter of the group. Green has been a part of the USA Basketball program for a while now, and always shows well in camp. But somebody in this group has to stay home.
Early Prediction: Odom and Wallace
Bigs
2006: Dwight Howard*, Chris Bosh, Elton Brand, Brad Miller
2007: Dwight Howard*, Tyson Chandler, Amar'e Stoudemire
2008: Dwight Howard*, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer
The candidates: Tyson Chandler, David Lee, Brook Lopez, Robin Lopez, Kevin Love, Amar'e Stoudemire
As noted above, the four man needs to be able to play on the perimeter, so it's unlikely that you'll see two of these guys on the floor together for very long. Boozer wasn't even in the rotation in Beijing.
Stoudemire should be a lock and will be a huge pick-and-roll threat for Team USA. After that, it's going to be a case of what skills Colangelo and Krzyzewski want from their other two bigs. Chandler gives them length and shotblocking. Lee and Love give them rebounding and passing. Brook Lopez gives them a low-post game, while his brother gives them energy and defense.
Early prediction: Chandler, Lee and Stoudemire
[9/12/10] Lithuania defeats Serbia for the bronze
[9/12/10] Argentina defeats Spain for fifth place
[9/11/10] Turkey nips Serbia to reach the finals
[9/11/10] Durant carries USA over Lithuania to the finals
[9/9/10] USA defeats Russia to advance to semifinals
[9/8/10] Serbia knocks off defending champion Spain to advance to semi-finals
[8/30/10] USA edges Brazil 70-68
[8/23/10] Rajon Rondo withdraws, finalizing U.S. roster: Tyson Chandler, Kevin Love, Lamar Odom, Kevin Durant, Danny Granger, Rudy Gay, Andre Iguodala, Eric Gordon, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, Chauncey Billups, Derrick Rose
[8/21/10] USA hangs on to defeat Spain 86-85
[8/14/10] USA defeats France 86-55 at Madison Square Garden
[8/14/10] USA cuts roster to 13 dropping Jeff Green and JaVale McGee (again)
[8/3/10] Brook Lopez withdraws, replaced by JaVale McGee
[7/28/10] Evans, Mayo, Wallace, McGee are the first cuts
[7/21/10] USA roster shrinks
[7/21/10] David Lee injures middle finger, will miss world championships
[7/20/10] Robin Lopez to miss World Championships to continue rehabbing back
[7/19/10] Amare Stoudemire to miss World Championships because of insurance concerns
[7/19/10] JaVale McGee added to Team USA roster
***
The next generation of USA Basketball will gather in Las Vegas on Monday and begin training camp Tuesday, in preparation for the 2010 FIBA World Championship, which takes place in Turkey from Aug. 28 through Sept. 12.
No members of the 2008 gold-winning Olympic team will be participating this summer, so USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo and head coach Mike Krzyzewski will be building an entirely new team over the next six weeks. And they won't have the ability to rely on the talents of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and company.
Team USA also will have to build its chemistry. That 2008 Olympic team had the same starting lineup as the team that won the FIBA Americas tournament in 2007.
Colangelo and Krzyzewski are bringing 21 players to Las Vegas. Eventually, they'll have to trim that list down to 12.
Here's a breakdown of the team in the recent past, and a look at what the USA Basketball braintrust will work with in the next few weeks:
*Starter (majority of games)
Point guards
2006: Chris Paul*, Kirk Hinrich
2007: Jason Kidd*, Chauncey Billups, Deron Williams
2008: Jason Kidd*, Chris Paul, Deron Williams
The candidates: Chauncey Billups, Stephen Curry, Tyreke Evans, Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook
Billups should be a lock for three reasons. First, he has 139 games of NBA playoff experience. Second, he's a proven leader. And third, he's one of the only two shooters in the group.
Colangelo told NBA.com that Billups could also play the two, and the same could be said about Curry, the other shooter. Colangelo also mentioned Rajon Rondo's playoff experience, but as the smallest of the group, Rondo could be the least fit for the international game, where much more contact is allowed on the perimeter.
Defensively, Rondo should stand out, but Westbrook should also have an advantage on that end. The competition for the two roster spots after Billups should be fierce. That extra year of experience for Rose and Westbrook may make the difference.
Early Prediction: Billups, Rose and Westbrook
Wings
2006: Shane Battier*, LeBron James*, Joe Johnson, Dwyane Wade
2007: Kobe Bryant*, LeBron James*, Mike Miller, Michael Redd
2008: Kobe Bryant*, LeBron James*, Michael Redd, Dwyane Wade
The candidates: Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay, Eric Gordon, Danny Granger, Andre Iguodala, O.J. Mayo
Durant is on the team and is likely to be the starting small forward when the U.S. takes the floor against Croatia on Aug. 28. The biggest unknown going into camp may be who the starting two guard will be.
You can separate the rest of this group into shooters and non-shooters. Figure that either Mayo or Gordon make the team for their shooting, and Granger would be valuable as a combo-forward. Iguodala is the most experienced and is also the best defender, so Gay may be the odd man out.
Early prediction: Durant, Granger, Mayo and Iguodala
Fours
2006: Carmelo Anthony*, Antawn Jamison
2007: Carmelo Anthony*, Tayshaun Prince
2008: Carmelo Anthony*, Tayshaun Prince
The candidates: Jeff Green, Lamar Odom, Gerald Wallace
Anthony is an NBA three, but he was Team USA's starting power forward for three years. And LeBron James or Prince played the four when Anthony went to the bench. In international competition, you need a four who can shoot and defend on the perimeter, so that's why Kevin Love, a prototypical power forward in the NBA, is not included in this group.
Granger has the size to be a four in international competition, and Durant could see some time there as well. But there should be room on the roster for at least one or two of these guys that have actually played the four in the NBA.
Odom should be a lock with his experience and versatility. Wallace is a terrific defender and rebounder, and is actually the best shooter of the group. Green has been a part of the USA Basketball program for a while now, and always shows well in camp. But somebody in this group has to stay home.
Early Prediction: Odom and Wallace
Bigs
2006: Dwight Howard*, Chris Bosh, Elton Brand, Brad Miller
2007: Dwight Howard*, Tyson Chandler, Amar'e Stoudemire
2008: Dwight Howard*, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer
The candidates: Tyson Chandler, David Lee, Brook Lopez, Robin Lopez, Kevin Love, Amar'e Stoudemire
As noted above, the four man needs to be able to play on the perimeter, so it's unlikely that you'll see two of these guys on the floor together for very long. Boozer wasn't even in the rotation in Beijing.
Stoudemire should be a lock and will be a huge pick-and-roll threat for Team USA. After that, it's going to be a case of what skills Colangelo and Krzyzewski want from their other two bigs. Chandler gives them length and shotblocking. Lee and Love give them rebounding and passing. Brook Lopez gives them a low-post game, while his brother gives them energy and defense.
Early prediction: Chandler, Lee and Stoudemire
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
no Heisman for Bush
The Heisman Trophy Trust is expected to strip former USC running back Reggie Bush of his 2005 Heisman Trophy and leave the award vacant, Yahoo Sports reported.
Two sources close to the trust said the organization is completing its investigation and will agree with the NCAA's finding that Bush accepted improper benefits while at USC and was ineligible during the 2005 season, according to the report. The NCAA cited USC for "lack of institutional control" and handed the Trojans four years' probation, a two-year bowl ban and a reduction in football scholarships.
Bush would become the first player in the 75-year history of the Heisman Trophy to have the award taken away.
***
[9/15/10] Running back Reggie Bush has decided to hand over the Heisman.
Under pressure since his award-winning 2005 campaign at USC was vacated, Bush said in a statement on Tuesday that he will forfeit the Heisman Trophy.
Two sources close to the trust said the organization is completing its investigation and will agree with the NCAA's finding that Bush accepted improper benefits while at USC and was ineligible during the 2005 season, according to the report. The NCAA cited USC for "lack of institutional control" and handed the Trojans four years' probation, a two-year bowl ban and a reduction in football scholarships.
Bush would become the first player in the 75-year history of the Heisman Trophy to have the award taken away.
***
[9/15/10] Running back Reggie Bush has decided to hand over the Heisman.
Under pressure since his award-winning 2005 campaign at USC was vacated, Bush said in a statement on Tuesday that he will forfeit the Heisman Trophy.
Monday, September 06, 2010
ESPN3
Cool, I can now catch ESPN3 courtesy of Hawaiiantel.com. (Fran Fraschilla keeps mentioning it on the USA basketball telecasts.)
I recall I tried to access it before but it had to be authorized in partnership with the ISP. And now it is.
Not that I plan to watch it that much. (Hey, I got enough to watch/do already!)
I recall I tried to access it before but it had to be authorized in partnership with the ISP. And now it is.
Not that I plan to watch it that much. (Hey, I got enough to watch/do already!)
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Aroldis Chapman hits 102 in debut
CINCINNATI — Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman was too fast to hit in his big league debut, throwing 102 mph during one perfect inning, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 on Tuesday night, wrapping up the best August by any team in the majors.
Chapman joined the Reds' bullpen and matched the hype his first time out, throwing four pitches clocked at 100 mph or better. The Reds called up the hard-throwing lefty, hoping he can add some sizzle to their September — and beyond.
From the start, the Reds had their attention on September.
They called up Chapman from the minors before the game, making him eligible for postseason play. Chapman's fastball has been clocked as high as 105 mph in the minors, making him something of an urban legend before he even reached a major league mound.
Fans started snapping pictures when he took off his jacket and started warming up after the seventh-inning stretch. The crowd cheered when Chapman — wearing No. 54 — was shown on the videoboard.
Chapman got a standing ovation from the crowd of only 19,218 when he jogged out of the bullpen to pitch the top of the eighth with the Reds leading 8-3. Fans let out a collective "ooh" after each high-velocity warmup throw.
His first pitch to Jonathan Lucroy registered 98 mph, and the third one hit 102 mph, drawing a loud cheer. Chapman made quick work of the three batters he faced — a strikeout by Lucroy on an 86 mph slider and two weak ground balls by Craig Counsell and pinch-hitter Carlos Gomez. Half of his eight pitches reached triple digits, topping out at 102.
He walked off the field to another standing ovation.
***
[9/24/10] Chapman hits 105, the fastest pitch ever recorded
Chapman joined the Reds' bullpen and matched the hype his first time out, throwing four pitches clocked at 100 mph or better. The Reds called up the hard-throwing lefty, hoping he can add some sizzle to their September — and beyond.
From the start, the Reds had their attention on September.
They called up Chapman from the minors before the game, making him eligible for postseason play. Chapman's fastball has been clocked as high as 105 mph in the minors, making him something of an urban legend before he even reached a major league mound.
Fans started snapping pictures when he took off his jacket and started warming up after the seventh-inning stretch. The crowd cheered when Chapman — wearing No. 54 — was shown on the videoboard.
Chapman got a standing ovation from the crowd of only 19,218 when he jogged out of the bullpen to pitch the top of the eighth with the Reds leading 8-3. Fans let out a collective "ooh" after each high-velocity warmup throw.
His first pitch to Jonathan Lucroy registered 98 mph, and the third one hit 102 mph, drawing a loud cheer. Chapman made quick work of the three batters he faced — a strikeout by Lucroy on an 86 mph slider and two weak ground balls by Craig Counsell and pinch-hitter Carlos Gomez. Half of his eight pitches reached triple digits, topping out at 102.
He walked off the field to another standing ovation.
***
[9/24/10] Chapman hits 105, the fastest pitch ever recorded
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
BYU goes independent in football
Still reeling from two defections last month, the Western Athletic Conference and University of Hawaii suffered an additional setback yesterday with an announcement that Brigham Young University will move most of its teams to the West Coast Conference instead of the WAC.
What remains to be seen is if WAC member Utah State will be invited to take BYU's place in the Mountain West Conference.
BYU, which two weeks earlier was prepared to move to the WAC in all sports except football, replacing Boise State, will instead join the WCC, a nonfootball conference, in 12 sports. The Cougars' football team will become an independent in the same time frame.
The fear for UH and the WAC now is that the MWC might attempt to fill the hole left by BYU's departure with an invitation to Utah State. Indications are the Aggies, who said they turned the MWC down last month, would likely accept a second offer if one comes.
That could leave the WAC with five members -- one below the minimum for automatic-qualifier status for most NCAA championships, UH said.
***
The University of Hawaii and the Western Athletic Conference are expected to announce a scheduling alliance with Brigham Young University in football today.
WAC commissioner Karl Benson has a media conference call scheduled for today from Honolulu to make the announcement.
BYU announced yesterday it will leave the Mountain West Conference to go independent in football and put 12 of its other teams in the West Coast Conference in 2011-12 instead of joining the WAC.
But to fill out its football schedule BYU is expected announce an alliance with the WAC that will provide it with four to six opponents each season.
UH is expected to become an almost annual opponent through 2020 on a home-and-home basis. Before the departure of Fresno State and Nevada to the MWC on Aug. 18, plans were in the works for UH to play BYU in 2011, replacing Boise State, as well as additional games through 2016.
UH athletic director Jim Donovan and BYU's Tom Holmoe had previously scheduled games for 2012 (in Provo) and '13 (Aloha Stadium).
BYU, once viewed in the islands as UH's fiercest rival in several sports, has not played the Warriors since 2002. They have met 27 times since 1930.
What remains to be seen is if WAC member Utah State will be invited to take BYU's place in the Mountain West Conference.
BYU, which two weeks earlier was prepared to move to the WAC in all sports except football, replacing Boise State, will instead join the WCC, a nonfootball conference, in 12 sports. The Cougars' football team will become an independent in the same time frame.
The fear for UH and the WAC now is that the MWC might attempt to fill the hole left by BYU's departure with an invitation to Utah State. Indications are the Aggies, who said they turned the MWC down last month, would likely accept a second offer if one comes.
That could leave the WAC with five members -- one below the minimum for automatic-qualifier status for most NCAA championships, UH said.
***
The University of Hawaii and the Western Athletic Conference are expected to announce a scheduling alliance with Brigham Young University in football today.
WAC commissioner Karl Benson has a media conference call scheduled for today from Honolulu to make the announcement.
BYU announced yesterday it will leave the Mountain West Conference to go independent in football and put 12 of its other teams in the West Coast Conference in 2011-12 instead of joining the WAC.
But to fill out its football schedule BYU is expected announce an alliance with the WAC that will provide it with four to six opponents each season.
UH is expected to become an almost annual opponent through 2020 on a home-and-home basis. Before the departure of Fresno State and Nevada to the MWC on Aug. 18, plans were in the works for UH to play BYU in 2011, replacing Boise State, as well as additional games through 2016.
UH athletic director Jim Donovan and BYU's Tom Holmoe had previously scheduled games for 2012 (in Provo) and '13 (Aloha Stadium).
BYU, once viewed in the islands as UH's fiercest rival in several sports, has not played the Warriors since 2002. They have met 27 times since 1930.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Wie wins in Canada
WINNIPEG, Manitoba » In some ways, this win may have been more special than the first.
Punahou graduate Michelle Wie closed with a 2-under 70 yesterday for a three-shot win at the CN Canadian Women's Open, her second career victory on the LPGA Tour.
Wie, who was 12 under for the tournament, earned the winner's check of $337,500 in the $2.25 million event at the St. Charles Country Club -- the LPGA's only stop in Canada.
Wie had five birdies, including on the 13th, 14th and 15th holes.
"I made a lot of crucial putts today," said Wie, who at 10 years old was the youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Amateur Championship.
Jiyai Shin of South Korea shot a 73 and tied for second with Kristy McPherson (66), defending champion Suzann Pettersen of Norway (69) and South Korea's Jee Young Lee (69).
Wie led wire-to-wire after an opening 65 and was tied with Shin for the lead entering the final round at 10 under.
Punahou graduate Michelle Wie closed with a 2-under 70 yesterday for a three-shot win at the CN Canadian Women's Open, her second career victory on the LPGA Tour.
Wie, who was 12 under for the tournament, earned the winner's check of $337,500 in the $2.25 million event at the St. Charles Country Club -- the LPGA's only stop in Canada.
Wie had five birdies, including on the 13th, 14th and 15th holes.
"I made a lot of crucial putts today," said Wie, who at 10 years old was the youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Amateur Championship.
Jiyai Shin of South Korea shot a 73 and tied for second with Kristy McPherson (66), defending champion Suzann Pettersen of Norway (69) and South Korea's Jee Young Lee (69).
Wie led wire-to-wire after an opening 65 and was tied with Shin for the lead entering the final round at 10 under.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
UFC 118
In the co-headliner, UFC hall of famer Randy Couture dominated former professional boxing world champion James Toney, submitting the mixed martial arts novice with a first-round arm-triangle choke. The white flag came 3 minutes, 19 seconds into Round 1.
Couture dropped levels for a single-leg takedown inside the first 30 seconds, put Toney on his back and moved immediately to mount. From there, the finish was academic. Punches from the top softened the boxer for the choke near the cage. After a brief readjustment, Couture locked up the choke, passed to the side and waited for the tapout.
"This is exactly what we trained to do," Couture said. "No one really shoots a low single in MMA. I knew with James' boxing stance a low single would probably be there, and it worked. I've worked on that arm-triangle for over a year now, so to finally get it, it was awesome."
Toney credited Couture and vowed to return.
"I didn't expect him to be so aggressive at first," he said. "He just caught me. He got me on the ground, and I couldn't get out of the triangle choke. But I'll be back. I ain't no quitter."
***
Solidifying himself as the kryptonite to Penn's lightweight Superman, Edgar retained his 155-pound championship with a near flawless performance in the UFC 118 "Edgar vs. Penn 2" headliner on Saturday at the TD Garden in Boston. Edgar swept the scorecards from all three judges in a unanimous verdict: 50-45, 50-45 and 50-45.
Edgar scored with two- and three-punch combinations throughout the fight, delivered strong takedowns in the first and second rounds and dominated the revered Hawaiian in virtually every phase of the sport. Penn was visibly frustrated after the first five minutes, and his situation did not improve.
"Frankie fought a great fight. He's the man," Penn said. "I've got nothing bad to say. He fought me twice. He walked away with the decision twice. What can you say? It looked like the same kind of fight as last time. He got off good. Much respect. I've really got to go back and think about things."
Couture dropped levels for a single-leg takedown inside the first 30 seconds, put Toney on his back and moved immediately to mount. From there, the finish was academic. Punches from the top softened the boxer for the choke near the cage. After a brief readjustment, Couture locked up the choke, passed to the side and waited for the tapout.
"This is exactly what we trained to do," Couture said. "No one really shoots a low single in MMA. I knew with James' boxing stance a low single would probably be there, and it worked. I've worked on that arm-triangle for over a year now, so to finally get it, it was awesome."
Toney credited Couture and vowed to return.
"I didn't expect him to be so aggressive at first," he said. "He just caught me. He got me on the ground, and I couldn't get out of the triangle choke. But I'll be back. I ain't no quitter."
***
Solidifying himself as the kryptonite to Penn's lightweight Superman, Edgar retained his 155-pound championship with a near flawless performance in the UFC 118 "Edgar vs. Penn 2" headliner on Saturday at the TD Garden in Boston. Edgar swept the scorecards from all three judges in a unanimous verdict: 50-45, 50-45 and 50-45.
Edgar scored with two- and three-punch combinations throughout the fight, delivered strong takedowns in the first and second rounds and dominated the revered Hawaiian in virtually every phase of the sport. Penn was visibly frustrated after the first five minutes, and his situation did not improve.
"Frankie fought a great fight. He's the man," Penn said. "I've got nothing bad to say. He fought me twice. He walked away with the decision twice. What can you say? It looked like the same kind of fight as last time. He got off good. Much respect. I've really got to go back and think about things."
Friday, August 27, 2010
Strasburg to undergo Tommy John surgery
WASHINGTON -- Rookie right-hander Stephen Strasburg has a significant tear in his ulnar collateral ligament and will likely undergo Tommy John surgery, the Nationals announced in a conference call on Friday.
Strasburg, who was originally placed on the disabled list because of a flexor strain in his right forearm, had an arthrogram performed on Thursday to determine if something is seriously wrong, and doctors found ligament damage in the elbow.
"He is going to go out and attack his rehab and get ready to pitch better than he has in the past," general manager Mike Rizzo said.
Strasburg will seek a second opinion from Dr. Lewis Yocum in Southern California before the Nationals make a final decision on surgery. But the club believes that surgery is necessary. Strasburg is expected to be 100 percent in between 12 and 18 months.
Strasburg, who was originally placed on the disabled list because of a flexor strain in his right forearm, had an arthrogram performed on Thursday to determine if something is seriously wrong, and doctors found ligament damage in the elbow.
"He is going to go out and attack his rehab and get ready to pitch better than he has in the past," general manager Mike Rizzo said.
Strasburg will seek a second opinion from Dr. Lewis Yocum in Southern California before the Nationals make a final decision on surgery. But the club believes that surgery is necessary. Strasburg is expected to be 100 percent in between 12 and 18 months.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Roger Clemens indicted
Roger Clemens, the larger-than-life pitcher who appeared destined for the Baseball Hall of Fame, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Washington on Thursday on charges that he lied to Congress when he said he never used performance-enhancing drugs.
Clemens became the third high-profile athlete in three years to be charged with lying about the use of banned substances and to have on-the-field accomplishments tarnished.
Marion Jones, who won five track and field medals at the 2000 Summer Olympics, served six months in prison after pleading guilty in 2007 to making false statements to federal authorities about her use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Barry Bonds, baseball’s career home run leader, is scheduled for trial in March on charges that he made false statements to a grand jury about his use of performance-enhancing drugs during the investigation of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative in California.
Clemens became the third high-profile athlete in three years to be charged with lying about the use of banned substances and to have on-the-field accomplishments tarnished.
Marion Jones, who won five track and field medals at the 2000 Summer Olympics, served six months in prison after pleading guilty in 2007 to making false statements to federal authorities about her use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Barry Bonds, baseball’s career home run leader, is scheduled for trial in March on charges that he made false statements to a grand jury about his use of performance-enhancing drugs during the investigation of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative in California.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Baseball: The Tenth Inning
For years after the broadcast of Baseball, our 1994 PBS series on the history of our national pastime that charted more than 150 years from the game's invention in 1839 to 1992, we vowed we would not do a sequel to it. We'd been there, done that. But as the past two decades unfolded, it became clear that those years were among the most consequential in the game's history. Change came - expanded playoffs, interleague play, not to mention the devastating strike of 1994 and the lingering shadow cast by the steroid scandal.
But baseball also enjoyed a golden age, and from the ruins of the strike came some of the most positive advances in the game. So we felt we needed to do Baseball: The Tenth Inning, which premieres Sept. 28 and 29 on PBS.
But baseball also enjoyed a golden age, and from the ruins of the strike came some of the most positive advances in the game. So we felt we needed to do Baseball: The Tenth Inning, which premieres Sept. 28 and 29 on PBS.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Anderson Silva pulls out victory over Sonnen
For the better part of five rounds, Chael Sonnen did exactly what he said he was going to do to Anderson Silva, but in a split second, the middleweight king turned the tables.
Stuck underneath the gritty Sonnen, Silva secured a textbook triangle choke and submitted the challenger 3 minutes, 10 seconds into the fifth round of their UFC 117 main event Saturday at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. Sonnen tapped only once, but it was enough to get the attention of referee Josh Rosenthal, who moved in and halted the bout.
Sonnen clearly won the first four rounds and started with a bang, as he rattled Silva with a straight left hand mere minutes into the match. From there, he controlled the embattled champion with stifling top control and wide-ranging strikes on the ground: punches, hammerfists, elbows and slaps to the ears.
As the two middleweights entered Round 5, the heavily favored champion found himself in an unfamiliar state of desperation, needing a stoppage to retain his title.
With his foe grinding away on top, Silva deftly slid the choke into place. Sonnen tried unsuccessfully to counter the hold but, with no means of escape, surrendered with less than half a round remaining in the fight.
Stuck underneath the gritty Sonnen, Silva secured a textbook triangle choke and submitted the challenger 3 minutes, 10 seconds into the fifth round of their UFC 117 main event Saturday at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. Sonnen tapped only once, but it was enough to get the attention of referee Josh Rosenthal, who moved in and halted the bout.
Sonnen clearly won the first four rounds and started with a bang, as he rattled Silva with a straight left hand mere minutes into the match. From there, he controlled the embattled champion with stifling top control and wide-ranging strikes on the ground: punches, hammerfists, elbows and slaps to the ears.
As the two middleweights entered Round 5, the heavily favored champion found himself in an unfamiliar state of desperation, needing a stoppage to retain his title.
With his foe grinding away on top, Silva deftly slid the choke into place. Sonnen tried unsuccessfully to counter the hold but, with no means of escape, surrendered with less than half a round remaining in the fight.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Favre to retire again(?)
Near the end of a rambling news conference to discuss his return to the Minnesota Vikings, Brett Favre said something Wednesday that was easy to scoff at: this season will be his last in the N.F.L.
“Twenty years, and I’m done,” he said.
The announcement might have seemed, well, disingenuous coming from Favre, who had retired and unretired twice already, in 2008 and 2009, and appeared undecided this year until three teammates flew to Hattiesburg, Miss., on the owner Zygi Wilf’s jet this week to fetch him. Even Favre, when asked if anyone should believe him, conceded: “Probably not. I do believe it now. I’ve got to fall apart some time.”
***
The latest development in the Brett Favre retirement drama came yesterday, from Favre himself.
In Hattiesburg, Miss., Favre told ESPN's Ed Werder that he would play for the Minnesota Vikings this season if his surgically repaired left ankle was sound, but that the ankle remained problematic. The Vikings' offensive coordinator, Darrell Bevell, who coached Favre with the Green Bay Packers and speaks with him regularly, said Favre had told him the same thing.
***
The joke going around yesterday after the latest round of will-he-or-won't-he with Brett Favre was that the three-time MVP should open a Waffle House in his hometown of Kiln, Mississippi.
Favre sure has waffled on the decision before, and it's difficult to believe his latest "see ya" will stick.
A source with knowledge of the situation has told the Associated Press that the NFL's most prolific passer is citing his injured left ankle as the reason he won't return for a second season with Minnesota. But the Vikings aren't taking his latest pronouncement as gospel, even after Favre texted some players to explain why he is MIA and won't BRB during a training camp that is in full swing.
Coach Brad Childress, who not only orchestrated the Vikings' acquisition of Favre last year but picked up his new/old quarterback at the airport, wasn't fully swallowing this news.
"I gotta hear it from the horse's mouth," Childress said.
“Twenty years, and I’m done,” he said.
The announcement might have seemed, well, disingenuous coming from Favre, who had retired and unretired twice already, in 2008 and 2009, and appeared undecided this year until three teammates flew to Hattiesburg, Miss., on the owner Zygi Wilf’s jet this week to fetch him. Even Favre, when asked if anyone should believe him, conceded: “Probably not. I do believe it now. I’ve got to fall apart some time.”
***
The latest development in the Brett Favre retirement drama came yesterday, from Favre himself.
In Hattiesburg, Miss., Favre told ESPN's Ed Werder that he would play for the Minnesota Vikings this season if his surgically repaired left ankle was sound, but that the ankle remained problematic. The Vikings' offensive coordinator, Darrell Bevell, who coached Favre with the Green Bay Packers and speaks with him regularly, said Favre had told him the same thing.
***
The joke going around yesterday after the latest round of will-he-or-won't-he with Brett Favre was that the three-time MVP should open a Waffle House in his hometown of Kiln, Mississippi.
Favre sure has waffled on the decision before, and it's difficult to believe his latest "see ya" will stick.
A source with knowledge of the situation has told the Associated Press that the NFL's most prolific passer is citing his injured left ankle as the reason he won't return for a second season with Minnesota. But the Vikings aren't taking his latest pronouncement as gospel, even after Favre texted some players to explain why he is MIA and won't BRB during a training camp that is in full swing.
Coach Brad Childress, who not only orchestrated the Vikings' acquisition of Favre last year but picked up his new/old quarterback at the airport, wasn't fully swallowing this news.
"I gotta hear it from the horse's mouth," Childress said.
A-Rod hits 600th
NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez became the youngest player to hit 600 home runs and did it with style, driving a pitch into Yankee Stadium's Monument Park in center field exactly three years to the day after his 500th homer.
A-Rod reached the milestone today after a 12-game drought with a first-inning homer off Toronto's Shaun Marcum. Rodriguez connected with a 2-0 pitch over the middle of the plate for his 17th home run of the season, giving the Yankees a 2-0 lead.
By hitting the homer into Monument Park, a stadium worker could retrieve the ball for him.
A-Rod raised a hand slightly in triumph as he rounded first base, then completed his trot to the roar of the crowd. He was greeted at home plate by Yankees captain Derek Jeter, both of them slapping outstretched hands above their heads.
Rodriguez joined an elite club that includes Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714), Willie Mays (660), Ken Griffey Jr. (630) and Sammy Sosa (609).
A-Rod reached the milestone today after a 12-game drought with a first-inning homer off Toronto's Shaun Marcum. Rodriguez connected with a 2-0 pitch over the middle of the plate for his 17th home run of the season, giving the Yankees a 2-0 lead.
By hitting the homer into Monument Park, a stadium worker could retrieve the ball for him.
A-Rod raised a hand slightly in triumph as he rounded first base, then completed his trot to the roar of the crowd. He was greeted at home plate by Yankees captain Derek Jeter, both of them slapping outstretched hands above their heads.
Rodriguez joined an elite club that includes Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714), Willie Mays (660), Ken Griffey Jr. (630) and Sammy Sosa (609).
Sunday, August 01, 2010
UH adopts student athletic fee
Despite what one student decried as "being forced to pay for a steak and champagne dinner and ... getting, maybe, the after-dinner mints," the University of Hawaii Board of Regents overwhelmingly adopted a mandatory athletic fee yesterday as an investment in its financially challenged sports program.
After nearly 2 1/2 hours of often passionate public testimony, presentations and discussion, the Board of Regents voted 11-3 to approve a mandatory $50-per-semester fee for all full- and part-time Manoa students beginning the spring 2011 semester.
The fee is calculated to raise nearly $2 million, about $1.85 million of which will be kept by the athletic department to help fund scholarships and pay for equipment and materials. UH said the money will not be used for coaching or administrative salaries.
In return, students will receive free admission to athletic events, including up to 5,000 seats for home football games, transportation to Aloha Stadium and a say in the use of 5 percent to 8 percent of the fees to "enhance the student experience."
After nearly 2 1/2 hours of often passionate public testimony, presentations and discussion, the Board of Regents voted 11-3 to approve a mandatory $50-per-semester fee for all full- and part-time Manoa students beginning the spring 2011 semester.
The fee is calculated to raise nearly $2 million, about $1.85 million of which will be kept by the athletic department to help fund scholarships and pay for equipment and materials. UH said the money will not be used for coaching or administrative salaries.
In return, students will receive free admission to athletic events, including up to 5,000 seats for home football games, transportation to Aloha Stadium and a say in the use of 5 percent to 8 percent of the fees to "enhance the student experience."
Saturday, July 31, 2010
70 year old MMA fighter
The first thing John Williams wants you to know about his record-breaking MMA fight this past weekend is, it wasn't a gimmick. It wasn't a novelty act, some cheap ploy to sell tickets or attract headlines.
Well, maybe attracting the headlines was important, but for a good reason.
The 70-year-old from New Brunswick, Canada became the oldest person to ever compete in a professional MMA bout when he took on 49-year-old former pro wrestler Larry Brubaker on July 24 in Moncton. On paper it sounds like a carnival act, but the fight was serious business, Williams said, done to prove a serious point.
Well, maybe attracting the headlines was important, but for a good reason.
The 70-year-old from New Brunswick, Canada became the oldest person to ever compete in a professional MMA bout when he took on 49-year-old former pro wrestler Larry Brubaker on July 24 in Moncton. On paper it sounds like a carnival act, but the fight was serious business, Williams said, done to prove a serious point.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Jack Tatum
Jack Tatum, 61, a defensive back for the Oakland Raiders whose bone-jarring tackles earned him the nickname "the Assassin," died July 27 at a hospital in Oakland, Calif., after a heart attack.
Mr. Tatum, a free safety whose relatively slight size belied his ferocity on the field, was a three-time All Pro player with the Raiders during his 10-year career. An NFL Films documentary ranked him as the sixth-hardest hitter in pro football history.
His tackle of Minnesota Vikings receiver Sammy White in the 1977 Super Bowl has become famous in video features of football's most devastating tackles. White had just caught a pass in the center of the field when Mr. Tatum ran into him, colliding head-to-head. White's helmet flew off and rolled five yards up the field.
"I play a hard-hitting game," Mr. Tatum said in the NFL Films documentary. "I just like to have the receivers think about me a little bit while they're trying to catch the ball."
Mr. Tatum's most notorious tackle occurred in a preseason game in 1978, when he leveled wide receiver Darryl Stingley of the New England Patriots. Stingley was leaping to catch a pass when Mr. Tatum drilled him, breaking two vertebrae in Stingley's back. Stingley remained paralyzed until his death in 2007.
Mr. Tatum never apologized for his crushing tackle, which was legal under NFL rules, and some football historians think his lack of remorse kept him out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"It was one of those things that happens that everyone regrets," Gene Upshaw, a Raiders lineman in that game who became executive director of the NFL Players Association, later said. "I know a lot of people in New England think differently, but Jack had no intention of hurting him. I saw him hit people like that a lot of times. That was the way he played."
Mr. Tatum said he attempted to visit Stingley in the hospital but was rebuffed by Stingley's family.
John David Tatum was born Nov. 18, 1948, in Cherryville, N.C., and grew up in Passaic, N.J. Even though he did not play football until his sophomore year of high school, he became an all-state standout and was recruited to Ohio State University as a running back.
The Buckeyes' coach, Woody Hayes, converted the 5-foot-10, 200-pound Mr. Tatum to defensive back, where he became a two-time all-American. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
With the Raiders, Mr. Tatum joined a talented secondary that included Willie Brown and George Atkinson. Known mostly for his fearsome tackles, Mr. Tatum was hardly a one-dimensional player. He intercepted 37 passes during his NFL career, including six in 1976, when the Raiders had a regular-season record of 13-1. They capped their year by defeating Minnesota, 32-14, in Super Bowl XI.
In a 1972 playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mr. Tatum had a role in the "Immaculate Reception" play that has become one of the most famous moments in NFL history. With 22 seconds left in the game, and the Raiders leading 7-6, Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw a fourth-down pass to running back John "Frenchy" Fuqua. Mr. Tatum crashed into Fuqua at the moment the pass arrived, sending the ball hurtling through the air.
Steelers running back Franco Harris grabbed the deflected pass just before it touched the ground and rambled into the end zone to complete a 60-yard touchdown play and give the Steelers the win.
In retirement, Mr. Tatum invested in real estate and restaurants and wrote three autobiographies, each with the word "assassin" in the title. He suffered from diabetes and, several years ago, had a leg amputated.
Survivors include his wife, Denise; and three children.
Mr. Tatum, a free safety whose relatively slight size belied his ferocity on the field, was a three-time All Pro player with the Raiders during his 10-year career. An NFL Films documentary ranked him as the sixth-hardest hitter in pro football history.
His tackle of Minnesota Vikings receiver Sammy White in the 1977 Super Bowl has become famous in video features of football's most devastating tackles. White had just caught a pass in the center of the field when Mr. Tatum ran into him, colliding head-to-head. White's helmet flew off and rolled five yards up the field.
"I play a hard-hitting game," Mr. Tatum said in the NFL Films documentary. "I just like to have the receivers think about me a little bit while they're trying to catch the ball."
Mr. Tatum's most notorious tackle occurred in a preseason game in 1978, when he leveled wide receiver Darryl Stingley of the New England Patriots. Stingley was leaping to catch a pass when Mr. Tatum drilled him, breaking two vertebrae in Stingley's back. Stingley remained paralyzed until his death in 2007.
Mr. Tatum never apologized for his crushing tackle, which was legal under NFL rules, and some football historians think his lack of remorse kept him out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"It was one of those things that happens that everyone regrets," Gene Upshaw, a Raiders lineman in that game who became executive director of the NFL Players Association, later said. "I know a lot of people in New England think differently, but Jack had no intention of hurting him. I saw him hit people like that a lot of times. That was the way he played."
Mr. Tatum said he attempted to visit Stingley in the hospital but was rebuffed by Stingley's family.
John David Tatum was born Nov. 18, 1948, in Cherryville, N.C., and grew up in Passaic, N.J. Even though he did not play football until his sophomore year of high school, he became an all-state standout and was recruited to Ohio State University as a running back.
The Buckeyes' coach, Woody Hayes, converted the 5-foot-10, 200-pound Mr. Tatum to defensive back, where he became a two-time all-American. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
With the Raiders, Mr. Tatum joined a talented secondary that included Willie Brown and George Atkinson. Known mostly for his fearsome tackles, Mr. Tatum was hardly a one-dimensional player. He intercepted 37 passes during his NFL career, including six in 1976, when the Raiders had a regular-season record of 13-1. They capped their year by defeating Minnesota, 32-14, in Super Bowl XI.
In a 1972 playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mr. Tatum had a role in the "Immaculate Reception" play that has become one of the most famous moments in NFL history. With 22 seconds left in the game, and the Raiders leading 7-6, Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw a fourth-down pass to running back John "Frenchy" Fuqua. Mr. Tatum crashed into Fuqua at the moment the pass arrived, sending the ball hurtling through the air.
Steelers running back Franco Harris grabbed the deflected pass just before it touched the ground and rambled into the end zone to complete a 60-yard touchdown play and give the Steelers the win.
In retirement, Mr. Tatum invested in real estate and restaurants and wrote three autobiographies, each with the word "assassin" in the title. He suffered from diabetes and, several years ago, had a leg amputated.
Survivors include his wife, Denise; and three children.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Pat Haden replaces Mike Garrett as USC AD
USC is cleaning house in its tarnished athletic department, throwing out much of what got the school in severe NCAA trouble.
Athletic director Mike Garrett and Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy are the first two items to go.
In a letter to school supporters Tuesday, incoming USC president Max Nikias said Garrett will be replaced Aug. 3 by Pat Haden, the former Trojans quarterback who became a successful businessman and a member of USC's board of trustees. The school also will return its copy of Bush's trophy to the Heisman Trust, among several measures to disassociate itself from the tainted tailback.
The NCAA cited Garrett's administration for a lack of institutional control while slapping the school with heavy sanctions last month, but Haden believes he can change the culture of a program that has been wildly successful and heavily scrutinized over the past decade.
"We're going to do better," said Haden, also the color analyst on NBC's Notre Dame broadcasts for the past decade. "We have to do better. We don't have any choices here. We stub our toe, there's going to be some problems."
USC was hit with four years of probation, a two-year bowl ban and severe football scholarship restrictions after the NCAA found serious rules violations in the athletic department, primarily around the football and men's basketball teams. Most involved illegal benefits for Bush and O.J. Mayo, the talented basketball player who spent just one season at USC.
Haden said the school's plan to get rid of nearly all references to Bush and Mayo -- right down to scrubbing their images from school murals and removing Bush's No. 5 jersey in its place of honor in the lobby of Heritage Hall -- are all part of the NCAA's directive to disassociate the school from the athletes.
Bush's Heisman has been on display alongside the trophies won by Garrett, O.J. Simpson, Matt Leinart, Carson Palmer, Charles White and Marcus Allen. It was still in place Tuesday, but will be gone by the time students show up on campus next month.
Bush still has his own Heisman Trophy. The Heisman Trophy Trust has not taken any action against Bush or made any request to have him return his copy of the trophy.
Athletic director Mike Garrett and Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy are the first two items to go.
In a letter to school supporters Tuesday, incoming USC president Max Nikias said Garrett will be replaced Aug. 3 by Pat Haden, the former Trojans quarterback who became a successful businessman and a member of USC's board of trustees. The school also will return its copy of Bush's trophy to the Heisman Trust, among several measures to disassociate itself from the tainted tailback.
The NCAA cited Garrett's administration for a lack of institutional control while slapping the school with heavy sanctions last month, but Haden believes he can change the culture of a program that has been wildly successful and heavily scrutinized over the past decade.
"We're going to do better," said Haden, also the color analyst on NBC's Notre Dame broadcasts for the past decade. "We have to do better. We don't have any choices here. We stub our toe, there's going to be some problems."
USC was hit with four years of probation, a two-year bowl ban and severe football scholarship restrictions after the NCAA found serious rules violations in the athletic department, primarily around the football and men's basketball teams. Most involved illegal benefits for Bush and O.J. Mayo, the talented basketball player who spent just one season at USC.
Haden said the school's plan to get rid of nearly all references to Bush and Mayo -- right down to scrubbing their images from school murals and removing Bush's No. 5 jersey in its place of honor in the lobby of Heritage Hall -- are all part of the NCAA's directive to disassociate the school from the athletes.
Bush's Heisman has been on display alongside the trophies won by Garrett, O.J. Simpson, Matt Leinart, Carson Palmer, Charles White and Marcus Allen. It was still in place Tuesday, but will be gone by the time students show up on campus next month.
Bush still has his own Heisman Trophy. The Heisman Trophy Trust has not taken any action against Bush or made any request to have him return his copy of the trophy.
Monday, July 19, 2010
grading the NBA drafts since 1985
I was looking up Mike Miller since he joined the Miami Three and noted he was drafted fifth in the 2000 draft which was regarded as the worst draft in recent history.
That led to this article which rated the NBA drafts since 1985 (through 2008). The 2000 draft (Kenyon Martin, Stromile Swift, Darius Miles, Marcus Fizer, DerMarr Johnson) got an F. Getting As were the 1985 Draft (Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone, Chris Mullin), the 1996 Draft (Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Ray Allen), and the 2003 Draft (LeBron, Carmelo, DWade, Bosh).
That led to this article which rated the NBA drafts since 1985 (through 2008). The 2000 draft (Kenyon Martin, Stromile Swift, Darius Miles, Marcus Fizer, DerMarr Johnson) got an F. Getting As were the 1985 Draft (Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone, Chris Mullin), the 1996 Draft (Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Ray Allen), and the 2003 Draft (LeBron, Carmelo, DWade, Bosh).
Friday, July 16, 2010
Jeremy Lin
[7/21/10] Golden State signs Jeremy Lin / shoe deal next? /
***
Can't get an athletic scholarship to the Division I school of your choice? Try the next best thing. Try enrolling at a little school called Harvard University.
***
Mavericks guard Jeremy Lin stole the show over No. 1 overall pick John Wall during a summer league game against the Washington Wizards on Thursday night.
According to a report by Kevin Arnovitz of Truehoop , Wall earned a huge ovation from the crowd at Las Vegas' Cox Pavilion during introductions. But by the end of the game, the crowd had turned on Wall and was cheering for Dallas's Lin, the undrafted point guard out of Harvard who scored nine fourth-quarter points.
Arnovitz writes: With the Mavs down a couple of possessions, Wall and JaVale McGee trapped Lin off a high ball screen. Lin split the defenders, darting left through the opening. Against the collapsing Washington defense, Lin then propelled 270 degrees in the air to get off a right-handed jumper against contact. The acrobatics roused the Cox Pavilion crowd, who almost rioted when Lin was whistled for a charge.
Zach Harper of Hardwood Paroxysm on the John Wall-Jeremy Lin fourth quarter battle: "Funny thing happened on the way to the Bellagio ... Jeremy Lin and John Wall faced off in the fourth quarter of the Wizards-Mavericks game in Vegas and pretty much played each other to a standstill. That's right. An undrafted Harvard, SMAHRT kid, point guard went toe-to-toe with the number-one pick in the NBA draft and sort-of held his own. The final box score will show John Wall with an impressive 21 points (let's just forget about the 4/19 shooting), 10 assists and seven rebounds. But it won't show that the majority of the Lin's (9) fourth quarter points were the result of him getting the better of the 'best player in the draft' for times than Wall will care to remember. Lin and Wall played the equivalent of an iso chess match on the hardwood game board. The kid from the Ivy League refused to back down from the YouTube sensation and while Wall walked away with the highlight reel, Lin walked away as the fan favorite."
***
Samhan and Lin face long odds
***
Harvard's Hoops Star Is Asian
***
Jeremy Lin's legend grows
***
Can't get an athletic scholarship to the Division I school of your choice? Try the next best thing. Try enrolling at a little school called Harvard University.
***
Mavericks guard Jeremy Lin stole the show over No. 1 overall pick John Wall during a summer league game against the Washington Wizards on Thursday night.
According to a report by Kevin Arnovitz of Truehoop , Wall earned a huge ovation from the crowd at Las Vegas' Cox Pavilion during introductions. But by the end of the game, the crowd had turned on Wall and was cheering for Dallas's Lin, the undrafted point guard out of Harvard who scored nine fourth-quarter points.
Arnovitz writes: With the Mavs down a couple of possessions, Wall and JaVale McGee trapped Lin off a high ball screen. Lin split the defenders, darting left through the opening. Against the collapsing Washington defense, Lin then propelled 270 degrees in the air to get off a right-handed jumper against contact. The acrobatics roused the Cox Pavilion crowd, who almost rioted when Lin was whistled for a charge.
Zach Harper of Hardwood Paroxysm on the John Wall-Jeremy Lin fourth quarter battle: "Funny thing happened on the way to the Bellagio ... Jeremy Lin and John Wall faced off in the fourth quarter of the Wizards-Mavericks game in Vegas and pretty much played each other to a standstill. That's right. An undrafted Harvard, SMAHRT kid, point guard went toe-to-toe with the number-one pick in the NBA draft and sort-of held his own. The final box score will show John Wall with an impressive 21 points (let's just forget about the 4/19 shooting), 10 assists and seven rebounds. But it won't show that the majority of the Lin's (9) fourth quarter points were the result of him getting the better of the 'best player in the draft' for times than Wall will care to remember. Lin and Wall played the equivalent of an iso chess match on the hardwood game board. The kid from the Ivy League refused to back down from the YouTube sensation and while Wall walked away with the highlight reel, Lin walked away as the fan favorite."
***
Samhan and Lin face long odds
***
Harvard's Hoops Star Is Asian
***
Jeremy Lin's legend grows
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
George Steinbrenner
George M. Steinbrenner, the principal owner of the New York Yankees since 1973 who returned the storied franchise to prominence both on and off the field and won seven World Series titles, died Tuesday, reportedly after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 80.
The Steinbrenner family confirmed his death, which occurred in Tampa, Fla., in a statement issued by the Yankees.
"He was an incredible and charitable man," the family's statement read. "First and foremost he was devoted to his entire family -- his beloved wife, Joan; his sisters, Susan Norpell and Judy Kamm, his children, Hank, Jennifer Jessica and Hal; and all of his grandchildren.
"He was a visionary and a giant in the world of sports. He took a great but struggling franchise and turned it into a champion again."
Steinbrenner was the longest tenured owner in Major League Baseball. Through his purchase of the Yankees, Steinbrenner became one of the game's best-known personalities; a demanding type who earned the long-standing nickname "The Boss."
The Steinbrenner family confirmed his death, which occurred in Tampa, Fla., in a statement issued by the Yankees.
"He was an incredible and charitable man," the family's statement read. "First and foremost he was devoted to his entire family -- his beloved wife, Joan; his sisters, Susan Norpell and Judy Kamm, his children, Hank, Jennifer Jessica and Hal; and all of his grandchildren.
"He was a visionary and a giant in the world of sports. He took a great but struggling franchise and turned it into a champion again."
Steinbrenner was the longest tenured owner in Major League Baseball. Through his purchase of the Yankees, Steinbrenner became one of the game's best-known personalities; a demanding type who earned the long-standing nickname "The Boss."
Friday, July 09, 2010
how good is John Wall?
This guy (John Kelman) wouldn't trade him for Kobe Bryant right now. Or Tim Duncan either. Or Amare. Or Steve Nash. Or Boozer. Or Pau Gasol. Or Dirk Nowitzki. Or Garnett. Or Pierce. Or David Lee (hey he's a heck of a fantasy player in my league).
In fact there are only 14 players he would consider trading Wall for (three of them are now playing in Miami).
In fact there are only 14 players he would consider trading Wall for (three of them are now playing in Miami).
Thursday, July 08, 2010
LeBron chooses Miami
LeBron James wanted to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The only place that could happen was Miami. Get ready, NBA: A superstar trio is born.
Ending weeks of silence and drama, the two-time MVP said on his ESPN special from Greenwich, Conn. on Thursday night that he's decided to join the Miami Heat and leave the Cleveland Cavaliers after an unsuccessful seven-year quest for the championship he covets.
"The best opportunity to win and to win now and to win in the future also," James said. "Winning is a huge thing for me."
It's a huge victory for the Heat, who got commitments from Wade and Bosh on Wednesday. That duo, along with James, formed the upper echelon of the most-celebrated free-agent period in league history.
Heat president Pat Riley landed them all, a three-pack of stars to help shape his quest for a dynasty in Miami.
And for Cleveland, a city scorned for generations by some of sports' biggest letdowns, James' long-awaited words represented a defeat perhaps unlike any other.
James is gone. Home sweet home no more.
He said he made the decision Thursday morning and knows it won't go over well in Ohio.
"They can have mixed emotions, of course," James said, adding that Akron will "always be home for me."
***
Dan Gilbert reacts. (P.S. he's the Cavaliers owner, not some drunken fan in a bar.)
"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE"
[Hmm. I wonder what the Vegas odds on that are?]
Dan Gilbert further blasts LeBron.
[Sheesh. Who wants an owner like that? Apparently Gilbert would have been fine with having a quitter on his team and was trying like hell to keep this "quitter"... Do the words "sore loser" come to mind?
Well, at least it'll guarantee a sellout when Miami comes to Cleveland next season.]
***
[10/30/12] Before the game, Gilbert said he regrets guaranteeing the Cavs would win an NBA title before LeBron James, who left Cleveland as a free agent in 2010. ''Looking back now, that probably was not the most brilliant thing I've ever done in my life,'' Gilbert said.
***
Reactions from sportswriters around the country.
***
Justin Bieber's reaction
***
OK, time to watch some 2008 Olympics video..
***
Et tu, Otis?
***
Masterful marketing
***
Cavaliers try to regroup
***
Jesse Jackson says Dan Gilbert has a slave-master mentality
***
Dan Gilbert fined $100,000 by David Stern, but didn't think much of 'The Decision' either.
***
Miami Heat aka the NWO (hey maybe Dennis Rodman will join next)
***
[7/20/10] Steve Carrell had a Decision too
***
[7/20/10] The inside story
***
[8/2/10] Earl Monroe sees no issue with LeBron's move
***
Getting the band together
[7/13/10] Udonis Haslem re-signs with Miami
[7/15/10] Mike Miller signs with Heat
[7/16/10] Miami re-signs Joel Anthony, signs Dexter Pittman
[7/17/10] Miami signs Zydrunas Ilgauskas
[7/19/10] Jamaal Magloire re-signs with Miami
[7/19/10] James Jones re-signs with Miami
[7/21/10] Juwan Howard signs with Heat
[7/22/10] Carlos Arroyo returns to the Heat
[7/27/10] Shavlik Randolph re-signs with Miami
[7/29/10] Eddie House signs with Heat for 2 years, 2.8 million
[8/8/10] Obama next to Miami?
[8/10/10] Jeff Van Gundy predicts Miami will be decent
[7/7/14] Dan Gilbert's letter removed
Ending weeks of silence and drama, the two-time MVP said on his ESPN special from Greenwich, Conn. on Thursday night that he's decided to join the Miami Heat and leave the Cleveland Cavaliers after an unsuccessful seven-year quest for the championship he covets.
"The best opportunity to win and to win now and to win in the future also," James said. "Winning is a huge thing for me."
It's a huge victory for the Heat, who got commitments from Wade and Bosh on Wednesday. That duo, along with James, formed the upper echelon of the most-celebrated free-agent period in league history.
Heat president Pat Riley landed them all, a three-pack of stars to help shape his quest for a dynasty in Miami.
And for Cleveland, a city scorned for generations by some of sports' biggest letdowns, James' long-awaited words represented a defeat perhaps unlike any other.
James is gone. Home sweet home no more.
He said he made the decision Thursday morning and knows it won't go over well in Ohio.
"They can have mixed emotions, of course," James said, adding that Akron will "always be home for me."
***
Dan Gilbert reacts. (P.S. he's the Cavaliers owner, not some drunken fan in a bar.)
"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE"
[Hmm. I wonder what the Vegas odds on that are?]
Dan Gilbert further blasts LeBron.
[Sheesh. Who wants an owner like that? Apparently Gilbert would have been fine with having a quitter on his team and was trying like hell to keep this "quitter"... Do the words "sore loser" come to mind?
Well, at least it'll guarantee a sellout when Miami comes to Cleveland next season.]
***
[10/30/12] Before the game, Gilbert said he regrets guaranteeing the Cavs would win an NBA title before LeBron James, who left Cleveland as a free agent in 2010. ''Looking back now, that probably was not the most brilliant thing I've ever done in my life,'' Gilbert said.
***
Reactions from sportswriters around the country.
***
Justin Bieber's reaction
***
OK, time to watch some 2008 Olympics video..
***
Et tu, Otis?
***
Masterful marketing
***
Cavaliers try to regroup
***
Jesse Jackson says Dan Gilbert has a slave-master mentality
***
Dan Gilbert fined $100,000 by David Stern, but didn't think much of 'The Decision' either.
***
Miami Heat aka the NWO (hey maybe Dennis Rodman will join next)
***
[7/20/10] Steve Carrell had a Decision too
***
[7/20/10] The inside story
***
[8/2/10] Earl Monroe sees no issue with LeBron's move
***
Getting the band together
[7/13/10] Udonis Haslem re-signs with Miami
[7/15/10] Mike Miller signs with Heat
[7/16/10] Miami re-signs Joel Anthony, signs Dexter Pittman
[7/17/10] Miami signs Zydrunas Ilgauskas
[7/19/10] Jamaal Magloire re-signs with Miami
[7/19/10] James Jones re-signs with Miami
[7/21/10] Juwan Howard signs with Heat
[7/22/10] Carlos Arroyo returns to the Heat
[7/27/10] Shavlik Randolph re-signs with Miami
[7/29/10] Eddie House signs with Heat for 2 years, 2.8 million
[8/8/10] Obama next to Miami?
[8/10/10] Jeff Van Gundy predicts Miami will be decent
[7/7/14] Dan Gilbert's letter removed
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
LeBron on twitter
With so few people covering LeBron James these days it's nearly impossible to know where he is or what he's thinking at any given time. But the most important free agent in the history of free agency is media savvy.
That's why he's created his own Twitter account: @KingJames.
You can follow LeBron, but he hasn't posted anything yet. Chances are he'll use his first tweet to announce where he'll be playing next year. I'm sure everyone in the front offices of the Nets, Knicks, Heat, Bulls, Clippers and Cavs is holding their breath over those inaugural 140 characters.
[when I wrote this, I think he had about 80,000 followers. Now looking at 10:30PM, he has 208,777 followers!]
***
Here's his first (and only so far) twitter
Hello World, the Real King James is in the Building "Finally". My Brother @oneandonlycp3 gas'd me up to jump on board so I'm here. Haaaa
***
Here's a list of nba players on twitter.
That's why he's created his own Twitter account: @KingJames.
You can follow LeBron, but he hasn't posted anything yet. Chances are he'll use his first tweet to announce where he'll be playing next year. I'm sure everyone in the front offices of the Nets, Knicks, Heat, Bulls, Clippers and Cavs is holding their breath over those inaugural 140 characters.
[when I wrote this, I think he had about 80,000 followers. Now looking at 10:30PM, he has 208,777 followers!]
***
Here's his first (and only so far) twitter
Hello World, the Real King James is in the Building "Finally". My Brother @oneandonlycp3 gas'd me up to jump on board so I'm here. Haaaa
***
Here's a list of nba players on twitter.
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Lesnar survives to defeat Carwin
Brock Lesnar secured his place atop the heavyweight division with a dramatic come-from-behind submission victory against the previously unbeaten Shane Carwin.
Lesnar weathered a violent barrage from Carwin in the first round, scored with a takedown in the second and trapped him in an arm-triangle choke that ended the UFC 116 headliner on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Carwin raised the white flag 2 minutes, 19 seconds into Round 2.
Carwin -- who had finished each of his first 12 foes in the first round -- had the champion in serious trouble inside the first five minutes, as he buckled him with a right hand, stuffed his first takedown attempt and had him reeling with a left uppercut. Lesnar, in his first appearance since an intestinal disorder nearly ended his career, went down against the cage and absorbed heavy ground-and-pound from Carwin, who let loose with heavy rights and lefts from the top. Lesnar defended well, but Round 1 clearly came down in Carwin's favor.
Slowed by visible fatigue, Carwin lacked the steam he needed to finish what he started. Treading water as the second period opened, Carwin winked at the former World Wrestling Entertainment superstar but soon found himself on his back in the center of the Octagon. Lesnar set up the choke, moved to mount and tightened the submission from the side. Carwin defended at first, but Lesnar tightened his massive arms around his neck and solicited the tapout.
Lesnar weathered a violent barrage from Carwin in the first round, scored with a takedown in the second and trapped him in an arm-triangle choke that ended the UFC 116 headliner on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Carwin raised the white flag 2 minutes, 19 seconds into Round 2.
Carwin -- who had finished each of his first 12 foes in the first round -- had the champion in serious trouble inside the first five minutes, as he buckled him with a right hand, stuffed his first takedown attempt and had him reeling with a left uppercut. Lesnar, in his first appearance since an intestinal disorder nearly ended his career, went down against the cage and absorbed heavy ground-and-pound from Carwin, who let loose with heavy rights and lefts from the top. Lesnar defended well, but Round 1 clearly came down in Carwin's favor.
Slowed by visible fatigue, Carwin lacked the steam he needed to finish what he started. Treading water as the second period opened, Carwin winked at the former World Wrestling Entertainment superstar but soon found himself on his back in the center of the Octagon. Lesnar set up the choke, moved to mount and tightened the submission from the side. Carwin defended at first, but Lesnar tightened his massive arms around his neck and solicited the tapout.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
NBA summer of deals 2010
[10/24/10] Iverson to play in Turkey
[9/23/10] Don Nelson out as Golden State head coach [comments from around the league]
[8/23/10] Kwame Brown signs with Charlotte for one-year, $1.3 million
[8/11/10] Trevor Ariza to New Orleans. Darren Collison and James Posey to Indiana. Troy Murphy to New Jersey. Courtney Lee to Houston.
[8/10/10] Tracy McGrady signs with Pistons for one year $1.3 million
[8/9/10] Anthony Tolliver's decision Part Deux
[8/4/10] Shaquille O'Neal signs with Celtics
[7/28/10] Josh Howard re-signs with Washington for 1 year, $4 million
[7/26/10] Cavaliers trade Delonte West and Sebastian Telfair to Minnesota for Ramon Sessions and Ryan Hollins
[7/22/10] Lakers sign Theo Ratliff
[7/22/10] Matt Barnes signs with Lakers for less money (two-years, 3.6 million)
[7/22/10] Carlos Arroyo returns to the Heat
[7/22/10] Bulls acquire C.J. Watson in sign-and-trade deal
[7/21/10] Richard Jefferson re-signs with Spurs for four years, $38 million
[7/21/10] Blazers sign Wesley Matthews for five years, $34 million
[7/19/10] Portland names Rich Cho as new GM
[7/17/10] Brad Miller signs with Rockets for 3 years, $15 million
[7/16/10] Nate Robinson to re-sign with Boston
[7/16/10] Ronnie Brewer signs with the Bulls for 3 years, $12.5 million.
[7/16/10] Magic match Bulls offer for J.J. Redick, three-years, $19 million
[7/15/10] Luis Scola to return to Rockets for five years, $47 million
[7/15/10] Nuggets re-sign Anthony Carter, sign Sheldon Williams
[7/15/10] Warriors sold for record $450 million
[7/15/10] Raja Bell signs with Utah for three years, $10 million
[7/14/10] Al Harrington agrees to join the Nuggets for five years, $34 million
[7/14/10] Timofey Mozgov signs with Knicks for three years, $9.7 million.
[7/14/10] Luke Ridnour signs with Minnesota for four years, $16 million
[7/14/10] Pacers hire Clark Kellogg as VP for player relations
[7/14/10] Nets choose Billy King to replace Rod Thorn
[7/14/10] Hedo Turkoglu traded from Toronto to Phoenix for Leandro Barbosa and Dwayne Jones
[7/14/10] Shaun Livingston signs with Charlotte for two years, $7 million
[7/14/10] Phoenix acquires Josh Childress from Atlanta in a sign-and-trade deal
[7/13/10] BigZ to join LeBron in Miami
[7/13/10] Al Jefferson will be traded from Minnesota to Utah for Kosta Koufos and two future first-round draft picks
[7/13/10] Jeff Bower steps down as Hornets GM
[7/13/10] Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinca traded from Charlotte to Dallas for Erick Dampier, Matt Carroll, and Eduardo Najera
[7/12/10] Anthony Morrow traded to New Jersey for $4 million trade exception
[7/12/10] Quentin Richardson to sign with Orlando
[7/12/10] Mike Miller headed to Miami for five years, $25 million
[7/12/10] Udonis Haslem re-signs with Miami for five years, $20 million
[7/12/10] Derek Fisher staying with the Lakers
[7/12/10] Ben Wallace to stay with Detroit
[7/12/10] Tony Allen signs with Grizzlies for three years, $9.5 million
[7/12/10] Raymond Felton signs with the Knicks for two years, $16 million
[7/11/10] Jordan Farmar agrees to join the Nets
[7/9/10] Kyle Korver signs with Bulls for three years, $15 million
[7/9/10] Tyrus Thomas re-signs with Charlotte for five years, $40 million
[7/8/10] Michael Beasley to be traded to Minnesota for 2011 second-round pick and swap of first round picks.
[7/8/10] David Lee to sign for $80 million, six years then traded from Knicks to Warriors for Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike, Ronny Turiaf
[7/8/10] Clippers sign Ryan Gomes for $12 million over 3 years and Randy Foye for $8.5 million over 2 years.
[7/8/10] LeBron to join Wade and Bosh in Miami / Wade, Bosh, LeBron sign six-year deals as Miami completes sign and trade deals with Cleveland and Toronto
[7/8/10] Joe Johnson officially signs with Hawks for $123.7 million for six years
[7/8/10] Brendan Haywood to re-sign with Dallas for $55 million, five years
[7/8/10] Jermaine O'Neal to sign with Celtics for mid-level exception, 2 years, $5.7 million first year
[7/8/10] Travis Outlaw to sign with Nets for $35 million 5 years.
[7/7/10] Ray Allen re-signs with Celtics for $20 million 2 years
[7/7/10] Boozer to sign with Bulls for $80 million 5 years, Nets stunned
[7/7/10] Kevin Durant to sign $85 million 5 year extension with OKC
[7/7/10] DWade to stay with Miami, to be joined by Bosh
[7/6/10] Clippers to hire Vinny Del Negro as head coach
[7/6/10] Chris Duhon signs with Magic for $15 million, four years
[7/5/10] Amare to sign with Knicks for $100 million over five years
[7/3/10] Dirk to stay with Dallas for at least $80 million over four years
[7/2/10] Paul Pierce to stay with Celtics for $61 million over four years
[7/2/10] LeBron to be owner/coach/player for Kakaako Kimos?
[7/2/10] Steve Blake signs with Lakers for $16 million for four years
[7/2/10] John Salmons returns to Bucks for $40 million, five years, wait make that only $39 million
[7/2/10] Hakim Warrick signs with Phoenix for four years, $18 million
[7/1/10] Channing Frye gets $30 million for five years from Suns
[7/1/10] Rudy Gay re-signs with Memphis for $82 million for five years
[7/1/10] Amir Johnson will stay with Raptors for $34 million for five years
[7/1/10] Darko Milicic will stay with Timberwolves for four years at $20 million, $16 million guaranteed
[7/1/10] Drew Gooden signs with Bucks for $32 million for five years
[7/1/10] Cavaliers hire Byron Scott as head coach
[7/1/10] Phil Jackson will return for another season
[6/29/10] Yi traded from Nets to Wizards for Quinton Ross
[6/25/10] Chris Douglas-Roberts traded by Nets to Bucks for 2012 second-round draft pick
[6/24/10] Martell Webster traded from Portland to Minnesota for rights to Luke Babbitt and Ryan Gomes
[6/24/10] Rasheed Wallace to retire
[6/24/10] Bulls to trade Kirk Hinrich and first round pick to Washington for a future second round pick (hardly seems fair) / [7/8/10 - that future draft pick turns out to be Vladimir Veremeenko, a 2006 second-round draft pick of the Wizards]
[6/23/10] Draft Day trades
[6/22/10] Corey Maggette traded from Golden State to Milwaukee for Charlie Bell and Dan Gadzuric
[6/17/10] Samuel Dalembert traded by Philadelphia to Sacramento for Spencer Hawes and Andres Nocioni
[6/16/10] Tom Izzo turns down Cleveland's offer and will remain with Michigan State
[6/13/10] Atlanta names Larry Drew as new head coach
[6/11/10] Nets hire Avery Johnson as new head coach
[6/5/10] Tom Thibodeau to become Bulls new coach
[6/4/10] Monty Williams hired as Hornets head coach
***
[7/2/10] Cool. Transactions beginning from December 1, 2004. What happened five years ago?
Toronto exercises contract option on Chris Bosh.
Cleveland names Danny Ferry general manager.
New York acquires Quentin Richardson and Nate Robinson for Kurt Thomas.
Milwaukee signs first pick Andrew Bogut.
New York signs first round pick David Lee.
Portland signs first round pick Martell Webster.
New York signs first round picks Channing Frye and Nate Robinson.
Boston signs first round pick Gerald Green.
New Orleans signs first round pick Chris Paul.
Toronto signs first round pick Charlie Villanueva.
Portland names Nate McMillan head coach.
Indiana signs first round pick Danny Granger.
Charlotte signs first round picks Raymond Felton and Sean May.
Memphis signs first round pick Hakim Warrick.
Utah signs first round pick Deron Williams.
Atlanta signs first round pick Marvin Williams.
New York names Larry Brown head coach.
***
[7/12/10] Free agents 2010, 2009
[9/23/10] Don Nelson out as Golden State head coach [comments from around the league]
[8/23/10] Kwame Brown signs with Charlotte for one-year, $1.3 million
[8/11/10] Trevor Ariza to New Orleans. Darren Collison and James Posey to Indiana. Troy Murphy to New Jersey. Courtney Lee to Houston.
[8/10/10] Tracy McGrady signs with Pistons for one year $1.3 million
[8/9/10] Anthony Tolliver's decision Part Deux
[8/4/10] Shaquille O'Neal signs with Celtics
[7/28/10] Josh Howard re-signs with Washington for 1 year, $4 million
[7/26/10] Cavaliers trade Delonte West and Sebastian Telfair to Minnesota for Ramon Sessions and Ryan Hollins
[7/22/10] Lakers sign Theo Ratliff
[7/22/10] Matt Barnes signs with Lakers for less money (two-years, 3.6 million)
[7/22/10] Carlos Arroyo returns to the Heat
[7/22/10] Bulls acquire C.J. Watson in sign-and-trade deal
[7/21/10] Richard Jefferson re-signs with Spurs for four years, $38 million
[7/21/10] Blazers sign Wesley Matthews for five years, $34 million
[7/19/10] Portland names Rich Cho as new GM
[7/17/10] Brad Miller signs with Rockets for 3 years, $15 million
[7/16/10] Nate Robinson to re-sign with Boston
[7/16/10] Ronnie Brewer signs with the Bulls for 3 years, $12.5 million.
[7/16/10] Magic match Bulls offer for J.J. Redick, three-years, $19 million
[7/15/10] Luis Scola to return to Rockets for five years, $47 million
[7/15/10] Nuggets re-sign Anthony Carter, sign Sheldon Williams
[7/15/10] Warriors sold for record $450 million
[7/15/10] Raja Bell signs with Utah for three years, $10 million
[7/14/10] Al Harrington agrees to join the Nuggets for five years, $34 million
[7/14/10] Timofey Mozgov signs with Knicks for three years, $9.7 million.
[7/14/10] Luke Ridnour signs with Minnesota for four years, $16 million
[7/14/10] Pacers hire Clark Kellogg as VP for player relations
[7/14/10] Nets choose Billy King to replace Rod Thorn
[7/14/10] Hedo Turkoglu traded from Toronto to Phoenix for Leandro Barbosa and Dwayne Jones
[7/14/10] Shaun Livingston signs with Charlotte for two years, $7 million
[7/14/10] Phoenix acquires Josh Childress from Atlanta in a sign-and-trade deal
[7/13/10] BigZ to join LeBron in Miami
[7/13/10] Al Jefferson will be traded from Minnesota to Utah for Kosta Koufos and two future first-round draft picks
[7/13/10] Jeff Bower steps down as Hornets GM
[7/13/10] Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinca traded from Charlotte to Dallas for Erick Dampier, Matt Carroll, and Eduardo Najera
[7/12/10] Anthony Morrow traded to New Jersey for $4 million trade exception
[7/12/10] Quentin Richardson to sign with Orlando
[7/12/10] Mike Miller headed to Miami for five years, $25 million
[7/12/10] Udonis Haslem re-signs with Miami for five years, $20 million
[7/12/10] Derek Fisher staying with the Lakers
[7/12/10] Ben Wallace to stay with Detroit
[7/12/10] Tony Allen signs with Grizzlies for three years, $9.5 million
[7/12/10] Raymond Felton signs with the Knicks for two years, $16 million
[7/11/10] Jordan Farmar agrees to join the Nets
[7/9/10] Kyle Korver signs with Bulls for three years, $15 million
[7/9/10] Tyrus Thomas re-signs with Charlotte for five years, $40 million
[7/8/10] Michael Beasley to be traded to Minnesota for 2011 second-round pick and swap of first round picks.
[7/8/10] David Lee to sign for $80 million, six years then traded from Knicks to Warriors for Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike, Ronny Turiaf
[7/8/10] Clippers sign Ryan Gomes for $12 million over 3 years and Randy Foye for $8.5 million over 2 years.
[7/8/10] LeBron to join Wade and Bosh in Miami / Wade, Bosh, LeBron sign six-year deals as Miami completes sign and trade deals with Cleveland and Toronto
[7/8/10] Joe Johnson officially signs with Hawks for $123.7 million for six years
[7/8/10] Brendan Haywood to re-sign with Dallas for $55 million, five years
[7/8/10] Jermaine O'Neal to sign with Celtics for mid-level exception, 2 years, $5.7 million first year
[7/8/10] Travis Outlaw to sign with Nets for $35 million 5 years.
[7/7/10] Ray Allen re-signs with Celtics for $20 million 2 years
[7/7/10] Boozer to sign with Bulls for $80 million 5 years, Nets stunned
[7/7/10] Kevin Durant to sign $85 million 5 year extension with OKC
[7/7/10] DWade to stay with Miami, to be joined by Bosh
[7/6/10] Clippers to hire Vinny Del Negro as head coach
[7/6/10] Chris Duhon signs with Magic for $15 million, four years
[7/5/10] Amare to sign with Knicks for $100 million over five years
[7/3/10] Dirk to stay with Dallas for at least $80 million over four years
[7/2/10] Paul Pierce to stay with Celtics for $61 million over four years
[7/2/10] LeBron to be owner/coach/player for Kakaako Kimos?
[7/2/10] Steve Blake signs with Lakers for $16 million for four years
[7/2/10] John Salmons returns to Bucks for $40 million, five years, wait make that only $39 million
[7/2/10] Hakim Warrick signs with Phoenix for four years, $18 million
[7/1/10] Channing Frye gets $30 million for five years from Suns
[7/1/10] Rudy Gay re-signs with Memphis for $82 million for five years
[7/1/10] Amir Johnson will stay with Raptors for $34 million for five years
[7/1/10] Darko Milicic will stay with Timberwolves for four years at $20 million, $16 million guaranteed
[7/1/10] Drew Gooden signs with Bucks for $32 million for five years
[7/1/10] Cavaliers hire Byron Scott as head coach
[7/1/10] Phil Jackson will return for another season
[6/29/10] Yi traded from Nets to Wizards for Quinton Ross
[6/25/10] Chris Douglas-Roberts traded by Nets to Bucks for 2012 second-round draft pick
[6/24/10] Martell Webster traded from Portland to Minnesota for rights to Luke Babbitt and Ryan Gomes
[6/24/10] Rasheed Wallace to retire
[6/24/10] Bulls to trade Kirk Hinrich and first round pick to Washington for a future second round pick (hardly seems fair) / [7/8/10 - that future draft pick turns out to be Vladimir Veremeenko, a 2006 second-round draft pick of the Wizards]
[6/23/10] Draft Day trades
[6/22/10] Corey Maggette traded from Golden State to Milwaukee for Charlie Bell and Dan Gadzuric
[6/17/10] Samuel Dalembert traded by Philadelphia to Sacramento for Spencer Hawes and Andres Nocioni
[6/16/10] Tom Izzo turns down Cleveland's offer and will remain with Michigan State
[6/13/10] Atlanta names Larry Drew as new head coach
[6/11/10] Nets hire Avery Johnson as new head coach
[6/5/10] Tom Thibodeau to become Bulls new coach
[6/4/10] Monty Williams hired as Hornets head coach
***
[7/2/10] Cool. Transactions beginning from December 1, 2004. What happened five years ago?
Toronto exercises contract option on Chris Bosh.
Cleveland names Danny Ferry general manager.
New York acquires Quentin Richardson and Nate Robinson for Kurt Thomas.
Milwaukee signs first pick Andrew Bogut.
New York signs first round pick David Lee.
Portland signs first round pick Martell Webster.
New York signs first round picks Channing Frye and Nate Robinson.
Boston signs first round pick Gerald Green.
New Orleans signs first round pick Chris Paul.
Toronto signs first round pick Charlie Villanueva.
Portland names Nate McMillan head coach.
Indiana signs first round pick Danny Granger.
Charlotte signs first round picks Raymond Felton and Sean May.
Memphis signs first round pick Hakim Warrick.
Utah signs first round pick Deron Williams.
Atlanta signs first round pick Marvin Williams.
New York names Larry Brown head coach.
***
[7/12/10] Free agents 2010, 2009
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