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MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin�Henderson has been arrested again for drunken driving, putting his status with the team in question after a perilous one-car crash that heavily damaged the sports utility vehicle he was driving. David Silva . Henderson was booked into jail Wednesday and released Thursday on $12,000 bail. He has a court appearance scheduled March 3 on these charges: second and third degree driving while intoxicated and test refusal; possession of a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and violation of a limited driver license. Henderson was arrested in Chanhassen, a suburb near team headquarters in Eden Prairie. The Vikings issued a statement Thursday morning: "We are aware of the matter involving Erin�Henderson. We are continuing to gather information and will have further comment at the appropriate time." According to the Carver County Sheriffs office, Henderson was travelling on a county road when he lost control of the car, skidded over the centerline and went through a grassy area and a park-and-ride lot before colliding with some trees. The 27-year-old Henderson, who finished second on the team in tackles this season, was not injured. Officers observed a strong odour of alcohol on Hendersons breath as well as bloodshot and glassy eyes. He was arrested after "performing poorly during standardized field sobriety testing," according to a news release from the sheriffs office. Henderson was moved to middle linebacker this year and the starter there until he was arrested Nov. 19 in Eden Prairie on suspicion of DWI and drug possession, one of three arrests involving Vikings players that month. Audie�Cole took his spot, and Henderson returned to his previous position on the weak side. Henderson has one season left on his contract with a $1.95 million salary, but if the Vikings cut him before the new league year begins theyd only take a $250,000 hit against their salary cap for the remaining prorated portion of his signing bonus. Henderson spoke to reporters after the first arrest about "a wake-up call" that he said he thought would help him mature. Again this week as players cleaned out their cubicles following the end of the season, Henderson said he was in a better place. "I think I grew leaps and bounds as a player and as a person as well," he said Monday. James Milner Shirt .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. Vincent Kompany Jersey . As Valanciunas was whistled for a rare technical toward the end of the third quarter - a result of waving his hand at an official after being called for a foul - Lowry pulled the Raptors sophomore aside, corralling him by his jersey and patting him on the back. OTTAWA -- Hayley Wickenheiser doesnt put much stock in the flag-bearers curse. The womens hockey star, who will carry the Maple Leaf into the opening ceremonies of the Sochi Olympics, says the idea that she and her teammates could be under any more pressure is absurd. After all, they play a sport that many in Canada consider religion. So any sort of cosmic jinx pales in comparison to the weight of an entire countrys expectations for the womens team to win a fourth straight gold medal in Sochi. "I think theres just too much emphasis to put on that," Wickenheiser said Thursday via conference call from Austria. "The pressure that we feel is the pressure that always comes with playing hockey as a Canadian hockey player, whether youre male or female. "The country expects a gold medal. Whether I carry the flag or not, Im pretty sure our team doesnt feel any extra added incentive that theres more pressure to perform, because we already feel that already." Not all athletes see it that way. Diver Alexandre Despatie felt it would be a distraction and said hed decline any offer to carry the flag at the 2012 London Games. Kayaker Adam van Koeverden carried the flag at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and finished a disappointing eighth in the 1,000 metres -- although he did win a silver medal in the 500. Moguls skier Jean-Luc Brassard blamed his disappointing performance at the 1998 Nagano Olympics on being the flag-bearer a day earlier. Wickenheiser and her teammates hope the same thing doesnt happen to them. Hockey Canada says the women will march in the Feb. 7 opening ceremonies despite playing their first game the following night versus Switzerland. Brassard, the assistant chef de mission for the Sochi team, was on the panel that selected Wickenheiser along with chef de mission Steve Podborski, assistant chef France St. Louis and one athlete representative. Hockey Canada nominated her for the honour. "Throughout her successful career, this Canadian athlete has demonstrated true Canadian grit, patriotism and sporttsmanship," said Podborski, adding that Wickenheiser will lead the Canadian team with "the utmost pride and class. Stevan Jovetic Shirt. " Wickenheiser is embracing the opportunity to put her sport centre stage. "What I think it does is it shines a very positive light on the sport of womens hockey and just on our sport in general for the world to see," said the 35-year-old forward. "Thats a great responsibility and expectation that every nation in the world has to carry in and I think should really embrace." The Shaunavon, Sask., native, who is at a pre-Olympic camp in Austria and wasnt able to attend the formal announcement Thursday on Parliament Hill, will be making her fifth Winter Olympic appearance. But for the first time since 2006, she wont be Canadas captain. Caroline Ouellette has been handed that job, while Wickenheiser will be an alternate. But she remains Canadas biggest womens hockey star and a pioneer of the game. She and teammate Jayna Hefford will be the only players in the 2014 womens hockey tournament who have played in every Olympic Games since female hockey made its debut in 1998. Her stewardship extends beyond hockey as a spokesperson for Right To Play, Clean Air Champions, KidsSport, Spread The Net, Plan Canadas Because I Am A Girl and Classroom Champions. Wickenheiser read the athletes oath in the opening ceremonies at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and she is running for election to the International Olympic Committees athletes commission in Sochi. Veteran speedskater Clara Hughes carried the flag at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics while womens hockey player Danielle Goyette was the flag-bearer at the 2006 Games in Turin. "I remember we were joking, like Dont trip and fall when you come in," Wickenheiser said of her conversation with Goyette before the opening ceremonies eight years ago. "Thats sort of the same thing we were talking about today. Geez, Id better watch some YouTube videos and figure out how the athletes have done this before." --- ' ' '

MONTREAL -- Australian Open semifinalist Eugenie Bouchard will lead Canadas team at a Fed Cup womens tennis tie against Serbia next month. Reggie White Jersey . The native of Westmount, Que., who made headlines in Canada last week after unexpectedly making the final four in Melbourne, will be joined by Gabriela Dabrowski of Ottawa, Sharon Fichman of Toronto and Aleksandra Wozniak, Blainville, Que. The World Group II first-round series will be played indoors Feb. 8-9 at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex. "The team that will defend Canadas colours consists of experienced players on the international scene," said Canadian captain Sylvain Bruneau. "The girls are ready to take on the tough challenge that awaits them against Serbia and move one step closer to the World Group." The best-of-five series will mark Bouchards return home after her stellar Australian Open performance, which moved her up to No. 19 in the world rankings. The 19-year-old made her Fed Cup debut in 2011 and has a record 7-2. Last year in Kyiv, Bouchard won two matches despite playing with an injured ankle, including the decisive doubles with Fichman to give Canada a place in World Group II for the first time since 2010. Dabrowski, the countrys top doubles player at No. 61 on the WTA rankings, reached her first two WTA doubles finals in 2013 at Brussels and Linz in addition to winning two doubles titles of the ITF Challenger Circuit. Shes 3-0 in Fed Cup play. Fichman enjoyed the best season of her career in 2013, making the worlds top 100 for the first time (95th). In her first tournament of 2014 at Auckland, Fichman collected her first WTA doubles title. In Fed Cup, Fichman is 22-7 since making her debut in 2005 at the age of 14. Wozniak has struggled with injuries and will be playing her first Fed Cup tie since 2011. A member of the Canadian squad since 2004, she holds a 37-9 record on the circuit. Canada lost 3-2 to Serbia in 2011. Trent Cole Jersey . Salamida, 29, has played the last four seasons with the Goldeyes. Returning to the team halfway through last season, he went 7-1 with a 2. Harold Carmichael Jersey . The story of the scoreless first period was Hurricanes goaltender Cam�Ward, as the Jets outshot the Hurricanes 13-6 and had a number of grade �A� scoring chances, the best off the stick of Bryan�Little.GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Breaking the school record for consecutive home wins should be something to celebrate. Not for No. 7 Florida, which has fallen one step short of the Final Four the last three years. Michael Frazier II scored a career-high 21 points and the Gators handled Georgia 72-50 on Tuesday night, notching their 25th straight at the OConnell Center. Undermanned Florida topped the previous mark set between March 2006 and November 2007. Two-time national champions Corey Brewer, Taurean Green, Al Horford and Joakim Noah did most of the heavy lifting in that streak. This group, which has four seniors who have tasted plenty of disappointment, barely acknowledged their achievement. "Its cool to be a part of that and to accomplish something like that," centre Pat Young said. "Hopefully we can top it with an NCAA championship and a Final Four and all that good stuff. Making a record that someone else has to break is pretty cool. Hopefully it stays here for another 100 years or however Florida is around." If Frazier continues to play like he did against the Bulldogs, Florida (14-2, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) certainly could improve its chances of making a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Frazier made 7 of 16 shots, including 5 of 12 from 3-point range. His previous high was 20 points in a loss to Wisconsin early this season. Coaches and teammates told Frazier to keep shooting despite a 1-for-8 start. "Any time you can get hot like that, catch fire, it feels good," Frazier said. "My teammates had great confidence in me, coaches told me to keep shooting. That always feels good to have my teammates and my coaches behind me." Juwan Parker led Georgia (8-7, 2-1) with 13 points while Marcus Thornton added 11 points and seven rebounds. Dorian Finney-Smith scored 14 points for Florida, while Will Yeguete added 12 and Young 10. Florida won despite playing its second game without leading scorer Casey Prather, who sat out with a bruised right knee. The Gators had just seven scholarship players available. They got even thinner when point guard Scottie Wilbekin left the game midway through the second half with cramps. He got treatment and returned a few minutes later. But just as he re-entered the game, guard DeVon Walkker headed to the locker room with a busted lip. Black LeSean McCoy Youth Elite Jersey. In the midst of those issues, the Gators went 9:43 without a field goal in the second half, but the Bulldogs did little to take advantage of the lull. Georgias real problem was the opening 20 minutes. Florida used a 24-4 run in the first half to open a 20-point lead and pretty much coasted from there. The Bulldogs had 11 turnovers and 11 points with 4:26 remaining before halftime. "When you play like boys in a mans game, youve got to be tougher than we were tonight. Theres no way around it," Georgia coach Mark Fox said. "Weve got to play better on the road in environments like this against teams like this. ... We didnt come in here with the mentality we needed to play a team like them on the road." Georgia looked nothing like the same team that upset Missouri and Alabama to open SEC play. Floridas press and stifling defence created havoc. And hitting shots from behind the arc only added to Georgias woes. Frazier, Finney-Smith, Wilbekin and Walker all hit 3s in the decisive spurt. Florida finished 11 of 26 from 3-point range. "We lost our poise," Thornton said. "We got too relaxed and made some very immature plays, and once you get behind the 8-ball in a place like Florida, they will crush you quickly. The game was decided in right there in the first half." The Bulldogs had nearly as many turnovers (12) as points (16) at the break. They shot 31.6 per cent from the field, well shy of Floridas 50 per cent shooting. The closest Georgia got was 45-31 with about 11 minutes to play. Fraziers fifth 3 made it 70-39 and sent many scrambling for the exits in a laugher. Floridas last loss at the ODome was March 4, 2012, against Kentucky. The Gators have won eight straight this season and 12 in a row at home against the Bulldogs. "Im really, really proud of our guys," Gators coach Billy Donovan said. "Thats great. The guys that had won that many in a row obviously did some really special things. These guys havent won national championships, but theyve done some special things as well, and Im proud of them. Its a good milestone. "I think any time you can do something for the first time in school history its always nice." ' ' '

PHILADELPHIA -- Nick�Foles will be back at quarterback for the Eagles when they play the Raiders on Sunday. Logan Couture Sharks Jersey . Two weeks after suffering a concussion, Foles will start in place of Michael�Vick, who is out for the second time this season with a hamstring injury. Rookie Matt�Barkley will be Foles backup vs. Oakland (3-4). Eagles coach Chip Kelly made the announcement Wednesday after watching Foles take part in Tuesdays practice. "Nick did really well," Kelly said. "I know he was cleared, but just because he was cleared, we (still) really needed to see him. I hadnt really had a chance to visit with him, so to get to watch him on the field, I was really happy with the way Nick practiced." Philadelphia (3-5) is still just one game out of first place in the NFC East. "Thats one of the good things about practicing Tuesday is that you can kind of get a chance to get your eyes on people who have been out," Kelly said. "Nick is going to be our starter this week and hell take the reps with the ones." Foles, a third-round pick in 2011 out of the University of Arizona, suffered the concussion in the second half of a 17-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys Oct. 20. He started that game in place of Vick, who was out with his first hamstring injury. Vick, who missed two games, returned last week and started in a 15-7 loss to the New York Giants, but re-injured the hamstring and left in the first half. Barkley has relieved Foles, against Dallas, and Vick, against New York. "Mikes hamstring is the same as it was," Kelly said. "We dont see him being able to go this week." Foles has appeared in five games this season, two as a starter, and has completed 52 of 90 passes for 622 yards with six touchdowns. He has not thrown an interception, and has a 101.3 rating. Foles came off the bench for Vick in a win over the Giants at the Meadowlands, and threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns in a 36-21 win. A week later, he started and completed 22 of 31 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honours. In his most recent start against Dallas, though, he suffered through a miserable 11-for-29, 80-yard effort before the concussion knocked him out of the game. "I just did not play well," Foles said. "Theres no reason. I just did not play well. Its going to make be better. Im going to get better because of it." In his rookie year, Foles started six games in place of an injured Vick and played to a rating of 79.1. He completed 161 of 265 passes for 1,699 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. "I feel very confident," Foles said. "Same confidence I had after the Tampa Bay game. You feel emotions, you are human. You play bad, you let everyone down." Kelly has that same confidence in his quarterback. "Thats one of the things I love about Nick, theres resiliency to him," Kelly said. "I know Nick didnt play well in the Dallas game. He understands that. Nick wasnt the only one who didnt play well against Dallas. "Ive seen Nick play well. Ive got a ton of confidence in Nick." Patrick Marleau Jersey .com) - The Edmonton Oilers have made Nail�Yakupov a healthy scratch for the second straight game for tonights game against the Washington Capitals. Martin Havlat . -- Oakland Raiders running back Maurice�Jones-Drew is being sued in Florida, accused of punching a bouncer at a St.FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Patrick Mullins and Diego Fagundez scored and the New England Revolution extended their unbeaten streak to seven with a 2-1 victory against the D.C. United on Saturday night. New England (7-3-2) is now unbeaten in seven matches (6-0-1), having outscored its foes 19-6 during that span. D.C. United (5-4-3) had its three-match (2-0-1) unbeaten streak snapped as New England avenged a 2-0 loss in the nations capital on April 5. D.C. United leading scorer Fabian Espinddola scored his sixth goal of the season in the 73rd minute to make it 1-1. Tomas Hertl Sharks Jersey. The goal was the first allowed by the Revolution at home. Fagundez extended his scoring streak to three matches, getting the winner in the 77th minute on a cross from the right side by Teal Bunbury. Mullins scored his fourth goal in four matches in the 55th minute. D.C. United played the final eight minutes of the match short-handed after forward Eddie Johnson received a red card. ' ' '

SOUTH BEND, Ind. Portland Trail Blazers Cyber Monday Jersey . -- No surprises this time for Notre Dame. Just a victory that kept them out of an 0-3 hole and showed they can finish a game when they have a lead. The Irish used two touchdown runs from Cierre Wood, an electrifying 89-yard kickoff return from freshman George Atkinson III and a key late interception from Robert Blanton to beat No. 15 Michigan State 31-13 Saturday for their first win. "We wake up every morning and prepare to win," said Blanton, part of an Irish defence that limited the Spartans to 29 rushing yards and only a field goal in the second half. "We just had to show we could go out and get the job done." The Irish also showed they can stop a play off a fake field. The Spartans (2-1) stunned Notre Dame in overtime a year ago with a game-winning TD pass off a fake field goal and tried to surprise the Irish again after lining up for a field goal near the end of the first half. Notre Dame (1-2) was ready this time. On fourth-and-goal from the 2, Ethan Johnson broke up a shovel pass attempt and the Irish led 21-10 at the half. "It just looked like a shovel play up inside," Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said. "We had some time to talk about it and just remind our guys to be gap conscious and do their jobs. We just did our job on that and obviously came up with a big play." Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio took the blame for the play failing. "Field goal at the end of the half, my call, didnt work. Three points. But I dont think thats why we lost the game," Dantonio said. "But Ill take the blame for that." Michigan States Kirk Cousins, who had 11 straight completions at one juncture of the second half, was 34 of 53 for 329 yards but he was intercepted at the Notre Dame 6 with just under four minutes left by Blanton, who returned it 82 yards to the 12. The Spartans had just recovered a fumbled punt by Notre Dames John Goodman at the Irish 21 and were ready to set the stage for another frantic finish between the rivals. But with the Spartans trailing 28-13 and having a first and goal at the 3, Blanton came up with a juggling interception and then took off on his long return that sealed the win. "There was a crowd in there and in hindsight, I probably should not have thrown it," Cousins said. Notre Dame was coming off a crushing loss at Michigan, giving up 28 fourth-quarter points and a game-winning TD pass with two seconds to go. Only two previous Notre Dame teams had started a season 0-3 and Kelly didnt want to be part of that history. "We stressed all week that you have to make your own luck. And we did," Kelly said. "Our guys havent lacked confidence, they just needed to finish. At halftime, I think I said, Finish, finish, finish, more times than Ive said anything else. Finish the game and find a way to win." Michigan State was hurt by its own sloppiness -- 12 penalties for 86 yards. Cousins completed 12 of his passes to B.J. Cunningham as the Spartans were forced to go to the air and play catch up. "I think Notre Dames coverage did a nice job of taking the longer stuff away and we didnt always have time to throw deep. If you are giving us 8-10 yards, we are going to take it," Cousins said. "Getting behind early made it harder to execute the running game for us. We will get back on track. We will run the ball better next week. We just came up short. We got to the 5-yard line or closer twice and came away with no points and you cant expect to win doing that." Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees overcame a first-half fumble and interception and finished 18 of 26 for 161 yards. Notre Dame pushed the lead to 28-10 in the third quarter when Rees hit Michael Floyd on a 22-yard pass and then lofted a perfect 26-yarder to TJ Jones for a touchdown. The Irish were penalized on the ensuing kickoff for unsportsmanlike conduct after Jones made a hand signal following his catch. Cousins came right back after a 42-yard kickoff return by Nick Hill gave the Spartans good field position. His 21-yard pass to Todd Anderson and an 11-yarder to Cunningham gave the Spartans a first down at the Irish 8. But after the drive stalled, MSU lined up for a field goal, only to have their attempt at trickery turned away. After Notre Dame took an early 7-0 lead on a Wood TD run, the teams traded turnovers twice. Rees took a hard blindside hit from Kevin Pickelman and fumbled with MSUs Jerel Worthy recovering. But just moments later, Notre Dame freshman defensive end Aaron Lynch drove into Cousins from behind, forcing a fumble and Johnson recovered for the Irish. But three plays later Rees pass was picked off by Kurtis Drummond and returned 34 yards to the Irish 27, setting up Conroys 40-yard field goal that made it 7-3. It was Notre Dames 12th turnover of the season. But 12 seconds later, Atkinson -- the son of the former NFL star defensive back -- took the ensuing kickoff, broke to the sideline and sprinted in for the touchdown. It was Notre Dames first kickoff return for a TD by a freshman since Raghib Ismail returned two against Rice in 1988. "That kickoff return was a huge play for them and I think it kind of deflated us momentarily on the sideline," MSU linebacker Max Bullough said. "When a team can make plays like that in their own stadium, it is tough to beat them." Whether Notre Dame can build on the victory remains to be seen. On this one, the Irish got some validation for their effort. "Were 1-2 right now and were not happy with it, but its great to get a win," said Johnson, who also recovered a fumble in addition to snuffing the fake field goal. "You have to enjoy the wins and get over the losses." Washington Wizards Black Friday Jersey . Beaulieu has four goals and 10 assists in 32 AHL games and had one assist in five games for Montreal this season. The 23-year-old Nattinen has five goals and six assists in 37 games for the Bulldogs this season. Minnesota Timberwolves Cyber Monday Jersey . So far, his encore is even better. Wainwright became the National Leagues first eight-game winner by dominating Cincinnati again, and the St.NEW YORK -- It wont be this easy on Sunday. Not when the Miami Heat come to town for what suddenly shapes up as a possible playoff preview. The New York Knicks sure look ready. Baron�Davis scored a season-high 18 points on his 33rd birthday, JR Smith had 23, and the Knicks surged into a tie for seventh place in the Eastern Conference by routing the Washington Wizards 103-65 on Friday night for their ninth straight home victory. Carmelo�Anthony and Steve�Novak also had 18 for the Knicks, who could now be looking at a preview of a potential first-round series when they host second-place Miami on Sunday. The Knicks tied Philadelphia after the 76ers lost earlier Friday to New Jersey, and New York holds the tiebreaker for the No. 7 seed. New York held Washington without a field goal for more than 12 minutes -- essentially the length of an entire quarter -- in the second half "We want to protect our home court," Anthony said. "We want to make this one of the toughest places to come in and play and come in and win, and as of late weve been doing that and we want to keep that going." Playing only 29 minutes, Anthony was well off his NBA-leading average of 32.4 points through his first five games in April. That included 43 in an overtime victory over Chicago here on Sunday. A week later, its the same Sunday national TV spot for the Heats first trip to New York of the season. "Its another big game for us, another exciting game," Anthony said. "Itll be fun, the Garden will be rocking. Everybody will be watching. What better game to play in then Sunday evening against Miami?" Davis shot 7 of 9 in just 23 minutes for the Knicks, who won for the fifth time in six games and improved to 14-4 under Woodson, narrowly missing their second 40-point victory since he took over on March 14. They beat Portland by 42 that night. The point guard has battled injuries during most of his first season in New York, but said perhaps being in better spirits on his birthday carried into more relaxed play on the court. "I have the ultimate confidence in myself and in this team, and my teammates have ultimate confidence in me as well," Davis said. "Its just a matter of me just continuing to feel better and play as hard as I possibly can. But I know I can get better and I continue to get better as the seeason progresses and as we get into the playoffs. Cyber Monday NBA Jerseys. quot; Jordan�Crawford scored 17 points for the Wizards, who were trying to win three straight for the first time in their miserable season. But they shot 28 per cent and never led in their ninth consecutive loss to the Knicks. "Its embarrassing is what it was," coach Randy Wittman said. "Our effort tonight was uncharacteristic of what we have been doing. I dont know. It looked like we were overwhelmed from the jump ball when we walked in the arena. Maybe that happens to young guys." Washington had only 47 points after three quarters and was stuck there for a while in the fourth as fans chanted "forty-seven!" John�Wall shot 2 of 12 and finished with eight points. His last basket was an impressive alley-oop dunk on the break that cut it to 62-45 with 7:03 remaining in the third quarter. But the Wizards managed just two free throws from then until the end of the period, then didnt make a basket in the fourth until Shelvin�Macks layup with 6:43 to play. "The thing in this league is youve got to bring it every night," Wizards guard Roger Mason Jr. said. "That team we played against today, theyre fighting for playoff position and were fighting for our pride. They came out and just completely humiliated us. Thank God we have a game tomorrow and try to make up for it." New York solidified its hold on eighth place with a victory in Milwaukee on Wednesday, but quickly showed it isnt looking to settle for the lowest seed. The Knicks led 26-13 after one quarter. They closed the first half with an 18-5 burst to take a 54-33 lead after Washington had closed within eight, and gave everyone plenty of rest before the early start Sunday. The only bad news in the Knicks ninth straight home victory was Iman�Shumpert leaving with a sprained right ankle after 23 minutes. NOTES: The Knicks have won the last eight meetings at Madison Square Garden. Their winning streak against the Wizards is their longest current streak against an opponent. ... Woodson said Amare Stoudemire, out with a bulging disk in his back, took contact while playing in a pickup game during Thursdays off day. He isnt expected to return until mid to late next week. ... Knicks PG Jeremy�Lin had the stitches from his left knee surgery removed. ' ' '

Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington are the cities still in the running for a possible U. Patrice Bergeron Jersey .S. bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics. A person briefed on the U.S. Olympic Committees decision-making process told The Associated Press on Friday that all four cities are still in consideration. The person requested anonymity because the USOC has not made an official announcement. Los Angeles hosted the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. The other three cities would be first-time hosts. But theres an arduous and expensive process facing any potential bid city before the International Olympic Committee awards the games in 2017. Over the next six months, the USOC will decide whether it even wants to try to host the Olympics. The last two U.S. candidates both suffered humiliating fourth-place finishes: New York for the 2012 Olympics and Chicago for the 2016 Games that went to Rio de Janeiro If the USOC goes ahead with the bid, the U.S. city would find itself in a spirited battle. Paris, Rome, Doha and Istanbul are among those that could enter the race. The IOC has also long stated a desire to bring the Olympics to Africa for the first time. Some inside the USOC feel the time is right for a bid, now that the federation has made progress in shoring up some of its international relationships, which were frayed in 2009 when Chicago finished last in the voting for the 2016 Games. The USOC is waiting to see what sort of changes the IOC might make in the bidding process when it meets later this year. New IOC President Thomas Bach is asking the committee to build a new roadmap for the Olympics, and the way the IOC handles bids is expected to be on that agenda. "We clearly want to see output from that working group and what changes are adopted before we push the go button on 2024," USOC chairman Larry Probst said earlier this week. Reilly Smith Jersey . Not exactly bursting with sentimental feelings, Matthew�Lombardi makes an odd return to the state of Tennessee on Thursday night. Bobby Orr Bruins Jersey . The reported price for the Jays was Marcus�Stroman and Aaron�Sanchez. Would you make that deal? The Blue Jays are in first place in the AL East.CALGARY, Alta.�- Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League, announced Wednesday the 44 players who have been invited to attend Canadas National Mens Summer Under-18 Team selection camp that will be held from Aug. 2-5 at the Markin MacPhail Centre in Calgary, prior to selecting the team which will travel to Europe to compete in the 2014 U18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup. The 2014 U18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup is scheduled for Aug. 11-16 in Breclav, Czech Republic and Piestany, Slovakia. Of the 44 players who have been invited to the selection camp, 22 will be selected for Canadas National Mens Summer Under-18 Team. Canada has won the summer under-18 tournament six consecutive years and nine of the last 10. The camp roster includes 18 players from the Western Hockey League, 15 from the Ontario Hockey League, 10 from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and one who played U.S. high school hockey last season. In total, 40 players (four goaltenders, 16 defencemen and 20 forwards) competed at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, and three players (Mathew Barzal, Lawson Crouse and Travis Konecny) helped Canadas National Mens Under-18 Team win a bronze medal as under-agers at the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship in Lappeenranta and Imatra, Finland. "It is always a challenge to select players given the depth of talent in Canada," Jankowski said. "As a staff, we will have difficult decisions to make, but our goal remains to select the best team, and to represent Canada proudly at this event." GoaltendersCallum Booth - Quebec (QMJHL), 2015 Draft Nick McBride - Prince Albert (WHL), 2015 Draft Zachary Sawchenko - Moose Jaw (WHL), 2016 Draft Olivier Tremblay - Rimouski (QMJHL), 2015 Draft DefenceEthan Bear - Seattle (WHL), 2015 Draft Guillaaume Brisebois - Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL), 2015 Draft Kevin Davis - Everett (WHL), 2015 Draft Olivier Galipeau - Val-dOr (QMJHL), 2015 Draft Joe Gatenby - Kelowna (WHL), 2015 Draft Connor Hobbs - Medicine Hat (WHL), 2015 Draft Noah Juulsen - Everett (WHL), 2015 Draft Justin Lemcke - Belleville (OHL), 2015 Draft Garrett McFadden - Guelph (OHL), 2015 Draft Nicolas Meloche - Baie-Comeau (QMJHL), 2015 Draft Philippe Myers - Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL), 2015 Draft Chaz Reddekopp - Victoria (WHL), 2015 Draft J�r�my Roy R/D - Sherbrooke (QMJHL), 2015 Draft Matthew Spencer - Peterborough (OHL,) 2015 Draft Mitchell Vande Sompel - Oshawa (OHL), 2015 Draft Parker Wotherspoon - Tri-City (WHL), 2015 Draft ForwardsMathew Barzal - Seattle (WHL), 2015 Draft Anthony Beauvillier - Shawinigan (QMJHL), 2015 Draft Jared Bethune - Warroad High School (USHS), 2015 Draft Lawson Crouse - Kingston (OHL), 2015 Draft Giorgio Estephan - Lethbridge (WHL), 2015 Draft Glenn Gawdin - Swift Current (WHL), 2015 Draft Matteo Gennaro - Prince Albert (WHL), 2015 Draft Sam Harding - Oshawa (OHL), 2015 Draft Jansen Harkins - Prince George (WHL), 2015 Draft Graham Knott - Niagara (OHL), 2015 Draft Travis Konecny - Ottawa (OHL), 2015 Draft Mitchell Marner -London (OHL,) 2015 Draft Hayden McCool - Niagara (OHL), 2015 Draft Brett McKenzie - North Bay (OHL), 2015 Draft Nick Merkley - Kelowna (WHL), 2015 Draft Adam Musil - Red Deer (WHL), 2015 Draft Nathan Noel - Saint John (QMJHL), 2015 Draft Grayson Pawlenchuk - Red Deer (WHL), 2015 Draft Nicolas Roy - Chicoutimi (QMJHL), 2015 Draft Tyler Soy - Victoria (WHL), 2015 Draft Blake Speers - Sault Ste. David Krejci Jersey. Marie (OHL), 2015 Draft Mitchell Stephens - Saginaw (OHL), 2015 Draft Dylan Strome - Erie (OHL), 2015 Draft Ethan Szypula - Owen Sound (OHL), 2015 Draft ' ' '

BOISBRIAND, Que. Scott Sinclair Manchester City Jersey . -- Vladimir Tkachev scored his second goal of the game 16:58 into overtime as the Moncton Wildcats took Game 2 against the host Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 6-5 on Friday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoff action. Ivan Barbashev had a goal and three assists for the Wildcats (1-1), who evened their Round 1 matchup at a game apiece, Christopher Caissy scored once and set up two more and Conor Garland and Christophe Lalonde each had a goal and an assist. Nikita Jevpalovs had a hat trick for the Armada (1-1) while Ryan Tesink and Marcus Hinds each scored once. Monctons Alex Dubeau made 41 saves for the win as Blainville-Boisbriands Etienne Marcoux gave up six goals on 26 shots in defeat. --- MOOSEHEADS 6 ISLANDERS 3 HALIFAX -- Danny Moynihan scored twice and Jonathan Drouin and Luca Ciampini each added a goal and two assists as the Mooseheads doubled up Charlottetown for a 1-0 first-round series lead. Nikolaj Ehlers and Andrew Schewfelt had a goal and an assist apiece for Halifax. Anthony Cortese, Alexandre Goulet and Daniel Sprong each had a goal and an assist for the Islanders (0-1). Zachary Fucale made 15 saves for the Mooseheads while Charlottetowns Mason McDonald stopped 45-of-51 shots in defeat. --- HUSKIES 5 REMPARTS 4 (OT) QUEBEC CITY -- Ryan Penny scored 4:11 into overtime and Jeremy Lauzon scored twice in regulation as Rouyn-Noranda slipped past the Remparts to take Game 1 of its Round 1 matchup. Mathieu Lemay had a goal and an assist for the Huskies (1-0) and Jason Fuchs scored the other. Adam Chapman had a pair of goals for Quebec (0-1), Cody Donaghey and Nick Sorensen each scored once and Olivier Archambault tacked on three assists. Rouyn-Norandas Alexandre Belanger made 29 saves for the win as Francois Brassard stopped 30-of-35 shots for the Remparts. --- DRAKKAR 5 CATARACTES 1 BAIE-COMEAU, Que. -- Philippe Cadorette made 27 saves and Robbie Graham scored twice as the Drakkar toppled Shawingan in Game 1 of their first-round tilt. Jeremy Gregoire, Denis Gorbunov and Charles Hudon also scored for Baie-Comeau (1-0) while Valentin Zykov and Alec Jon Banville each chipped in with two assists. Shawinigans Alexis DAoust snapped Cadorettes shutout bid with less than five minutes to play in the third period. Marvin Cupper turned away 33-of-38 shots for the Cataractes (0-1). --- FOREURS 4 TITAN 1 VAL-DOR, Que. -- Anthony Richard scored late in the first period and then again in the third as the Foreurs took Game 1 in their Round 1 clash against Acadie-Bathurst. Guillaume Gelinas had a goal and assist for Val-dOr (1-0) and Samuel Henley added the other. Aaron Kerr scored the lone goal for the Titan (0-1). Antoine Bibeau made 15 saves for the Foreurs. Acadie-Bathursts Jacon Brennan stopped 38-of-42 shots in defeat. --- OCEANIC 5 SAGUENEENS 3 RIMOUSKI, Que. -- Sebastien Sylvestre scored twice and Philippe Desrosiers only had to make 13 saves as the Oceanic were victorious in Game 1 of their opening round meeting with Chicoutimi. Jimmy Oligny, Samuel Morin and William Couture also scored for Rimouski (1-0) and Alexis Loiseau chipped in with two assists. Janne Puhakka, William Gignac and Domenic Beauchemin scored for the Sagueneens (0-1) while Julio Billia kicked out 36-of-40 shots in a losing cause. Chicoutimis Simon Tremblay was ejected in the second period after receiving a major for checking from behind. --- TIGRES 4 VOLTIGEURS 3 DRUMMONDVILLE, Que. -- Francois Tremblay made 33 saves and Julien Leducs goal 27 seconds into the third period stood up as the winner as Victoriaville edged the Voltigeurs for a 1-0 series lead in Round 1 action. Jonathan Diaby and Yan Pavel Laplante each had a goal and an assist for the Tigres and Cameron Yarwood scored once. Drummondville (0-1) got goals from Matthew Boudens, William Carriere and Olivier Caouette. Louis-Philip Guindon gave up four goals on 18 shots for the Voltigeurs. --- OLYMPIQUES 7 SCREAMING EAGLES 2 GATINEAU, Que. -- Simon Tardif-Richard had three goals and two assists and Martin Reway added two goals and two assists as the Olympiques hammered Cape Breton in Game 1 of their first-round bout. Vaclav Karabacek scored once and set up two more for Gatineau (1-0), Emile Poirier had a single goal and Jean-Simon Deslauriers had three assists. Timothe Simard and Clark Bishop scored for the Screaming Eagles (0-1). Robert Steeves made 18 saves for the Olympiques. Cape Bretons Alex Bureau gave up five goals on 23 shots in 46 minutes of action before Zachary Fortin took over. Fortin stopped 4-of-6 shots in relief. Dedryck Boyata Jersey . "I like the toughness factor in certain situations where last year and two years ago wed get bumped, get hit [and] wouldnt respond," Casey said an hour and a half before facing the league-best Thunder, a team that hadnt yet lost at home. Scott Sinclair Jersey . -- The Buffalo Sabres got the lead for a change, and held onto it thanks to a stellar performance in goal by Jhonas�Enroth.WASHINGTON -- Mikhail�Grabovski tied the score with 5:32 left in the third period and had the go-ahead goal in a shootout to help the Washington Capitals snap their four-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Friday. Braden�Holtby kicked away attempts by Alex�Galchenyuk and Tomas�Plekanec, giving Washington a 3-2 edge in the shootout. Eric Fair, who had a goal and an assist in regulation, also scored in the tiebreaker for the Capitals along with Alex�Ovechkin. Plekanec had a goal and an assist for Montreal, which had won four straight. Daniel�Briere added a goal and Brian�Gionta assisted on both regulation scores for the Canadiens. Lars�Eller and David�Desharnais connected in the shootout for Montreal. The evening began in bizarre fashion for Washington. After a pregame, lower-body injury to goalie Michal�Neuvirth, the Capitals hastily signed video coach Brett Leonhardt to back up Holtby, who finished with 35 saves. In a similar situation in December 2008, Washington suited up Leonhardt -- a former college goalie -- for aa game. Karim Rekik Shirt. Montreal outshot Washington 13-4 in the first period and broke on top at the 15:20 mark when Capitals defenceman Alexander�Urbom failed to clear a puck from behind the net and Briere scored on a wraparound between the legs of Holtby. Washington tied it 5:17 into the second period on a similar failure to clear by Montreal. Grabovski took the puck off the stick of Canadiens goalie Peter�Budaj behind the net and directed it toward Fehr, who scored into an open goal. But the Canadiens answered 67 seconds later in transition when Gionta centred to Plekanec, whose glancing shot bounced past Holtby. Budaj finished with 24 saves. He was trying to win at Washington for the second time in eight days. A week earlier, he withstood a barrage of shots in the third period of Montreals 3-2 victory. NOTES: Leonhardt was a goalie at Oswego State and Neumann University. ... Washington forward Brooks�Laich missed his first game of the season. Little-used Jay�Beagle took the place of Laich, appearing for just the 13th time in two seasons under coach Adam�Oates. ' ' '

DENVER -- Jordan�Lyles couldnt locate his fastball. Jason Hatcher Redskins Jersey . He had no trouble picking up heaters from Felipe�Paulino or Daniel�Webb, though. Relying on sinkers and sliders, Lyles pitched effectively into the seventh inning in his Coors Field debut for the Rockies. He also added a career-best three hits and drove in two runs during Colorados 8-1 win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night. "It was the Brandon Lyles show tonight," Colorado manager Walt Weiss said. Troy�Tulowitzki and Carlos�Gonzalez each homered and made a spectacular defensive play for the Rockies, who beat the White Sox for the second time in six tries in Denver. Lyles (2-0) was headed for Triple-A when Tyler�Chatwood pulled a hamstring running the bases in his last start of spring training. Not only did Lyles show resiliency when he didnt have his best stuff Monday, but he flashed athleticism in the field, prowess at the plate and modesty afterward. "Somehow the ball found the bat and the bat hit the ball and guys werent there," he said. Lyles added a nifty play in the field when he charged Paulinos bunt and spun around to throw a strike to Tulowitzki, starting an inning-ending double play in the third. Lyles scattered five hits, walked two and struck out four in 6 2-3 innings. He left after giving up Alexei�Ramirezs RBI double and then walking Tyler�Flowers in the seventh. Right-hander Adam�Ottavino came in and struck out Dayan�Viciedo. Lyles usually relies on a two-seam fastball with good movement. But on this night, he had to rely more on his breaking pitches and changeups. "Actually, fastball location wasnt there tonight for the most part," Lyles said. "I really wanted to spin it and for the most part, it was pretty good." Lyles joined the Rockies from Houston in a trade for Dexter�Fowler last winter. While with the Astros, he made just one appearance at Coors Field, receiving a five-inning no-decision on May 28, 2012, when he had a single in two at-bats and scored a run. The last Colorado pitcher to go 3 for 3 was lefty Brian�Bohanon against the Dodgers on July 20, 2001. Paulino (0-1) allowed six earned runs on nine hits and four walks in 4 1-3 innings in his return to Coors Field, where he pitched for the Rockies in 2011 before being plagued by arm troubles the last two years. "They got me today," Paulino said. "Even the pitcher." Tulowitzki led off the sixth with his first homer of the season, one that barely cleared the wall. "I knew it had a chance, but I wasnt sure," he said. Gonzalezs homer, his third of the year, was a line-drive shot to right in the first inning. "Ive been on deck for a lot of his home runs, obviously, and that one got out quicker than any one that Ive ever seen," Tulowitzki said. Lyles helped his own cause with a double into left-centre an inning later that scored D.J.�LeMahieu from first base for a 2-0 lead. The Rockies loaded the bases in the third, when Wilin�Rosario bounced an infield single off Paulino to make it 3-0, and in the fifth, when LeMahieus single just over the glove of second baseman Marcus�Semien made it 4-0 and chased Paulino. Lyles, who singled leading off the fourth, greeted Webb with a line-drive RBI single up the middle to make it 5-0, and Charlie�Blackmon followed with a sacrifice fly. "At one point their pitcher is outhitting us," Chicago manager Robin�Ventura lamented. "Thats never a good sign. We need to be a lot better than that." NOTES: This marked Chicagos first night game of the season. ... Before the game, the Rockies activated LHP Boone�Logan from the 15-day DL and optioned OF Corey�Dickerson to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Jordan Reed Jersey . The 35-year-old former Strikeforce welterweight champion was let go on Monday following over three years with the company. Clinton Portis Redskins Jersey . Justin�Upton homered and scored the tiebreaking run on Chris�Johnsons eighth-inning single, and the Atlanta Braves beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 on Tuesday night to end their seven-game skid.ARLINGTON, Texas -- Michael�Choice delivered the home run that gave Yu�Darvish a win the Texas ace couldnt wrap up on his own. Choice hit a tiebreaking homer in the seventh inning after Darvish blew a four-run lead and the Rangers snapped Clevelands six-game winning streak with a 6-4 victory over the Indians on Friday night. The decisive shot from Choice came after his RBI single in a four-run second. A night earlier, he homered to give the Rangers another big early lead they couldnt hold before going on to beat Baltimore. "I feel like I started out kind of passive at the plate, trying to feel guys out," said Choice, who is getting his first extensive time in the big leagues after an off-season trade brought him from Oakland. "And lately Ive tried to be more aggressive and be not so picky at the plate." Choice went the opposite way just over the right field wall against Marc�Rzepczynski (0-2) with two outs for a solo homer. The shot made a winner of Darvish (6-2) after the Japanese ace gave up a season-high nine hits in seven innings. Texas reliever Jason�Frasor got a nifty double play from Elvis�Andrus in a scoreless eighth, and closer Joakim�Soria had two strikeouts in the ninth for his 13th save. Lonnie�Chisenhall and Asdrubal�Cabrera homered off Darvish to wipe out a 4-0 deficit, but the Indians followed a 6-0 homestand by starting a 10-game trip with their fifth straight road loss. They have the worst record in the majors away from home at 9-20. Chisenhall hit the first three-run homer Darvish has allowed in his three big league seasons, a shot off the foul pole in right field in the third inning. The Indians pulled even an inning later on a solo shot to right by Cabrera, who had three hits. "When youre going against a guy like him who never gives in, his best stuff every night, the best stuff in the league, its a good feeling to answer back real quick and hhes not able to get comfortable," Chisenhall said. Art Monk Jersey. Trevor�Bauer had retired 13 of the last 15 Rangers he faced without allowing a hit when Rzepczynski came on to face the left-handed Leonys�Martin and struck him out. But Choice put the Rangers ahead on the next pitch. Rzepczynski "was just trying to get ahead like he does and sink it," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. "It just caught too much of the plate." Cleveland had a good chance to take the lead in the sixth after singles from Yan�Gomes, his third of the game, and Carlos�Santana. But Darvish got Mike�Aviles and Michael�Bourn on called strikes and Cabrera on a weak grounder back to him. Darvish had eight strikeouts, and three of the four against Bourn. "I think the strike zone was a little bit smaller today so I had to be creative," Darvish said. "So I started throwing cut fastballs and sliders to throw the other hitters off." Bauer had all six of his strikeouts after giving up a two-run homer to Rougned�Odor into the upper deck in right field in the second. "He pitched behind a lot in the count to a lot of dangerous hitters, but he still competed," Francona said. NOTES: An eighth-inning single gave Andrus a hit in all 38 games of his career against Cleveland. It ties the second-longest streak for a player against the same opponent going back to 1914, according to STATS. Vladimir�Guerrero had a 44-game streak for the Los Angeles Angels against Texas from 2004 to 2006. Bostons Jacoby�Ellsbury had a 38-game streak against Baltimore from 2009 to 2012. Andrus streak started with his major league debut on April 6, 2009. ... Clevelands David�Murphy was 0 for 3 with a walk in his first game in Texas since leaving as a free agent. He spent six-plus seasons with the Rangers, including both of the franchises World Series years in 2010 and 2011. ' ' '

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SAN FRANCISCO - Infielder Joaquin�Arias has agreed to a $2. Sharks Jersey .6 million, two-year contract with the San Francisco Giants to avoid salary arbitration. Assistant general manager Bobby Evans announced the deal Thursday with Arias, a key utilityman and bench contributor for manager Bruce Bochy. The 29-year-old hit .271 with one home run, nine doubles, two triples and 19 RBIs in 102 games during his second season with the Giants in 2013. He had an emergency appendectomy in July after missing time in June with a strained hamstring. Arias has often played against left-handed starters, while filling in at second base, third and shortstop� such as a late defensive replacement for Pablo�Sandoval at third. Martin Havlat Jersey . The Missouri Tigers Defensive End and SEC Defensive player of the year is eligible for the upcoming NFL draft in May. Custom Sharks Jersey . -- Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne�Bowe was arrested outside Kansas City over the weekend on charges of speeding and possessing marijuana, throwing his status for a pivotal AFC West showdown against the Denver Broncos into question.Its tough enough for the Blue Jays to be playing in the American League East to get even a sniff of the postseason. Then youve got to worry about the other up and coming teams in the two weaker divisions in the "Junior Circuit". If you had to peg one team whom the Blue Jays will have to reckon with in 2014, it would be Kansas City. The Royals finished with an 86-76 record a year ago and missed the playoffs. However that record was 12 games better than the Jays 74-88. One bad month really cost KC a spot in the playoffs a year ago. They went 8-20 in May. Every other month, they were over .500 including 17-10 in September. Kansas City scuffled a bit to score runs in 2013 averaging four per game, but the Blue Jays werent all that much better at 4.40 runs per game. The big difference was in runs allowed by the starting rotation and the bullpen. The Royals starters had an ERA of 3.87 to the Blue Jays 4.81 which was well above the American League average of 4.17. As highly touted as the Blue Jays bullpen was, its ERA of 3.37 was no match for the Royals 2.55. This is in part because of the Royals spacier ballpark, but KC only gave up 155 home runs over the course of the season to the Jays ugly total of 195. If you want to talk team speed, the Blue Jays stole 112 bases, which was better than the league average of 95, but the Royals were even better swiping 153. You could argue the Royals will be even better in 2014. Although they lost Ervin�Santana as a free agent, they added durable lefty and former Angel Jason�Vargas to plug into the rotation. They also have an elite closer in Greg�Holland who saved 47 out of 50 a year ago and a workhorse starter to lead the rotation in James�Shields, who through 228.2 innings last season. The Royals also upgraded at second base and right field. They filled a major hole at the keystone by signing former Tiger Omar�Infante to a four-year deal worth $30.25 million and traded for speedy right fielder Norichika�Aoki, who will take over as their leadoff hitter. KCs secret weapon might just be 22-year-old right-hander Yordano�Ventura. Though only 511", he throws consistantly in high 90s and has been known to hit between 100 and 102mph on occasion. Hes already earned a spot in skipper Ned Yosts rotation and is being touted as one of the top candidates for rookie of the year. Since Pittsburgh made the playoffs last season, Kansas City and the Blue Jays are the two teams that have gone the longest between post-season appearances. The Royaals havent made it since they won the World Series over St. Brent Burns Sharks Jersey. . Louis in 1985. The Blue Jays of course, havent made it since winning their second straight World Series in 1993. The Blue Jays play the Royals seven times this season, from April 29 through May 1 in Missouri and then back in Toronto from May 29 through June 1. Those are seven games of their first 58 that could well prove whether the Jays are good enough to contend for a Wild Card spot, or which team of these two will wind up with the longest postseason drought when the 2014 season is all said and done. Around Spring Training Injuries turned right-hander Josh�Johnson into arguably the biggest disappointment of the Blue Jays season a year ago. Unfortunately his luck hasnt changed much in San Diego. The 30-year-old right-hander is going to be out 4-to-5 weeks with a strained right forearm. Tough�blow�for the Texas Rangers. Their young second baseman Jurickson�Profar is out 10 to 12 weeks with a slight muscle tear in his right shoulder. Profar was expected to shoulder the load at second since Ian�Kinsler was dealt to Detroit as part of the Prince�Fielder deal. Profar hasnt proven himself as a big league hitter yet, but his glove and arm are world class. Yes, its only spring training, but the Yankees have got to be a bit concerned that Derek�Jeter is only hitting .114 and Mark Teixiera only .120. Great to see David�Ortiz is probably going to end his career in Boston. After all hes been pretty much the face of the franchise for the last 10 years. Ortiz agreed over the weekend to a one-year, $15 million extension for 2015. He also has a vesting option for 2016 and there is a club option for 2017 by which time Ortiz will be 42 years old. Erik�Bedard is looking for new gig. The 35-year-old southpaw and native of Navan, Ontario opted out of his deal with Tampa Bay after the fifth starters job went to 24-year-old Jake�Odorizzi. Bedard just didnt want to go back to Triple-A at this stage of his career. Experienced Help We mentioned a couple of articles ago that a former Blue Jays third baseman, Roy Howell, was managing in Triple-A this season at Tacoma. Now another Ex-Jay, Tom Lawless, has taken over as interim manager at Oklahoma City in the Pacific Coast League. Lawless will be filling in for Ton DeFrancesco who was diagnosed with cancer while working in the parent Astros camp this spring. DeFrancescos cancer was caught early enough that he is expected to make a full recovery. ' ' '

BOSTON -- The Montreal Canadiens were struggling through their worst stretch of the season. Jarvis Landry Jersey . Then they had to play two of the hottest teams in the NHL. They beat both -- decisively. Peter�Budaj stopped 34 shots and the Canadiens ended the Boston Bruins four-game winning streak with a 4-1 win Thursday night. The victory came just two days after they stopped Carolinas four-game winning streak with a 3-0 win. "Its good for the confidence," Montreal coach Michel Therrien said. "Even when things werent going our way, we tried to stay positive." The Canadiens had been outscored 19-5 in losing four consecutive games. The Bruins had won their previous four games by a combined score of 21-8. But Boston was outplayed from start to finish. "We didnt skate. We didnt execute, and we didnt make good decisions," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "We werent very good." The Canadiens were outstanding. Their speed and emotion put them in front of the Bruins all night long. "This was close to a complete game for us," said Daniel�Briere, who scored Montreals last goal while playing just 7 minutes, 39 seconds. "We needed that after spending the last week dropping some big games and by big scores as well." Alexei�Emelin and Max�Pacioretty scored before Dougie�Hamiltons goal cut Montreals lead to 2-1 after one period. Brian�Gionta made it 3-1 at 11:54 of the second, ending goalie Tuukka�Rasks night. He was replaced by Chad�Johnson, who allowed the first shot he faced, by Briere, to get past him less than two minutes later. Julien wouldnt say why he pulled Rask. And Rask said he felt OK. "I play as long as they tell me to play," he said. "Youd like to stop everything, right? But, today, I didnt." The Bruins had scored six goals in each of their previous three games. The Canadiens scored five times during their four-game slide. "Usually, when you go through tough stretches, people have a tendency to panic," Budaj said. "Tonight we played well against a really good team." The losing streak ended Tuesday night against Carolina when Carey�Price stopped 36 shots in his third shutout of the season. Budaj was nearly as good while improving his career record in Boston to 4-0 with just five goals allowed. "We played well against a really, really good team," he said. "This building is always rocking. Its always exciting to play these type of games." Boston remained in first place in the Atlantic Division and second in the Eastern Conference but Montreal was aggressive from the start, quite a change from the Bruins previous two games. They outshot Florida 19-8 in the first period of a 6-2 win Tuesday night. That came one night after they took 18 of the first 20 shots in a 6-3 win over the New York Islanders. But they fell behind early Thursday night and never caught up. Emelin got his first goal in 32 games this season when he converted a slap shot from the right point with four players standing right in front of the crease just 2:16 into the game. Pacioretty scored his team-leading 23rd goal at 14:32. He received a pass along the left side in centre ice, skated behind the defence and put a short backhander behind Rask. But Hamilton scored his fifth goal just a minute later. Neither team had many good opportunities in the first half of the second period. But less than two minutes later, Tomas�Plekanec took a power-play shot from the right circle and Gionta tipped it in for his ninth goal. Briere finished the scoring with a shot Johnson had little chance to stop. With three Bruins chasing him and only the goalie in front of him, Briere fired a 10-foot forehand shot over Johnsons shoulder. NOTES: Briere had a goal and an assist after getting just one assist in his previous 10 games. ... The Bruins fell to 12-3 in their last 15 home games. ... Budaj is 4-1 with one shutout in five career games against the Bruins. ... For the first time in the last 10 games between the teams, the final margin was more than one goal. The last time that happened was on Oct. 29, 2011, when Montreal won 4-2. Dan Marino Miami Grey Womens Jersey . The 11-year NBA veteran scored 18 of his 28 points in the third quarter and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Phoenix Suns 104-96 Tuesday to match their season best of five victories in a row. Olivier Vernon Miami Green Womens Jersey . The Vikings announced Saturday they downgraded Peterson from doubtful on the original injury report to out against Detroit Sunday, when the Vikings and Lions will play the last game at the Metrodome. ATLANTA -- Hawks centre Al�Horford will have season-ending surgery on Tuesday to repair his torn right pectoral muscle. Horford, the Hawks leading scorer and rebounder, suffered the injury in the first overtime of Thursday nights 127-125 double-overtime win at Cleveland. An examination on Friday in Atlanta revealed the complete tear of the muscle. Horford explored his options before deciding on the surgery. Hawks spokesman Garin Narain on Monday night confirmed plans for the surgery. Horford is averaging 18.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game in his seventh season. He suffered a similar injury two years ago. He tore his left pectoral muscle early in the 2011-12 season, when he played only 11 regular-season gamess before returning in the playoffs. Lamar Miller Miami White Mens Jersey. Narain said Horford would not return for the playoffs this season. The loss of Horford could be difficult to overcome for the Hawks, who are third in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks have split their first two games without Horford, beating Charlotte before losing at Orlando on Sunday. Elton�Brand, normally a power forward, has started the last two games at centre but played fewer than 20 minutes in each game. He had only seven points and two rebounds in 14 minutes against Orlando. The playing time of Pero�Antic is also likely to increase. Antic , a 6-foot-11 centre from Yugoslavia, is averaging 3.6 points and 2.4 rebounds in a reserve role. ' ' '

With the Argos coming up short in the defence of their 2012 Grey Cup, Mike Hogan was joined by Ricky Ray and Jim Barker in the weeks �Argos All Access" podcast to discuss Torontos upset loss to the Tiger-Cats in the East Final and the key decisions the team faces heading into 2014. Troy Niklas . Argos All Access: Ray, Barker on East Final disappointment Jerraud Powers Kids Jersey . -- Jacksonville Jaguars rookie receiver Marqise Lee has agreed to terms on a four-year contract worth more than $5 million. Tyrann Mathieu Kids Jersey .com) - There was clearly no looking ahead for the U. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Denver Broncos running back Willis�McGahee says his broken right hand shouldnt hinder him Sunday at Oakland. McGahee practiced Thursday for the second straight day and was able to carry the ball in either hand. "Hes looked great," offensive co-ordinator Mike McCoy said. "Its great to have him back out there." McGahee missed last weeks game against Detroit after undergoing an operation to insert screws and a plate into his right hand, which he broke on a defenders face mask at Miami a week earlier. This week hes been wearing padding over the incision. "I dont think it will affect me," McGahee said. "Im feeling pretty good about it. Its actually not getting in the way, so theres no problem there." McGahee said hes not worried about defenders targeting his right hand, either, because he can always cover it with his left hand. "If they do" go after it, "then Ill go after them," he said. "I will get the last laugh.&" McGahee said he suffered what doctors call a boxers fracture. Kevin Minter Jersey. "I can bend my hand without it hurting or anything," he said while demonstrating by clenching his fisstarting tailback when Denver lost 23-20 to Oakland in the opener. Denver rushed 13 times for 38 yards in that game, and coach John Fox said Thursday that he "abandoned the run too quickly" that night. "Were going to have to do a better job of balancing the attack this time around," he said. And thats where McGahee comes in, broken hand and all. Hes had three 100-yard games since supplanting Knowshon�Moreno as the starter in Week 2. "We really didnt do nothing at all in that first game," McGahee said. "I had four carries and Knowshon had the rest. I probably had like nine yards (actually just three), so I know I didnt do anything. This is the time right now to do something to turn our season around." ' ' 't and relaxing his hand. McGahee wasnt the Broncos

MADRID, Spain -- Roger Federer is ready to challenge Novak Djokovic for the world top ranking after taking a monthlong break from tennis. Carlos Hyde 49ers Jersey. The third-ranked Federer returns to action this week at the Madrid Open, a tournament he won in 2006 and 09. "I am excited to be back after a long off-season, but I needed it after playing so, so much," Federer said on Sunday. "I have put myself in a good position if I do win a grand slam for the world number one (ranking)." "I know how hard it is to win (a grand slam). But it is a dream for me to achieve it this year, I will chase it as hard as possible." To reclaim his top ranking, Federer will have to overtake both Djokovic and current No. 2 Rafael Nadal, the top two seeds in Madrid. Nadal is playing some of his best tennis with back-to-back wins at Monte Carlo, where he broke a string of defeats to Djokovic, and most recently at Barcelona. "Rafa having lost so many times to Novak, it is interesting to see how (Djokovic) will react now," Federer said. "Both are great clay-court players." The 30-year-old Swiss called Nadal the tournament favourite, while postponing judgment on the events new blue-clay surface that the Spaniard clay-court specialist has criticized as going against the tradition of the sport. "It feels a bit different from regular clay. I dont know if it is the visual or just the feel of it. It has been somewhat cold and rainy, so well have to see how it plays when it is hot," Federer said. "(But) I havent had a chance to play on centre court yet, so Ill have to wait until a proper match to give you my opinion." Deion Sanders Mens Authentic 49ers Jersey Mitchell and Ness . KINGS TAKE FREEWAY SERIES The Los Angeles Kings stormed the Anaheim Ducks early in Game Seven, building a 3-0 first-period lead on their way to a 6-2 decision, earning the Kings a rematch with the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference Final. Chris Borland Jersey . Hoefl-Rieschs exit � from the downhill course into safety nets, then airlifted from the slope by helicopter � left Anna Fenninger of Austria favourite to win her first giant crystal trophy one month after becoming an Olympic champion.The Jets are back to an even 13-13-4 on the season, 6-7-1 on the road and 3-2 on their current six-game road trip after dropping a 5-2 decision to the Florida Panthers. These are frustrating games for players, coaches and fans - games where you know you are the better team but where "any team can beat you on any given night" comes into play.� Panthers meanwhile snapped a three-game losing streak. The Jets got off to the good start with Andrew�Ladds goal just 5:27 in giving them the early 1-0 lead. It was Ladds eighth goal of the year with assists going to Bryan�Little and Blake�Wheeler on the marker. Little now has gone seven without a goal, but in his last 18 games, he has seven goals and 12 assists. In the last 18 games, he has not gone back-to-back games without a point and continues to lead the Jets in scoring. Eric Gudbranson later tied the game with his second of the year in a period where the Jets outshot the Panthers 12-9. In the second, a play that started with a big hit by Gudbranson on Toby Enstrom in the Panthers zone led to an odd-man rush and the first NHL goal for Dylan�Olsen. That came at 3:21 of the period and, despite a number of great chances, the Jets couldnt get the tying goal past Tim�Thomas before Tomas�Fleischmann at 17:59 made it 3-1. Fleischmann, battling an offensive slump, has always put up good numbers against the Jets. In fact, he now has 53 career multiple-point games with 11 of them against the Jets. The Jets outshot the Panthers 11-10 in for the period. Nick�Bjugstad made it a 4-1 game before former Panthers captain Olli�Jokinen, with his seventh of the year, made it 4-2. Seven goals matches his goal total from last season and �Jokinen now has four points in two games (two goals and two assists,) while the assist by Devin�Setoguchi gives him fivee points in his last five games (three goals and two assists. Carlos Hyde. .) Chris�Thorburn hit a goal post shortly thereafter, but that is as close as the Jets would get as Jimmy�Hayes ended the scoring at 17:16 for a 5-2 final. The Jets outshot the Panthers 31-26. It was the first time on this trip the Jets have allowed more than two goals against. The Jets outhit the Panthers 46-19. Players were first to step up after the game and admit that they were not ready to play. But "why" is the question as to which that there did not seem to be a consistent answer. "The game wasnt very good," said a frustrated Jets coach Claude Noel�to�open�his post-game news conference. "We didnt have very many good players," continued Noel. "We played way differently tonight that we did Monday in New York.�It was a hard time getting the guys going, getting them engaged in the game." Despite players having said for two days that the "one step forward and two steps back" pattern is not acceptable, it appears they underestimated their opponent. "Why we cant take that next step, I dont know,"�explained Noel. "We made bad decisions. We have success playing a certain way and then decide to play differently." A win Saturday in Tampa to close out the trip would make it a 4-2 trip and a good six games. A loss, and to go home at .500 after being three and one, �it would be disappointing. You can catch that game live on TSN 1290 Winnipeg at 6pm ct. The Jets played without Evander�Kane (day-to-day with a lower body injury,) and Michael�Frolik (day-to-day with the flu.) Eric�Tangradi played in Froliks spot and had five hits in 15:06 of ice time. After Saturday, the Jets return home for games against St. Louis, Colorado and Dallas. ' ' '

TUCSON, Ariz. DeAngelo Williams Womens Jersey . -- Arizona coach Sean Miller rose from his seat every time Roberto Nelson touched the ball and yelled "Shooter!" He could have been talking about his own team, too. Playing with confidence at both ends, No. 2 Arizona found its shooting touch and hounded Nelson, the Pac-12s leading scorer, into a rough night to race past Oregon State 76-54 on Sunday. "Overall, it was a very good team performance," Miller said. "We did it at both ends." Arizona looked hesitant against Oregon on Thursday night, its first game since forward Brandon Ashley went out for the season with a right foot injury. The Wildcats (23-1, 10-1 Pac-12) had no such trouble against Oregon State, finding answers for their shooting woes while dominating in nearly every aspect. Arizona shot 50 per cent for the first time in six games, had a 40-12 advantage in the paint and 15 assists with eight turnovers. The Wildcats also outrebounded the Beavers 39-24, including a 15-4 advantage on the offensive glass that led to 13 points. Aaron Gordon led Arizona with 17 points and fellow freshman Rondae Hollis-Jefferson provided his usual hustling spark while scoring 16. T.J. McConnell added 11 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Wildcats, who bounced back from their grinding victory over the Ducks with a terrific all-around effort for their 30th win in the last 31 games against the Beavers at McKale Center. "We played well tonight," McConnell said. "We were clicking on offence and I felt like we were playing well on defence." They sure were, particularly against Nelson. The Beavers (13-10, 5-6) rallied in the second half against Arizona State in their previous game behind Nelson, but had little chance against the athletic Wildcats, unable to spring him or chip away at Arizonas 10-point halftime lead. The nations 10th-leading scorer, Nelson was held to 10 points -- 12 below his average -- on 3-of-12 shooting. The rest of the Beavers did little to pick up the slack, shooting 8 of 24 in the second half and 39 per cent overall. Angus Brandt led the Beavers with 14 points. "Its disappointing that we didnt play better, especially since we have been playing better," Oregon State coach Craig Robinson said. "I dont think we came out with our best effort and I want to take the blame for that." Shooting has been Arizonas problem in recent weeks. The Wildcats shot 37 per cent over the past four games and hit 18 of 70 (25 per cent) from 3-point range. Arizona won four of those five games behind its defence, particularly with big stops late. The Wildcats did it against Oregon in their last game as they struggled offensively without Ashley, shutting down the Ducks in the final 3 minutes to win 67-65 on Thursday after trailing most of the second half. Arizona had some shooting woes early against Oregon State, but rallied quickly behind Gordon and Hollis-Jefferson. Gordon scored in a variety of ways, getting a tip-in, a coast-to-coast drive after a steal and dropping in his first 3-pointer since Dec. 19, a no-hesitation shot from the corner. He had 11 points at the half. Hollis-Jefferson scored on a turnaround in the post to open the game and scored nine points by halftime behind his always-on-the-gas style. Arizona closed the first half on a 12-3 run and hit 16 of 29 shots to lead 37-27. Gordon opened the second half with an ill-advised toss that went off the top of the backboard in an attempt to dunk that sent Miller sprawling back in his seat in disgust. Gordon followed with the kind of move that has him projected as one of the top NBA draft picks when he leaves Tucson: a behind-the-back dribble through the lane that left his defender flatfooted and led to an easy layup. The rest of the Wildcats kept rolling, too, stretching the lead while showcasing what they can do even without Ashley in the lineup. "Today, we couldnt stop them," Robinson said. "This is a good team. Its fun to watch when you arent getting beat by them." Oregon State rallied behind Nelson against Arizona State on Thursday night before losing in overtime. The Beavers had no comeback in them this time, and Nelson struggled all night He scored 24 of his 26 points in the second half against Arizona State, but had a hard time finding room to shoot against Arizona. Hounded by Johnson and McConnell, who got plenty of help on screen switches, Nelson had four points on 2-of-8 shooting in the first half. He continued to labour against Arizonas pressure, going more than 10 minutes of the second half before getting off his first shot attempt. He missed all three of his 3-point tries in the game. "It was a team effort on Nelson and we did a great job on him," McConnell said. And just about everyone else. Cam Newton Youth White Jersey . Now its going to cost him -- four games and four paychecks. The Colts career sacks leader was suspended Friday by the NFL after violating the leagues ban on performance-enhancing substances. Jerricho Cotchery T-Shirts . The World Group first round series will now continue Monday with Spain leading 1-0. Earlier Sunday, Czech Klara Zakopalova led the second singles match against Maria Torro-Flor 6-3, 2-0.TORONTO - After auditioning roughly 60 prospects, including nine Canadians, in 11 sessions spanning over nine workout days this spring, the Toronto Raptors are putting the finishing touches on their wish list heading into Thursdays NBA Draft. For most of the last week, Masai Ujiri and his scouting staff have been mulling over 10 targets they anticipate will be available with the 20th overall pick, their first of three selections, hoping to narrow that list down to five by Tuesday. With three days to go, does he have someone in mind? "Hes around like the back here," said the former scout, gesturing to the back of his head just before the Raptors concluded their final pre-draft workout Monday afternoon. "But he hasnt made it to the front yet. Hes working his way." No, Ujiri wont tip his hand, not with so�many variables at play. Fourteen teams occupy the 19 slots that precede the Raptors and will determine who is available to them. They have a list of about 13 players that are expected to be off the board by the time Toronto is on the clock. The pick will be Ujiris first as Torontos primary decision maker - the Raptors did not have a selection in last years draft - and should immediately put his keen eye for talent to the test. Since Ujiri took control of the Raptors, a franchise that has mostly been accustomed to selecting in the lottery, he has emphasized the importance of drafting well regardless of where youre situated in both the first and second rounds. For only the third time in franchise history, and first in 12 years, the Raptors are positioned outside the top 19 in the drafts opening round. Although its not an advantageous spot to find cant miss, NBA-ready talent, history has shown it can be done. In 2000, with the 20th overall pick - the teams lowest ever first-round selection - they found one of their best and most reliable contributors in long-time Raptor Morris�Peterson. In 2011, then with the Nuggets, Ujiri used the 22nd pick to snag emerging forward Kenneth�Faried. As Ujiri knows, the key is preparation aided by a little bit of luck and the subsequent development that is required to turn a late first-round pick into an impact player at the games highest level. "Its a huge bonus," Ujiri said of finding a diamond in the rough on draft night. "You look at the programs that have done well in the NBA, they just strike with picks like that. Its takes constant study, and really knowing players, believing in players and a system." "I think a big thing is you kind of have to be realistic on the expectations of the players," added Dan Tolzman, Torontos director of scouting, who was also a member of Ujiris front office staff in Denver. "I think everyone wants to find those diamonds and the guys that will be all-stars and MVPs and this and that but those guys are pretty hard to find outside of the lottery and the top-five even."� "So I think the idea is if you can find guys at 20 or 37 or wherever that have careers," he continued, "that are eight-year players and theyre role players on your team and theyre doing good things to help you win, thats a successful draft pick. You might get lucky and hit a guy thats going to be a big time contributor and hes pushing for all-stars and that kind of thing, but thats not really what youre looking for when youre outside of the top-five or the top-10. DeAngelo Williams T-Shirts. " Over the last four weeks, the Raptors brass have seen around a dozen players that figure to be selected in the latter half of the first round, or early in the second. According to team sources, there are roughly five prospects of interest that were either unable or unwilling to come in for a workout. While the workouts are not the be all and end all - the team has scouted them all in live action - they can go a long way in getting the coaching staff and trainers on board with a potential pick. Should a player fall to them unexpectedly, Ujiri will keep his options open and hasnt ruled out the possibility of trading up, if the price is right. Still, the focus is on making their make at 20. "Those trades and talks, people dont understand," said the Raptors GM. "We talk about like maybe 100 trades and then two happen. Thats the nature of our business. We will be aggressive but our energy is focused on 20, rather than wasting our time on [something else]." In addition to their first-round pick, the Raptors also own a pair of second rounders, 37 and 59 - the second to last pick in the draft. Regardless of whether or not theyre able to address their needs in the draft, Ujiri has prioritized his offseason to-do list. "We need a big wing at the three position," he said. "We [also] need some kind of shot blocking big. We have good, skilled bigs, we have a shooting big, we have a big down low, but we want to figure out how we can protect the rim a little bit. That may come now, it may come later but its something we know we need on our roster. So those two positions look like something we need." His top priority has not changed. "Were going full force after Kyle�Lowry," Ujiri said, speaking of the teams�coveted free agent point guard. "And if theres a talented point guard in the draft we know that its going to be tough to come and contribute to where our team is off the bat, but well go for talent in the draft. But Kyle�Lowry is our target and well try to get that done." In just over a week, the Raptors - and other teams for that matter - can begin negotiating with Lowry, unable to officially sign him or announce a deal until the moratorium period ends on July 10.� Until then the focus will be on the draft, one of the most�chaotic events on the basketball calendar and an invaluable opportunity to add young talent, provided youre well prepared for it. The Raptors have done their homework. "I was walking into the conference room where our guys were meeting and I was like okay, no news that will throw me off right now," Ujiri joked. "Because you know its going to keep coming. There will be something tonight and something else tomorrow morning. Thats just the nature of the draft. I heard something yesterday that threw us off a little bit. But it will keep coming and coming and coming until that last minute. Thats the joy of it, I mean you love it. Thats why we do it. There is always action. As long as we come out on top, then were fine." ' ' '

MADRID, Spain -- Serena Williams beat Elena Vesnina 6-3, 6-1 to reach the Madrid Opens second round, however older sister Venus lost 6-4, 6-1 to Angelique Kerber on Monday. Mens White Giovani Bernard Elite Jersey . The ninth-seeded Williams fired 13 aces and 40 winners against Vesnina, who was struggling with her game on the slippery blue clay court. The Russian lost her balance in the sixth game and set up a break point for Williams, who pulled ahead to lead 4-2. Williams ninth ace of the match provided a set point for the ninth-ranked American to take the first set and wrap up the match against the 68th-ranked Russian in just over an hour. "Im feeling good but I wasnt thrilled," said Williams, who will face Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia. "This is my first tournament in Europe so hopefully I will just keep my good form and just keep going," she added. Venus third tournament since being sidelined by illness is over after being broken six times by the 12th-seeded German. The seven-time major champion reached the quarterfinals at Miami and Charleston, North Carolina, earlier this season. Fifth-seeded Samantha Stosur rallied to beat Christina McHale 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 to reach the third round, as did French Open champion Li Na after winning 6-3, 6-1 against Silvia Soler-Espinosa. Petra Cetkovska also advanced, beating Lourdes Dominguez Lino 6-4, 7-5. Defending champion Petra Kvitova beat Marina Erakovic 6-2, 6-3 in her first round match. Kvitova needed over an hour to beat Erakovic, with the Czech player saving all three break points against her while converting four herself. Also on Monday, Andrea Hlavackova, Ekaterina Makarova, Lucie Hradecka, Lucie Safarova and Sara Errani won their first round matches at Madrid Open. Local favourite Carla Suarez Navarro rallied to beat 15th-seeded Jelena Jankovic 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 to reach the second round. In the mens tournament, Spains Nicolas Almagro rallied to beat Santiago Giraldo of Colombia 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3. Almagro saved four set points before hitting long to lose the first set in a tiebreaker. The thirteen-ranked Spanish player broke his opponent in the opening game of the second after adjusting his game to the new court surface to win the match in three sets. "The court isnt very good, its very slippery," Almagro said of the unorthodox blue clay court that has been criticized by players after it was introduced for the first time in this years tournament. Other winners Monday included Serbias Victor Troicki, Mikhail Youzhny of Russia and American Ryan Harrison who beat Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukraine, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5). Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain ousted 2006 Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. Top-ranked Novak Djokovic begins his title defence Tuesday against Daniel Gimeno-Traver, who beat Victor Hanescu 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-3. Adam Jones Bengals Jersey . A Swiss Federal Tribunal ruling published Friday said that FIFAs disputes panel and the Court of Arbitration for Sport correctly imposed the sanction for Nantes enticing Guinea forward Ismael Bangoura to break his contract with Dubai club Al Nasr in January 2012. Emmanuel Lamur . -- Ernie�Els hardly ever catches a break at the Match Play Championship.There were several obvious storylines after Vancouver defeated Houston Saturday to keep the Whitecaps unbeaten early in the 2014 MLS season. There was the audacious 50-yard swerving, fizzing turf-trimming ball played from Pedro Morales to Gershon Koffie in the first half. There was another solid Darren Mattocks performance where, despite not finding the scoresheet, the young Jamaican played a huge role in both Whitecap goals. And there was goalkeeper David Ousted, who faced 26 Dynamo crosses, but staved off a big, physical Houston team with strong hands and a commanding presence. But none of those moments generated the kind of reaction that Kenny Miller garnered after the game was over. It was a moment that went viral, appeared on local newscasts, and revealed an aspect of sporting culture not often witnessed in North American arenas. The "Humba" begin in the German carnival town of Mainz, and gained momentum when Lucas Podolski grabbed the bullhorn and led his nations supporters in song after Germany dispatched Portugal during the quarter-final round of the 08 European Championship. Its rare in sport to see supporters and players share the kind of moment that occurred Saturday afternoon. Its even more intriguing when a Gerrman tradition, led by a former Scottish international, takes place in a Canadian stadium. Andy Dalton Bengals Jersey. Seeing a shirtless Kenny Miller, the game-winning penalty hero, asking his adoring throng to "give him an H" was as symbolic as it was enamoring. He was in fact naked among the paying public. Stripped down of his past achievements, his fame, his designated player status. At that moment, Kenny Miller was among them, celebrating a hard earned victory. It was a scene more reminiscent of a concert, with the lead singer joining the crowd, before being surfed back to the stage. Apart from the "Lambeau Leap", what other sporting circumstance brings the fans, and the stars so close together? Creating a bond, and appreciating the sporting customer is a rare occurrence in North America where the economic divide between pro athlete and paying public seems to be getting wider with every collective bargaining agreement. The big corporate nature of sport doesnt often inspire brand to mix with consumer so spontaneously. If the Humba tradition catches on in Vancouver, lets hope the spirit of humility and genuine fan appreciation that Kenny Miller showed on Saturday is merely the beginning of something much bigger. ' ' '

The Blue Jays offence has been positively dazzling, especially in the first eight days of May. Deion Sanders 49ers Jersey . You might as well change the franchise name from the Blue Jays to the "Thunder Birds." The Jays have scored 56 runs in putting together a 6-2 record, good for an average of seven runs per game. Over the last couple of weeks, everyone has been talking about the firepower of the Colorado Rockies and rightly so, but the Rockies have scored 58 runs over the same span in May and have an identical 6-2 mark. Granted, the Rockies dont play with a DH for the bulk of their games, so their totals are slightly more impressiveThe Jays pitching numbers have improved this month, as well. They have given up just 31 runs or just fewer than four per game. Colorado has surrendered exactly 32 or four runs per game right on the button. On the season, the Jays have scored 178 runs and given up 158. That 178 total is second in the American League to the Chicago White Sox who have racked up 184, which is, coincidentally, the same number they have allowed. The 178 the Jays have scored is the best in the AL East, but the 158 against is fourth-worst in the American League, ahead of only the Texas Rangers (174), Houston Astros (181) and the White Sox.�The Jays though have improved by leaps and bounds over a year ago when they were 13-23 out of the gate. At this point last season, the Jays had only scored 139 runs and had given up 190. The -51 run differential was second-worst in the American League to �Houston at -73. The really interesting comparison takes us back to 1993, the last time the Blue Jays won the World Series. The season started a week later so it took the 93 Jays until May 14 to play their 35th game, but guess what - their record then was exactly the same as this years edition at 18-17. On that date the 93 Jays had scored, you guessed it, 178 runs, the same as this years team. The 93 bunch though had allowed a dreadful 193 runs through May 14 for a -15 run differential. Im not saying the 2014 Blue Jays are as good a team as the 93 Jays, because at this point that would be ludicrous. Remember that the 93 Jays added Tony Fernandez and Rickey�Henderson to the mix with in-season deals and became even stronger and the 1993 edition also had a lights-out closer in Duane Ward. Still, the numbers of the current team are intriguing and give cause for some hope. Another point - the Blue Jays have won a season high five-straight, which, while impressive, can only be considered a starting point. The 93 Jays had three outstanding runs in-season, From May 20 through June 5, they won 13 of 16 games. Then, from June 15 through the 29, they took 12�of 14 to push their record to 48-30. After losing 10 of 11 from June 30 to July 11 to fall to 49-40, they rebounded to take nine of 10 from July 24 through August 3. �Next came a nine-game win streak from September 10 through 21 and then they finished the season by winning five of their final seven. The Jays finished the 1993 regular season with a 95-67 record, one victory fewer than the previous years team. They scored 847 runs, second-best in the American League and gave up 742, which was fifth in the American League. Their run differential was�+105. On last May 9, the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox were in a virtual tie for first in the AL East. Tampa Bay was 16-18, four-and-a-half games out. The Blue Jays were dead last at 13-23, eight-and-a-half games out. On May 9, this time around, the Jays are alone in third place in the East, one game back �of the Yankees and one-and-a-half behind first-place Baltimore. Its still a very long, difficult haul, but this summer may not be as long as�many of us thought it would be. - We dont get to see enough of Colorado to truly appreciate the talents of their young third baseman Nolan�Arenado. On Thursday, he broke Michael�Cuddyers club record 27-game hit streak that was set only last season. At 28 games, Arenado is exactly halfway to Joe DiMaggios iconic 56-game streak set in 1941. If Arenado stays healthy and can put together one of those streaks for the ages, he would be in position to equal and then surpass DiMaggios streak June 10 and 11 at home against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field. Realistically, though, in this day and age, its hard to see anyone coming close to that milestone. - The Blue Jays lost outfielder Moises�Sierra on a waiver claim to the White Sox last weekend. He was added to Chicagos roster last Sunday and made late-inning appearances in that game against the Cleveland Indians and in Mondays cross-city rivalry game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, going hitless in one at-bat for the two games. On Tuesday, though, Adam�Dunn was a late scratch and skipper Robin�Ventura stuck Sierra in the line-up in right field. He went four-for-four and scored a run in the White Sox 5-1 victory over the Cubbies. It will be interesting to see how his career unfolds with this fresh start. - Two of this years early season hard-luck pitchers faced each other earlier this week at Wrigley. Jose�Quintana of the White Sox pitched seven innings of one-hit ball, giving up just one run, while racking up his fourth no-decision in starts. This coming from the guy who set an American League record a year ago with 17 no-decisions. Quintana is 1-2 on the campaign with a 3.56 ERA. On the flip side, the Cubs Jeff�Samardzija, whos in his contract year, fired nine innings of three-hit, one-run ball before being taken out. Again, a no decision. Samardizija, whos pitched like an All-Star and has been the subject of many a trade rumour �is 0-3 with an incredible 1.62 earned run average. Ultimately, he probably will be traded to a contender, maybe even the Jays, but not until a lot closer to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. And, yes, the White Sox did win that game at Wrigley 3-1 over the Cubs in 12 innings. Deion Sanders . He leaves as a potential first overall pick, and one of the most dynamic, breath-taking players in college football history. Justin Smith .5 forward somersault dive may have fallen a little short on Sunday, but the two-time Olympic silver medallist says he feels encouraged by his performance at the Montreal Canada Cup.ROME -- Londons Olympic Stadium is in the running to host a regular-season Major League Baseball game. American officials have been looking in Europe for years to find a facility with the right dimensions and seating capacity for regular-season games. Clive Russell of MLB International tells The Associated Prress that the London stadium, "the way its built, actually is big enough for a baseball game. Pink Colin Kaepernick Elite Jersey. " Russell adds that MLB is already talking to the London Games legacy committee. Another option is a new $20 million stadium being built near Schipol airport in the Netherlands. ' ' '

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica -- Canada fell shot of an elusive semifinal berth at the FIFA under-17 womens World Cup, but coach Bev Priestman says the Canadians showed they could compete with the best in the world. Kareem Jackson Jersey . Marie Levasseur and Sarah Kinzner scored for the Canadians in a 3-2 quarter-final loss to Venezuela on Thursday. The Canadians were hoping to make history as the first Canada side to make the semifinals at the U-17 event. "They outperformed what was expected of them in a very tough group and tried to play a brand of football that were trying to develop throughout our system," Priestman said. Deyna Castellanos, Yosneidy Zambrano and Lourdes Moreno scored for the Venezuelans at the 35,000-seat Nacional Stadium. Castellanos opened scoring in the seventh minute, before goals by Kinzner, in the 19th, and Levasseur, in the 40th, gave the Canadians a 2-1 lead. Zambrano scored the equalizer two minutes before halftime, then Moreno put Venezuela ahead for good in the 62nd minute. "The girls are obviously very disappointed at the moment, but to be fair to them Venezuela really counter-attacked to make it difficult," Priestman said. "You attack but then you lose the ball and youve got to quickly defend." In the preliminary round, Canada played perennial powerhouse Germany to a 2-2 draw before tying 2012 runners-up North Korea 1-1. The Canadians finished the preliminary round by toppling Ghana 2-1. Venezuela went undefeated through the opening round and hadnt conceded a goal until Kinzners. This was the youngest side Canada has fielded at the tournament. Priestman said she expects some of the players to continue to represent Canada in 2016, at either the under-17 World Cup in Jordan or the under-20 tournament in South Africa. "I expect to see quite a few of the players move up the system this summer in Canada," she said. Kareem Jackson Elite Womens Jersey . Numbers Game examines the deal that sees Martin�St.�Louis and Ryan�Callahan swapping places. The Rangers Get: RW Martin�St. DeAndre Hopkins Elite Womens Jersey . -- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad�Brooks was fined $15,570 by the NFL on Wednesday for his hit on Saints quarterback Drew�Brees last Sunday.TSN Baseball Insider Steve Phillips answers three questions each week. This week, topics cover the Blue Jays rotation,�the futures John Gibbons and Alex Anthopoulos, protecting pitchers and a bonus question on his predictions for the MLB playoffs. 1)�With J.A.�Happ heading to the DL, the Toronto Blue Jays have announced a starting rotation of R.A.�Dickey, Drew�Hutchison, Mark�Buehrle, Brandon�Morrow and Dustin�McGowan. Should the Blue Jays feel confident with that group or even this early in the season, should they be looking outside the organization for an upgrade? Or should they have kept a prospect like Aaron�Sanchez or Marcus�Stroman with the big club?�� The Blue Jays are starting the season with exact rotation they should be using.� Aaron�Sanchez and Marcus�Stroman both need more development but at some point they may be called upon to help. Certainly there are big questions for three-fifths of the starters but there is definitely upside.� RA Dickey is just a year removed from his NL Cy Young Award and is predictable and dependable.� I cant believe I am saying that about a knuckleballer but it is true.��� Mark Buerhle is a more than serviceable innings-eater who gives his team a chance to win start after start.��� After these two though the questions are significant. Brandon�Morrow has suffered injuries in each of the past two seasons after looking like a number one starter at times in 2012. Dustin�McGowan is throwing in the mid-nineties and is working on a curve ball to go with his devastating slider, but he has thrown just 46 2/3 innings since 2008 because of recurrent shoulder injuries. Drew�Hutchison hasnt pitched in the Major Leagues for the past year and a half due to Tommy John surgery but prior to that he looked like he could be a long-term answer for the rotation.���Before the season begins players, front office personnel and fans close their eyes and dream about what could be.�� I can close my eyes and see RA Dickey commanding his dancing knuckler that will baffle hitter.� I can envision Buerhle getting a ton of grounders and working quickly getting the powerhouse offense back in the dugout and scoring a ton of runs.� I can picture Brandon�Morrow rifling his fastball by the games biggest sluggers and logging a ton of strikeouts.� I can imagine McGowan and Hutchison fulfilling the potential that they once had as well.� It could happen just that way.����But it probably wont.����My experience is that the more questions you enter with the more things that will likely go wrong.� There is a bunch of unpredictability in this rotation.� Depth will be important.� It is safe to assume that health will be an issue at some point because it has been an issue in the past.� Esmil�Rogers and Todd�Redmond may make starts if necessary.� But Alex Anthopolous is going to have to keep working the phones to look for upgrades.� Early in the season other clubs arent typically trading good pitchers but he will need to be ready for when they do become available.�� So when you close your eyes and dream just hope it is not a nightmare.���2) Is manager John Gibbons on the hot seat with the Blue Jays? If the team is slow out of the gate again this year, will he be replaced? Are his and Alex Anthopouloss future tied together (if one goes, the other follows him out the door)?��I dont think John Gibbons is on the hot seat during the season this year.� I know there were big expectations last year but the collapse wasnt Gibbons fault.� The starting rotation just fell apart on him as Morrow and Josh�Johnson got hurt and Ricky�Romero imploded.� Jose�Reyes injury crushed the offense early in the season and more injuries followed.�� The expectations are less this year than a year ago.� It certainly behooves the Jays to get off to a good start so they can start to believe in themselves but Gibbons cant pitch for his team and the staff will be the key.����I have never been a believer that managers and general managers are tied at the hip.� The manager needs to look at the GM as his boss.� Clearly Gibbons was brought back to the Jays because of his relationship with Anthopolous but if Anthopolous thinks a change needs to be made he will have to make it.� If ownership gets to a point where they believe the roster is flawed and they decide to make a decision on the general manager it is unlikely Gibbons would survive a change in regime. Anthoplous can possibly survive the firing of Gibbons but I dont believe Gibbons would survive the firing of Anthopolous.����As it stands today both the manager and general manager are on firm ground as they should be.� They just need to be honest with themselves and their bosses about what the expectations are with the roster they have.� The owners can hope to be competitive in the tough AL East but if they expect to win it then both Anthopolous and Gibbons are in trouble.� This is a roster for which you can hope but not expect great things.��� 3)�With Reds starter Aroldis�Chapman and Rays starter Matt�Moore both being hit in the head by comebackers to the mound in spring training, is it time for Major League Baseball and/or the players union to implement mandatory pitcher protection? It seems that pitchers have become more annd more vulnerable over the past few seasons. Ryan Fitzpatrick Jersey. nbsp; Fortunately, we have avoided major catastrophe but we shouldnt be shocked if a pitcher were to be killed by a hit ball.� We have just been lucky so far.�� I am a firm believer that we should never wait for someone to be killed to make a change. Baseball already did that once.� Base coaches wear helmets now because a minor league first base coach was hit in the head by a line drive and killed.� If protecting pitchers is being considered then protect them.�� Lets not wait for a tragedy.�� It is currently optional for pitchers to wear the new protective headgear that was developed by MLB for this year.� The feedback so far is that the hats look funny and are not overly comfortable.� MLB needs to keep refining the protective hats to make them functional. This needs to be a priority for the Players Association as well.� Protective hats for pitchers need to be made mandatory at the minor league level initially.� Let the kids get comfortable with them so by the time they are big leaguers it is commonplace.� Once the hat is advanced enough make it mandatory for major league pitchers to wear.� There is no clock in baseball but we need to put a clock on this.� Every pitch thrown puts a pitcher at risk.� Please hurry. 4) With the second and third opening days approaching for Major League Baseball it is time to make predictions.� Here is how I see the American League:AL East���������������������� AL Central������������ AL West 1) Boston������������������� Detroit������������������Oakland2) Tampa Bay*���������� Kansas City**�����LA Angels3) Baltimore��������������� Cleveland��������������Texas4) Blue Jays�������������� � Minnesota�������������Seattle5) New York Yankees�� Chicago���������������Houston * first Wild Card������ ** second Wild Card AL CHAMPION: Oakland As defeat Detroit AL AWARDS AL MVP:� Miguel�Cabrera, DetroitAL MVP:� Justin�Verlander, DetroitAL Rookie of Year:� Yordano�Ventura, Kansas CityAL Manager of Year: Ned Yost, Kansas City Here are my predictions for the NL:NL East������������������������������������� NL Central������������������ NL West1) Washington�������������������������St Louis����������������������� LA Dodgers 2) Atlanta**����������������������������� �Milwaukee������������������� SF Giants*3) NY Mets�������������������������������� Cincinnati�������������������� Arizona4) Philadelphia������������������������� �Pittsburgh�������������������� Colorado5) Miami����������������������������������� Chicago�����������������������San Diego* first Wild Card������ ** second Wild Card NL CHAMPION:� Washington Nationals defeat Dodgers NL AWARDS NL MVP: Freddie�Freeman, Atlanta BravesNL CY Young:� Stephen�Strasburg, Washington NationalsNL Rookie of Year:� Gregory�Polanco, Pittsburgh Pirates�������������� Manager of the Year:� Mike�Matheny, St Louis Cardinals�� �WORLD SERIES CHAMPION:� Washington Nationals defeat Oakland As LET THE GAMES BEGIN�..PLAY BALL!!! � ' ' '

ISTANBUL, Turkey -- Fernando Torres scored a valuable away goal for Chelsea in a 1-1 draw at Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday, but the Premier League side left Istanbul frustrated at its failure to build on its superior start. Robert Griffin III Redskins Jersey . Torres scored the first goal by an English team in the knockout phase of the Champions League this season when he met Cezar Azpilicuetas cutback in the ninth minute of their first leg match in the last 16. But Chelsea failed to make the most of its counterattacks and the Turkish champions equalized in the second half after gaining in confidence and cutting out their defensive mistakes. Aurelien Chedjou put the ball past goalkeeper Petr Cech in the 64th after connecting with Wesley Sneijders corner. "I wouldnt want to say thats a great result, we all now know what a strong team they are," Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard told British broadcaster Sky Sports. "So (Im a) little bit disappointed today really at halftime it wasnt more than one nil up. I think we played very well first half, we controlled it. "They didnt have any chances and we have about four or five very good counterattacks, and we didnt make more of them." Unlike Chelsea, Real Madrid is virtually certain of a place in the quarterfinals after Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo each scored a brace in a spectacular 6-1 victory at Schalke in the nights other game. By contrast, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was already bracing for his sides second leg match in west London on March 18. "They have very powerful strikers and we are going to have a difficult time at Stamford Bridge -- thats for sure," Mourinho said. The pre-match build-up centred on the Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba facing the team he won the Champions League with in 2012. But it was another former Premier League regular who played a key role as Chelsea took an early lead -- for the wrong reasons. Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue was dispossessed too easily inside the Chelsea half, allowing Mourinhos side to launch a counterattack down the left flank. Andre Schurrle fed the advancing defender Azpilicueta, who cut the ball back for the unmarked Torres to side-foot into an open net. The hosts were leaving themselves too exposed, and unable to cause Chelsea many problems. The closest they came to levelling before the break was Izet Hajrovic sending a shot over the top. The winger, though, was substituted in the 31st, with Yekta Kurtulus coming on as coach Roberto Mancini responded to the poor start. "The game started and we did three of four mistakes," Mancini said. "Maybe in the first half we played too deep, with fear." But Chelsea would pay for not making the most of its confident start, with Ramires volleying over. Galatasarays defence looked as fragile at the start of the second half. Felipe Melos clearance went straight to Eden Hazard, who ran through the centre and released Torres. Although the striker broke through the defence, his shot was saved by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. "We had too much respect for Chelsea ... we should have played more offensively without problems like in the second," Mancini said. Galatasaray recovered from its shaky start and proved a much tougher opponent after the break. "We had chances to kill the game," Mourinho said. "Im not critical of my strikers because my strikers did a very good game, but overall when we go to counterattack situations we are missing the last pass, the last control, the last choice ... the second goal would have changed the story of the game." It never came. The woodwork did deny Galatasaray. Drogba headed down from Sneijders delivery to Selcuk Inan, who hit the post. But Mancinis side found the target barely a minute later. Sneijder swung in a corner from the left, Chedjou turned the ball in from close range after getting in front of Chelsea captain John Terry. "We probably deserved to score another goal," Mancini said. Indeed, Cech only spared Chelsea from travelling back to London needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit, by tipping over Alex Telles swerving shot after William gave the ball away. "We werent passing it like we was in the first half," Lampard said. "A few things were disappointing. Its one of those results -- you are kind of happy with it, but we have still got a lot of work to do." Russ Grimm 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. Kirk Cousins Redskins Jersey . CSN New England reports that the team is interested in Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry�Fitzgerald, whom they reportedly tried to acquire last off-season. EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Rex Ryan got a kick out of receiving a bronzed Snoopy trophy for beating the Giants and winning the annual pre-season braggin rights with their long-time rival. "Thats awesome," Ryan said, holding up the trophy after the Jets 17-3 win on Monday night at MetLife Stadium. "...Ill tell you what, that thing looks good. Im glad we got it." The trophy is going to go on Ryans desk. The videotape of the game that was delayed two days by Hurricane Irenes march up the East Coast doesnt deserve such a prominent spot. There wasnt much that either Ryan or Giants counterpart Tom Coughlin could be happy about. The first-team offences werent good. The chippy game featured 16 penalties and the ejections of Giants halfback Brandon�Jacobs and Jets defensive end Muhummad Wilkerson for a second-half skirmish. And there were just too many mistakes by both teams with the season less than two weeks away. Even Plaxico�Burress first game against the Giants since his release from prison was a dud. No catches and a bad call on the pregame coin toss as the Jets sole captain. The positive was both teams played hard. The Jets prevailed because Mark�Sanchez threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Santonio�Holmes, they intercepted Eli�Manning twice, capitalized on two big special teams plays and got a goal-line stand by their second-team defence early in the second half. "I dont know if there are any tickets available for that Dec. 24 game, but I think we just sold them because that was a typical Jets-Giants slugfest right there," Ryan said. "It was a fun game, man. That was two good football teams going at it. Obviously, its a preseason game, but its great competition. The fireworks will fly Dec. 24, thats for sure." Rookie Bilal�Powell had a 1-yard TD run in the fourth quarter and Nick�Folk added a late field goal in what probably will be the last major warmup for both teams starters before the regular season. The Jets (2-1) will face the Eagles here Thursday. The Giants (1-2), who got a field goal from Rhys�Lloyd, finish their preseason at New England, also on Thursday. "There are things that we need to clean up, but we still have some time to do so," said Manning, who was 15 of 30 for 200 yards. "There are just some little things, but those things can add up. But thats what the preseason is for, and we still have a little time." The banged-up Giants also had defensive end Justin�Tuck (stinger) and linebacker Mathias�Kiwanuka (groin) leave the game with injuries. Neither seemed serious. The Jets didnt appear to have any major injuries in the exhibition. Jets special teams guru Mike Westhoff saw his unit provide the key plays. Antonio�Cromartie set up Holmes touchdown with a 70-yard kickoff return, and defensive tackle Jarron�Gilbert blocked Lloyds field-goal attempt late in the third quarter with the Jets ahead 7-3. Lloyd had given the Giants a 3-0 lead with 5:00 left in the first half with a 34-yaarder. Leonard Hankerson Jersey. Cromarties big return came on the ensuing kickoff. The Giants seemed to fall asleep after Cromartie fumbled the ball in the end zone and Lloyd eventually ran him out of bounds at the 35. Sanchez needed only six plays to cover the distance, finding Holmes on a post pattern that beat good coverage by Corey�Webster. Before the TD pass, Sanchez was 4 of 10 for 13 yards and it was clear he was not on the same page with his receivers. "In a rivalry game like this, we have to keep our cool and be sharp, but I was proud of the guys for playing through everything, staying strong and staying poised," said Sanchez, who finished 8 of 16 for 64 yards. The only thing the long-time rivals showed in the first half is their defences are ready for the regular season. "On the eye test, I thought we played pretty well," Tuck said. "There are some things to work on, but I feel were ready. Were getting more comfortable with our schemes and well be flying around there, when its time." The Giants outgained the Jets 224-73 in the half and trailed 7-3 because Manning could not capitalize after moving the offence to the Jets 27 on the opening drive. On a second and 10 from the 27, David�Harris pressured Manning and his pass to Victor�Cruz was too high and intercepted by Jim�Leonhard. Harris got the other interception in the second quarter when Manning badly underthrew Ahmad�Bradshaw while under pressure again. "First one, the ball floated on me a little bit," Manning said. "And the next one, that was on me. I should have just thrown it away." Manning and company jumped to a 3-0 lead, taking advantage when linebacker Clint�Sintim recovered Sanchezs fumble at the Giants 39. Bradshaw made the big play, taking a dump-off pass and turning it into a 29-yard gain after running past linebacker Bart�Scott. The Jets were 0 for 6 on third downs in the first half and didnt register their first first down until they got a favourable spot on a fourth-and-1 from their own 28 late in the first quarter. The Giants had a chance to retake the lead early in the third quarter against the Jets second-string defence when Manning drove them from their own 15 to the Jets 1. However, the Jets stopped D.J. Ware cold on a fourth-down attempt from the 1, on a play that normally would have been handled by Jacobs. The big-bruising back was not available because he has been ejected four plays earlier for trading what appeared to be slaps with Wilkerson. "We were gashing them the entire time," Giants left tackle Will Beatty said. "We were walking them down the field. So its not finishing a drive where you want to put the nail in the coffin and we didnt do that today." Gilbert blocked Lloyds 42-yard attempt with 1:13 left in the third quarter and rookies Greg�McElroy and Jeremy�Kerley-- playing the wildcat-- led the Jets 68-yard, 9-play drive that featured an unsportsmanlike penalty on Giants safety Deon�Grant. ' ' '

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Husain Abdullah Elite Jersey . -- Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Justin�Blackmon has been suspended indefinitely without pay for another violation of the NFLs substance-abuse policy. Blackmon was previously suspended the first four games of this season for violating the policy. So this is at least his third violation in about 18 months. And the Jaguars are acknowledging he has a problem. "All of us who are a part of the Jaguars family care very deeply about Justin and his well-being," general manager Dave Caldwell said in a statement. "That said, he must be held accountable and accept the consequences announced today by the NFL. "His suspension will provide him the opportunity to receive the attention and professional treatment necessary to overcome his challenges, and we will support him during this time. The Jacksonville Jaguars will evaluate Justins status once he has successfully met the criteria to be considered for reinstatement to the league." Blackmons suspension begins immediately. Unlike his four-game suspension, he wont be allowed in the building during this one. He will be eligible to apply for reinstatement prior to the start of the 2014 season. "I want to sincerely apologize to Mr. (Shad) Khan, my teammates, my coaches and to the Jaguars fans for not utilizing the resources that I was provided to overcome my challenges," Blackmon said in a statement released by his agent. "I am determined to overcome the issues that have resulted in this situation, and I truly appreciate the support that the Jaguars and my agent have shown me. "I will address these matters with the type of intensity I usually direct toward my on-field play so that I can be ready to be a productive member of the team and community next season. Again, I am truly sorry to Mr. Khan, my teammates and coaches and to the Jaguars fans for the impact of my situation on the team as well as to my family and friends and those that have been there for me during these challenging times. Nobody is more disappointed with all of this than me." Since the winless Jaguars (0-8) arent on the hook for the rest of Blackmons salary this season -- they also might try to void what remains on his rookie contract -- they could keep him on the roster in hopes he turns his life around. After all, the troubled receiver has proven to be talented in two seasons. Blackmon has 29 receptions for 415 yards and a touchdown this year. He has 93 catches for 1,280 yards and six scores in 20 games -- all since Jacksonville traded up to select the former Oklahoma State star with the fifth overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Blackmon credited his four-game suspension for his success this season, saying he used the time away to get in better shape. He also acknowledged last month that his reputation was still a work in progress. "I just dont really care about people on the outside," Blackmon said. "I dont care what they got to say. I dont really care how they view me because they dont try to know me. They wont ever know me, so thats not important to me. They can feel however they want to feel. I dont really care about that. "All I can do is control what I can control, and thats showing up here, trying to get better every day and carrying that out there on the field." Blackmon has been involved in three substance-related incidents in three years. He was arrested on a misdemeanour DUI charge in Texas in 2010 after officers caught him speeding on a suburban Dallas highway. The charge was later reduced to an underage alcohol possession charge. A little more than a month after the Jaguars drafted him, he was arrested during a traffic stop in Stillwater, Okla., after a breath test allegedly showed his blood alcohol content to be three times the legal limit. A subsequent violation landed him the four-game suspension. Alex Smith Youth Red Jersey . Left guard Clint�Boling tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a 17-10 victory in San Diego on Sunday. The Bengals put him on injured reserve Tuesday. Jamaal Charles Elite Jersey . -- The Royals have agreed to terms with 10 players not yet eligible for arbitration on major league contracts, including outfielders Lorenzo�Cain and Jarrod�Dyson.NEW YORK -- The NBA says because there was no "clear and conclusive" evidence on instant replay that their call on a ball out of bounds was wrong, referees correctly stuck to their original ruling late in Oklahoma Citys victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. The Clippers believed the Thunders Reggie�Jackson had knocked the ball out of bounds with 11.3 seconds remaining, but officials ruled it Oklahoma City ball. After going to replay, the call stood, and the Thunder rallied to win the game. Youth Jamaal Charles Drift Red Jersey. . Clippers coach Doc Rivers was livid, saying the Clippers were "robbed," but NBA president of basketball operations Rod Thorn says Wednesday in a statement that: "In order to reverse the call made on the court, there has to be clear and conclusive evidence. Since no replay provided such evidence, the play correctly stood as called with the Thunder retaining possession." ' ' '

The Winnipeg Goldeyes have assured themselves a winning record on this behemoth 10-game road trip to start the season. Jadeveon Clowney Jersey . A clutch seventh inning pushed the Goldeyes (6-3) past the Lincoln Saltdogs (4-5) 7-4 Saturday night at Haymarket Park in Lincoln before 4,222 spectators. After the two sides exchanged a pair of runs in the second inning, Lincoln grabbed a 4-2 lead with two runs in the bottom of the fourth. The Goldeyes quickly struck back in the top of the fifth inning to tie the game once again, as left fielder Ray Sadler scored on a ground out by third baseman Josh Mazzola and right fielder Donnie Webb belted the next pitch out of the park for his first home run of the season. For the second straight night, Winnipeg found the winning run in the seventh inning. With Sadler on third and centre fielder Reggie Abercrombie on second, Mazzola singled to score both base runners. "Youre just trying to get the ball in play and find a hole out there," Goldeyes pitching coach Jamie Vermilyea said on the Jewel 101 post-game game show of Mazzolas at-bat. "He battled up there and fouled off a couple tough pitches before he got one he could handle. It was a big AB."Mazzola then stole second � his league-leading sixth stolen base of the season � and scored on a single by Webb."Anytime you can take advantage of that and steal that extra base is big," Vermilyea said. "Thats part of our thing this year. Were going to be aggressive on the base paths." After starter Nick Hernandez went five innings for Winnipeg, the Goldeyes bullpen was spectacular in the second half of the game. Southpaw Gabe Aguilar struck out five Saltdogs in 2 2/3 innings of middle relief work. Fellow lefty Brendan Lafferty got the final out of the eighth inning and Chris Kissock pitched the ninth for his second consecutive save in as many nights. The pitching staff combined for a season-high 12 strikeouts. Aguilar picked up the win, while Lincoln reliever Jake Meiers, who was on the hook for the three runs in the seventh inning, suffered the loss. Four Goldeyes had multi-hit nights, while Mazzola had three RBI.� The two sides will meet in the series finale Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. Lefty Chris Salamida will look for his first win of the season against Nick Green, who will make his first start of the season for Lincoln. The Goldeyes return home on Monday for their home opener against the Sioux City Explorers. DeAndre Hopkins Elite Womens Jersey . Now Samardzija has his second win in three starts for a team trying to turn around its season. Samardzija tossed seven solid innings, Junior�Lake hit two home runs and Emilio�Bonifacio added a two-run shot as the Cubs extended their winning streak to five with a 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins on Saturday. Youth Black J.J. Watt Elite Jersey . Canada dropped a 24-21 decision to Zimbabwe before bouncing back with a 10-7 win over Spain. All three sides finished with seven points apiece in Pool E to move on to the final eight while the Philippines was last with only three points.BOSTON -- Avery�Bradley has agreed to a $32 million, four-year deal to remain with the Boston Celtics. Agent Mitchell�Butler confirms the deal Wednesday for Bradley, the No. 19 pick in the 2010 draft. Bradley averaged a career-best 14.9 points in 60 games last season as the starting point guard while Rajon�Rondo was recovering from a torn knee ligament. Kendrick Lewis Jersey. Bradley can play either guard spot and is a strong defender. The Celtics extended a qualifying offer to Bradley on Monday, making him a restricted free agent and allowing them to match any offer he received from another team. ' ' '