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TEMPE, Ariz. Tavon Wilson Womens Jersey . -- Arizona Cardinals rookie Tyrann Mathieu will have surgery Friday to repair torn ligaments in his left knee. Mathieu, speaking informally to a small group of reporters at team headquarters Thursday, said he knows it will be difficult to watch the team play for the remainder of the season. "I felt like I disappointed my team," he said. "I cant be out there with those guys. Were in the playoff chase, and you just want to be out there and help those guys. Knowing that you cant be out there to help them is the frustrating thing." It is the first serious injury of Mathieus career, and he says he will do his rehab work in Arizona. The young safety, whose college career at LSU was cut short by marijuana-related issues, has developed a strong support system in Arizona. Mathieu tore his ACL and LCS when he was hit while returning a free kick following a safety in the Cardinals 30-10 victory over St. Louis last Sunday. He jogged toward the sideline, then his knee buckled and he collapsed on the field. "I was a bit scared," Mathieu said. "I havent been injured. I twisted my ankle and sprained my ankle a few times, but I never had a serious injury. Once my knee buckled, I knew it was a serious injury." He said he has been listening to teammates who have gone through the same sort of injury. "They say the more work you put into it, the better the results," Mathieu said. The 5-foot-9 dynamo was having a terrific rookie season, playing on nearly every defensive snap. He is second on the team in tackles (63) and solo tackles (56). He also had two interceptions, a sack, a forced fumble and three quarterback hits. "I know I played pretty good," Mathieu said. "I think I set a pretty good standard for rookies coming in at defensive back for the Cardinals this year. I didnt feel like I played my best. I felt like my best was still ahead of me. Ive got some months to reflect on it and hopefully motivate me to go out there and set some records next year." Coach Bruce Arians has downplayed any chance Mathieu could be ready by training camp next year. "I head that," Mathieu said. "I dont know. Coach is just being generous. He doesnt want to rush me back, but hopefully everything goes well and goes fast. Hopefully, I can come back like A.P. (Adrian Peterson)." Tedy Bruschi Jersey. He leaves as a potential first overall pick, and one of the most dynamic, breath-taking players in college football history. Sealver Siliga Blue Jersey. -- The Los Angeles Galaxy have signed coach Bruce Arena to a multi-year contract extension.ROME -- Mario Balotelli has expressed astonishment at the reaction to an argument he had with some Italian football pundits after a game on Friday. Following AC Milans 2-0 loss to Roma, Balotelli had a tense exchange with the Sky Italia TV studio hosts. Balotelli said: "When Milan wins Mario is great, when it loses Mario is bad." Told by one studio host that he doesnt move enough on the pitch, Balotelli responded: "You dont know anything about football. Trust me." His comments provoked plenty of reaction both supportive and critical, and Balotelli responded on Twitter around 4 a.m. local time on Saturday morning, saying in Italian: "Mamma mia I divide Italy in 2! Wow! While nearly everyone abroad is united with me!" Then he added in English: "What a strange game." Balotelli, whose career had been littered with controversies and clashes with both coaches and teammates, was largely ineffective against Roma and he was substituted in the 69th minute. As Balotelli walked off, he appeared to question coach Clarence Seedorfs decision to remove him. "I didnt understand my substitution," Balotelli said in the interview. Told that he doesnt criticize himsself enough, Balotelli said "Im a very normal player. Sealver Siliga Jersey. Its you who says Im a standout." Balotelli is having a strong season and set a personal record last week with his 14th goal of the campaign. "I chose to take off Balotelli, but when he came off he didnt say anything special to me," Seedorf said. "We shouldnt always analyze every detail, when there is something negative to say about Balo, you are always ready. There are things said and done in the heat of the moment, but then its talked about and resolved. "Hes coming off the back of many positive weeks, both with goals and with his behaviour." Balotelli has a history of being in the headlines as much for his antics off the pitch as his talent on it. He made light of his troubles in 2011 when he was with Manchester City by unveiling a T-shirt with the slogan "Why Always Me?" during a 6-1 rout of Manchester United in a Premier League derby. That came after reports that a fire had broken out at his house when fireworks were let off in his bathroom. Balotelli escaped punishment earlier in 2011 after throwing a dart at a City youth-team player. No one was hurt in the incident. cheap jerseys ' ' ' |
