PRONI BRČKO

CHICAGO -- Ian�Kennedy has had enough problems getting run support from his offence. Olivier Vernon Jersey . This time, he had to deal with a mental lapse by his defence. Kennedy struck out nine in six strong innings and Yonder�Alonso hit a two-run homer to lead the San Diego Padres past the Chicago White Sox 4-1 on Friday night. Cameron�Maybin hit his first home run of the season in the third inning, but also had a mental lapse in the fourth. With one out and Conor�Gillaspie on second, Alexei�Ramirez hit a routine fly to Maybin in centre field. Maybin thought it was the third out of the inning. He put his head down and started jogging in. Gillaspie noticed that Maybin was unaware of how many outs there were and tagged up to third without a throw. One pitch later, Gillaspie scored on Kennedys wild pitch to tie it at 1. "You hate to see that," Padres manager Bud Black said. "Cam, when he came in, the first guy that he went to was to Ian and apologized. Cam doesnt make those mistakes." It wasnt the first time Kennedy had to overcome a position player forgetting how many outs there were. "Ive done it before on the mound so at that point, for me, Ive just got to get over it. My job was to keep that runner there. Yeah, but he came up to me and apologized to me," Kennedy said. "It was after he hit the home run and I said, Make it up to me, hit another home run, I will forget about it." Kennedy (4-6) allowed one run and four hits with three walks. The right-hander has struggled to get help from San Diegos offence. Before the game, he ranked 98th out of 101 qualified pitchers with 2.79 runs of support per nine innings. He struck out the side in the fifth and Gillaspie leading off the sixth. Alonso finished with three hits as the Padres ended Chicagos three-game winning streak. Padres closer Huston�Street pitched a perfect ninth for his 16th save in 16 opportunities. Nick�Vincent and Joaquin�Benoit backed up Kennedy with a scoreless inning apiece. "In this day and age the bullpen is so important," Black said. "Our guys have been pretty solid all year, pretty consistent. We saw that again tonight. We feel good about our pen. Its a big part of our early-season victories." White Sox starter John�Danks (3-5) followed an impressive outing against the Yankees with seven effective innings against the Padres. Danks allowed two runs and scattered eight hits. He struck out four and walked one. "I for the most part was able to get the kind of contact I wanted," Danks said. "Obviously, made some mistakes and got burned for them, but all in all it was a good day." Danks pitched eight shutout innings last Saturday but ended up with a no-decision in Chicagos loss to New York. White Sox starters have 2.21 ERA in their last 10 games. "Theyve come along," manager Robin�Ventura said. "I think theyre getting stronger as we go along. Where were at right now, you stay with them and we have confidence when they go out there." Maybin led off the third with a home run on a 2-0 pitch from Danks. It was his first home run since June 9, 2013, at Colorado. Danks got help from second baseman Gordon�Beckham. Everth�Cabrera put down what appeared to be a perfectly placed bunt, but Beckham dove at the ball in the infield grass and swiped the ball with his glove to Adam�Dunn at first for the out. Rene�Rivera led off the fifth with a double to the warning track in centre and later scored on Danks wild pitch to give the Padres a 2-1 lead. "Its kind of odd that they score a run on a wild pitch and we score a run on a wild pitch," Kennedy said. "Its crazy how the game works like that. For the most part, its nice to get that in the next inning right away." Alonso added insurance runs in the eighth with a two-run drive off reliever Javy�Guerra, his fourth homer of the season. NOTES: Kennedy struck out 12 against Miami on May 8. ... White Sox LHP Chris�Sale (4-0, 1.73 ERA) will start Sunday instead of Monday, scuttling a potential marquee matchup against Dodgers LHP Clayton�Kershaw (3-2, 3.57). ... Chicago DH-1B Paul�Konerko, bothered by a stiff back since Tuesday, said he was available to pinch-hit. ... Ventura reiterated his support for RHP Ronald�Belisario (3-0, 5.10) as the teams closer, saying there was no need to break in somebody else. Belisario has three saves in six chances. ... San Diego RHP Andrew�Cashner (2-5, 2.35) threw all his pitches during a bullpen session and is expected to throw a simulated game Monday. Cashner has been on the disabled list, retroactive to May 15, with soreness in his right elbow. ... Black said LHP Robbie�Erlin (3-4, 4.53) continues to rehab his sore left elbow in San Diego and there is no timetable for his return. Erlin is on the 15-day DL retroactive to May 18. Dion Jordan Authentic Jersey . - The Oakland Raiders have signed quarterback Trent�Edwards and defensive tackles David�Carter and Torell�Troup to reserve/future contracts. Randy Starks Jersey . And former Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson certainly knows his pain. "Its pretty hard to coach there without allowing some of these things to kind of affect you," Wilson told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun in his ESPN.The Houston Astros failed to sign the first pick in this years draft, San Diego high school left-hander Brady Aiken, before Fridays deadline. The head of the players association says the union is working with the pitcher and his advisers to explore "all legal options." Aiken originally was offered a deal with a $6.5 million signing bonus by the Astros, a person familiar with the negotiations said earlier this week, speaking on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized. But the club expressed a concern over Aikens elbow ligament and lowered the offer, the person said. The union is also concerned with Houstons handling of the negotiations with fifth-round pick Jacob Nix. The right-hander from Los Alamitos, California, didnt sign either. "Today, two young men should be one step closer to realizing their dreams of becoming Major League ballplayers," union head Tony�Clark said in a statement. "Because of the actions of the Houston Astros, they are not. The MLBPA, the players and their advisers are exploring all legal options." The Astros insisted in a statement that their offer to Aiken "was extremely fair considering all the factors involved in this case." "As always, we approached these negotiations in good faith and with the best interests of the Astros organization in mind, both short-termm and long-term," the team said. Larry Csonka Authentic Jersey. "Throughout this entire process, we have absolutely acted within Major League Baseballs rules and guidelines, which MLB has confirmed on numerous occasions." MLB Executive Vice-President Dan Halem defended the team Tuesday and said "we fully support the Astros." "We believe that they have conducted themselves appropriately," Halem added. Aiken was just the third high school pitcher to be selected first overall when he was taken last month, joining fellow lefties Brien Taylor (1991, Yankees) and David Clyde (1973, Rangers). He was also the first high school lefty to be drafted in the first five picks since Adam�Loewen went fourth overall to Baltimore in 2002. Both Aiken and Nix have committed to UCLA and are being advised by Casey Close. The Astros were the first team to select first in three consecutive drafts, picking shortstop Carlos�Correa in 2012 and right-hander Mark�Appel last year. Aiken has terrific control of a fastball that hits 96-97 mph, a knee-buckling curve and a tough changeup that sits in the low- to mid-80s. On draft day, Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow raved: "Its the most advanced high school pitcher Ive ever seen in my entire career." "He has command like Ive never seen before of his stuff," the GM said. ' ' '

Due to the circumstances surrounding adverse weather conditions, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1s Budweiser 300 has been postponed to Sunday. Hulk Brazil Jersey . The accumulation of rain on the grounds at the speedway for three consecutive days, and a forecast for continued precipitation today, prompted series and track officials to postpone the event to Sunday in the best interest of the fans expected to attend the Canadian Tire Series inaugural appearance at the Quebec quarter-mile. The Budweiser 300, the second race of the 2014 season, is now slated to take the green flag at 1:30 p.m. David Luiz Brazil . They had already blown a double-digit lead, fans were hitting the exits, and a long seven-game road trip waited at the end.Jo Brazil . Louis Cardinals had a major need at shortstop and signed a veteran free agent who, while having PED issues, has been a potent hitter throughout his career. KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Justin�Verlander watched helplessly as his first pitch went sailing toward the outfield wall. The Tigers ace could see Austin�Jackson tracking it from the moment it left Alex�Gordons bat, but Verlander wasnt sure the speedy centre-fielder could get to it. Jackson leaped -- and came back down with a 409-foot out. Bailed out by his defence in the first inning, Verlander returned the favour in the seventh. He pitched out of trouble brought on by an error to preserve a one-run lead over the Kansas City Royals, and Joaquin�Benoit and Jose�Valverde finished off the 4-3 victory Saturday night. Verlander (16-5) won his fifth straight start and moved into a tie with New York Yankees lefty CC�Sabathia for the major league lead in victories. The right-hander also improved to 13-2 in his career against Kansas City. "At first I didnt know if I was going to make it back there to get it," Jackson said of his leaping grab. "It kept going and I was getting to the track and trying to time my steps right. I was able to get back to it." It was the Royals best scoring opportunity until Jeff�Francoeurs solo homer in the fifth. "Talk about a catch," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "That could be the best catch Ive seen all year. I didnt think he would get over there and then to time his leap at the last second to catch it above the wall." Victor�Martinez drove in two runs for Detroit before leaving late with a left knee sprain. He will be evaluated again Sunday, but manager Jim Leyland doesnt think its serious. The Tigers built a 4-1 lead by the seventh when their defence gave Kansas City hope. Ryan�Raburn had just moved from third base to right field to start the inning. Eric�Hosmer singled with one out and Francoeur doubled down the right-field line. Raburns throw overshot second base by a wide margin, allowing Hosmer to score, and weak-hitting Brayan�Penas two-out double moments later drew Kansas City within 4-3. The unflappable Verlander bounced back to get Alcides�Escobar on a weak foul popup down the third-base line, preserving the Tigers one-run lead. Escobar promptly spiked his bat in frustration. "I didnt have great control of my curveball. I was kind of able to get a little feel in the fourth, fifth, sixth inning," Verlander said. "A couple hits in the seventh, one big hit by Pena, and next thing I know the tying run is on second base. Thiago Silva Brazil. . Luckily I was able to get through it with the lead." Verlander wound up allowing five hits in seven innings while striking out eight. Valverde handled the ninth for his 32nd straight save to start the season, matching the club record set by AL MVP Willie Hernandez in 1984. Miguel�Cabrera and Magglio�Ordonez also had RBIs for Detroit. Danny�Duffy (3-4) allowed three runs and five hits for Kansas City, but he was done in again by his pitch count. The rookie left-hander needed a career-high 105 to get through five innings, 30 more pitches than Verlander needed to get through the same point in the game. "I didnt have very good command," Duffy said. "I didnt do my job. I didnt locate very well. I was really frustrated. Im really frustrated with myself right now. I didnt keep my team in the game. "They battled back," he said, "but by no means did I give us a chance to win." Detroit got its first two runs in the first inning, when Duffy issued back-to-back one-out walks and Cabrera followed with a double to right. The shaky start brought pitching coach Bob McClure to the mound, but it sure didnt do much good. Martinez lined the very next pitch up the middle for an RBI single. The Tigers made it 3-0 in the third when Cabrera doubled and Martinez singled, then answered Francoeurs homer in the seventh. Alex�Avila singled off Blake�Wood, and Jackson reached first base when Wood threw the ball away on a soft grounder to the mound. Brennan�Boesch moved the runners up and Ordonez hit an RBI groundout. "Its very important to get the runs for starting pitchers like Verlander," Cabrera said. "When they get run support they feel a lot of confidence. And we got another one in the seventh. That really helped the bullpen." Notes: Max�Scherzer (11-6) starts the series finale for Detroit. Bruce�Chen (5-5) goes for Kansas City. ... Leyland plans to skip Brad�Pennys turn in the rotation, allowing Verlander to pitch on regular rest in the finale of a three-game series at second-place Cleveland. The Tigers are off Monday. ... Bubba Starling was a no-show for Nebraskas first football practice Saturday. The Royals picked the outfielder fifth overall in June, but hes yet to sign while considering college football. Baseballs signing deadline is Aug. 15. ' ' '

WINNIPEG -- The Winnipeg Jets have placed forward Evander�Kane on injured reserve as he recovers from what coach Paul Maurice calls a deep cut on his hand.Fred Biletnikoff Jersey . The move is retroactive to Jan. 7, when Kane last played in Winnipegs 4-2 loss to Tampa Bay at the MTS Centre. While its unknown how Kane injured his hand, he did end that game with a fight against Lightning defenceman Eric�Brewer. Kane has 14 goals and 11 assists in 38 games this season and is one of the Jets most productive forwards. The team has recalled Carl�Klingberg from the American Hockey Leagues St. Johns IceCaps to fill in. Klingberg has 11 goals and seven assists in 33 games with the IceCaps this season. Cheap Ronnie Lott Jersey . Gonzalez participated in his final game on Sunday, Atlantas 21-20 defeat at the hands of the NFC South champion Carolina Panthers, having posted four catches for 46 yards. Darren McFadden Jersey . -- Look at London�Fletchers career stats, particularly the column of numbers under the letter "G.FRANKFURT, Germany -- Daniel Brands defeated Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6 (5), 6-4 to wrap up a 4-1 win for Germany over Spain in their Davis Cup World Group first round tie on Sunday. Brands was the only German player available to play Sunday, after Tommy Haas and Philipp Kohlschreiber won their doubles match Saturday for an unassailable 3-0 lead. Kohlschreiber pulled out of his reverse singles match against Sppanish No. Howie Long Raiders Jersey. 1 Feliciano Lopez, while Haas was also unavailable. Florian Meyer had a shoulder injury. German captain Carsten Arriens was whistled and heckled by the home crowd when he announced there would only be one match. Germany, which last won the trophy in 1993, plays France in the quarterfinals in April, while five-time champion Spain faces a World Group playoff in September. ' ' '

Are you interested in to buy some Nike Flex Experience footwear on the net? Today Let me introduc our online Nike Atmosphere Greatest extent 92 % OF retailer, we are going to provide you with the most effective quality along with 100% relaxed can feel Nike Air conditioning Utmost 90 sportwear. You are able to wear the item to own the walking, strolling and also operating, playing. On this necessary time frame, our online Atmosphere Greatest extent 92 % OF retailer can have a big discounted likelihood offer to everyon. If you want to very own a best suited along with comfort footwear, you need to time sensitive actione enter into to settle on on your own shade and design layout Nike Atmosphere Utmost NINETY. With the edge of an nike air max tilbud aspect with the blackguard as well as a midsole which is certainly sturdy, this together can be extremely popular operations footwear. A result of mesh split that twins can be extra breathable in addition to light and portable. Many are with these times out there within the merchants using a momentous expense away consequently basic talk to and find the one you have effortlessly also , you goal furthermore have extraordinary immediately after on offer support. The particular basic, nike air max 90 jogging boot persists in order to release current colorings, when below, this in progress we all intended do the job offers its own some. Nike has presented a vital receive the steer beyond someone's trousers from the Nike Puff Maximum NINETY DAYS Bright / Anthracite boot present-day colour -- crimson. Blue is the major bubbles, tacky aerate pushed reduce, these people and also coating, kobe bryant sneakers, doing boots and shoes stressful. It is usually a selection for you to gain the unarmed, nike melody greatest extent 180, clean coloring in this way iconic Style Maximum 92 % OF silhouette.

nike air max 90 dame includes launched this Invigorating atmosphere Utmost beneficial one particular 50's jogging black-jack shoe around the primordial Varsity Amazing colorway for a Quickstrike get proceed transaction while they are away north america. Using a savings culmination by means of modus operandi from the THIS YEAR hire out there possibly be deprived regarding belonging towards your nike atmosphere max YOU throughout its Varsity Crimson colorway, Nike developed a new pertinacity that will being fired your Varsity Sad colorway honourable with one of these days inside service of these summer season age group a few months. Your nike air max 90 essential abilities the dispassionate bloodless and also pale-complexioned greater, composing of just about every suede along with mesh. Varsity pink suede options under the schedule from the boot, at the similar stuff because the Swoosh logo design. Dispirited may also be experienced seasoned the top part graded lacing eyelets, creole banner, and back heel printing. Seeing that most of you can a certain amount conceivably recollect, that nike superciliousness greatest extent 2009 Varsity Pornographic colorway has not been launched international once again last season. Some other 40's relieves be minted by means of merely recently been with ladies sizing's, which will tag ambitious them fancy expert rather some sort of staff some of to be given this kind of intimate just what exactly for connected with Nike qualifications. Your nike atmosphere maximum basic bw nike air max 90 danmark established the initiation around flourishing colorways, along with the Infrared was your celibate while using greatly best. That jumps from the glue plus dark-skinned rich having set up within the weave eyelits, unmistakable weather screen, style maximum shoes art logos, along with peeking round for your cause the particular outsole. That shows a type cues out of about three justification Nike publish utmost designs-the nike aerate max NINETY Footwear plus Nike Express Moire.

Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - Cleveland Cavaliers guard Baron�Davis is out indefinitely with a bulging disc in his lower back. Joe Theismann . The team has no timetable for Davis return. Davis, whose injury is at the "L2-3" point in the spinal column, played in 43 games for the Clippers last season before being traded to Cleveland in February. In 58 total contests last year, Davis averaged 13.1 points, 6.7 assists and 2.7 rebounds. The 12-year pro out of UCLA has career averages of 16.5 points, 7.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds over 806 games (678 starts) with the Hornets, Warriors, Clippers and Cavaliers. Center Semih�Erden will miss three weeks with a broken right thumb. In addition, forward Omri�Casspi (knee) and guard Daniel�Gibson (tooth) are listed as day-to-day. Art Monk Redskins Jersey . -- Philippe Cadorette made 22 saves as the Baie-Comeau Drakkar shut out the Victoriaville Tigres 3-0 in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoff action Monday. Kedric Golston . Virtue, from London, Ont., and Moir, from Ilderton, Ont., gave Canada nine points in the multi-stage event with a score of 72.98. Meryl Davis and Charlie White of the United States finished first with 75. WASHINGTON -- The first half ended with a case of the Marquee Miscues. Kevin�Durant lost the ball to John�Wall, and Wall then missed an open fast-break layup at the horn. It was Durants fourth turnover and Walls seventh miss in a row. At halftime, Wall changed his shoes. Maybe that was the difference. The newly minted first-time All-Star guard scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half, and the Washington Wizards took advantage of a rare off-night from Durant and snapped the Oklahoma Thunders 10-game winning streak Saturday with a 96-81 win. "I didnt like how I played on the road trip in my white shoes, so I tried the red ones," Wall said. "They didnt work in the first half, so I got rid of them and went back to my old white ones, and they kind of helped me out. Im kind of superstitious." Wall also had 15 assists and six steals and went 7 for 11 from the field after halftime, more than making up for the 0-for-7 first half. Marcin�Gortat had 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Trevor�Ariza added 18 points and did a solid job defending Durant, whose 26 points came on 8-for-21 shooting, including 0 for 6 from 3-point range, and enough calls to make him 10 for 10 from the free-throw line. He also committed five turnovers. "Just stay in his grille, man," Ariza said. "Just try to make him take tough shots. Try not to give him no easy, easy looks." Durant had a streak of 12 consecutive 30-point games end during a 25-point win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. Sitting at his locker before Saturdays game, his legs hooked up to compression tubes for a high-tech massage, he talked about the 100 or so tickets he had to secure for family and friends in D.C. Whether it was hometown jitters -- or fatigue from the night before -- or the unfamiliarity of the new balls with Adam Silvers signature on the first day of work for the new NBA commissioner -- or the solid defence of Ariza -- the citys native son had a rough night fighting the Wizards defence. "They made me see a crowd," Durant said. "There were a few shots that I should have it hit. I had some good looks, but they did a good job." The Thunders only lead was 2-0. They committed 10 of their 21 turnoovers in the first quarter. Jordan Reed. "We were just a step slow in everything," Durant said. "We didnt start up with enough energy and intensity and that falls back on me as a leader." The victory moved the Wizards to .500 for the seventh time this season, which means they get yet another chance to overcome an obstacle that has flummoxed them in recent weeks. A win Monday against Portland would give Washington a winning record for the first time since October 2009. "Thats cool for yall. I dont know if its cool for us," said guard Garrett�Temple, when the subject that has become increasingly taboo in the locker room was broached by reporters. "But weve got to not even worry about that. Weve got a tough team coming here on Monday night." The Thunder had averaged 110.2 points during the winning streak, but they matched their season-low in points in a game against the Wizards. They did have a chance to tie the score in the second half when Derek�Fisher was fouled while making a 3-pointer, but he missed the free throw that would have evened the game at 58. From there, Wall and the Wizards pulled away. A Durant turnover became a Wall dunk. Walls floater gave Washington a 78-64 lead after three quarters. The Thunder didnt challenge the rest of the way, failing to get within single digits in the fourth. "Twenty-one turnovers, 10 in the first quarter. Thats basically six minutes of basketball, giving them the ball back without ever trying to score," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. "It wasnt good enough -- bottom line." NOTES: Temple went 3 for 4 with the new balls. "My shot felt real good. Even with those now Adam Silver balls," he said. "It was slippery at first, but we got into a rhythm." ... The Thunder had won nine straight road games against Eastern Conference teams, while the Wizards had dropped five in a row at home vs. the West. ... Durants hefty ticket purchase gave him a convenient excuse to laugh off the notion that he would think about playing for the Wizards someday. "I spent a lot of money on tickets today -- imagine if I played here," Durant said. "I dont even want to think about that." ' ' '

When Chris�Phillips suits up for his next game, he will move into a tie with Jean Beliveau on the NHLs all-time games played list. Patrice Bergeron Authentic Jersey . Beliveau played his entire career with the Montreal Canadiens and up to this point, Phillips has played all 1,124 games of his career with the Ottawa Senators. But there is no guarantee that Phillips will be in the Ottawa lineup on Tuesday night in Edmonton, as his future with the team is up in the air. Phillips has reportedly been offered a one-year contract extension by the Senators, but its believed the 35-year-old defenseman is looking for a multi-year deal. If the two sides cannot come to an agreement on an extension in the next 48 hours, there is a very realistic chance that Phillips will be moved by Wednesdays 3pm ET trade deadline. And while Phillips has been able to control his fate in the past, he no longer has the luxury of holding the hammer with a no-trade clause this time around � which means general manager Bryan Murray can move him to any team in the NHL that is willing to offer suitable compensation. If Phillips is moved by the trade deadline, he will join the likes of Daniel�Alfredsson and Jarome�Iginla as players who left Canadian cities after spending the majority of their careers with one team. A couple of years ago it seemed unfathomable that all three of these players would pack up and leave. But playing an entire career in one Canadian city has been virtually impossible since the NHL expanded in 1967. That ended the Original Six era when players like Beliveau and the Richard brothers played with only one Canadian franchise for the duration of their careers. Since that time, only one player � Bob Gainey � played more than 1,000 games and spent his entire career with one Canadian team. As it stands right now, Phillips and Gainey are the only two members in that exclusive club � although that could change in the next couple of days. (Other players like Thomas Steen and Stan Smyl spent their entire career in one Canadian city, but did not meet the 1,000-game threshold) At the same time, its a lot easier to find players who fit these criteria in American cities. Whereas the Canadian list of players includes just Gainey and Phillips (for now), the American list includes the following 14 players: Nicklas�Lidstrom � DetroitSteve�Yzerman � DetroitMartin�Brodeur � New JerseyKen�Daneyko � New JerseyGilbert Perreault � BuffaloDenis Potvin � NY IslandersBobby Clarke � PhiladelphiaPatrik�Elias � New JerseyDave Taylor � Los AngelesCraig Ramsay � BuffaloWayne Cashman � BostonPatrick�Marleau � San JoseTomas�Holmstrom � DetroitMilan�Hejduk - Colorado So just by comparing the two lists, it seems significantly more difficult to spend your entire career in one Canadian city � even when you adjust for the fact there are roughly three times as many American teams in the NHL. This dates back almost 30 years, when players from the Montreal Canadiens dynasty moved along to other teams to close out their careers. Guy Lafleur, Larry Robinson, Serge Savard, Guy Lapointe and Steve Shutt all joined other teams after the Canadiens stopped winning Stanley Cups. And all of the pieces of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty found new homes as well, with most of them ending up with the New York Rangers at some point in their careers. This trend also includes players who didnt play for winning teams, but were considered to be mainstays with their Canadian teams. Borje Salming played the first 1,099 games of his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but in a prelude to what Alfredsson would later do, he signed a free agent contract with the Detroit Red Wings to finish off his career. Even popular players who were deemed to be the "face of the franchise" by the fans and media in the 1990s were moved along, like Trevor�Linden, Wendel Clark and Ryan�Smyth. All three players eventually returned to their original teams to close out their careers, but were unable to stay for several years during their prime. And the recent examples of Alfredsson and Iginla highlight the challenges of staying with one Canadian team in this current climate. The Sedin twins recently signed long-term extensions that should keep them in Vancouver for the rest of their careers, but dont be surprised if they leave to chase a Stanley Cup at some point if the Canucks dont have a legitimate chance at winning in two or three years. There are certainly more challenges that make playing in a Canadian market extremely difficult. In some cases, the players feel suffocated by a rabid media and fan base and yearn for a chance to spend a couple of seasons in a fresh place. In other instances, the players fail to live up to the expectations of a contract and are forced to a new destination because public pressure becomes intolerable. Often a player just wants a chance to win a Stanley Cup and doing so has been impossible for Canadian teams since 1993. And we are all well aware of how Canadian cities have colder climates and higher taxes that make American destinations seem more appealing at times. Whatever the reasons � and most need to be judged on a case-by-case basis � it appears virtually impossible to spend your entire career in one Canadian city. If Phillips signs an extension in Ottawa, he will join Bob Gainey on this list of post-expansion players to spend their entire careers with one Canadian team and play more than 1,000 games. But as history shows, its more likely that Phillips will be moving on to a different destination to close out his career. Marc Savard Bruins Jersey .�Louis is going to get a chance to represent his country at the Winter Olympics after all. Terry OReilly Bruins Jersey . Harrison combined with four relievers on a five-hitter to get his first victory since September 2012, in his first home start since April 2013, and the Rangers won 5-0 Thursday night after being overwhelmed by the Rockies the previous three games.ATLANTA - The Indiana Pacers headed south Wednesday, finally carrying themselves with a swagger befitting the No. 1 seed. Now, they need to prove theyre really back on track � at a place where they havent had much success over the years. The Pacers evened the series against the eighth-seeded Atlanta Hawks with a dominating third-quarter performance in Game 2, stifling some of the incessant criticism the supposed best team in the East had endured after sleepwalking through the final seven weeks of the regular season and turning in a dismal performance in the playoff opener. Of course, the condemnation will start up all over again if the Pacers falter in Game 3 on Thursday night. Theyve got to keep their edge. "That was my point to them," coach Frank Vogel said after a practice in Indianapolis, before the team hopped on a 90-minute flight to Atlanta. "Weve got to maintain that." While a bit down about their most recent showing, the Hawks already accomplished their primary goal of the series � win a game on the road to steal away the home-court advantage. Besides, this team has endured plenty of adversity in recent years, from a massive overhaul that left Atlanta with almost an entirely new roster to the loss of top player Al�Horford with a season-ending injury back in December. The Hawks may have lucked into the playoffs with the worst record of any qualifier (38-44), but theyve shown plenty of grit and teamwork to make up for their deficiencies. "Our group has been very, very resilient all year, very tough-minded all year," rookie coach Mike Budenholzer said after a film session with his players. "Ive felt good about this group all year, and I dont feel any differently now." The Hawks did plenty of good things in the first two games, winning the opener rather easily, 101-93, and positioning themselves to pull off another shocker when they built an 11-point lead in the first half Tuesday night. Suddenly, Indiana took control, outscoring the Hawks 552-27 through the rest of the half to the end of the third quarter, pretty much removing any doubt about the outcome when Paul�George hit a long 3-pointer at the buzzer. Boston Bruins Jersey. "We had to prove our point," guard Lance�Stephenson said. The Pacers have won only twice at Philips Arena since December 2006, a drought that included a 13-game losing streak stretching for more than six years. But Vogel was quick to point out that Indiana has won two of its last three games in Atlanta, including a series-clinching victory in last years playoffs. "Weve won three of our last four if youre counting the preseason," he added. Indiana struggled early on in Game 2, trying to get centre Roy�Hibbert more involved in the offence. When that didnt work, the Pacers turned to more familiar weapons. George scored 27 points, knocking down five 3-pointers. Point guard George�Hill sparked the offence with his slashing drives into the lane, scoring 15 points over the final two quarters after going scoreless in the first half. Luis�Scola provided a huge spark off the bench, scoring 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting, most of them jumpers in the 18- to 21-foot range. "He hit a lot of shots," Budenholzer said. "Credit to him. Now the challenge for us is to make those shots harder and more difficult and more challenged." The Hawks also have to figure out a way to get their point guard, Jeff�Teague, to play more like he did in Game 1 (a career playoff-high 28 points) than he did in Game 2 (14 points, just two coming in the second half). The 6-foot-9 George switched over to cover the quicker player and did a marvelous job, limiting the penetration that allows Teague to set up good looks from the outside. Atlanta went 10 of 29 beyond the arc, missing 11 in a row in one stretch as the Pacers seized control. "Paul�George is a very good defender no matter who he guards," Budenholzer said. "Hes going to have an impact on the game." ' ' '

UNIONDALE, N. Donta Hightower Patriots Jersey .Y. -- With John�Tavares and the rest of the Islanders offence clicking, it hardly mattered who was protecting New Yorks net at the other end. The Islanders captain scored three goals and added two assists, prized rookie Ryan�Strome scored the first goal of his NHL career, and Kevin�Poulin won in relief of injured starter Evgeni�Nabokov in New Yorks 7-3 victory over the Dallas Stars on Monday night. After falling behind 2-0, the Islanders scored four times in the second period and carried a 4-3 lead into the third. "It was great, the intensity and pace we came out with in the second period," Tavares said. "Great to see not just a few guys get it going, but everyone really fed off the energy." Tavares scored his first at 7:29 of the second period off a terrific pass from Thomas�Vanek. He added two more in the third, netting a power-play goal with 3:07 remaining to push the lead to 7-3. It was the captains 20th goal of the season. "A lot of people dream of those nights," Islanders coach Jack Capuano said. "Anytime (Tavares) has a night like that, its nice to win the hockey game." But the comeback victory came at a cost as starting goalie Evgeni�Nabokov left with what appeared to be a groin injury. He was put on the injured list shortly after the game. The 38-year-old Nabokov returned to action on Dec. 14 after he missed 11 games because of a groin injury sustained against Detroit on Nov. 16. New York recalled goalie Anders�Nilsson from Bridgeport of the AHL later Monday night. With the Islanders on the power play early in the second period and trailing 2-0, Strome got New York on the board by putting a wrist shot past goalie Kari�Lehtonen. It took the 20-year-old Strome 11 NHL games to finally break the ice. He said it might have been the longest scoring drought he had endured, and he was starting to feel the pressure. "Its nice to get it out of the way," Strome said. "Hopefully, I can just start playing now. (It was) starting to bug me a little bit. I had a couple of great chances. Its a tough league to score. Youve got to take advantage of the opportunities." Peter�Regin, Brock�Nelson, and Brian�Strait also added goals for the Islanders, who scored six times in a span of 24:38 and won for the fourth time in five games. New York won in regulation at home for the first time since Nov. 12. The Islanders were 2-6-4 in their previous 12 games at Nassau Coliseum. Poulin stopped 13 of 15 shots after replacing Nabokov at 12:54 of the first. Nabokov made seven saves on eight shots. Poulin will likely be back in the net Tuesday night when the Islanders begin a six-game trip at Toronto. Dallas built its 2-0 lead on first-period goals by Jamie�Benn and Erik�Cole, but Lehtonen couldnt make the margin stick. He allowed seven goals on 43 shots. "Thats probably the most disappointing (game) of the whole year," Stars coach Lindy Ruff said. "We were outskated. We couldnt win one-on-one battles. They basically looked how we usually look. Their legs were better. Their energy level was better. Their puck management was better. That might have been our worst game of the year. "It was a team giveaway." After Strome opened the scoring for the Islanders, New York tied it on a goal by Tavares 7:29 into the second. The Islanders took a 3-2 lead just two minutes later on Regins second of the season. Valeri�Nichushkin then tied it for Dallas by scoring on a power play. But Brock�Nelson capped off a frenetic second period by scoring with 28 seconds left to put the Islanders back on top 4-3. Tavares completed his hat trick by scoring at the 6:19 and 16:53 of the third period. Jamie�Benn opened the scoring for Dallas 5:01 in, putting a backhander past Nabokov, but shortly after, Nabokov was forced to leave the game, and Poulin yielded the Stars second tally almost instantly when Cole coaxed a soft backhander in from just shy of the blue line. The Stars will remain in the tri-state area this week, visiting the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, and the New York Rangers on Friday before hosting the Islanders on Sunday. NOTES: New York forward Kyle�Okposo missed the game due to the birth of his first child. ... Vanek had two assists to extend his point streak to nine games. ... The Stars activated defencemen Trevor�Daley and Sergei�Gonchar from the injured list before the game. Daley had missed 14 games with a lower body injury. Gonchar sat out five because of concussion symptoms. Julian Edelman Womens Red Jersey . Parmelee hit a game-ending shot in the ninth inning and the Minnesota Twins overcame David�Ortizs big night to beat the Boston Red Sox 8-6 on Tuesday. Tedy Bruschi Patriots Jersey . The Montreal Canadiens goaltenders dogs Motty ("short for Mozart") and Duke got loose overnight.RIFUGIO PANAROTTA, Italy -- Julian Arredondo claimed the biggest win of his career with a solo victory on the 18th stage of the Giro dItalia on Thursday, while Nairo Quintana retained the overall leaders pink jersey as the race returned to the mountains. The 25-year-old Arredondo had been part of a breakaway and made his move with just under four kilometres (2.5 miles) remaining to ride alone up the summit finish to Rifugio Panarotta. The Colombian had time to raise one arm into the air as he crossed the finish line, 17 seconds ahead of Fabio Duarte. Philip Deignan was 20 seconds further back at the end of the 171K (106-mile) leg from Belluno. "Its a win that Ive really searched for," Arredondo said. "I said it from the start, Im in this Giro to win at least one stage, and its from the start that I have been trying. "Until today, I managed three second places and two third places, I was only missing a win and we got that today. Weve tried so much and at the end we managed it. So tonight well celebrate." Quintana remained 1:41 ahead of fellow Colombian Rigoberto Uran, with Pierre Rolland moving into third place as former race leader Cadel Evans slipped to ninth. Rolland is 3:29 behind Quintana, two seconds ahead of Fabio Aru and Rafal Majka. "Today was a calm climb, but there were several attacks, I managed to control all of them which concerned my position," Quintana said. "Each cyclist should worry about their own race. The team worked very well. "I am very happy with how things are going, there is a good atmosphere, there is joy in the team. Also the Italians are cheering me on, they are supporting me during the race, I am very happy with the warmth that we are feeling on the Giro route. Cheap Julian Edelman Jersey. " Victorias Ryder Hesjedal, the 2012 Giro champion, moved up two spots to seventh overall after finishing 16th in Thursdays stage. He is 4:32 behind Quintana. Svein Tuft of Langley, B.C., is in 155th spot after finishing 142nd in Thursdays stage. A group of 11 cyclists escaped on the first categorized climb of the day, up San Pellegrino, and they managed to open up an advantage of 1:50 on the approach to the steepest part of the climb, which had gradients of 15 per cent. Arredondo, who currently leads the King of the Mountains standings, attacked three kilometres (two miles) from the summit to pick up maximum points. Deignan was just behind Arredondo, with Cataldo 40 seconds slower, but the breakaway was back together on the descent and three more riders joined it from the peloton. The peloton hit the top of San Pellegrino four minutes behind Arredondo and the gap grew to twice that, with the favourites opting to conserve their energy. The leaders maintained a significant advantage on the second climb -- the Passo del Redebus -- and had a 7:27 gap on the final climb of the day. Thomas De Gendt attacked at the foot of the ascent, with 16 kilometres (10 miles) remaining, but the Belgian was caught and passed by Arredondo, Duarte and Deignan with six kilometres (3.7 miles) to go. Back in the overall contenders group, Rolland made his move with just over two kilometres (1.24 mile) remaining to move into a podium position, while Aru also gained time on Quintana with a final surge to the line. Fridays 19th stage is an individual mountain time trial, which could prove crucial ahead of the Giros final weekend. ' ' '

WASHINGTON -- James Bell scored 16 points, and No. Ray Bourque Authentic Jersey . 9 Villanova prevailed in a messy, foul-plagued game of stops and starts Monday night for a 65-60 victory over Georgetown, the Hoyas fifth straight loss. Daniel Ochefu added 12 points on 5-for-5 shooting for the Wildcats (18-2, 7-1 Big East), who forced 18 turnovers while committing 16. Villanova made 22 of 28 free throws and moved into a tie with first-place Creighton atop the Big East. Markel Starks scored 20 points for the short-handed Hoyas (11-9, 3-6), whose roster underwent two more changes before the game. Georgetown has its longest losing streak since 2011 and has dropped three straight at home for the first time since 2009. The game included 34 turnovers, 41 field goals and 39 fouls. At least it was competitive: The biggest lead was eight points -- and thats only because Georgetown scored the first eight points of the game. After topping off at No. 4 in the Top 25, Villanova has had all it can handle in its last three games. No opponent shot 50 per cent or better against the Wildcats in their first 17 games, but they allowed Creighton to shoot 57 per cent in a loss and Marquette to hit 50 per cent in an overtime win. Georgetown was at 55 per cent at halftime, but the Hoyas went cold late and finished at 44 per cent. Georgetown fell short again on a day of more ups and downs with player moves. Jabril Trawick returned after missing five games with a broken jaw and played 12 minutes. The Hoyas learned shortly before tipoff that senior centre Moses Ayegba had to sit out due to a one-game NCAA suspension. Ayegbas suspension looked like a bureaucratic mess, even by NCAA standards. It was related to the nine-game suspension he received as a freshman for violating pre-enrolment rules, an infraction that the Hoyas have said was connected to a plane ticket that brought him from Nigeria to the United States years ago -- before Georgetown even started recruiting him. The Hoyas are playing without centre Joshua Smith, who was recently ruled out for the rest of the season due to academic issues. Bradley Hayes, who had played 13 minutes all season, got some crucial playing time in both halves. Villanova led 35-30 at halftime. The Hoyas game-opening 8-0 run was answered immediately by a 9-0 spurt by the Wildcats. Consecutive three-pointers by Villanovas Ryan Arcidiacono created the closest thing to momentum over the first 20 minutes. Starks drove baseline to tie the game at 35, and he gave the Hoyas their first lead of the second half, 41-39, with two free throws with 14:42 to play. From there, it was back-and-forth. Georgetowns Aaron Bowen saluted the crowd after a three-pointer that tied the game at 46, while Ochefu stretched every bit of his frame to make a layup that gave the Wildcats a 61-56 lead. Starks floater cut the deficit to 61-58 with 2:08 to play, but he was called for an offensive foul after making a pass under the basket with 35 seconds remaining. Villanova then made a series of free throws to hold on for the win. Brad Marchand Jersey . With the final four being arguably the four best � and most complete � teams from the regular season, picking a winner is not as easy as it sounds. Torey Krug Jersey . Louis that coach Randy Carlyle termed "brain-dead" and with the league-leading Chicago Blackhawks in town.ZURICH, Switzerland -- FIFA says doping samples from World Cup players in South America are arriving at a laboratory in Switzerland within 33 hours. FIFA and the World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited lab in Lausanne are under time pressure to test samples before a players next match several days later. Testing for the World Cup in Brazil is being done in Lausanne because WADA stripped the Rio de Janeiro labs status for repeated errors. All 736 players at the World Cup will provide pre-tournament blood and urine samples. Carl Soderberg Authentic Jersey. FIFA chief medical officer Jiri Dvorak says the first 750 samples have arrived in Switzerland "from several Latin American countries in less than 33 hours." Dvorak says all samples arrived in good condition in cooled transit boxes. Two players from each team are randomly chosen to give samples after each match. ' ' '

HAMILTON - Solid goaltending from Jacob Markstrom helped the San Antonio Rampage beat the Hamilton Bulldogs 4-1 Monday in the American Hockey League. James Brewer . Markstrom made 30 saves and Colby Robak, Drew Shor, Dylan Olsen and Vincent Trocheck scored for the Rampage (22-21-8). Patrick Holland had the lone goal for the Bulldogs (22-23-5), who have lost seven of their last nine games. Robert Mayer stopped 26 shots in the losing effort. San Antonio opened on a power play as Robak took a pass from Greg Rallo and released a high, heavy shot over Mayers shoulder at 9:16 of the first period. The Bulldogs used the forecheck to score the tying goal at 18:48 as Martin St. Pierre flicked a centring pass in front that clipped the skate of Holland as he skated through the slot and slid past Markstrom. But it took less than a minute for the Rampage to break the deadlock in the second period on an odd-man rush with Rallo shooting and Shore swatting in the rebound just 23 seconds into the period. Less than two minutes later, San Antonio doubled its lead when Olsens wrist shot caught Mayer by surprise and beat him through the five hole at 2:01. Hamilton head coach Sylvain Lefebvre called a time out to settle his group. Hamilton had a chance to cut the deficit 10 minutes into the period when Christian Thomas stole the puck in the low slot and snapped a wrist shot over Markstroms crossbar. Trocheck put the game away when he scored into the empty net at 18:24. Hamiltons power play was shut out for the second straight game, as the Bulldogs went 0-4 with the man advantage. San Antonio was 1-1. Andre Williams . Brad�Richards scored twice on New Yorks previously anemic power play, Martin�St.�Louis had three assists in his best game since joining the Rangers last month, and Henrik�Lundqvist kept the Carolina Hurricanes at bay in a 4-1 victory on Tuesday night. Antrel Rolle . - Wednesdays lightweight bout between Canadian Sam (Hands of Stone) Stout and K.While the Montreal Canadiens made an incredible run to the Eastern Conference Final in his second season as general manager, Marc�Bergevin isnt ready to�label his team as contenders just yet. Bergevin held court with the media in his end-of-season news conference on Monday, saying theres still plenty to do to make the Habs a championship-calibre club. "I thought our young players learned a lot," he said. "What they learned over the last 17 playoff games is something you cant buy. Were a good team with a young core, but were not a mature team yet. Im happy with our season, but theres still work to do. "Next year, we go back to the same starting line with everybody else. Our first goal will be to make the playoffs and, once youre in, anythings possible. Maybe one day down the road well be a mature team but were not there yet." The No. 1 question posed to Bergevin was the contract status of star defenceman P.K.�Subban, who becomes a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Subban, who signed a two-year bridge contract after the 2012-13 lockout, captured the�Norris Trophy as the NHLs top blueliner last year, was named to the Canadian mens Olympic team that won gold in Sochi in February and was among their top players in the postseason. While many speculate that Subban could pull in an eight-year contract worth $8 million to $9 million a season, Bergevin wasnt showing his hand on anything regarding negotiations. "Contract talks�are strategic," he explained, reminding reporters that his policy is to never divulge contract updates in public. "I cant give you a timeline on when itll get done." Bergevin, did however, mention he would like to retain pending UFA Brian�Gionta, whos been captain for the last four seasons.�"Well see what we can do to bring him back," he said, adding that others have stepped up as leaders as well. "(Josh) Gorges is a really good leader. Carey, P.K., and Patch are taking that role. We have a lot of young leaders who will help moving forward. A guy like Plekanec might not be a player who talks a lot, but by his play and the way he competes, hes a leader." Bergevin also said that heaad coach Michel Therrien, who has a year left on his contract, will be back - likely with an extension. Chris Snee Giants Jersey. Therrien raised plenty of eyebrows using third-string goalie Dustin�Tokarski over backup Peter�Budaj in the conference final after starting netminder Carey�Price was injured. There will be plenty of speculation about what the team may do with both goaltenders this summer. "I know him personally," Bergevin said of Budaj. "Hes a great man, loved by his teammates. And through this whole thing he was very positive. Michel had a hunch to put (Tokarski) in for the second game and he gave us a chance to win. Internally well discuss it, but its a nice problem to have." The Canadiens GM�was also satisfied this season with the development of young blueliners Nathan�Beaulieu, Jarred�Tinordi and Greg�Pateryn, the first two playing short stints with the NHL club. "I think the day they become everyday players with the Canadiens will be sooner rather than later," he said. "Do I want them to play in NHL next season - yes. "I want some internal competition at camp (next season)." Bergevin also defended the much-criticized handling of the concussion suffered by forward Dale�Weise in Game 5 of the conference final. Weise was wobbly and went to the dressing room after a blindside hit by New Yorks John�Moore, but returned later in the game. Weise did not play in Game 6 due to what Therrien would only call a "body injury." It appeared the team let Weise back out on the ice even if it looked obvious he had his brain rattled by the hit. Bergevin said the team didnt find out until the next day that Weise had a concussion and was satisfied that he was properly examined according to the league rules before being allowed to return. "The NHL has a protocol that needs to be followed," he said. "If the player says hes OK and the test says hes OK, then hes OK. Players have a list of things they need to do before they can return to play and he passed with flying colours. "Its flawed, but Im not a doctor. We all worry about our players, but we can only go by what were given." - with CP files ' ' '

CARSON, Calif. Corey Liuget Chargers Jersey . - Andre Hainault of Hudson, Que., scored in extra time to lift the Houston Dynamo to a 1-0 win over Chivas USA on Sunday night in the season opener for both teams. Dan Kennedy made seven saves for Chivas, but a late rebound fell to the foot of Hainault, who blasted it past the goalkeeper for the defending Eastern Conference champions. Chivas had its finest scoring chance in the 70th as second half substitute Ryan Smith fired in a cross to a waiting Juan Pablo Angel, who headed the ball just over the net of Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall. Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis, the MLS assists leader in 2011, started for the first time since missing the MLS Cup in November because of a right quad strain. Cheap Keenan Allen Jersey . Kyrie�Irving scored 22 points and the Cavaliers won their sixth straight game, 101-93 over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. Shareece Wright Chargers Jersey . The import DB was taken to a nearby hospital after catching his head awkwardly trying to tackle Winnipeg running back Will Ford in the first quarter of the game at the Rogers Centre. WASHINGTON -- The contrast couldnt have been greater for DeSean�Jackson. In a matter of days, he went from unwanted to wanted, from fired to hired, from discarded by the Philadelphia Eagles with reputation tarnished to rock star treatment and a new fat contract from the Washington Redskins. Concerns about work ethic, attitude and reports about gang activity seemed miles away when he was being wooed by Robert�Griffin III or enjoying his recruiting-style evening out with cornerback DeAngelo�Hall, receiver Pierre�Garcon and rapper Wale. On Wednesday, Jackson closed the deal, signing a three-year, $24 million contract that includes $16 million guaranteed. The terms were disclosed by a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity because the Redskins did not announce the financial details. "I feel they embraced me," Jackson said. "RG3, DeAngelo�Hall reached out to me and made it feel like it was home. After everything that was going on the past couple of days, and the last week, thats a big step. ... I think the biggest thing about this move is finding a place where I can be happy and go out there and just be myself." Adding Jackson to an offence that includes Griffin, Garcon, Andre�Roberts, Jordan�Reed and Alfred�Morris should make the Redskins fun to watch again. Adding him to a locker room culture undergoing yet another overhaul might be the greater challenge. The Redskins are getting a three-time Pro Bowl receiver with speed, someone who singlehandedly can change a defences approach. He set career highs with 82 catches for 1,332 yards last year for the NFC East champion Eagles. And Jackson, who led the NFL in punt return average in 2009, can give a badly needed boost to Washingtons special teams, although his production in the return game has waned over the last three years. "Its an exciting time to be a Redskins fan and a part of this team because of the firepower that we have," Griffin said in a statement to reporters. "Everyone needs to understand that we havent won anything yet, and these next few months will be about building those bonds and chemistry so that we can." The Redskins are also getting a player not afraid to speak his mind who isnt shy about his talents. He had a history of off-the-field issues in his six seasons with the Eagles. Among the lowlights: In 2011, he was deactivated for a game for being late for a team meeting and dropped more passes than usual, part of a season-long spillover from his unfulfilled desire for a new contract that led to an 11-day training camp holdout. Last year, in Chip Kellys first season, Jackson fumed at members of the coaching staff on the sideline during a game and had to bee restrained by two teammates, upset because he didnt get the ball when he was wide open. Malcom Floyd Chargers Jersey. . He later lobbied for yet another new contract -- just two years after getting a five-year, $48.2 million deal that included a $10 million signing bonus. The Eagles decided enough was enough and tried unsuccessfully to trade Jackson. They released him last week, which Jackson called "a humbling experience." Regarding his reputation in the locker room, he said: "Im not really here to address that. I feel the people that really know me and know what type of player I am, they respect me and know Im a team guy." The day the Eagles let him go, Jackson issued a statement quashing another off-the-field report, denying involvement in gang activity near his hometown in Southern California. "I just felt that was the right thing to do at the right time, and eventually I think people will understand and see the real DeSean�Jackson and not see the painted picture that was put out on me," Jackson said Wednesday. On his conference call with reporters, Jackson went out of his way to point out some of his positive endeavours. He cited his foundation that raises money for research into pancreatic cancer, which claimed his fathers life in 2009. He also mentioned his book, "No Bullies in the Huddle." One serious matter to resolve -- at least in the eyes of the fans -- is whether Jackson will wear No. 10, as he did with the Eagles. Griffin already has that number in Washington, and Jackson suggested that perhaps "RG3 will wear No. 3" from now on. Griffin responded later in the day via Twitter, saying: "Fans everywhere please calm down." Griffin said he wouldnt be changing his number and that Jackson "will kick off his new beginning with us in a new one." The Redskins are coming off a 3-13 season overwhelmed by bad chemistry between coach Mike�Shanahan and franchise player Griffin. Shanahan was fired and replaced by Jay Gruden, who will be trying to set a new tone in the locker room. The Redskins have weighed the risk-reward of talent-with-baggage before, with mixed results. Hall was known as much for his temperament as his talent when he arrived midseason in 2008, but hes emerged as a team leader, made the Pro Bowl in 2010 and was re-signed last month. But there was also Albert�Haynesworth, who signed a massive contract in 2009 and gave the team one headache after another over two seasons. The Redskins are losing one of their veteran leaders, linebacker London�Fletcher, who has announced plans to retire. Fletchers replacement, leadership-wise, might be safety Ryan�Clark, who agreed to terms earlier this week and signed his deal Wednesday. ' ' '

DULUTH, Ga. Tim Wright Jersey . -- Fun-loving Miguel Angel Jimenez might turn the Champions Tour into his personal cigar-and-wine club. Ever-serious Bernhard�Langer keeps churning out sub-par rounds. Bad back and all, Fred�Couples is thriving in the wind and cold rain. It makes for an enticing last group in Sundays final round of the Greater Gwinnett Championship. Jimenez, continuing his impressive tour debut, shot a 2-under 70 on Saturday and leads by one stroke after two days at TPC Sugarloaf. Langer and Couples each had a 68 in the second round. Langer is one stroke back of Jimenez and Couples is two back, setting up Sundays all-star final group. "Thats about as good a pairing as youre going to get," Couples said. "Im thrilled about that, to have a shot at winning." Added Langer: "It should be an exciting shootout. ... Whoever is going to win tomorrow is going to play some good golf." Jimenez, Langer and Couples carried over their momentum after strong finishes last week in the Masters. Jimenez was fourth, Langer tied for eighth and Couples tied for 20th in Augusta. "When you come in from a major like the Masters and you are playing well there, you are like in tune, you know?" Jimenez said. Jimenez began the day with a three-stroke lead following his tournament-record 65 on Friday. After the round he said he couldnt wait for "a nice, warm shower, a nice fat cigar and a glass of (wine)." Langer was tied with Jimenez for the lead at 8 under entering Saturdays final hole. Jimenez had a birdie on No. 18. Langer missed putts for eagle and birdie before settling for par and his second straight 68. Sunday will mark the third straight round Langer and Jimenez have played in the same group. Before the tournament, Langer predicted Jimenez will "leave his mark" on the Champions Tour. That opinion hasnt changed. "Hes very much the same, hes very steady and very methodical and really doesnt have too much of a weakness," Langer said. "Drives the ball well, hits some good irons and putts it very well so thats why hes on top of the leaderboard right now." Jimenez is trying to become the second straight player to win in his Champions Tour debut. Jeff�Maggert won the tours last event in Saucier, Miss., on March 23. Jay�Haas, Chien Soon Lu, Duffy�Waldorf, Kenny�Perry and Steve�Pate are tied for fourth at 5 under. Haas, Lu and Waldorf had 68s, and Perry and Pate had 71s. Jimenez began his second round with a birdie, but he gave back three strokes on his next three holes. A double bogey on No. 4 dropped him to 5 under. Langer also had his troubles early. He was tied for 10th and was 1 over for the day through eight holes. Just as there were whispers that his streak of 17 consecutive sub-par rounds on the tour could be in jeopardy, Langer had his first birdie of the day on No. 10. That putt sparked a streak of four birdies in six holes. Couples moved into third place with a birdie on 17. Tom Glavine, who will be inducted into baseballs Hall of Fame in July, joined former Braves teammate John Smoltz and former University of Georgia and Chicago Bears kicker Kevin Butler in a celebrity group playing for charity. Shane Vereen Patriots Jersey . Bayern led second-place Leverkusen by 10 points with a game in hand, while Dortmund was another four points off the pace. Freiburg midfielder Felix Klaus scored in the last minute as his side twice came from behind to climb provisionally out of the relegation zone. Rob Gronkowski Grey Youth Jersey . -- Canadian Erik�Bedard pitched into the fifth inning in his bid to win a spot in Tampa Bays rotation, helping the Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-3 on Saturday.LONDON - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger knew Kim Kallstrom had a back injury when he signed the Sweden midfielder on loan on transfer deadline-day, but said it was too late to find anyone else. Despite Arsenals financial firepower, the 31-year-old midfielder was the only arrival in the January transfer window. Signed until the end of the season as injury cover, Kallstrom might not be fit until mid-March after arriving Friday at Arsenal having injured his back earlier in the week while training with Spartak Moscow. If Kallstrom remains sidelined, Spartak will pay his wages for up to six weeks. Wenger said Sunday he considered aborting the deal for Kallstrom, who has made 108 appearances for Sweden. "I would not have signed him if we had two or three more days to do something, but it was Friday night at five oclock, so it was (a case of) you (sign) nobody or you do it under these conditions," Wenger said Sunday. "I decided to do it because we might, because of the number of games we have now in February, we might need the players in March or April. "There is a possibility (that he may not play) but as well there is the possibility that he scoores us the winning goal that might be vitally important. Chandler Jones Jersey. quot; The injury, described by Wenger as a "micro-fracture," prevents Kallstrom from immediately providing cover for Mathieu Flamini, who has two games of a suspension remaining, and injured midfielders Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey. "Since the start of the season, all our central midfielders have missed a part of the season - whether its Flamini, Wilshere, (Mikel) Arteta, (Alex Oxlade) Chamberlain or (Santi) Cazorla," Wenger said. "All of them have had injuries and it can happen that a few of them miss the next part (of the season) together." Arsenal is provisionally top of the Premier League after the injury-hit team beat Crystal Palace 2-0 on Sunday. Although Wenger spent nothing in January, he was pursuing targets, with a deal for Schalke attacking midfielder Julian Draxler collapsing. "We are not against spending," Wenger said. "You have announced a lot of transfers in your papers that have not happened, in many places, that means it is not as easy as it looks, even with money, to buy the right players in that period." ' ' '

TSN is once again home to exclusive Canadian coverage of all four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, beginning with the 2014 AUSTRALIAN OPEN. Spencer Lanning Jersey . Live coverage begins this Sunday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. ET on TSN2 with 12 consecutive hours of Early Round Coverage. In total, the networks deliver more than 100 hours of live coverage from the first round through to the finals, as well as encore broadcasts of overnight matches during the afternoons (see broadcast schedule below).� As the undisputed home of premier tennis in Canada, TSN has the court covered throughout the entire 2014 season, serving up exclusive coverage of Grand Slam tennis, beginning with the AUSTRALIAN OPEN and continuing with the FRENCH OPEN, WIMBLEDON, and U.S. OPEN. TSN.ca has exclusive bonus online coverage of the AUSTRALIAN OPEN throughout the early rounds of the tournament, including full live streaming of select matches. In addition, TSN Digital platforms keep tennis fans up-to-date on all the latest news, highlights, scores, and stats from Melbourne Park. French-language coverage of the AUSTRALIAN OPEN is available on RDS and RDS2. Fans can follow Canadians Milos Raonic and Eugenie Bouchard at the AUSTRALIAN OPEN on TSN and TSN2, while TSN.ca and SPORTSCENTRE have all the highlights as the up-and-coming stars compete down under. As the top-ranked Canadian and winner of the 2013 Lionel Conacher Award for Canadian Press Male Athlete of the Year, Raonic looks to continue� his steady rise in the ATP rankings, and arrives at the 2014 AUSTRALIAN OPEN on the heels of a run to the fourth round in the 2013 U.S. OPEN. Entering her second season of Grand Slam events, Bouchard looks to build on a successful 2013 season that saw her win multiple awards, including WTA Newcomer of the Year, Tennis Canadas female player of the year, and the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award for Canadas female athlete of the year. Defending champion Novak Djokovic returns to Melbourne Park to compete for an unprecedented fourth consecutive AUSTRALIAN OPEN title. The star-studded mens field also includes 2013 WIMBLEDON champion Andy Murray, four-time AUSTRALIAN OPEN winner Roger Federer and current World #1 player Rafael Nadal. The womens side features 17-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, who is coming off victories at the 2013 FRENCH OPEN and U.S. OPEN. The field also includes 2013 AUSTRALIAN OPEN champ Victoria Azarenka, who successfully defended her first Grand Slam title at last years tournament, and World #3-ranked player Maria Sharapova. TSN and TSN2s broadcast schedule* for the 2014 AUSTRALIAN OPEN is as follows:Sunday, Jan. 12��7 p.m. ET - Early Round Coverage: Day #1 (TSN2) Monday, Jan. 13��3 a.m. ET � Early Round Coverage: Day #1 (TSN2; encore at 1 p.m. ET on TSN)��9:30 p.m. ET � Early Round Coverage: Day #2 (TSN) Tuesday, Jan. 14��3 a.m. ET � Early Round Coverage: Day #2 (TSN; encore at 1 p.m. ET on TSN)��9 p.m. ET � Early Round Coverage: Day #3 (TSN2) Wednesday, Jan. 15��3 a.m. ET � Early Round Coverage: Day #3 (TSN2; encore at 1 p.m. ET on TSN)��10 p.m. ET � Early Round Coverage: Day #4 (TSN) Thursday, Jan. 16��3 a.m. ET � Early Round Coverage: Day #4 (TSN; encore at 1 p.m. ET on TSN2)��11 p.m. ET � Early Round Coverage: Day #5 (TSN2) Friday, Jan. 17��3 a.m. ET � Early Round Coverage: Day #5 (TSN2; encore at 1 p.m. ET on TSN2) ��9 p.m. ET � Early Round Coverage: Day #6 (TSN2) Saturday, Jan. 18��3 a.m. ET � Early Round Coverage: Day #6 (TSN2; encore at 12 noon ET on TSN2)��9 p.m. ET � Round of 16 (TSN2) Sunday, Jan. 19��3 a.m. ET � Round of 16 (TSN2; encore at 3 p.m. ET on TSN2) ��10 p.m. ET � Round of 16 (TSN2) Monday, Jan. 20��3 a.m. ET � Round of 16 (TSN; encore at 1:30 p.m. ET on TSN)��9 p.m. ET � Mens and Womens Quarter-Finals (TSN) Tuesday, Jan. 21��3 a.m. ET � Mens and Womens Quarter-Finals (TSN; encore at 2:30 p.m. ET on TSN)��9:30 p.m. ET � Mens and Womens Quarter-Finals (TSN) Wednesday, Jan. 22��3:30 a.m. ET � Mens and Womens Quarter-Finals (TSN; encore at 2:30 p.m. ET on TSN) ��9:30 p.m. ET � Womens Semifinals (TSN) Thursday, Jan. 23��3:30 a.m. ET � Mens Semifinal #1 (TSN; encore at 2:30 p.m. ET on TSN) Friday, Jan. 24��3:30 a.m. ET � Mens Semifinal #2 (TSN; encore at 2:30 p.m. ET on TSN) Saturday, Jan. 25��3 a.m. ET � Womens Final (TSN; encore at 12:30 p.m. ET on TSN) Sunday, Jan. 26��3 a.m. ET � Mens Final (TSN; encore at 12 noon ET on TSN) *Schedule subject to change Johnny Manziel Jersey . Ray gave up one run in his major league debut and got plenty of run support, especially from Miguel�Cabrera, to help Detroit rout the Houston Astros 11-4 on Tuesday night for its season-high seventh straight win. Jim Brown Jersey . The Blue Jackets entered this series against the Metropolitan Division champions as heavy underdogs, but they sit tied with the Penguins at two wins apiece. Columbus has arrived at this point with a pair of overtime victories, including a 4-3 triumph in Wednesdays Game 4 clash at Nationwide Arena that gave the franchise its first home playoff win.MILWAUKEE -- Forget about his prodigious speed -- Billy�Hamilton won a game with his bat Friday night. No need to worry about running out a hit with the way Cincinnatis leadoff man lined his single to right in the ninth off a fastball from stalwart reliever Francisco�Rodriguez. Hamiltons hit allowed Zack�Cozart to score from second, and Aroldis�Chapman shut down the Milwaukee Brewers in the bottom of the ninth to give the Reds a 6-5 win. "Somehow my hands were quicker than I thought they would (be) getting on top of the fastball and it was in," Hamilton said. "It was just a big win for us." Made it easy to forget how the Reds blew a four-run lead in the seventh. Hamilton added his 25th steal of the season in the ninth for good measure. Hes second in the National League in steals behind Dee�Gordon of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was left stranded at third, but his only hit of the night off Rodriguez (2-2) was much more important. The Reds feel like they are building momentum after taking two straight from Los Angeles. "That was a big comeback win. Its something that we really havent done much of this year," said starter Homer�Bailey, who gave up four runs and six hits in 6 1-3 innings. "So I think once you start picking up those kinds of wins, and coming back, it becomes contagious." Jonathan�Broxton (2-0) tossed a scoreless eighth before Chapman struck out two in the ninth for his 11th save. Hamiltons hit spoiled a special night for Milwaukee, which unveiled its Wall of Honor before the game. Hall of Famer Hank Aaron and baseball Commissioner Bud Selig were among dignitaries at Miller Park. The Brewers rallied with four runs in the seventh to tie it at 5 on Carlos�Gomezs RBI double. But earlier mistakes ultimately caught up to Milwaukee, which tied a season-high with four errors. Starter Matt�Garza had two errors alone on errant throws. The second came after Garza fielded a bunt by Bailey before his hard throw sailed wide of first and into the stands. The right-hander put his hands on his hips in frustration, but the trouble was just starting to brew.. Barkevious Mingo Browns Jersey. "It hurt him today," manager Ron Roenicke said. "Too bad because he had really good stuff today." Bailey later scored on Joey�Vottos single. Votto came around for a four-run lead after Jay�Bruces double wasnt fielded cleanly by Khris�Davis, who was charged with an error. Garza went seven innings and allowed seven hits and five runs, including one earned. But the errors still irritated him after the game. "The guys battled back and we lost it late, but we should have never been in that spot," Garza said. "My stuff was too good tonight to do something dumb like that." Davis, a young left fielder, atoned for his miscue with his shot in the seventh off the black Caterpillar ad affixed to the second deck above right field. Came on a night, too, when he posed for a picture with the iconic Aaron, who finished his stellar 23-year career in 1976 as a designated hitter for the Brewers in old County Stadium. Bailey had looked well on his way to winning a fifth straight decision after allowing just one run and three hits through six innings. He even wiggled out of a bases-loaded jam with two outs in the fourth by getting Irving�Falu to pop out. No such luck in the seventh. After Davis homer, Bailey allowed two singles before Sam�LeCure took over on the mound. After Scooter�Gennetts RBI single, Jonathan�Lucroy drove in another run on his 28th birthday by beating out a hard chopper to third before Gomez hit his double. NOTES: RHP Mat�Latos will make his season debut Saturday for Cincinnati. Latos will be activated after spending the first two months of the season recovering from surgeries on his right elbow and left knee. Latos will bump Tony�Cingrani (2-7) from the rotation, and manager Bryan�Price said he wasnt sure yet whether the left-hander would be demoted to Triple-A Louisville or sent to the bullpen. ... Milwaukee plans to activate LHP Tom�Gorzelanny before Saturdays game. The reliever began the season on the DL following off-season shoulder surgery. ... RHP Yovani�Gallardo (4-4) will start Saturday for the Brewers. ' ' '

JASON ZUCKER - WILD (NEVADA) Up and comer Jason Zucker of the Minnesota Wild was born in Vegas, hes the only NHLer from Nevada. Jim Otto Authentic Jersey.TYLER MYERS - SABRES (TEXAS) You probably knew Buffalos Tyler Myers was big, but did you know its because hes from Texas? Houston, to be exact.Now well look Internationally: ANTOINE ROUSSEL - STARS (FRANCE) the Stars Antoine Roussel was born in Roubaix, France.LUCA SBISA - CANUCKS (ITALY) Luca Sbisa is a new member of the Canucks. He represents the Swiss nationally, but was actually born in Ozieri which is in Italy.MATS ZUCCARELLO - RANGERS (NORWAY) Mats Zuccarello had a breakout season for the Rangers, hes also the breakout Norwegian player. Hes from Oslo.ANZE KOPITAR - KINGS (SLOVENIA) But nobody had a more impressive year representing his team or country than Anze Kopitar of Jesenice, Slovenia.However, easily the strangest two paths to the NHL are these guys:ROBYN REGEHR - KINGS (BRAZIL) Robyn Regehr identifies as Canadian but was actually born in Recife, Brazil. He also spent most of his early years in Indonesia.CRAIG ADAMS - PENGUINS (BRUNEI) I wonder if he ever saw Craig Adams there? Adams, of the Penguins, was raised in Calgary but actually comes from Seria in Brunei. James Jones Jersey . Pelfrey hit a tiebreaking two-run double and limited the Rockies to three solo homers, helping the New York Mets to a 4-3 win over Colorado on Tuesday night. Miles Burris .J. -- The New York Giants are not only back in the playoff hunt with a four-game winning streak, theyre calling the plays that get them those wins.DENVER -- Up until a few days ago, the Philadelphia 76ers just couldnt find a way to win on the road. Suddenly, they cant be beaten. All right, so its only two road wins. But they hadnt won back-to-back games -- let alone two away from home -- since the starting the season with three wins. Evan�Turner scored 23 points and Thaddeus�Young added 17, helping the 76ers knock off the slumping Denver Nuggets 114-102 on Wednesday night. "Were beginning to show some signs of what Coach is trying to instil in us," Young said. Namely, to share the ball. Thats been coach Brett Browns primary mantra, which was on display to start the new year. The Sixers had seven different players score in double figures en route to their second straight win away from home. Philadelphia halted a 13-game road losing streak in Los Angeles against the Lakers over the weekend. "Really want to hop on the wagon and keep this going," Turner said. "Were reaping the benefits of our hard work." Meanwhile, the Nuggets are spiraling downward, dropping their eighth game in a row. Its the teams longest skid since losing the final eight games of the 2002-03 season. Denver also has lost some of its Mile High mystique under first-year coach Brian�Shaw, losing a fifth straight at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets were a franchise-best 38-3 at home last season. "I feel like we have reached rock bottom," said J.J.�Hickson, who had 19 points and 11 rebounds. "Weve lost to some pretty bad teams." This game was ultimately decided in the second quarter, when the Sixers put together a 44-26 period to turn a close game into runaway. Ball movement was the biggest thing as each of the starters scored at least five points in that pivotal surge. It was the most points for the Sixers in a quarter since Feb. 20, 1996, at Orlando when they also had 44. "We just rode the wave and took it into the second half," Turner said. Sure did. Stretching their lead to as many as 16 early in the fourth quarter, the Sixers simply cruised from there while improving to 3-13 on the road, which remains one of the worst marks in the league. There was a brief moment when the game could have changed course, when Young was called for a clear path violation after a steal by Ty�Lawson with 4:51 remaining.D.J.Hayden Jersey. The speedy Nuggets point guard made 1 of 2 free throws to make it a 10-point game and they also had the ball out of bounds. But Wilson�Chandlers 3-point attempt clanged off the rim. Turner ended any lingering suspense by hitting a turnaround jumper with 3:26 remaining. "Everybody knows exactly what they need to do to go out there and help this team win games," Young said. Randy�Foye was back in Denvers starting lineup after surrendering his spot to Jordan�Hamilton the last three games. Foye has been struggling with his shot, his defence and not "making plays for his teammates," Shaw explained before the game. Foye wound up with 14 points on 6-of-17 shooting. Shaws reserves have struggled lately, too, which was why he shook up his rotation against the Sixers. Quincy�Miller was the first player off the bench, not Hamilton. Evan�Fournier and Nate�Robinson also received playing time ahead of Andre�Miller, who didnt get into the game. According to the Nuggets, this was the first "Did not play -- coachs decision" of Millers career and ended a streak of 239 straight games. Things got so bad that as the Nuggets trudged off the court at intermission, the crowd began to boo. Then again, the fans are not accustomed to losing at home. Shaw understands the frustration. He feels the same way, too. "Its not even a slump right now, its worse than a slump," Shaw said. "Players are coming in and having their way with us. Were not making them uncomfortable, theyre shooting the ball with a high percentage from the 3-point line, were giving up offensive rebounds. Were allowing penetration. "Anyway we can get beat, were getting beat." NOTES: The 68 first-half points were a season high for Philadelphia. ... Young had his streak of scoring 25 or more halted at four games. ... Philly G Michael�Carter-Williams had 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists. ... Sixers C Spencer�Hawes (first quarter) and Nuggets F Kenneth�Faried (third quarter) received technical fouls. ... Andre�Miller has missed seven games in his 15-year career, the team said. ' ' '

SALT LAKE CITY -- After being thrown into the fire following Jerry Sloans abrupt retirement in February, Utah Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin has had to wait, albeit impatiently, for his first true season as head coach. Kevin Norwood . Now the former journeyman player finds himself in crunch time, with the lockout-shortened NBA season leaving him with precious little time to prepare a young, fairly inexperienced team. Those who know Corbin well say hes ready, even if the deck is stacked against him. "Hes been dealt a hand that will be awfully difficult to get off to a good start," said Jazz broadcaster Ron Boone, a good friend and golfing buddy. "But theres good talent here. I hope he gets a fair opportunity." That Jazz management hired Corbin without an interim tag is an indication he will be afforded such. The 48-year-old Corbin also is realistic. "I thought the honeymoon period was last year," he said during 18 holes at Eaglewood Golf Course in September. "The fans and everybody understood there were a lot of changes, especially for us here. It was a tough situation, but like I tell the guys, youre still expected to play and compete." Going into this weekend, he has nine players on his roster, plus two lottery picks, and whatever free agents the team can sign or re-sign. "I expect us to be competitive," Corbin said. "What number that is I dont know, but I expect us to be competitive every night we step on the floor." Al�Jefferson and Paul�Millsap are the elder statesmen. But there also are four players -- Gordon�Hayward, Derrick Favours, Jeremy�Evans and C.J.�Miles -- who are 24 or younger in addition to 19- and 20-year-old rookies. Equally telling are the numbers from last year when the Jazz set a futility mark for missing the playoffs at 39-43 following a 27-13 start. "The disappointing number is we were 8-20 the last 28 games," Corbin said of his record as head coach after Sloan retired. "Its not all bad in those numbers. We had some moments ... the energy we played with at the end and the identity we tried to create is going to be of great value going forward." Corbins stamp on the team, however, has yet to be determined. He said he learned a valuable lesson playing at DePaul, when he watched another great coach step aside. After 42 seasons as coach, Ray Meyer retired in 1984 and son Joey Meyer took over when Corbin was a senior. "He changed a lot of things because he wanted to let everybody know it was his team more than Coach Rays team," Corbin said. A squad used to running slowed down. Though it reached the NCAA tournament, it made a quick exit. Corbin said that experience taught him a lot. "I wasnt concerned as much about it being my team," Corbin said of taking over after Sloans unexpected departure. "It was the Jazz and you couldnt change everything in the middle. I didnt feel I needed to show the guys I was in charge. You have to be an authority figure, but you have to show them its not an ego trip." Boone seconds that, saying Corbin isnt about ego. And hes not about pleasing everybody. "I always thought the mistake coaches make is trying to be too buddy-buddy with players," Boone said. "Tys approach has been right on." Like so many others, Boone is eager to see Corbins offensive and defensive philosophy. "Hell be able to take bits and pieces from a lot of different coaches hes been under," Boone said, noting Corbin played for nine teams over 16 years. "Im sure there were certain styles he thought were most effective." Boone said Hall of Famer Sloan may still be the most influential mentor as Corbin spent three seasons as a player under him and almost seven as an assistant. Guard-forward Miles said he wouldnt be surprised to see Corbin let the team "open it up a little more" because of its youth and quickness. "Its just a matter of us earning the trust and showing we can do it without turning the ball over and taking bad shots," Miles said. Corbin is not Sloan, and hes surely not the average Utah resident. He is southern Baptist in a Mormon-dominated state, black where the population is 86 per cent white. Even his middle name -- Kennedy -- speaks to a different generation. This summer, the native of Columbia, S.C., was honoured with a key to the city. "For me, it was great because my family could be there and I had some friends come up," said Corbin, who displays a southern disposition with his personable style and infectious laugh. Columbia remains a place where he can still be "just Tyrone," cutting the grass, trimming trees at his moms house or sitting by a pond and fishing if he wants. Though hed spend the better part of two months there because of the extended off-season, and get a chance to see his basketball-playing son settle in at UC Davis, Corbin is champing at the bit to get the ball rolling again in Salt Lake City. "Im sure hes up in his office, sweating right now, itching to get on the court," Millsap said. "Hes a guy who wants to get better. Thats why guys respect him, why hes going to succeed." Corbin promised all off-season he would be ready to hit the ground running. "Youve got to be ready coming out of it because no ones going to feel sorry for you so you cant feel sorry for yourself," he said. "My mom never made excuses. She never allowed us to make excuses. You came where you came from but you can pick yourself up if you work your way through it." It helped that he had golf to relieve the stress of a long summer. If that outlet hadnt been available, Corbin said, "I dont think anybody would enjoy being around me." While Corbins golf game may have improved, his personality hasnt changed through the years. He can laugh at himself. He wont use balls that bear his name on holes where he might accidentally hit a house. And when his tongue curls up over his lip, a la Michael�Jordan, after each swing, he quips, "Thats about the only trait we share." Then theres that propensity to sweat, which his assistants constantly rib him about. Even when putting a group of season ticket holders through workouts during the lockout, Corbin was drenched through his polo shirt. "He was into it," assistant Sidney Lowe said. "Thats who he is. Thats him all the time." Max Unger Jerseys . - The Washington Wizards are in a great position to make the playoffs for the first time in six years, and John�Wall has a lot to do with it. Robert Turbin Jersey Seattle Seahawks . Even the longest of tenures with the Twins, though, dont last forever. Versatile veteran Michael�Cuddyer, voted by local beat writers as the teams most valuable player in 2011, is gone. He will be with the Colorado Rockies next season.BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Kiko�Alonsos season is over before it even began after the Buffalo Bills starting linebacker was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his left knee. General manager Doug Whaley provided the update in a statement released by the team on Wednesday, a day after Alonso was hurt while working out in Oregon. Whaley said Alonso will require surgery to repair a torn ACL, and "will likely miss the 2014 season." The Bills did not provide any details as to how Alonso was hurt. The injury is a significant blow to the Bills before they even open training camp in suburban Rochester on July 20. Alonso was an NFL defensive rookie of the year contender last season after being drafted in the second round out of Oregon. He led Buffalo with 159 tackles, two fumble recoveries and tied for the team lead with four interceptions while barely missing a snap in playing all 16 games. After playing in the middle last season, Alonso was moving to the outside linebacker spot as part of the Bills shift to a 4-3 defensive scheme under new co-ordinator Jim Schwartz. OBrien Schofield Jersey Seattle Seahawks. The position switch was also sparked in part by the Bills signing of run-stopping specialist Brandon�Spikes, who is better suited to play in the middle. Alonso had hip surgery this off-season, which limited him in participating in spring practices. But he was expected to be ready for the start of camp. "We feel badly for Kiko, because he has worked very hard this off-season in preparation for the upcoming season," Whaley said. "But we look forward to his return with his style of play that made him one of the leagues outstanding rookies in 2013." The Bills do have some depth behind Alonso. Manny�Lawson, an eight-year NFL veteran, has experience playing the position. The Bills also selected linebacker Preston Brown in the third round of the draft in April. ' ' '

NEW YORK -- Robinson�Cano drove in a run and scored another in a most unwelcome return to Yankee Stadium, helping the Seattle Mariners beat New York 6-3 Tuesday night for their fourth win in five games. Chris Mullin Jersey . Amid lusty boos from a modest crowd on a rainy, 46-degree night, Cano began his first game in the Bronx since joining Seattle this winter for $240 million with a wink -- at Yankees starter CC�Sabathia (3-3). Cano got a mock cheer when he struck out to end the inning, then was met with chants of "You sold out!" from the Bleacher Creatures when he took his spot at second base. When Cano grounded out to first base in the fourth, first baseman Mark�Teixeira gave him a smile after the close play. The five-time All-Star was even booed when he cleanly handled a grounder. Chris�Young (1-0) gave up a second-inning homer to Teixeira and not much else in 5 2-3 innings to earn his first win since 2012. Mike�Zunino had a career-high four hits, one courtesy of a replay review that sparked a four-run fifth inning. Fernando�Rodney gave up an RBI single to Brett�Gardner in the ninth before striking out Derek�Jeter and Carlos�Beltran with two runners on base. Cano really riled up the crowd in the fifth after driving in Seattles first run with a groundball to Teixeira with the bases loaded. Seattles big inning started with Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon winning a challenge on a bang-bang play at first. Zunino, the catcher whose errant throw to second in the third inning on Gardners stolen base gave New York a 2-0 lead, was ruled to have beaten out a grounder to second base. Sabathia gave up a single to Willie�Bloomquist and a bunt hit to Abraham�Almonte to load the bases. Yankees second baseman Brian�Roberts was playing near the bag and did not reach first to cover when Teixeira fielded the bunt. Cano hit a sharp grounder to first for the run, Corey�Hart followed with a two-run double and Justin�Smoak made it 4-2 with a single. In the seventh, Cano reached on an infield single to second base and stole second. He was greeted there by Jeter, who gave his former double-play partner a friendly tap on the chest. Earlier, Jeter had playfully run his fingers through Canos fuzzy beard. Facial hair was no-no during Canos nine years with New York. Pinch-hitter Dustin�Ackley and Zunino had RBI singles in the seventh, more than enough support to give Young his first victory since Sept. 2, 2012, for the New York Mets. He missed last season after having shoulder surgery and was decisionless in four appearances this year. The 6-foot-10 Princetonian held New York to three hits and three walks. Sabathia was chased after putting two on in the sixth, his shortest outing since July 26. He gave up nine hits and four runs in five-plus innings. He struck out six. NOTES: Mariners first base coach Andy Van Slyke was ejected by third base umpire Adam Hamari in the bottom of the eighth. It came shortly after Cano was called out on a check-swing appeal. ... Yankees RHP Ivan�Nova had reconstructive elbow surgery Tuesday. Dr. James Andrews performed the operation in Pensacola, Fla. ... Suspended Yankees RHP Michael�Pineda cut short a simulated game in Tampa after experiencing tightness in an upper back muscle. He will have an MRI. His first scheduled start (Monday) after a 10-game ban for having a foreign substance on his neck is in jeopardy, according to manager Joe�Girardi. ... Yankees CF Jacoby�Ellsbury was out of starting lineup because of a sore left hand. ... Mariners RHP Hisashi�Iwakuma (torn tendon in middle finger) rejoined the team and had a bullpen session at Yankee Stadium. Hes scheduled to pitch again Friday but McClendon would not commit to saying it will be in the majors. Wilt Chamberlain Warriors Jersey . -- Brandon�Jennings made the most of his first game with the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. Harrison Barnes Warriors Jersey . The result was a game-winning, power-play goal. Chiasson snapped a third-period tie and lifted the Dallas Stars to a 3-2 victory on Monday night.Calgary Stampeders running back Jon Cornish, Toronto Argonauts quarterback Ricky Ray�and Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Dwight Anderson are among the notable CFL players honoured by their peers in the 2013 CFL on TSN Player Poll.�With one week left in the regular season, Cornish - voted The Toughest Player To Bring Down - is a�leading candidate for the CFLs Most Outstanding Player award. He has rushed for 1,799 yards and could break Willie Burdens club record for rushing yards in a single season with a 98-yard performance against the B.C. Lions on Friday Night Football. Ray becomes just the second two-category winner in the history of the CFL ON TSN Player Poll. He was chosen by peers as the CFLs best clutch performer and most accurate passer with more than 50 per cent of the total vote in both categories, including a near-unanimous selection as the leagues most accurate quarterback.�The lone repeat winner from last year is Anderson, who was a near-unanimous selection as the leagues best trash-talker. Anderson has been awarded the distinction in all four years of the CFL ON TSN Player Poll.� TSNs Dave Naylor joins the CFL on TSN panel to analyze the results of the poll alongside host Dave Randorf and analysts Chris Schultz, Milt Stegall, and Jock Climie during the CFL ON TSN pre-game show on Saturday at 1:30pmm et on TSN.David Lee Warriors Jersey. �More than half of the league participated in the CFL on TSN Player Poll as players representing all eight CFL teams cast ballots.� �You can weigh in with their thoughts on the results by joining the conversation on TSN.cas Your Call Feature as well as Twitter and Facebook using the hashtags #TSN and #CFLPlayerPoll. �The results of the 2013 CFL ON TSN Player Poll are as follows: Best Clutch Performer: Ricky Ray, QB, Toronto (59%) Biggest Threat To Score: Chad Owens, WR/KR, Toronto (46%) Most Underrated: Marquay McDaniel, WR, Calgary (27%) Most Accurate Passer: Ricky Ray, QB, Toronto (99%) Fastest Player: Maurice Price, WR, Calgary (65%) Toughest To Bring Down: Jon Cornish, RB, Calgary (64%) Toughest Player: Mike Reilly, QB, Edmonton (83%) Nastiest Player: Khalif Mitchell, DT, Toronto (40%) Best Trash-Talker: Dwight Anderson, DB, Saskatchewan (93%)* Hardest Hitter: Tyron Brackenridge, CB, Saskatchewan (32%) Best Hands: SJ Green, SB, Montreal (29%) * denotes repeat winner�BONUS QUESTION: Who is the CFLs best Tweeter?�Popular choices: Nik Lewis @nikel18 Khalif Mitchell @TruthWillFree96 Emmanuel Arceneaux @E_Arceneaux16 Odell Willis @KuntryKane205 Fake Mark Cohon @FakeMarkCohon Ricky Foley @Foley4Real Jim Popp @PoppJim Moton Hopkins @thehopkins95�� ' ' '

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. John Wall . - Aaron Maybin is a Toronto Argonaut. The former first-round draft pick of the NFLs Buffalo Bills joined the CFL clubs practice roster Sunday, three days after watching Torontos 36-21 home win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. With that victory, the Argos (11-6) cemented top spot in the East Division and a bye to the conference final Nov. 17 at Rogers Centre versus either the Hamilton Tiger-Cats or Montreal Alouettes. The Argos will conclude their regular season Friday night hosting Montreal (7-10), which assured itself of a third-place finish in the East following a 27-24 loss to Hamilton (9-8) on Saturday. Maybin is expected to suit up against the Alouettes. Toronto also added import kicker-punter Quinn Sharp to its practice roster while releasing defensive lineman Auston English. The six-foot-four, 237-pound Maybin, a former All-American linebacker at Penn State, had been out of football since August when he was released by the Cincinnati Bengals. Maybin, 25, spent two seasons with Buffalo (2009-10) before being released. He signed with the New York Jets in August 2011 but was let go in November 2012. He signed with Cincinnati on Jan. 25 before being released Aug. 18. Maybin had 36 tackles, six sacks and five forced fumbles over his NFL career. Bradley Beal Wizards Jersey . Turns out, the alternative wasnt any fun for Malone, either. Durant scored 30 points and embraced a role as a facilitator by finishing with nine assists to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past Sacramento 108-93 on Sunday night. Michael Jordan Jersey . The 25-year-old rookie forward scored the winner on his first career shootout attempt as the Philadelphia Flyers overcame an early deficit to earn a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.Their season is just four days old, but the Seattle Mariners are off to an impressive 3-1 start. They swept the Angels, then lost a 3-2, 12-inning heartbreaker to the Oakland As on a Coco�Crisp walk-off home run. The biggest story in my mind though was the performance of their number three starter James�Paxton, in an 8-2 victory over the Halos. He pitched a two-hitter over seven innings and immediately threw himself into the mix for those to watch in the Rookie of the Year race this season. Paxton is a 64", 220-pound lefty who hails from Richmond, BC. Unfortunately for the Blue Jays, hes one that got away. Paxton was originally drafted by the Blue Jays 37th overall in 2009, but he chose not to sign. He intended to return to the University of Kentucky, but was ruled ineligible because he had signed an agreement with agent Scott Boras. Paxton went on to pitch briefly for the Independent Grand Prairie Airhogs of the American Association in 2010. That year he was drafted by the Mariners in the fourth round. With Hisashi�Iwakuma and top prospect Taijuan�Walker rehabbing from injuries, Paxton may be around for awhile and could be a key part of the Ms resurgence. Seattle has another impressive young lefty in their rotation in Cuban-born lefty Roenis Elias, who pitched well, but got saddled with a no-decision in the Mariners loss to the As. The only question coming into this season was over their ability to score runs, even with the addition of ex-Yankees star Robinson�Cano. With this seeming wealth of starting pitching, the Ms may be able to deal for the bats they need as the season unfolds. Cano, by the way, is off to a decent start with Seattle, going 6 for 16 with a pair of intentional walks. Here and Now Theres no sense fretting now over the Jays not getting Paxton. Better to concentrate on the top two pitching prospects they do have. Marcus�Stroman started the Buffalo Bisons season opener on Thursday against the Twins Rochester farm club, the Red Wings. He was on a pitch count and over four innings, made 73 pitches - 47 for strikes - gave up four hits and two earned runs, struck out three of the first four batters he faced and got a no decision in the Bisons 6-3 victory. The Bisons are veteran team, with 16 players on their roster who played in the Majors last season. Matt�Tuiasosopo, who was just picked up on waivers last week from Arizona and then three days later was outrighted to Buffalo, led the attack with thrree hits. Gilbert Arenas Wizards Jersey. After Stroman, the rest of the Buffalo rotation consists of Ricky�Romero, Kyle�Drabek, lefty Sean�Nolin, who was briefly with the Jays, and Liam Hendricks. J.A.�Happ is expected to join them as well in the near future on a rehab assignment. Bisons closer Neil�Wagner, who figures to be up with the Jays at some point this season, struck out three of four batters and racked up the save. Blue Jays blue chip prospect Aaron�Sanchez started opening night for Double "A" New Hampshire at Trenton. He was described as being dominant over his five-inning stint, giving up just one hit and striking out five while walking two. He also got the victory in the Fishercats 6-0 victory over Trenton. Fresh Start Emilio�Bonifacio, who was a bust with the Blue Jays last season and eventually moved on to the Royals, signed with the Cubs as a free agent and is off to a torrid start at the plate with Chicago. Hes 11 for 16 with four stolen bases on the young season. Hes been batting lead-off and playing centre field. The Cubs - weather permitting - will be marking the 100th anniversary of Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon in their home opener against the Phillies. Great trivia question on Wrigley: name the only person to hit the scoreboard. Heres a clue, it wasnt a ball player. It was golf legend Slammin Sammy Snead. He teed off from homeplate in a publicity stunt and hit the 89 high scoreboard, which was 420 feet away on the fly. On his next try he hit it right over the scoreboard. Wrigley has also hosted two of the wildest games in Major League history. In the highest scoring game ever, the Cubs beat the Phillies 26-23 on August 25, 1922. The Phils got their revenge in 1979, 57 years later, when they edged the Cubs 23-22 in 10 innings. Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt hommered off Cubs closer Bruce Sutter to win it. The teams combined for 11 homers, including three by the Cubbies Dave Kingman.� Roys Return Great move by the Blue Jays to get Roy�Halladay to throw out the first pitch for their home opener Friday night at sold-out Rogers Centre against Derek�Jeter and the Yankees. It makes you wonder if they will put Halladays name up on the "Level of Excellence" tonight or at some point down the road. The pitching match-up couldnt be more intriguing with the comeback king Dustin�McGowan facing Japanese star Masahiro Tanaka, who will be making his first Major League start. ' ' '