Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica
"America's Finest Sports Fan Travel Club, May We Plan An Event Or Sports Travel For You?"
Sports Quote of the Day:
"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." ~ Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States of America
Bear Down Chicago Bears!!! Trestman's gamble could tie his Bears future to Cutler's.
By The Sports Xchange
The pressure is firmly on Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and coach Marc Trestman.
Trestman gave a healthy Cutler his stamp of approval Thursday to start Sunday's road game against the Cleveland Browns with the team's playoff hopes on the line after Josh McCown had recorded a 109.8 passer rating in four starts with Cutler sidelined. It's a decision that could also impact Cutler's future with the team, if not create questions about Trestman's decision-making.
"I wouldn't say anything other than that this decision was made a long time ago," said Trestman, whose decision to kick a failed overtime field goal on second down against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13 still resonates. "There's decisions that have to be made every day, and I'm comfortable with the decision that we've made."
With Cutler lacking a contract for next year and general manager Phil Emery saying he preferred not to use a franchise tag on the quarterback, it's reasonable to believe Cutler could severely damage his chances of returning to Chicago next year if his comeback bombs.
And then there's the risk of using a quarterback who hasn't played in four games when McCown is so hot.
"I don't think that risk was part of this decision," Trestman said. "This decision was made a long time ago. That was that when Jay was ready to play, that he would play. That's how we planned to do it, so I don't look at it like that. I look at it, Jay's our quarterback, and when he was ready to play, he was going to play, and that's the same words I used a month ago and there's no change today.
"We'll see how he plays over the 60 minutes, but I don't have any reservations and I don't feel there's any risk. Jay's the quarterback, and he's playing on Sunday because he's been released and he's at 100 percent, or certainly close to it, if not."
If Cutler comes in rusty, it could mean a loss against a 4-9 Browns team playing better than its record. And that could push the Bears to the brink of playoff elimination.
"Rust, we're kind of knocking it off as we go in practice," Cutler said. "I don't think we really have a lot of room for me to be rusty out there. So we've got to hit in running. We've got to play well.
"Cleveland's a really good defense. They show a lot of different fronts. They get off the field on third down, so it's going to be a challenge."
Although McCown threw for the same number of touchdown passes (13) and only one interception to Cutler's eight in 20 fewer pass attempts, Trestman recalled a Cutler he thought was hitting a peak before his injury against Detroit.
"I thought he played very efficiently in that game; that's my last memory of how he played," Trestman said. "The Washington game, obviously he was out early. I do remember his level of play for the first three games of the season, very, very high and I think he was on his way to an effective season.
"Seasons always change, but I have a lot of confidence he's ready to go and play well on Sunday."
Cutler came back quickly from a groin tear for the Nov. 10 game with Detroit, and sprained the ankle in that game. He said the groin tear has fully healed.
"The Lions game I was good going into it," he said. "It (the ankle) happened before halftime and after that, after halftime I was a little bit limited what I could do mobility-wise.
"But I felt good going into it. I feel good going into this one."
A debate has raged, possibly nationwide, about whether Cutler should be taking back his job after the performance by McCown.
"There is not a debate in this building, so that is kind of where my concern lies," Cutler said.
With McCown playing so well, it would seem the Bears have the option of a quick hook if Cutler struggles. But they say this isn't the case.
"Plan B is that we play better the next snap than we did on the snap that wasn't good," offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer said. "That's all. That's the way we're going into it."
Beyond the game is Cutler's contract future.
"I heard what (Emery) said about the franchise tag," Cutler said. "You know, it is what it is. I think Phil has a plan - actually, I know Phil has a plan. You (media) might not know Phil's plan, but he has a plan."
McCown has taken the high road all along when the topic of who should be starting quarterback is discussed. Thursday was no different after it was announced he would return to being backup.
"I don't think I'd be here if I didn't want to play," he said. "I mean, you want guys on your team that want to be on the field. But also, you want guys on your team that know their roles and understand that. And so for me I understand my role on this team. It's the backup quarterback.
"So that being said if Jay is healthy, he's ready to go. I'll support him and help him as much as I can."
Although McCown put up good numbers and last week a lot of points, his efforts came largely against a non-descript group of defenses, including the worst (Dallas) and 31st-ranked (Minnesota) defenses.
--Linebacker Lance Briggs returned to practice Thursday for the first time since suffering a fractured shoulder Oct. 20. He practiced only on a limited basis and Trestman remained pessimistic Briggs would be available for Sunday's game.
"I don't think I'm any more optimistic than I was (Wednesday)," Trestman said. "I think it's late in the week, I think, we'll see where he is tomorrow. I don't think I am any more than I was yesterday."
With Briggs, it's a simple issue.
"It's just the healing of the bone and where that is right now," Trestman said.
--Defensive tackle Stephen Paea's toe injury was not a problem last week, but he still only got on the field for 18 plays at the nose, 33 percent of the snaps. With Jeremiah Ratliff getting in 80 percent of the plays, the Bears were able to move Corey Wootton outside to end or play him at three-technique tackle. All of that combined to limit Paea's playing time.
--Punter Adam Podlesh took some good-natured kidding this week that last week was his own "personal bye week." The Bears did not punt against Dallas, although Podlesh did hold for placements.
--Linebacker Jon Bostic and LB Khaseem Greene both have been guilty of overrunning plays at times, resulting in what has looked like poor fits for the run defense. According to coordinator Mel Tucker, the Bears have corrected the problem and are worrying more about simply being physical.
"We're to the point now where we pretty much where we need to be. Now, it's about finishing," he said.
Game Scout: Bears at Browns.
By Jeff Reynolds, The Sports Xchange
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland - TV: FOX
*TV announcers: Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick, Laura Okmin
*Keys to the game: Chicago clicked on all cylinders in hogtying the Cowboys on Monday night. RB Matt Forte has consecutive games with 20-plus carries for the first time since Week 5 and 6 2012, and the approach jelled an offensive line preparing to deal with the Browns' half-ton three-man front. New England's offense began clicking in the second half last week when QB Tom Brady sped up the pace and his delivery. The Bears, who return QB Jay Cutler to the lineup, are equipped to spread the field with TE Martellus Bennett flexed to the slot and Earl Bennett as the third receiver, a formation they'll also run out of with Bennett motioning in to block. QB Jason Campbell practiced against some of the personnel he'll face Sunday while with the Bears last season. Campbell is succeeding without the benefit of a complementary running game because he's thriving on third downs. TE Jordan Cameron and WR Josh Gordon are big-play threats the Bears can't contain in single coverage. One issue on the back end is tackling and poor pursuit angles of FS Chris Conte, which opens the door wide for the Browns to hatch a few big plays.
*Matchup to watch - Bears WR Alshon Jeffery vs. Browns WR Josh Gordon: They entered the NFL as second-round picks (Gordon via the supplemental draft) last year and are showing superstar potential as sophomores. Jeffery has 17 receptions for 333 yards the past two games. Gordon's 31 catches for 649 yards and four touchdowns the past three games might lead to some short or sleepless nights for Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker.
*Player spotlight - Browns RB Chris Ogbonnaya: A better receiver than runner, Ogbonnaya and Fozzy Whitaker will split the workload against the Bears. Chicago has allowed 123 rushing yards or more in eight straight games, including 702 rushing yards in the past three games (234 per game). Willis McGahee (knee, concussion), averaging 2.7 yards per carry, was ruled out Wednesday.
*Fast facts: The Browns have allowed 87 fourth-quarter points in the past eight games (10.9). ... Bears CB Tim Jennings is tied for the NFL lead with 12 interceptions over the past two seasons.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Cleveland has an 11-point win over the Bengals and a four-point loss to Jacksonville, proving its ability to play up or down to the competition. Josh Gordon gives the Browns a home-run threat -- and a puncher's chance against a wobbly Bears defense.
By Jerry Bonkowski, The Sports Xchange
Earlier this season, Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville complained several times about his team's lack of scoring.
With back-to-back 6-2 wins Sunday and Tuesday, the Blackhawks outscored their opponents 19-6 in the last three games, which also equals the current winning streak. It's also the first time Chicago has netted six-plus goals in three consecutive games since the 1992-93 season.
Chicago (23-6-5) continues to lead the NHL in wins (23), goals per game (3.68) and goals scored (125).
Wednesday's game marked the end of a six-game, 13-day road trip for the Flyers, who went 2-4 away from home.
"I'm sure that nobody is satisfied with (the outcome)," Flyers coach Craig Berube said. "I'm certainly not and I don't think my players are either. I think we could've done a lot better and I'm sure they think so too."
In much the same way as in the prior two games, the Blackhawks spread the scoring around in Wednesday's game, with goals by defenseman Duncan Keith (second goal of the season) and Brent Seabrook (No. 3), centers Andrew Shaw (No. 10), Michal Handzus (No. 3) and team captain Jonathan Toews (No. 13), right winger Kris Versteeg (No. 5) and left winger Patrick Sharp (No. 15).
Philadelphia (13-15-3) scored first in the game, at 12:31 of the first period, on a power-play goal by right winger Jakub Voracek.
But the momentum quickly changed in the second period when the Blackhawks exploded for five goals against former teammate Ray Emery, now sharing goaltending duties with Steve Mason on the Flyers. Emery signed with Philadelphia during the offseason.
"That start to the second was what we're looking for," Quenneville said. "It was an ordinary first period, but great second period for us. It kind of went from there."
First, Keith scored just 43 seconds into the middle frame to tie the game at 1. Then, 39 seconds later, Shaw pulled off a perfect wrap-around goal past Emery to make it 2-0.
"I think we just have confidence in one another in this room that we have the ability to win games and I think when we're playing the right way, everything just takes care of itself," Keith said.
At 5:27, Handzus played a little give-and-go with fellow forward Marcus Kruger as they closed in on Emery. Handzus lost control of the puck but it bounced off his skate and trickled into the Flyers net, a short-handed effort at that.
Philadelphia closed the scoring gap to 3-2 at 6:11 on right winger Steve Downie's third goal on the power-play past Chicago goalie Antti Raanta, who stopped 28 of Philadelphia's 30 shots.
Versteeg scored at 9:44 to put the Blackhawks back ahead by two goals, 4-2. Toews tallied at 14:15 to make it 5-2.
Chicago's onslaught continued in the third period when Seabrook scored at 1:05. Berube had seen enough at that point, pulling Emery from his Chicago homecoming and replacing him with Mason.
"We go into the second with the lead and, just kind of a funny one, I've got to make a save and pucks are kind of bouncing around a bit," Emery said. "But you can't make excuses. As a whole we've got to play better in the second."
With Philadelphia's Jay Rosehill (roughing) and Luke Schenn (elbowing) both sent to the penalty box at 9:13 of the third period, it took Sharp just 20 seconds to score with a 5-on-3 power-play advantage.
Sharp has been the hottest Blackhawk player of late, now with six goals in his last eight games.
"It's a credit to our team game," Sharp said. "We know we have guys in here that can put up big numbers and score goals, but when we're playing well in all three zones, that's usually when our offense clicks."
Philadelphia outshot Chicago 30-23 in the game.
NOTES: Attendance was 21,141. The Blackhawks are now only six games away (206 regular season and 38 playoffs) from 250 consecutive sellouts at the United Center. ... The Flyers return home to face Montreal on Thursday, are at Washington on Friday and then play three of their next four games at home. ... The Blackhawks play at Toronto on Saturday before hosting the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday. ... Philadelphia still leads the all-time series with Chicago (55-44-30). ... The Blackhawks welcomed back former G Ray Emery with a video presentation and large round of applause from fans. Unlike other players from last year's team that have moved on to other clubs, Emery did not acknowledge the video tribute or applause. ... The Blackhawks and the United Center have been selected to host the 2017 NCAA Men's Hockey Championship (the so-called "Frozen Four"). Also, the United Center agreed to a 20-year extension of title rights sponsorship with United Airlines through 2034. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Just another Chicago Bulls Session… Bulls' comeback falls short, Knicks hand them third straight loss.
By Aggrey Sam
It turns out Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau wasn’t simply blowing smoke when he praised the Knicks prior to Wednesday night’s game at Madison Square Garden.
“The Knicks are a very talented team, they’ve taken injuries on. Any team that gets a couple starters out it’s going to be tough and then, depending on how your schedule is at that particular time, you have to take a look at that,” the coach said, in his typical spiel about opponents, regardless of record or quality. “This is a team that had a great season last year.
When they’re healthy they’re going to be very, very dangerous.
“[Amar’e] Stoudemire is playing better and better, and they have a lot of guys that as they come back,” he went on to say. “[Tyson] Chandler gets back in there, it’s going to be a tough team. Any team that has Carmelo [Anthony] in it, they’ve got a chance. J.R. Smith, he started the season off, he missed some games, but he’s coming off an injury. He’s very talented. This is a good team.”
Either that or Thibodeau knew his undermanned Bulls (8-12) just didn’t have it going into the matchup, as their losing streak was extended to three consecutive games and nine defeats in the past 11 outings after a scoring-deficient second quarter led to a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, but ultimately a 83-78 loss at the hands of New York (6-15), a team that was also struggling on the season.
After Mike Dunleavy (20 points, eight rebounds) opened the game’s scoring, the Knicks scored the next nine points of the contest, resulting in a Bulls’ timeout to halt the proceedings.
Both teams were short-handed on the evening — the wing tandem of Jimmy Butler and Luol Deng was sidelined, though All-Star center Joakim Noah (12 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocked shots) suited up, while New York was missing starters Felton and Chandler, an ex-Bull — as well as mired in extended slumps, giving an air of desperation to the affair, especially with a report earlier Wednesday that Thibodeau is a rumored candidate to replace embattled Knicks head coach Mike Woodson next season.
But back to the actual game: Dunleavy continued to propel the Bulls, who stormed back with seven straight points to tie the game. This development was dampered, however, by starting point guard Kirk Hinrich picking up two early fouls, forcing second-year backup Marquis Teague to run the show.
The Bulls were able to remain afloat throughout the opening period and after a quarter of play, held a 17-15 lead, despite the scoring efforts of Anthony (30 points, 10 rebounds), who didn’t have to battle Deng, his All-Star small forward counterpart.
New York started the second quarter on a 19-0 run, regaining the lead and seizing control of the game, quickly making it a double-digit affair within the first five minutes of the frame.
Buoyed by the interior play of Stoudemire (14 points, nine rebounds) —the oft-injured, former All-Star power forward scored eight points off the bench during the run, functioning as the second unit’s go-to scorer— the Knicks looked like the Atlantic Division-winning team they were last season, not the sad-sack bunch witnessed during this campaign.
Mercifully, a Dunleavy triple ended the disastrous stretch for the Bulls and they managed pick things up a bit toward the end of the period. Somehow, the Bulls went into the intermission facing a 46-32 deficit, a reasonable score considering their poor level of play on the offensive end of the court, which included 29-percent shooting from the field and a dozen turnovers in the first half.
After the break, the Knicks’ onslaught continued, as contributions from the Bulls’ interior tandem of Noah and Carlos Boozer (12 points, 12 rebounds) — as well as top reserve Taj Gibson (12 points, seven rebounds) — Noah’s fellow “Big Apple” native — wasn’t nearly enough to prevent a 20-point margin of separation from accumulating. But although they didn’t make much progress at first, the Bulls kept plugging away and following a series of New York miscues, they went on an 8-0 run the deficit to as little as 12 points before heading into the final stanza trailing, 68-54.
The Bulls kept coming in the fourth quarter, diligently cutting into the lead and eventually getting the game back into the single-digit range on a Dunleavy three-pointer with 7:39 remaining, followed by an Anthony turnover and a Gibson alley-oop from Noah to make it a two-possession game, 72-66, with more than half of the period to play. Via a 12-0 run, the Bulls cut the lead to four points until an Anthony jumper ended the scoring spree.
But they didn’t let up, scoring six straight points and tying the game at 74 apiece on a Noah tip-in with 3:37 on the clock. The Knicks rallied, however, scoring on a Stoudemire jumper and after two free throws by J.R. Smith made it 78-74, in favor of New York, the Bulls called a timeout to strategize with 1:29 to go in the game.
A Bulls turnover, not the Bulls’ desired result, ensued and after a Knicks miss, a last-gasp opportunity with under a minute to play ended up being a shot-clock violation. Anthony left the door ajar by splitting a pair of free throws with 24.7 seconds left, but the damage was done.
After losing to the Eastern Conference’s two worst teams on consecutive nights, the Bulls are headed to Milwaukee — where they will take on the East-worst Bucks for the second time this week Friday night — to continue their short-handed stretch of four games in five nights, seeking out a reprieve from the worst stint of Thibodeau’s head-coaching tenure.
Bulls-Bucks Preview.
By JEFF MEZYDLO (STATS Senior Writer)
Milwaukee beat Chicago earlier this week in the season's first matchup between these injury-riddled foes.
With Derrick Rose done for the season and fellow starters Luol Deng (Achilles), Jimmy Butler (toe) and Joakim Noah (thigh) out, Chicago (8-12) shot 37.3 percent during Tuesday's 78-74 home loss to a Milwaukee team that had nine players.
John Henson had 25 points with 14 rebounds and six blocks while Brandon Knight overcame six turnovers by adding 19 with 10 boards for the Bucks (5-17), who played without Caron Butler (knee), Gary Neal (plantar faciitis), Zaza Pachulia (foot) and Larry Sanders (thumb).
"They're missing guys. We're missing guys," Knight said. "But at the end of the day, that's how it's going to be (in) NBA basketball. You're never going to have all your guys, more than likely."
Chicago, which has shot 34.7 percent while averaging 75.7 points in the last three games, has not scored fewer than 80 in four consecutive contests since Nov. 24-Dec. 1, 2001.
"We just got to stick together as a team," Noah told the Bulls' official website after he finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds in 36 minutes. "We've been losing a lot of tough games right now, but we can't pout. We have to stick together through the hard times."
While Butler likely will sit for a 12th straight game, it's uncertain if Deng will miss his fourth in a row. The veteran small forward has averaged 26.2 points over his last six contests.
Ex-Buck Mike Dunleavy has stepped up in his absence, averaging 20.0 points in the last three. After scoring a season-high 24 on 9-of-15 shooting versus Milwaukee, he had 20 but missed 17 of 24 shots against the Knicks.
The Bulls have averaged 99.0 points and shot 47.6 percent during their six-game winning streak at Milwaukee, though they figure to be hard-pressed to post that type of production in their current state.
Tim Duncan had 21 points to outscore the Bucks' starters by two as the Spurs shot 52.3 percent.
"We did not compete on a high level," said coach Larry Drew, whose team shot 34.5 percent and trailed wire-to-wire for the third time this season. "We can't use excuses of injuries or having played (consecutive nights).
We didn't lay it on the line. We didn't play as hard as we should have."
Reserve guard Nate Wolters had 18 points and fellow rookie Giannis Antetokounmpo added 15 for the Bucks, who hope to at least have Neal back after he missed the last two contests.
Milwaukee's O.J. Mayo averages a team-leading 14.4 points and had 22 during a 90-82 home loss to Brooklyn on Saturday, but has totaled 10 on 3-of-16 shooting in the last two games.
MLB intends to ban plate collisions.
By Tim Brown
On the day Major League Baseball moved to protect its catchers, Mike Scioscia was asked to identify the most violent of his many collisions at the plate.
"I don't remember the worst one," he said.
And that, presumably, would be the very point of the coming legislation.
A legendary blocker of the plate who more than once was assisted from the scene of a wreck, the Angels manager got the laugh he intended and, 25 years later, the rules change he had to be persuaded to support.
The Playing Rules Committee voted Wednesday to eliminate home-plate collisions, this after Cardinals manager Mike Matheny and Giants manager Bruce Bochy, both former catchers, spoke in support of the legislation. Matheny retired from the game after suffering numerous concussions.
Bochy became an outspoken proponent of rules to protect catchers when his, Buster Posey, missed most of the 2011 season because of a particularly brutal collision.
The rule's language – what constitutes running over a catcher and the punishment for it – has not been finalized. Upon completion, it will be subject to the votes of owners and players. Members of the committee expect the rule to be in place for the 2014 season.
"I'm proud of the league for taking a step forward," Matheny said this week. "I just believe it's something that we can't turn a blind eye to, what's going on in these other sports. Let's learn from what's going on there and see if we can't make our sport better."
The NFL and NHL, in particular, have long histories of viewing concussions as little more than mild ankle sprains. Only recently have they begun to consider the long-term effects of concussions. MLB introduced concussion protocols three years ago that included a seven-day concussion disabled list.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis said Wednesday he considered the play at the plate – and whatever comes of it – to be a necessary part of the game and its outcome.
"I know what's in my job description," he said.
He added: "I understand and appreciate MLB's concern with our safety. With all the medical advances and information out on head trauma, not to mention possible orthopedic injuries, I'm thankful that my career could be prolonged."
Writing the rule could be the simplest part of the process. Implementing the rule, enforcing it, and possibly altering the final score of the game as a result will be difficult and will come as one more responsibility for umpires whose job is to determine safe or out, not necessarily how or why.
"I know when you do make a great play at the plate, and maybe you do make a great tag and block a guy off, it's a great momentum swing in the game and can be uplifting," Scioscia said. "You can make those plays without putting your body on the line. I think that's what the game is trying to get to."
Greg Norman thinks he would have beat Tiger Woods back in his prime.
By Shane Bacon
It's a trend we've seen with certain golf legends who have become a bit more expressive the older they've become, saying just about anything that comes to mind as the years continue to add up.
Jack Nicklaus has been the king of this, but names like Johnny Miller and Arnold Palmer and Gary Player all come to mind as men who have become more open about stuff as the years have added up.
Welcome Greg Norman to that elite group of major champions that said something that definitely will raise an eyebrow or two around the golf world. Norman, now 58, was interviewed by David DeNunzio over at Golf.com and was asked about the prime of his golfing life and how equipment would play a factor if his prime happened to be 2013.
I'm warning you, put the hot coffee down now before you read Norman's response.
A lot of people ask how I'd stack up against today's players if I had use of modern equipment. Listen, it's not about the gear. Winning is about what's in your heart and in your head. Equipment dictates how to play the game in an era, but the physical and mental skills are the same. And I had them. I never feared anything or anyone on the course, and I wasn't afraid to fail. So I think I'd do pretty well against Snead, Hogan, Tiger and Phil -- whoever. Tiger's a tough guy, but I was a tough guy on the course, too. I probably would have beat him.Now, before we dig into this assertion from Norman that he would probably have beat Tiger Woods let me make a point that I tend to make whenever we come across a situation like this; comparing generations in sports is ridiculous. Honestly, none of us really know how Wilt would have matched up against Shaq, or how Ruth would have hit Mariano, but debating about it is something that will never be silenced.
Norman was an incredibly accomplished golfer, winning two Open Championships and nearly winning a handful of other majors. The reason he has just two majors and not six is simple; the guy struggled to close.
That is the one thing that Woods has over anyone else in the history of the game, so saying that a guy who was known to be a choker on the big stage would take out a guy that, in his prime, never missed an opportunity to close out a major if he had it seems a bit silly.
Still, I guess when you're someone as talented as Norman, holding yourself in rarified air is a part of the job of being a living legend. I don't fault Norman for thinking he could compete with the best in the world a generation later, but I'm pretty sure most of us know how that would have turned out.
Richard Childress brings back iconic No. 3 car for 2014 Sprint Cup Series season.
Kenny Bruce, NASCAR.com
Team owner Richard Childress made it official Wednesday, announcing that grandson Austin Dillon will field the No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for 2014.
Childress hasn’t fielded the No. 3 car on one of his Cup entries since the 2001 Daytona 500, the final race for seven-time Cup champion Dale Earnhardt.
Dillon, 23, is the defending NASCAR Nationwide Series champion and a former Camping World Truck Series champion.
"It’s a huge responsibility," Dillon said Wednesday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "Everybody knows who made this number famous. With my grandfather and his friendship, they were able to build something great that will never be touched.
"But we feel like bringing it back with my grandfather and RCR … it’s going to be special. We’ve put in a lot of hard work and effort at the shop and we’re prepared for everything that’s to come."
RCR officials unveiled two paint schemes featuring the iconic stylized 3 -- a black and white Chevrolet SS with sponsorship from Dow Chemicals as well as a black and yellow entry that carries the General Mills sponsorship of Cheerios. Childress added that Bass Pro Shops and Realtree would also return as Cup sponsors with the team.
Dillon’s move to Cup comes on the heels of the departure of Kevin Harvick, who has moved to Stewart-Haas Racing for 2014. Gil Martin will remain with the team to serve as crew chief for Dillon.
"We’ve contended for championships, we’ve had wins … and I’m looking forward to doing that with Austin," Martin said. "I know he’s going to be capable of it.
"With everything involved, the new sponsorship, bringing back the three, it’s a little bit of a rejuvenation for me."
Organizations do not "own" the numbers used by their teams in NASCAR, and numbers in the sport are not retired. When Earnhardt died from the impact of an accident on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, Childress eventually requested another number for the team to use going forward. However, he said he continued to pay for the rights to the number in case he chose to one day bring it back to the track.
"I’ve been paying NASCAR for it throughout the years," Childress said. "(Former NASCAR chairman) Bill France Jr. told me one day, 'you know if we’re ever challenged, we’ll have to let someone have that 3.' But we weren’t.
"I knew that the right opportunity … it would have to be an Earnhardt or one of the Childress family that we would put in behind it."
Dillon ran the No. 3 in the Nationwide and Truck Series; younger brother Ty Dillon ran the No. 3 in the Truck Series in 2013.
"I felt like we were prepared to do it," Austin Dillon said. "It’s the only number in the NASCAR garage that I’ve ever walked into and sat in.
"My grandfather, he’s done a great job of teaching me the way to handle certain responses to things … every time I sit in an autograph session, I’ve had somebody wondering if this was going to happen. They’re excited and we are too."
Childress said it’s understandable that not every Earnhardt fan will agree with the decision, but the majority his group has heard from is supportive.
"We do get some calls from people that say 'we don’t want to see it back,' but for every five of those, we get 95 positive," he said.
"What we’re hoping to do is win them over with the class that we’re going to bring the three back with. I don’t think you’ll ever win them all over. After a race on Sunday, no matter how good a race is, somebody’s going to call NASCAR and complain.
His former driver and close friend, he said, "is smiling down."
"He would want to see this three,” Childress said of Earnhardt. "He didn’t want to ever see it go away. But I felt like it was the thing to do right after Daytona (in ’01). I know today that he’s accepting this highly."
Dillon’s move to Cup comes on the heels of the departure of Kevin Harvick, who has moved to Stewart-Haas Racing for 2014. Gil Martin will remain with the team to serve as crew chief for Dillon.
"We’ve contended for championships, we’ve had wins … and I’m looking forward to doing that with Austin," Martin said. "I know he’s going to be capable of it.
"With everything involved, the new sponsorship, bringing back the three, it’s a little bit of a rejuvenation for me."
Organizations do not "own" the numbers used by their teams in NASCAR, and numbers in the sport are not retired. When Earnhardt died from the impact of an accident on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, Childress eventually requested another number for the team to use going forward. However, he said he continued to pay for the rights to the number in case he chose to one day bring it back to the track.
"I’ve been paying NASCAR for it throughout the years," Childress said. "(Former NASCAR chairman) Bill France Jr. told me one day, 'you know if we’re ever challenged, we’ll have to let someone have that 3.' But we weren’t.
"I knew that the right opportunity … it would have to be an Earnhardt or one of the Childress family that we would put in behind it."
Dillon ran the No. 3 in the Nationwide and Truck Series; younger brother Ty Dillon ran the No. 3 in the Truck Series in 2013.
"I felt like we were prepared to do it," Austin Dillon said. "It’s the only number in the NASCAR garage that I’ve ever walked into and sat in.
"My grandfather, he’s done a great job of teaching me the way to handle certain responses to things … every time I sit in an autograph session, I’ve had somebody wondering if this was going to happen. They’re excited and we are too."
Childress said it’s understandable that not every Earnhardt fan will agree with the decision, but the majority his group has heard from is supportive.
"We do get some calls from people that say 'we don’t want to see it back,' but for every five of those, we get 95 positive," he said.
"What we’re hoping to do is win them over with the class that we’re going to bring the three back with. I don’t think you’ll ever win them all over. After a race on Sunday, no matter how good a race is, somebody’s going to call NASCAR and complain.
His former driver and close friend, he said, "is smiling down."
"He would want to see this three,” Childress said of Earnhardt. "He didn’t want to ever see it go away. But I felt like it was the thing to do right after Daytona (in ’01). I know today that he’s accepting this highly."
2014 Auto Racing Schedules: New Tracks, New Series and New Controversy.
By Paula Thompson
COMMENTARY | When the checkered flag falls on one season, chances are racing fans are already planning on what races to hit the following season. For the 2014 season, there will be some historic events, a new series celebrating its inaugural season and a little bit of controversy that's big enough for Texas. Here are some of the highlighted events for some of the major auto racing series that compete in the United States.
"TUDOR United Sports Car Championship" - the hybrid of the GRAND-AM Rolex Series and the American Le Mans Series will have an inaugural schedule of 12 races, leading off with the 52nd running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway on January 25 and 26 - not only the kickoff for the new series, but the kickoff for the major racing series in the U.S. The new series also visits the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on September 20.
"NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series" - the next series to start up is the nation's top drag racing series, which begins its season with the 54th annual Winternationals, February 6 through 9 at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in California, the same dragstrip where it will end its season November 13 through 16 with the 50th running of the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals. Also of note: the 60th running of the most prestigious and historic race on the schedule, the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis.
"NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series" - the NASCAR season kicks off one week later with the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona on Saturday, February 15, leading up to the first points races for all three series: Trucks on February 21, Nationwide on February 22, and the Daytona 500 on February 23. The only new track on any of the three schedules is the Truck Series race at Gateway Motorsports Park in Illinois on June 14; also highlighting the Truck Series schedule, a return to the dirt at Eldora Speedway for the second season.
"IndyCar Series" - The IndyCar Series kicks off its condensed 18-race schedule on March 30 on the streets of St. Petersburgh, Florida, ending on August 30 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. In between, the season will be highlighted by a return to the extended month of May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this year including the first-ever Grand Prix of Indianapolis on the track's road course on May 10; the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," the Indy 500, takes the green flag on May 25.
"Formula One controversy" - F1 starts its 2014 season on March 16 in Australia, but the controversy of the season stems from its one and only American race (the American Grand Prix in New Jersey is not on the schedule), the United States Grand Prix: the race, taking place at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, is scheduled for November 2 - the same day as the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, less than 200 miles and three hours from Austin. TMS president/general manager Eddie Gossage called the scheduling move "foolish," but COTA chairman Bobby Epstein failed to see the scheduled races as a conflict.
Klinsmann to remain as US coach through 2018.
By RONALD BLUM (AP Sports Writer)
Even before leading the United States in a difficult first-round group at next year's World Cup, Jurgen Klinsmann has been signed to stay on as the American coach for the 2018 World Cup. The U.S. Soccer Federation said Thursday that Klinsmann has agreed to a four-year contract extension through 2018.
The U.S. is 27-10-7 under Klinsmann, qualified for its seventh straight World Cup and won this year's CONCACAF Gold Cup, the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean. The Americans set team records this year for wins (16), winning percentage (.761) and winning streak (12).
He said in April he hoped to stay on for another four-year cycle but also said the World Cup would be key and his term ''depends on how the team presents itself, how they play, what really happens in the games.''
The U.S. was drawn last week into the most difficult first-round group for next June's tournament in Brazil, where the Americans play Ghana, Portugal and Germany.
''I am very fortunate to continue the work we started more than two and half years ago,'' Klinsmann said in a statement. ''The role of technical director is a huge challenge and also a huge opportunity as we look to keep connecting the dots to the youth national teams, coaching education, the development academy and the grassroots efforts in this country.''
After winning the 1990 World Cup with West Germany and the 1996 European Championship with Germany, Klinsmann retired as a player in 1998 and moved to Orange County, Calif.
Now 49, Klinsmann coached Germany to a 20-8-6 record from 2004-06, leading the team to a third-place finish at home in the 2006 World Cup and then quitting. He coached Bayern Munich from July 2008 until he was fired the following April.
Ex-President Bush writes letter to Alabama kicker.
AP Sports
Alabama kicker Cade Foster received a supportive note from former President George W. Bush.
He posted a photo of the letter on his Twitter and Instagram accounts Wednesday.
Bush wrote:
''Dear Cade ((hash)43),
''Life has its setbacks. I know!
''However you will be a stronger human with time.
''I wish you all the best -
''Sincerely -
''another 43
''George Bush''
Bush was the 43rd President and Foster wears No. 43.
''Framing this,'' the kicker wrote on the Instagram caption
The letter was first reported by al.com.
No. 3 Alabama will play Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl, but had been trying for a third straight national title.
Foster received threats on social media in the aftermath of the loss to Auburn. But teammates and Alabama fans swiftly rallied around him, with thousands joining a Facebook fan page ''Bama fans supporting Cade Foster'' by the following day.
Foster had made 11 of 12 field goals on the season before the game with Auburn.
He is a senior.
''I wish you all the best -
''Sincerely -
''another 43
''George Bush''
Bush was the 43rd President and Foster wears No. 43.
''Framing this,'' the kicker wrote on the Instagram caption
The letter was first reported by al.com.
No. 3 Alabama will play Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl, but had been trying for a third straight national title.
Foster received threats on social media in the aftermath of the loss to Auburn. But teammates and Alabama fans swiftly rallied around him, with thousands joining a Facebook fan page ''Bama fans supporting Cade Foster'' by the following day.
Foster had made 11 of 12 field goals on the season before the game with Auburn.
He is a senior.
When he was recruiting him, Lane Kiffin told Alshon Jeffery that he’d be pumping gas if he went to South Carolina.
By Nick Bromberg
Alshon Jeffery was a very productive receiver for South Carolina, and is now one of 2013's breakout stars in the NFL. But when he was recruiting Jeffery out of high school, former USC coach Lane Kiffin told Jeffery that he would be pumping gas if he went to South Carolina.
Kiffin was the coach at Tennessee at the time, and said it after it Jeffery was intent on going to South Carolina.
From ESPN:
Kiffin was equally dogged. But when it was obvious that Jeffery wasn't going to Tennessee, Kiffin took off the gloves.
According to Jeffrey and Wilson, Kiffin told Jeffery that if he chose the Gamecocks, he would end up pumping gas for the rest of his life like all the other players from that state who had gone to South Carolina.It's easy to make fun of Kiffin now given what's transpired in his time at USC, but it's imperative to note that he went to USC and ended up driving an ice cream truck. And after he went to USC, Lane Kiffin ended up hanging out on the beach with Matt Leinart.
Jeffery currently has 75 catches for 1,193 yards and six touchdowns. Advantage him.
The five most surprising teams so far this college basketball season.
By Jeff Eisenberg
1. Wisconsin (11-0)
With its starting backcourt returning, Sam Dekker poised for a breakout season and Josh Gasser back after missing last year with a torn ACL, Wisconsin had much higher preseason expectations than most of the teams on this list. Nonetheless, it would be difficult to find anyone who expected the Badgers to be this good. In amassing the nation's best record and rising into the top five in the polls, Wisconsin has toppled Florida and Marquette at home, Saint Louis, West Virginia and St. John's at neutral sites and Virginia and Green Bay on the road. The Badgers have every chance to remain unbeaten for a while too with all their non-conference tests behind them and their first road challenge in Big Ten play not until Jan. 14 at Indiana. Dekker is performing as expected, Gasser is providing toughness and leadership and Frank Kaminsky is one of the nation's most improved players, but what's most impressive about Wisconsin is that it's winning different ways. The Badgers hung 100 points on North Dakota and lit up St. John's for 86 but they've also proven they can win their traditional grind-it-out affairs, limiting Virginia to 38 points.
2. Villanova (9-0)
If Marquette, Creighton and Georgetown received the most buzz entering the inaugural season in the new Big East, none of those three are the favorite one month later. Villanova seized that title with a 9-0 start that includes a Battle 4 Atlantis Championship fueled by victories over USC, Kansas and Iowa. James Bell, JayVaughn Pinkston and Darrun Hilliard have propelled a perimeter-oriented offense, but the biggest reason Villanova has exceeded expectations is that small ball hasn't been detrimental defensively or on the glass. Despite often playing four guards and nobody taller than 6-foot-7, the Wildcats have been effective rebounding the ball and dominant defensively, surrendering a Big East-best .89 points per possession and forcing 16.7 turnovers per game. Excellent ball pressure and team defense have helped make up for Villanova's lack of size, but it seems likely that the Wildcats will need their lone true big man, Daniel Ochefu, to contribute more at some point this season. The 6-foot-11 sophomore is playing just 17 minutes per game and has averaged 3.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks.
3. UMass (8-0)
Having reached the NIT both of Chaz Williams' first two seasons in Amherst, UMass was expected to contend for an NCAA bid this season with its star point guard in his final year in the program. One month later, it would be a huge disappointment if Williams' senior season didn't culminate in an NCAA bid considering how terrific a start the Minutemen have enjoyed. Among the teams UMass has beaten during its 8-0 start are Mountain West favorite New Mexico, WCC contender BYU and rapidly improving LSU, all of which could be in the NCAA tournament in March. Victories over Boston College, Nebraska and Clemson also should boost the Minutemen's power ranking. Tough games against Florida State and Boston College remain before the start of Atlantic 10 play, but UMass won't be outclassed as long as Williams' supporting cast continues to play at a high level. Cady Lalanne has become a double-double machine in the paint now that he's finally healthy and able to take advantage of his quickness and athleticism. Forwards Sampson Carter and Raphiael Putney are versatile enough to run the floor, finish at the rim or knock down shots from the perimeter. And Western Kentucky transfer Derrick Gordon is a standout defender and a slasher who gets to the rim but needs to make more of his free throws.
4. San Diego State (7-1)
This was supposed to be a transition year for the Aztecs with standouts Jamaal Franklin and Chase Tapley moving on last spring, no double-digit scorers returning and a top 10 recruiting class not set to arrive until next summer. Instead San Diego State has cracked the AP Top 25 thanks to a 7-1 start that includes victories over Creighton, Marquette and Washington and a lone loss against top-ranked Arizona. Why are the Aztecs better than expected? Their defense and rebounding have been formidable as expected and they're getting just enough scoring to take advantage. Now recovered from the back injuries that plagued him as a junior, point guard Xavier Thames has gone from complementary scorer to go-to threat, averaging 17.4 points per game and shooting an absurd 51.4 percent from 3-point range. Winston Shepard relieves Thames of ball-handling duties at times and has shown the ability to get to the rim and create for himself or his teammates. J.J. O'Brien is a threat from the high post, Matt Shrigley provides a shooter off the bench and Tulane transfer Josh Davis gives the Aztecs a much-needed back-to-the-basket presence.
5. Texas (8-1)
Yes, the best team Texas has beaten is probably either struggling Temple or rebuilding Vanderbilt. Yes, Texas' lone loss came against a BYU team that scores a lot of points but is certainly not a surefire NCAA tournament team. Nonetheless, did anyone believe Rick Barnes would have the Longhorns at 8-1 after enduring perhaps the worst offseason of any program in the nation? Despite having its four leading scorers from last year either transfer or turn pro early, Texas appears poised to improve on a disappointing 2012-13 season when the Longhorns lost 11 league games and missed March Madness for the first time in Barnes' 15-year tenure. Credit the development of Texas' young frontcourt for the Longhorns' unexpected improvement. Jonathan Holmes, Cameron Ridley, Prince Ibeh and Connor Lammert combine to average an efficient 34.7 points per game and they do an excellent job cleaning up the glass and protecting the rim as well. Texas is fifth in the nation at 7.8 blocks per game and 10th in the nation in rebounding percentage. If point guard Javan Felix could improve his assist-to-turnover ratio and young wings Isaiah Taylor and Demarcus Holland could shoot a bit more efficiently, an NCAA bid is not out of the question for the Longhorns.
Others who have surprised so far this season: Iowa State, Missouri, Saint Mary's, Dayton, George Washington, Pacific
Roger Goodell says NFL could consider centralizing replay reviews. What's your take?
By Anwar S. Richardson
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has observed the criticism his officials have received for several bad calls this season. It explains why the league is contemplating a way to fix how in-game replays are handled.
Goodell was interviewed at the Special League Meeting on Thursday, and admitted there have been officiating problems this season.
“I think our officials do an incredible job, but there's always room for improvement," Goodell told NFL Network reporter Albert Breer. “We've had some errors that we think we need to correct. Some of the things we're discussing is how to do that, whether there are changes to replay, or to how we train or what we do on the field.”Goodell was asked if NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino’s role on Sundays might expand if there were any changes. ProFootballTalk.com previously reported that the league will consider bringing all replay reviews in-house, and considering Blandino has to explain what went right or wrong every week, it makes sense for him to be in charge of replays.
"With respect to replay ... we're going to look at everything," Goodell said. "Our No. 1 focus is to make sure we're providing the best officiating. We always think we can improve. Consistency is important. By bringing it into the league office on Sundays and having one person actually making that decision, you can make an argument there's consistency.
"This is something the competition committee will be studying. It's something we discussed with the membership today. They'll come back with a report, and we'll make an adjustment from there."Changing in-game replays solves one problem, but the league has to focus on its biggest issue – getting calls right on the field.
Having replay is a great backup, but getting calls right the first time is more important. Every play cannot be reviewed, and there have been plenty of questionable calls this season.
Having Blandino review all plays is a good idea, but the league should focus on making sure the initial call on the field is correct, too.
After reading this article and watching many games this year, some of the officiating reminds us of the replacement refs teams and fans complained about in 2012. CS&T/AA feels with all of the rule changes, the NFL must improve the consistency of its officials. They cannot dictate the outcome of the games with bogus and missed calls. We know that they aren't perfect, no one is, however, this year's officiating leaves a lot to be desired. It's just our opinion and like you, we're just fans. What do you think, what would you change, what's your take?
****************************************************************
Please let us hear your opinion on the above articles and pass them on to any other diehard fans that you think might be interested. But most of all, remember, Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica wants you!!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment