Sports Quote of the Day:
"Concentration comes out of a combination of confidence and hunger." ~ Arnold Palmer, "Legendary PGA Golfer"
How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Blackhawks outlast Bruins in bruising, breathless triple-overtime Game 1 masterpiece. It's going to be nip and tuck for this whole series but our Blackhawks are a team of destiny in their "Quest for the Cup!!!"
By Nicholas J. Cotsonitka
By Nicholas J. Cotsonitka
The Blackhawks celebrating after winning goal during third period overtime.
Please forgive Andrew Shaw. He was tired, and it was late – just past midnight in Chicago, just past 1 a.m. in Boston. The FCC won’t be happy with NBC, but in his delirium, the 21-year-old kid spoke the truth. Bleeping right it was unbelievable.
The Blackhawks and the Bruins needed almost two games’ worth of hockey to decide Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final – 120 hits, 117 shots, 114 faceoffs in more than 112 minutes – and in the end the difference was a double deflection in triple overtime.
Michal Rozsival fired from the point. The puck deflected off the stick of David Bolland in the slot, ricocheted off the leg of Shaw in front and squeaked into the net 12:08 into the sixth period, and the Blackhawks won, 4-3. The fifth-longest game in Stanley Cup final history was over. And to think: This series is just beginning.
Shaw spoke to NBC’s Pierre McGuire on the ice under a spotlight in a darkened arena, “Chelsea Dagger” playing in the background, the fans still buzzing.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be pretty at this point,” Shaw said on national television in the United States. “It was a great shot, a great setup … [Bleeping] … It was unbelievable. All the guys, we deserved it.” Yeah, he said it.
“Slip of the tongue,” said Shaw in the interview room later, smiling in a calmer moment. “I couldn’t think at all, actually. Could barely breathe. I think I made up a word in there, too, actually. I was never good in English.”
Not to be too breathless, but there were no words for this.
“Slip of the tongue,” said Shaw in the interview room later, smiling in a calmer moment. “I couldn’t think at all, actually. Could barely breathe. I think I made up a word in there, too, actually. I was never good in English.”
Not to be too breathless, but there were no words for this.
The night began with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman’s annual state-of-the-league news conference, a Q&A about all that is bad about the game and the business – the Olympic deal that still isn’t done, the future of the Phoenix Coyotes that still isn’t settled, the lockout that still isn’t six months into history.
Yet the night became about all that is good about the game and the business – two Original Six teams, two recent champions, playing in a packed house, vying to become the first two-time Cup winner in the salary-cap era, generating gobs of hockey-related revenue and giving everyone full value.
This was the kind of game that justified the love hardcore fans have for the NHL despite its flaws, and this was the kind of game that might have intrigued casual fans and even others who just clicked on the TV expecting Leno.
This was the kind of game that justified the love hardcore fans have for the NHL despite its flaws, and this was the kind of game that might have intrigued casual fans and even others who just clicked on the TV expecting Leno.
Even though these teams hadn’t faced each other for more than 600 days – partly because of the lockout-shortened season – they looked like old rivals. They came out hitting. They went back and forth all night long. Both teams carried the play for stretches. Both teams bounced back when things went against them. Both teams battled through three OTs when their lungs and legs were burning.
“Both teams are just kicking, trying to survive,” said Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews. “Every time you go back on the ice, you just try and get that feeling that it’s just going to be that one chance that makes the difference. Obviously we got a big one with Shaw going to the net there.”
For Boston, the loss was brutal. The Bruins took a 3-1 lead in the third period when Patrice Bergeron pinged a shot in off a post on a power play. But then Torey Krug, a 22-year-old rookie defenseman, playing only his 13th NHL game, threw the puck up the middle. Shaw blocked it at the Boston blue line and fed Bolland for a goal. Then Johnny Oduya fired from the point, and the puck glanced off the inside of the skate of Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference and into the net.
And then came the overtimes.
The Bruins had two power plays when the Blackhawks were caught with too many men on the ice twice. In the first OT, Nathan Horton hit a post (and left with an injury).
In the second OT, Tyler Seguin couldn’t score on a semi-breakaway and Zdeno Chara fired a shot that hit the skate of Jaromir Jagr and clanked off a post. In the third OT, Kaspars Daugavins, playing only his third game of the playoffs, could have redirected a pass past Crawford. He made a move instead, and he had Crawford down and out, but he couldn’t get off a backhand shot. After he came back to the bench, he rested his forehead on top of the boards. Inches. Seconds. Hockey.“Last time we won the Cup, we lost the first two games to Vancouver,” said Bruins coach Claude Julien. “It never stopped us from coming back. This certainly won’t.
When you look at the game, it could have gone either way. I thought we had some real good looks in overtime. With a little bit of luck, we could have ended it before they did. But that’s the name of the game.”
In the second OT, Tyler Seguin couldn’t score on a semi-breakaway and Zdeno Chara fired a shot that hit the skate of Jaromir Jagr and clanked off a post. In the third OT, Kaspars Daugavins, playing only his third game of the playoffs, could have redirected a pass past Crawford. He made a move instead, and he had Crawford down and out, but he couldn’t get off a backhand shot. After he came back to the bench, he rested his forehead on top of the boards. Inches. Seconds. Hockey.“Last time we won the Cup, we lost the first two games to Vancouver,” said Bruins coach Claude Julien. “It never stopped us from coming back. This certainly won’t.
When you look at the game, it could have gone either way. I thought we had some real good looks in overtime. With a little bit of luck, we could have ended it before they did. But that’s the name of the game.”
For Chicago, the victory was a relief. The Blackhawks were awful on the power play, even during a 5-on-3, and fell into that 3-1 hole. But at the end of regulation, they had 78 shot attempts to the Bruins’ 40. They had controlled more of the game. They had come back to tie it. They faltered in the overtimes, taking those two too-many-men penalties, breaking down defensively. But Crawford kept them in it, kept giving them a chance.
“That’s what it’s all about,” Oduya said. “You can feel it as the game goes longer. Every play could be the difference. It’s just tremendous. You feel alive.”
Just look at the numbers: The Blackhawks finished with 63 shots, the Bruins 54. The Bruins blocked 40 shots, the Blackhawks 23. The Blackhawks delivered 61 hits, the Bruins 59. The Blackhawks won 58 faceoffs, the Bruins 56. Chicago's Duncan Keith played 48:40, Boston's Dennis Seidenberg 48:36.
“The hockey world is watching,” said Blackhawks winger Patrick Sharp. “To put out an effort like that for both sides, it was fun to be a part of. Thankfully it’s over. Boston was everything that we expected. They’re a fast skating team. They’re physical. They play well defensively. So it’s going to be a really tough series.”
Should be bleeping unbelievable.
Big 3 help Heat even NBA Finals with Spurs.
By
LeBron James was better as promised. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were the best they've been since the playoffs started.
Riding big performances from their Big Three, the Miami Heat tied the NBA Finals with a 109-93 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night in Game 4.
James had 33 points and 11 rebounds after failing to break 20 points in any of the first three games of the series, and Wade scored 32 points, 11 more than his previous high this postseason.
Bosh matched his playoff high with 20 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, he and Wade supplying the baskets that finally put the Spurs away for good midway through the fourth quarter.
Just like they have for the last five months, the Heat bounced back from a loss with a victory - a lopsided one at that. They are 12-0 after losses since Jan. 10, outscoring opponents by 19.8 points in the previous 11 victories.
''Right now it's a three-game series,'' Wade said. ''Two great ballclubs, we just want to come out again and play well.''
Tim Duncan scored 20 points for the Spurs, who have one more game here on Sunday. They fell to 10-3 at home in finals games, failing to back up their 113-77 victory in Game 3 that was the third-most lopsided game in the history of the championship series.
James insisted he would be better after shooting 7 of 21 from the field with no free throws in that game, saying he was the star and it was his job to lead his team.
But while James - and millions of critics worldwide - wanted to pile all the pressure on the league's MVP, it was Wade on Wednesday who said it was the Heat's three All-Stars who had to lead them together, or there would be no championship.
He was right. And now those championship hopes are right back on track.
Tony Parker had 15 points and nine assists for the Spurs, who made a finals-record 16 3-pointers on Tuesday but got up only 16 attempts in this one. Gary Neal scored 13 points and Danny Green had 10, solid nights but nothing like when they combined for 13 3-pointers two nights earlier.
The Heat guaranteed they will get at least one more game on their home floor. Game 6 will be Tuesday night, where they could have a chance to clinch a second straight championship.
Wade, battling right knee pain throughout the spring, put it away for Miami early in the fourth. He followed a basket with a steal and dunk, pushing the lead to 90-81, and after he made another jumper, Bosh scored the next six Heat points, taking the load off of James.
The Heat switched their lineup, inserting Mike Miller, who made 10 of his 11 shots, going 9 of 10 on 3-pointers, in the first three games of the series. They changed uniforms, too, switching from their road reds to their blacks.
The only change they really needed was in the performances of their Big Three.
James called it a ''must-win'' and it probably was: No team has overcome a 3-1 deficit in the finals.
And the way their three stars played, they couldn't lose.
The Heat blocked shots, made stops, and occasionally flopped, playing with renewed aggression after what coach Erik Spoelstra called a ''miserable'' day of watching and analyzing their passive performance from Tuesday.
They still haven't lost two in a row since Jan. 8 and 10.
Parker played through a strained right hamstring, shooting 7 of 16, but the Spurs couldn't match the Heat's speed.
After the teams traded blowouts in the previous two games, momentum swung wildly in a first half that ended tied at 49. San Antonio raced to a quick 10-point lead, fell behind by 10 with 7 minutes left in the half, then finished with an 11-2 spurt sparked by reserve Boris Diaw. Bosh dove for a dunk that came just after the buzzer, Spurs owner Peter Holt waving it off from his seat along the sideline.
James rocked back and forth during the national anthem, a bundle of energy ready to get going. It took a few minutes after the game started, but he began playing with the speed and power that makes him unguardable at his best, grabbing rebounds on defense and rushing the ball up the floor himself to get the Heat into their offense.
He and Wade combined to make 10 of 11 shots and score 21 points in the first quarter, helping the Heat erase their early 10-point deficit to go ahead 29-26.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich even lit into Duncan during an early second-quarter timeout with Miami on its way to a 41-31 advantage, but the Spurs had it back to even by the time the teams headed to the locker room.
Notes: Sebastien De La Cruz, an 11-year-old mariachi singer, sang the national anthem again after his Game 3 performance set off a barrage of racist tweets by what Popovich called ''idiots.'' ... Popovich and Spoelstra congratulated him at midcourt after his performance, which earned him a rousing ovation. ... James passed Hakeem Olajuwon (3,755 points) to move into the top 10 in career playoff scoring. James has 3,777.
Roger Goodell supports Redskins nickname in letter to Congress. What's your take?
Sporting News
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has responded to 10 members of the United States Congress with a letter supporting Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder—that the team's nickname, deemed offensive by those members, should not be changed.
Per Indian Country Media Today Media Network, Goodell addressed the letter to two U.S. representatives who are part of the Congressional Native American Caucus, Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) and Betty McCollum. Cole and McCollum also were co-sponsors of the Non-Disparagement of Native American Persons or Peoples in Trademark Registration Act of 2013 (H.R. 1278).
Here is Goodell's entire argument:
"Thank you for your letter of May 13 regarding the Washington Redskins name and marks. The National Football League fully respects the views of the Caucus and other Members who have expressed interest in this matter and we appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns.
"In our view, a fair and through discussion of the issue must begin with an understanding of the roots of the Washington franchise and the Redskins name in particular. As you may know, the team began as the Boston Braves in 1932, a name that honored the courage and heritage of Native Americans. The following year, the name was changed to the Redskins, in part to avoid confusion with the Boston baseball team of the same name, but also to honor the team’s then-head coach, William “Lone Star” Dietz. Neither in intent nor use was the name ever meant to denigrate Native Americans or offend any group.
"The Washington Redskins name has thus from its origin represented a positive meaning distinct from any disparagement that could be viewed in some other context. For the team’s millions of fans and customers, who represent one of America’s most ethnically and geographically diverse fan bases, the name is a unifying force that stands for strength, courage, pride and respect.
"Importantly, this positive meaning is shared by the overwhelming majority of football fans and Americans generally, including Native Americans. (Attached as examples are recent remarks from Chief Steven Dodson, an American Inuit chief and resident of Prince Georges [sic] County, Maryland, and recently retired Chief Robert Green of the Patawomeck Tribe of Virginia.) Indeed, the most recent detailed survey of Native Americans, conducted by the independent and highly respected Annenberg Public Policy Center, found that fewer than 10% considered the name objectionable.
Among the general public, an Associated Press survey conducted just two months ago found that only 11% felt it should be changed."
"Public opinion aside, the Washington Redskins name has been confirmed in a legal context. When the matter was considered by the D.C. federal district court, the judge ruled against the plaintiffs and recognized that the name was been used by the team in a respectful manner. As I understand it, this ruling reversed the decision that informed the basis for the registration denials mentioned in your letter.
"As you correctly recognize, the issues raised with respect to the Washington Redskins name are complex and we respect that reasonable people may view it differently, particularly over time. But we hope that there is no doubt that the team understandably is proud of its heritage and the culturally rich community it serves, and its fans understandably are highly attached to that history and the team’s history.
"The National Football League takes seriously its responsibility to exemplify the values of diversity and inclusion that make our nation great. To that end, please be assured that we are committed to working with the team, this Caucus and others to continue to reinforce the many positive attributes represented by the team's name and marks."
Here was McCollum's response to Goodell, also per Indian Country:
"Unfortunately, NFL Commissioner Goodell's letter is another attempt to justify a racial slur on behalf of Dan Snyder and other NFL owners who appear to be only concerned with earning ever larger profits, even if it means exploiting a racist stereotype of Native Americans. For the head of a multi-billion dollar sports league to embrace the twisted logic that 'Redskin' actually 'stands for strength, courage, pride, and respect' is a statement of absurdity.
"Would Roger Goodell and Dan Snyder actually travel to a Native American community and greet a group tribal members by saying, ‘Hey, what’s up redskin?’ I think not. ("Hey, what's up redskin" is a quote from materials provided to my office by the NFL, along with the claim that "Redskins" is a "term of endearment" among Native Americans.)
"Indian children, families and elders are Americans, and just like all racial, ethnic, or religious groups, they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, not as a demeaning caricature or mascot. That shouldn't be too much to ask of the NFL."
Given McCollum's tone, Goodell's letter has only heated up the argument and did nothing to put it to rest. Given what the commissioner wrote, don't expect the NFL to budge from its position.
Last month, Snyder prompted the Congressional letter—sent to him, Goodell and Washington NFL stadium sponsor FedEx on May 13 — by saying the Redskins "will never" change their nickname. Although the commissioner was more diplomatic, it's clear he's in Snyder's corner. After reading this article, we'd love to know what's your take?
U.S. Open, First Round Recap: Phil Mickelson takes big step towards history.
By Shane Bacon
Phil Mickelson — Getty Images
• Phil Mickelson's opening round was incredible, but it was made even more special by the fact that the guy flew from San Diego to Philadelphia overnight after attending his daughter's 8th grade graduation.
• Weather continued to be a factor at Merion, starting and stopping play during a lot of the opening round at the U.S. Open. The rains may have softened the golf course, but it definitely didn't make it easy, as bogeys were abundant for some of the biggest names in the golf.
• Tiger Woods started his first round late because of the rain delays, and it was his putter that seemed the most rusty. Despite a bomb of a birdie putt he made on the 6th, it was an ugly day on the greens for Woods, who sits at 2-over par with eight holes to play.
Phil Mickelson's 3-under 67 didn't exactly start off the way you'd hope. A three-putt bogey to begin his U.S. Open bid forced his caddie to tell him to slow down and take a minute before continuing his round. That advice seemed to help, as Mickelson didn't make another bogey all day and added four birdies, all well-earned on a golf course that doesn't give them up that easy.
The par-3 13th played just over 100 yards, which you wouldn't expect at the U.S. Open, but the change of yardage gave fans a chance to see plenty of near hole-in-ones. If you hit the ball past the hole and spun it back, you had a kick-in birdie, and if you left it short in the bunker you could make a 4. A cool idea for the first day of the U.S. Open by the USGA and a fun change for fans that wanted to sit at the same hole all day and enjoy some great golf shots.
Sergio Garcia — Getty Images
This is the face of a guy that went double-bogey - quadruple-bogey in his opening round at Merion. To his credit, Sergio Garcia bounced back to post a round of 3-over 73, but still, sometimes you'd rather eat the scorecard than have to turn it in.
Mickelson came to the first hole even-par and needing something to happen, and this putt was it. The ball looked like it would certainly stop short, but it kept rolling and rolling before disappearing for the birdie and a jump-start to his back nine.
Mickelson came to the first hole even-par and needing something to happen, and this putt was it. The ball looked like it would certainly stop short, but it kept rolling and rolling before disappearing for the birdie and a jump-start to his back nine.
Lee Westwood got a bad break on Thursday as his third shot on the 12th hole hit one of the famed wicker baskets at Merion and came back at him. He ended up making a double-bogey on the hole and dropping from 3-under to 1-under for the day.
It starts with the completion of the first round which well get going early on Friday morning at Merion. The chance of rain for the second round has lessened to just 30 percent, so it looks like the tournament will most likely get back on schedule.
Once golf resumes, it will be Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott finishing their first rounds and then begging their second rounds as they go early on Friday.
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Another TV viewer calls in, but no violation.
By
The way it's going lately, it can't be a major championship unless someone calls in to report a rules violation.
This time, the USGA talked to the player before he signed his card. And unlike Tiger Woods at the Masters, it turns out Steve Stricker did nothing wrong on the par-3 third hole except for a bad tee shot that led to double bogey.
USGA vice president Thomas O'Toole met with Stricker right after he birdied his last hole for a 1-over 71. O'Toole said a call came in that Stricker improved his lie in an area where he intended to take a penalty drop by walking back and forth on the thick grass.
His tee shot went on the edge of a bunker in the trees short and left of the green. The rules official determined it was not in a bunker, and Stricker took a one-shot penalty for an unplayable lie because a tree got in the way of his swing. With the elevated green, he walked up the hill a few times to see the flag. O'Toole said the viewer suggested Stricker trampled the grass where he was to drop the ball.
''It's not an intent-based rule,'' O'Toole said. ''In light of other things, we wanted to review it.''
After meeting with Stricker, it was determined that he did not drop it in the area he was walking, and it was not a violation. Stricker said he was surprised to see O'Toole in the trailer to ask about the drop.
''I had a pine tree in my way, and I was struggling to get the line of my drop,'' Stricker said. ''I couldn't see the wicker basket. I dropped it in any area that was not disturbed.''
That wasn't the only incident from the armchair rules officials. USGA spokesman Joe Goode said there were several calls and emails that Adam Scott grounded his club in the hazard just above a small stream on the left side of the fifth fairway. After a review, the USGA said there was no violation.
Two months ago, Woods took an incorrect drop after his ball bounced off the pin at the 15th hole and went into the water in front of the green. Instead of dropping it as near as possible to his previous lie, he went back a few paces to avoid hitting the pin on the fly again. A TV viewer - rules expert David Eger in this case - notified Augusta National. Fred Ridley, the rules and competition chairman at the Masters, didn't see anything wrong and didn't talk to Woods before he signed for a 71. Under closer review, and after Woods spoke about what he did, it was determined he did violate the rule and received a two-shot penalty.
Ultimately, Woods wasn't disqualified for signing an incorrect card because it was deemed a committee error by not talking to Woods.
This time, the USGA talked to the player before he signed his card. And unlike Tiger Woods at the Masters, it turns out Steve Stricker did nothing wrong on the par-3 third hole except for a bad tee shot that led to double bogey.
USGA vice president Thomas O'Toole met with Stricker right after he birdied his last hole for a 1-over 71. O'Toole said a call came in that Stricker improved his lie in an area where he intended to take a penalty drop by walking back and forth on the thick grass.
His tee shot went on the edge of a bunker in the trees short and left of the green. The rules official determined it was not in a bunker, and Stricker took a one-shot penalty for an unplayable lie because a tree got in the way of his swing. With the elevated green, he walked up the hill a few times to see the flag. O'Toole said the viewer suggested Stricker trampled the grass where he was to drop the ball.
''It's not an intent-based rule,'' O'Toole said. ''In light of other things, we wanted to review it.''
After meeting with Stricker, it was determined that he did not drop it in the area he was walking, and it was not a violation. Stricker said he was surprised to see O'Toole in the trailer to ask about the drop.
''I had a pine tree in my way, and I was struggling to get the line of my drop,'' Stricker said. ''I couldn't see the wicker basket. I dropped it in any area that was not disturbed.''
That wasn't the only incident from the armchair rules officials. USGA spokesman Joe Goode said there were several calls and emails that Adam Scott grounded his club in the hazard just above a small stream on the left side of the fifth fairway. After a review, the USGA said there was no violation.
Two months ago, Woods took an incorrect drop after his ball bounced off the pin at the 15th hole and went into the water in front of the green. Instead of dropping it as near as possible to his previous lie, he went back a few paces to avoid hitting the pin on the fly again. A TV viewer - rules expert David Eger in this case - notified Augusta National. Fred Ridley, the rules and competition chairman at the Masters, didn't see anything wrong and didn't talk to Woods before he signed for a 71. Under closer review, and after Woods spoke about what he did, it was determined he did violate the rule and received a two-shot penalty.
Ultimately, Woods wasn't disqualified for signing an incorrect card because it was deemed a committee error by not talking to Woods.
Baseball results, Thursday, 06/13/2013.
Reuters
Results from the MLB games on Thursday (home team in CAPS)
St. Louis 2 NY METS 1
CHICAGO CUBS 6 Cincinnati 5 (14 innings) Washington 5 COLORADO 4
OAKLAND 3 NY Yankees 2 (18 innings)
BALTIMORE 5 Boston 4 (13 innings) San Francisco 10 PITTSBURGH 0
Kansas City 10 TAMPA BAY 1
Toronto 3 TEXAS 1
Philadelphia 3 MINNESOTA 2
NFL implements new bag policy.
By Kenneth Arthur
Be careful what you bring to the stadium and what you bring it in. Here's what is no longer allowed to be brought into the stadium.
In light of recent events, and an ongoing effort to increase safety, the NFL has changed some of its own rules regarding what can be brought into a stadium on game day. And it's certainly going to limit fans in the future. Following the rules update on Thursday, fans can now only bring in smaller bags and will need to leave the bigger carriers at home, according to NFL.com:
In light of recent events, and an ongoing effort to increase safety, the NFL has changed some of its own rules regarding what can be brought into a stadium on game day. And it's certainly going to limit fans in the future. Following the rules update on Thursday, fans can now only bring in smaller bags and will need to leave the bigger carriers at home, according to NFL.com:
Fans will have only a few options for bringing smalls bags into stadiums. They will only be allowed to bring in small clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12", according to a press release from the league.
Other options include a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (like Ziploc) or a small "clutch bag," approximately the size of a hand. An exception will be made for medically necessary items after they've been properly inspected at a gate designated for this purpose.
Furthermore, any purse "larger than a clutch", coolers and briefcases won't be allowed past security, and perhaps an even bigger obstacle for families and students: no backpacks.
Similar rules have already been implemented at many college stadiums, and it appears that the NFL will continue to err on the side of caution, rather than risk any unfortunate events within stadium walls. Just make sure to pack light this season.
NASCAR mourns death of driver Jason Leffler.
NASCAR driver Jason Leffler died after an accident in a heat race at a dirt car event at Bridgeport Speedway.
The 37-year-old Leffler, a two-time winner on the NASCAR Nationwide Series who had the nickname ''LefTurn'' above the driver's side window on his race cars, was pronounced dead Wednesday night shortly after 9 p.m., New Jersey State Police said.
''NASCAR extends its thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to the family of Jason Leffler who passed away earlier this evening,'' NASCAR said in a statement.
''For more than a decade, Jason was a fierce competitor in our sport and he will be missed.''
''For more than a decade, Jason was a fierce competitor in our sport and he will be missed.''
Bridgeport Speedway immediately suspended racing for the rest of the night after Leffler's accident at the 0.625-mile, high-banked dirt oval.
After losing his NASCAR ride, Leffler had been racing dirt car events most of this year, including the 410 Sprint Car race Wednesday that promised a $7,000 prize to the winner. On Sunday, Leffler finished last at Pocono in his lone NASCAR Sprint Cup start of the year. He ran just eight laps in a start-and-park ride.
From Long Beach, Calif., Leffler made 423 starts in NASCAR's three national series, but won just the two Nationwide races and one Truck Series event in a career that began in 1999. He also made three IndyCar Series starts, finishing 17th in the 2000 Indianapolis 500.
A statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway called Leffler ''one of the most versatile race drivers in America, showing his talent by competing in the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during his career.''
After losing his NASCAR ride, Leffler had been racing dirt car events most of this year, including the 410 Sprint Car race Wednesday that promised a $7,000 prize to the winner. On Sunday, Leffler finished last at Pocono in his lone NASCAR Sprint Cup start of the year. He ran just eight laps in a start-and-park ride.
From Long Beach, Calif., Leffler made 423 starts in NASCAR's three national series, but won just the two Nationwide races and one Truck Series event in a career that began in 1999. He also made three IndyCar Series starts, finishing 17th in the 2000 Indianapolis 500.
A statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway called Leffler ''one of the most versatile race drivers in America, showing his talent by competing in the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during his career.''
''He also displayed the skills that would help him reach the top levels of the sport by winning four USAC national series titles while winning on tracks throughout the Midwest,'' the statement said.
Leffler's last full NASCAR season was 2011, when he ran the entire Nationwide schedule for Turner Motorsports. He finished sixth in the standings that season and hadn't had a steady NASCAR ride since.
Although he never made it at the NASCAR Sprint Cup level, Leffler ran almost the entire 2001 season for Chip Ganassi Racing and ran 19 races in 2005 for Joe Gibbs Racing in the car now driven by Denny Hamlin.
Leffler is survived by 5-year-old son Charlie Dean.
''Really sad for Jason Leffler and his family,'' NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Brad Keselowski said on Twitter. ''Thinking about his little boy.''
Leffler won three consecutive USAC Midget championships from 1997-99 before following mentor Tony Stewart's path into NASCAR. Stewart-Haas Racing, owned by Stewart, tweeted: ''Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Jason Leffler. A good man; a good racer. Godspeed friend.''
Leffler originally signed with Joe Gibbs Racing, the same team Stewart drove for at the time, and ran the 2000 Nationwide season for JGR. He grabbed four top 10s as a rookie, and moved to Cup the next year with Ganassi in a deal that lasted only one season.
IndyCar driver Justin Wilson tweeted: ''Another reminder of how this sport we love can be so cruel. Thoughts with his family.'' Wilson included the hashtag ''LEFturn.''
NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer also included the hashtag ''LEFturn'' in a tweet, saying: ''So sad to hear about Jason Leffler. Was a wheel man and a fun fun person to be around.''
NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer also included the hashtag ''LEFturn'' in a tweet, saying: ''So sad to hear about Jason Leffler. Was a wheel man and a fun fun person to be around.''
Many drivers also mentioned Charlie Dean in their tweets. A single father, Leffler was devoted to his son and his Instagram account was full of photos of the two spending time together, including many at race tracks.
''Praying for all of Jason Leffler family, especially his little guy Charlie,'' tweeted IndyCar driver Ed Carpenter.
A little over two weeks ago, 22-year-old driver Josh Burton died of injuries sustained in a crash at Bloomington Speedway in Indiana. In late May at a dirt track in Nevada, two drivers were killed in a race. In March in California, two people were killed when a car careened off a dirt track and crashed on pit road.
Sprint car races can be more dangerous for drivers and spectators because the safety measures taken by series aren't at the same level. Many facilities lack the SAFER barriers that are standard in NASCAR and IndyCar, and the cars aren't always adequately protected.
Is Michael Phelps hinting at a comeback?
By Jay Busbee
"Coach Bowman," of course, is Bob Bowman, Phelps' coach through much of his career. Could this be a hint at a comeback for the Rio Olympics in 2016? Several sources, including Phelps' competitor/teammate Ryan Lochte, have indicated in recent months that they expect Phelps to return. Phelps himself has remained mum on the subject, but if he does decide to come back, Bowman would be the one to have on the deck.
Phelps has no driving reason to return; he's already the most decorated Olympian in history, with 22 medals total, 18 golds. And returning would mean a return to years of grinding practice. Does he have it in him? Only Phelps knows, and he ain't talking.
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