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Sports Quote of the Day:"For success, attitude is equally as important as ability." ~ Walter Scott, A Historical Novelist, Playwright and Poet
Trending: The Cubs have just swept their second series for seven wins in a row. They are hot!!! Part 2 of the Cross Town Classic with the White Sox starts this afternoon. This is going to be great. Good luck to your favorite Chicago team..........
Trending: The CS&T/AA 2015 NFL Office Pick 'em Pool. (See football section for details).
NFL Schedule 2015 Week 1
Thursday, Sept. 10
Steelers at Patriots, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Sept. 13
Colts at Bills, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Packers at Bears, 1 p.m. (Fox)
Chiefs at Texans, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Panthers at Jaguars, 1 p.m. (Fox)
Browns at Jets, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Seahawks at Rams, 1 p.m. (Fox)
Dolphins at Redskins, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Saints at Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. (Fox)
Lions at Chargers, 4:05 p.m. (Fox)
Ravens at Broncos, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Bengals at Raiders, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Titans at Buccaneers, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Giants at Cowboys, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)
Monday, Sept. 14
Eagles at Falcons, 7:10 p.m. (ESPN)
Vikings at 49ers, 10:20 p.m. (ESPN)
Trending: After winning their first preseason game, it's obvious the Bears still have a lot of work to do. (See story below for details).
Trending: After winning their first preseason game, it's obvious the Bears still have a lot of work to do. (See story below for details).
Bear Down Chicago Bears!!!!! Fox Era begins for Bears with preseason win over Dolphins.
By Tony Andracki
Bears Coach John Fox (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
But the Bears' first teams struggled to open up the preseason slate, forcing the second- and third-string units to come back for a 27-10 win over the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field in the first game under new head coach John Fox.
The No. 1 defense was gashed on the opening drive of the game, allowing a 14-play, 85-yard drive that resulted in a two-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Tannehill to Jarvis Landry on fourth down.
Pernell McPhee - the biggest offseason addition to the Bears defense - helped set up the Dolphins' score with an offside penalty on third down.
Jay Cutler and the first-team offense managed to overcome a three-and-out on the first possession to put up points the second time out, but they finished with more penalties (four) than points (three).
Matt Forte didn't see any time with the first-team offense, as Jacquizz Rodgers rushed seven times for 33 yards (4.7 average). Cutler went 4-for-7 with 42 yards during his time on the field.
Offensive coordinator Adam Gase was true to his word when he said the Bears were going to commit to the run this year as he called a perfect 50/50 split on run and pass plays (11 each) in the first half before the final drive of the half when backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen led the Bears down the field on seven straight passes.
On that possession, Clausen and the Bears ultimately ran out of time even though they were inside the red zone.
Even though the first teams looked shaky for the Bears, the second and third teams turned it on in the second half, overcoming a 10-3 deficit at the break.
The defense forced turnovers on three straight Dolphins drives in the third and fourth quarters (a Sherrick McManis fumble and recovery, a John Timu interception and a Sam Acho interception) that led to 14 points for the Bears as Robbie Gould converted two field goals and Ka'Deem Carey rushed the ball in from one-yard out (with a subsequent two-point conversion).
Clausen got the lion's share of playing time at quarterback, taking over for Cutler on the third series and playing all the way into the final few minutes. He was 17-for-27 passing for 151 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions.
Senorise Perry closed out the scoring for the Bears with a 54-yard touchdown run with less than four minutes remaining in the game.
Robbie Gould was a perfect 4-for-4 on the evening.
Local products Cameron Meredith (Illinois State) and Rashad Lawrence (Northwestern) were the Bears' top two receivers, as Meredith caught four passes on six targets for 47 yards and Lawrence hauled in three passes on seven targets for 25 yards.
Are you a Diehard NFL fan? Do you know the teams, the players and their skills? Do you have confidence in your ability to pick winners? If you can answer yes to these questions then what are you waiting for to sign up for the 2015 CS&T/AA NFL office football pool?
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Sports Quote of the Day: (With reference to the CS&T/AA 2015 NFL Office Pick 'em Pool)
"Conceit is bragging about yourself, Confidence means you believe you can get the job done." ~ Johnny Unitas, NFL Quarterback in the 50's, 60's and 70's.
It's four weeks until the start of the 2015 NFL season. Time to consider participating in the2015 CS&T/AllsportsAmerica NFL Office Pick 'em Pool. Some of you have played before and know how much fun it is. The season last for 17 weeks. The entry fee is the same as it's always has been, $35.00. We usually have 35 players but this year we are looking for 50 players. Again, the entry fee is the same but we're looking forward to doubling the payouts. We need your help, if you've played before, we're asking you to bring in one additional player. It can be a fellow employee, friend from the sports bar, relative, neighbor or general acquaintance. If you haven't played before, now is the time to take the plunge and join in the fun. The pool is conducted over the internet and you have 24/7 access to the website, statistics, scores, weekly winners, etc. This is strictly an office pick 'em pool for entertainment purposes only and rewards are paid out weekly every Tuesday morning.
We need 50 diehard football fans that love the sport and have confidence in their knowledge of the game their ability to pick winners. The entry fee is $35.00 for 17 weeks which also includes weekly payouts of: 1st place - $50.00 and, 2nd place - $30.00. We also have bonuses for the 1st and 2nd place players with the most accumulated points at the end of the season: 1st place - $200.00 and 2nd place - $100.00.
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How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Recommended reading for context on the Patrick Kane investigation.
By Satchel Price
The must-read stories on the Patrick Kane situation from across the web.
How do you talk about Patrick Kane now? This is something a lot of people around Chicago and across the Internet are grappling with now that he's currently under investigation for alleged rape. We've never had to cover something like this involving a Chicago Blackhawks player at SCH before, and like for so many others, it's been a process of learning and understanding and trying to put things into context. When I passed on certain parts of the Buffalo News' reporting yesterday, which could be considered irresponsible at best, I screwed up. This is an opportunity for a learning experience that shouldn't be dismissed.
There are also important studies regarding reporting of sexual violence and rates of false reports that can bring further context to what we're trying to wrap our heads around. All of this is important, and reading it has helped give me a better sense of how to talk about such complicated topics. This isn't going to go away any time soon, and I'm grateful that writers like DiCaro and Bedenko have been willing to show where we, as a society, can be better in handling these situations. Soon enough, we can get back to talking hockey.
How do you talk about Patrick Kane now? This is something a lot of people around Chicago and across the Internet are grappling with now that he's currently under investigation for alleged rape. We've never had to cover something like this involving a Chicago Blackhawks player at SCH before, and like for so many others, it's been a process of learning and understanding and trying to put things into context. When I passed on certain parts of the Buffalo News' reporting yesterday, which could be considered irresponsible at best, I screwed up. This is an opportunity for a learning experience that shouldn't be dismissed.
With all that said, having read so many things across the web over the past couple days, it's become clear that other writers have been able to say things regarding this situation far better and more eloquently than I ever could have. So rather than do that, I thought I would use this as a chance share some important articles about Kane and this situation that can help enlighten, educate and maybe make this whole thing a little easier to understand. Thank you to all the writers listed below for such important contributions.
- How NOT to talk about the Patrick Kane rape allegations -- Julie DiCaro, CBS Chicago
- Patrick Kane is not your friend -- Tim Baffoe, CBS Chicago
- Why Mark Croce Went to the News about Pat Kane -- Alan Bedenko, Daily Public
- Parents express importance in talking with their kids about Patrick Kane -- Matthew Schwerha, Chicago Sun-Times
- Loving Hockey Isn't Easy -- Toni McIntyre, The Riveter
- Why We Haven't Talked About Patrick Kane -- Sasha Davis, The Other Half
There are also important studies regarding reporting of sexual violence and rates of false reports that can bring further context to what we're trying to wrap our heads around. All of this is important, and reading it has helped give me a better sense of how to talk about such complicated topics. This isn't going to go away any time soon, and I'm grateful that writers like DiCaro and Bedenko have been willing to show where we, as a society, can be better in handling these situations. Soon enough, we can get back to talking hockey.
Just Another Chicago Bulls Session... Rose skips USA minicamp; Westbrook praises Rose's workouts.
By Vincent Goodwill
Attendance at the USA Basketball minicamp was mandatory for anyone wishing to be considered amongst the final 12 for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, and although a couple players had excused absences, Derrick Rose did not.
Rose opted to skip the minicamp, which obviously disappointed USA Basketball Executive Director Jerry Colangelo, but Colangelo stated the program would move forward without the Bulls’ point guard.
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook works out with Rose in Los Angeles and wasn’t surprised Rose decided to skip the minicamp.
“No, it’s his decision,” Westbrook said. “Obviously, he did it before, won a gold medal (in the 2014 World Championships). It’s his first summer to get healthy, to get an opportunity to be healthy and get some rest.”
Westbrook and Rose work out with famed trainer Rob McClanaghan, who was also in attendance at the USA minicamp. McClanaghan said Rose knew the stakes of the three-day event but declined anyhow, and with the glut of point guards who appear to have a leg up on Rose, he wouldn’t be wrong to surmise it would be a tough sell to make the final 12.
MVP Stephen Curry and Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul are locks, along with Westbrook being versatile enough to play both guard spots. Washington’s John Wall and Rose aren’t the traditional international point guards because they aren’t exceptional outside shooters, while Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving, when healthy, does fit the mold.
Nevertheless, the good news is Westbrook had high praise for Rose in their summer workouts, considering the two have been linked together as attacking, athletic point guards.
“He looked good. Real good.” Westbrook said. “Back to himself. Back to D-Rose.”
But McClanaghan understood Rose wanting to give himself some time off after undergoing meniscus surgery in late February which made way for his postseason showing.
“Right now, he just wants to stay healthy,” McClanaghan said. “I definitely think his rhythm is back. Just going every day. His timing and his rhythm are his biggest thing.”
“Finishing at the rim. That’s definitely a little better. Just going back to five days a week, coming in every day, same time. He’s been in LA the whole time. He hasn’t had much going on.”
Aside from a trip to China for an Adidas promotion, McClanaghan has said Rose has spent most of his offseason in Los Angeles in preparation for this season—the first time since the 2010-11 season where he finished it healthy.
When someone asked how his explosion looks compared to then, when he was a 22-year old MVP, McClanaghan laughed: “That was awhile back.”
“Again, he looks like the old Derrick to me,” he said. “Again, last summer too. But now having that full year and a good playoff run and all that, everything with the mental stuff is back too. I think everything has come together this summer. He’s got momentum going into the summer unlike last year. Mentally, physically, he looks ready to go.”
Multiple knee procedures and setbacks later, there’s again question marks that can’t be answered until he steps on the floor again — honestly, there’ll always be question marks until he proves he can do it consistently.
But Clanaghan believes being paired with Westbrook can help Rose, seeing someone so competitive go after it every day. The two have been linked since the 2008 Final Four, when Rose’s Memphis team beat Westbrook’s UCLA squad in the national semifinal.
“The work he’s put in has been great,” McClanghan said. “So there’s no reason he won’t have a great year. I work Derrick and Russell together. It’s amazing how competitive those guys are in the workout. Unlike many guys in the league, those guys push each other. Being friends is a good thing but within the workout you can see the competition, it’s really fun. Going back to Pre-draft 08. So getting back to those old times.”
Bulls Release 2015-’16 Schedule.
By Cody Westerfund
The NBA released the full 2015-’16 league schedule Wednesday evening, and rookie coach Fred Hoiberg and his Bulls will open against LeBron James and the defending Eastern Conference champion Cavaliers on Oct. 27 at the United Center in a 7 p.m. game televised on TNT. It’s the first of two games being played on opening night, with the Pelicans and defending champion Warriors also squaring off later that night.
The Cavaliers beat the Bulls in six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, a result that marked the end of Tom Thibodeau’s coaching tenure in Chicago. This will mark the second straight year the Bulls’ first home game comes against the Cavaliers.
In all, the Bulls are schedule for 32 national TV appearances — 10 times on TNT, nine times on NBA TV, eight times on ESPN and five times on ABC.
Another highlight on Chicago’s schedule is a Christmas Day contest at Oklahoma City, which will be played at 1:30 p.m. and carried on ABC. That game will feature plenty of intrigue and connections. Thunder star Kevin Durant will be front and center in the spotlight after an injuries forced him to miss most of last year. Point guards Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose are often offseason training partners. The game features two rookie coaches in Hoiberg and Billy Donovan, with Bulls center Joakim Noah having played under Donovan in college at Florida, where they teamed up for two national titles.
As usual because of other United Center event commitments, the Bulls will go on several long road trips. They’ll go on a four-game trip to the West Coast from Nov. 18-27 and face a seven-game trip that’s mostly out West and then ends in Charlotte from Jan. 28-Feb. 8.
The Bulls will also play the Cavaliers on Jan. 23 and Feb. 18 in Cleveland and on April 9 in Chicago.
Chicago has 17 back-to-backs, and how Hoiberg approaches those will be worth monitoring after the Bulls have been injury-ravaged in recent seasons.
Chicago’s regular season ends on April 13 at home against Philadelphia. View the full schedule below.
The top five must-see games on the Bulls 2015-16 schedule.
By Vincent Goodwill
The NBA season is an 82-game grind, so one game usually doesn't hold much more weight than the other. However, the energy for a few games will be higher than your ordinary Tuesday-night-in-February matchups due to rivalries or the novelty of seeing a player for perhaps the final time (Kobe Bryant).
That said, here are the top five must-see games on the Bulls’ just-released schedule for the 2015-16 season:
1. Oct. 27: Opening night vs. Cavaliers at the United Center. It won’t be revenge considering the Cavaliers took the second-round matchup in six games, but the Bulls could send an opening-night message to the Eastern Conference champs in Fred Hoiberg’s debut as coach in front of what should be a mad crowd on Madison. LeBron James and the Cavaliers won the last three games of their series after falling behind 2-1 in May, including two games at the United Center. It won’t necessarily signal if the Bulls are serious about contending in the East, not so early, but it will be an emotionally charged evening in the NBA’s season-opener.
2. Dec. 25: Christmas Day vs. Thunder in OKC. Both teams changed coaches in the hope of winning a championship, and Kevin Durant could be on a season-long revenge tour after missing most of last year due to a foot injury. If he’s fully healed and both squads are relatively healthy, it’ll be a star-studded Christmas Day game in Oklahoma City, where many eyes start to shift away from football and to hoops.
3. Nov. 20: Bulls visit defending champs vs. Warriors in Oakland. Being one of the few teams to beat the 2014-15 champs on their home floor last season, the Bulls will travel early on to the Bay Area to see if the Warriors are on track for a repeat or if they’ll suffer from a championship hangover. Derrick Rose had one of his season highlights in their Jan. 27 matchup, an overtime win for the Bulls. Who knows if another classic finish will be in store this time around.
4. Feb. 21: Kobe Bryant’s last Chicago visit vs. Lakers. Assuming Bryant isn’t on the injured list, as has become custom for the league’s living legend in recent years, this trip could hold special meaning for both sides. Bryant followed in Michael Jordan’s footsteps and even flirted with coming to Chicago while demanding a trade from the Lakers in 2007. The Kobe Bryant retirement tour could be on full blast by that time, right after the All-Star break. A knowledgeable Chicago fan base should show its appreciation for perhaps the second-best shooting guard of all-time.
5. April 3: Playoff rematch vs. Bucks. The Bucks gave the Bulls way more than they could handle in their first-round matchup, where the Bucks clawed back from a 3-0 deficit to give the Bulls a serious scare. The Bulls wised up in Game 6 in Milwaukee, but it took a little steam out before Round 2 — while giving the young Bucks a belief headed into the offseason that they can compete with the experienced bunch. They’ve added Greg Monroe from Detroit, and Chicago native Jabari Parker should be healthy for Year 2. Could this be the next burgeoning rivalry?
Kevin Durant: 'I'm the best player in the world'. What's Your Take?
By Dan Feldman
(Photo/Getty Images)
Kevin Durant isn’t ready to cede that title to the Cavaliers star, though.
Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago:
KD: "No disrespect to anyone else but I feel like I'm the best player in the world."
I expect LeBron to consider himself the world’s best player. I expect Durant to consider himself the world’s best player.
I expect Dwight Howard to consider himself the world’s best player. I expect James Harden to consider himself the world’s best player. I expect… really, you can name any All-Star-caliber player, and I’d expect him to have that faith in himself.
LeBron, Durant and the rest didn’t reach this level by doubting themselves. They did it by having enormous confidence in their ability and putting in the work to realize their potential. They succeed because of that arrogance.
As to the actual question, it’s a three-man race between LeBron, Durant and Anthony Davis.
Like most people, I thought Stephen Curry and Harden had the best seasons last year. But, perhaps unfairly, neither has produced long enough at that level to get real consideration from me.
Davis does because he’s younger and has probably improved more since just the end of last season than anyone else. Durant believes he’s the best, but he also knows his window falls between LeBron’s and Davis’.
A healthy Durant belongs in the thick of the discussion with LeBron and Davis.
LeBron is slightly declining. Durant, when not injured, is holding steady. And Davis is rapidly rising. That puts all three around the same level right now.
Which of the three is the world’s best player? For me, it depends on the day you ask.
For them, the answer is probably the same from each: “Me.”
Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica Take: There are a lot of terrific players in the NBA but as we saw during the last two years, injuries can decimate a player and consequentially his team. One of our favorites quotes is by Johnny Unitas and it says, "Conceit is bragging about yourself, Confidence means you believe you can get the job done." Michael Jordan was a phenomenal player, he won six championships, several NBA League MVP awards and several NBA MVP Playoff awards. What made Jordan so special was that he elevated all of the new players that they brought in each year to join the team. The Bulls had their three or four core players and everyone else was exchangeable each year and they still won. I cannot ever remember hearing Jordan say, "He was the best player in the world or the league" during his playing days. My dad once told me, "If you're good at something, you don't have to tell anyone, they'll tell you."
So in essence what I'm say is, guys you don't have to say you're the best in the league or the world, just elevate the players around you, win a championship or two and let your actions speak louder than your words. Then you won't have to tell the fans how good you are, they'll tell you. And as Paul Harvey says, "That's the rest of the story."
Now that you know how we feel and what we think, we'd love to hear your thoughts and what's your take? Just go to the bottom of this blog and tell us how you feel in the comment section. We truly appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you.
I expect Dwight Howard to consider himself the world’s best player. I expect James Harden to consider himself the world’s best player. I expect… really, you can name any All-Star-caliber player, and I’d expect him to have that faith in himself.
LeBron, Durant and the rest didn’t reach this level by doubting themselves. They did it by having enormous confidence in their ability and putting in the work to realize their potential. They succeed because of that arrogance.
As to the actual question, it’s a three-man race between LeBron, Durant and Anthony Davis.
Like most people, I thought Stephen Curry and Harden had the best seasons last year. But, perhaps unfairly, neither has produced long enough at that level to get real consideration from me.
Davis does because he’s younger and has probably improved more since just the end of last season than anyone else. Durant believes he’s the best, but he also knows his window falls between LeBron’s and Davis’.
A healthy Durant belongs in the thick of the discussion with LeBron and Davis.
LeBron is slightly declining. Durant, when not injured, is holding steady. And Davis is rapidly rising. That puts all three around the same level right now.
Which of the three is the world’s best player? For me, it depends on the day you ask.
For them, the answer is probably the same from each: “Me.”
Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica Take: There are a lot of terrific players in the NBA but as we saw during the last two years, injuries can decimate a player and consequentially his team. One of our favorites quotes is by Johnny Unitas and it says, "Conceit is bragging about yourself, Confidence means you believe you can get the job done." Michael Jordan was a phenomenal player, he won six championships, several NBA League MVP awards and several NBA MVP Playoff awards. What made Jordan so special was that he elevated all of the new players that they brought in each year to join the team. The Bulls had their three or four core players and everyone else was exchangeable each year and they still won. I cannot ever remember hearing Jordan say, "He was the best player in the world or the league" during his playing days. My dad once told me, "If you're good at something, you don't have to tell anyone, they'll tell you."
So in essence what I'm say is, guys you don't have to say you're the best in the league or the world, just elevate the players around you, win a championship or two and let your actions speak louder than your words. Then you won't have to tell the fans how good you are, they'll tell you. And as Paul Harvey says, "That's the rest of the story."
Now that you know how we feel and what we think, we'd love to hear your thoughts and what's your take? Just go to the bottom of this blog and tell us how you feel in the comment section. We truly appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you.
The Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica Editorial Staff.
Cubs slug five homers as winning streak reaches seven games.
By Patrick Mooney
The Cubs are riding a big wave of momentum into this weekend’s crosstown series on the South Side.
While the White Sox haven’t seen all their offseason headlines translate into on-field success – with a stand-pat trade deadline making them look like a franchise stuck in neutral – the Cubs feel like they’re on the verge of something special and sustained.
The Cubs are the National League’s hottest team and becoming a huge national story, winning 13 of their last 14 games and seeing the playoff picture come into focus.
A crowd of 40,799 packed Wrigley Field on Thursday afternoon, watching the Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 9-2 and getting loud when Dexter Fowler, Kyle Schwarber and Anthony Rizzo hit home runs in the fifth inning.
Jon Lester (8-8, 3.21 ERA) continues to show why the Cubs invested $155 million in the second half of his distinguished career. Lester gave up two runs across six innings and finished with 10 strikeouts. Lester – who has a reputation for being a strong finisher and a big-game pitcher – had accounted for at least seven innings in each of his last seven starts.
The Cubs did this against a last-place team and a rookie named Tyler Cravy. But they are all big games now, with the White Sox lining up Jeff Samardzija, Jose Quintana and Chris Sale to face the city’s “It” team.
Cubs-White Sox Preview.
By JEFF BARTL
Jeff Samardzija's insistence on hitting the open market this offseason has led to him reportedly tabling talks for an extension with both Chicago clubs in just over a year.
It's also part of the reason he's riding out the last season of his contract on the South Side rather than potentially contributing to the Chicago Cubs' resurgence.
Samardzija tries to cool off his former team as the Chicago White Sox host the North Siders in the opener of a three-game series Friday.
It's also part of the reason he's riding out the last season of his contract on the South Side rather than potentially contributing to the Chicago Cubs' resurgence.
Samardzija tries to cool off his former team as the Chicago White Sox host the North Siders in the opener of a three-game series Friday.
Cubs management reportedly offered Samardzija a five-year, $85 million extension that he rejected last year before the right-hander posted a 2.83 ERA in 17 starts. With the Cubs on their way to a last-place finish, they dealt Samardzija and Jason Hammel to Oakland on July 4, 2014, for a package of prospects that included Addison Russell, a regular starting infielder for the Cubs (65-48) since making his debut April 21.
Samardzija (8-7, 4.62 ERA) might be hard-pressed to find an offer better than the Cubs' now. He hasn't discussed an extension with the White Sox (54-58) since they acquired him from the A's during the offseason and hasn't helped his cause by allowing at least four runs in 11 of 23 starts.
He pitched a season-low 4 2-3 innings in each of his last two, allowing nine runs in a loss to the New York Yankees on Aug. 2 and seven in Saturday's defeat at Kansas City.
It's the first time Samardzija has gone fewer than five innings in back-to-back outings since he became a full-time starter with the Cubs in 2012.
"You play two good teams, and if you aren't on your game, it's going to come back to get you," Samardzija said. "You've got five days and you start again."
Samardzija now makes his first start against his former team after spending parts of seven seasons with the Cubs, who have won seven in a row and 13 of 14 to move into the NL's last playoff spot while gaining ground on wild-card leading Pittsburgh.
The last six victories have come with Starlin Castro starting on the bench and Russell shifting from second base to shortstop. Chris Coghlan has moved to second to open a spot in left field for rookie Kyle Schwarber.
Schwarber snapped an 0-for-11 slump by hitting two of the Cubs' five homers and driving in four runs in Thursday's 9-2 win over Milwaukee.
The Cubs haven't won eight straight since a nine-game run May 26-June 3, 2008.
''That's the mindset that we need to have, is we're playing in the playoffs every day,'' Schwarber said.
The White Sox dropped eight of their previous 10 before Avisail Garcia's RBI double in the 13th gave them a 3-2 win Wednesday and three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels.
They're attempting to catch the Angels for the second wild card but also have to jump five other teams in a tight race.
"(The Cubs) are playing well, so you want it to be fun and meaningful games," manager Robin Ventura told MLB's official site. "I think we're getting to that point."
The White Sox took two of three at Wrigley Field from July 10-12, including a 1-0 win in the opener. Right-hander Kyle Hendricks (6-5, 3.73) has gone 2-1 with a 4.34 ERA in five starts since tossing seven innings for the Cubs in that contest, and he'll oppose Samardzija in this matchup.
Ventura said designated hitter Adam LaRoche, mired in a 1-for-16 slump, will start after pinch-hitting in the 9th on Wednesday.
The Cubs have won five of seven at U.S. Cellular Field since 2012.
Golf: I got a club for that..... Dustin Johnson busy forgetting in route to PGA Championship lead.
By Eric Adelson
Dustin Johnson reacts after making an eagle putt on the 16th hole. (AP)
It was such a makeable putt.
It was such a missable putt.
Dustin Johnson loped over to his ball, lined it up, and leered at the hole, about 12 feet away. It was his final hole of the day in Round 1 of the PGA Championship and he wanted it to be the last shot of the day: a left-to-right slider after he overshot his Texas wedge putt from the fringe.
It was a lot like the putt he missed on the 72nd hole of the U.S. Open in June.
Johnson is now known for two mistakes – the three-putt on 18 this summer at the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, and the sand trap fiasco here at Whistling Straits in the 2010 PGA Championship, in which a two-stroke penalty doomed his chance at his first major victory. Both were errors that anyone could have made, and yet they are currently wafting around him like Pig Pen's cloud.
For the rest of us, golf is about the memories. For the professionals, golf is about forgetting. It would be simple to dwell on that one putt in Washington (that handed Jordan Spieth the U.S. Open title), or that one hole in 2010 (that cost him a spot in a three-hole playoff), but then the trap door opens to all the other shots that led up to those. If Johnson had made this other putt, or angled that shot just so, or recovered from this bunker better … maybe he becomes a major championship winner and the cloud never descends on him.
That leads us to Thursday, on the final hole, and the slider to card a 6-under 66 for the first round. Maybe this was the putt that alters Sunday for the better. Or, for worse.
Johnson started it out left, and it slowly eked back toward the hole. Then it eked a little extra, starting to run away from the cup. It caught the lip.
And fell.
Johnson reached out his right hand and squeezed it into a fist. He held it there. Got it. Par saved.
It was his best first round at this tournament in his career. And considering how the wind whipped Lake Michigan's sheen into a steady ripple as the morning wore on here, a 6-under is a shining score for a first day.
"It was nice to end the day with a good, positive vibe," Johnson said afterward.
Johnson deserves some credit for the way he's handled his mistakes, and the aftermath of his mistakes. He cradled his infant son after blowing the U.S. Open, realizing the baby he loves doesn't know or care about a missed putt. He hasn't lashed out at reporters for asking about his gaffes. He's hardly shown any emotion at all. This week could have been a nightmare for him, returning to the scene of the sand crime in 2010. It hasn't been.
"It's frustrating sometimes, but I try not to let it bother me," he said this week. "I love the game, and at the end of the day, it is just a game."
It's a game he plays exceedingly well, and better than ever. He had his best finish at the Masters this year, tying for sixth place, then his near-miss at the U.S. Open, and now he's in the lead here.
He was asked Thursday if he has more confidence after contending so frequently.
"I don't know," he said flatly. "I think I'm just playing a little better this year."
Instead of making the past into a mental car wreck of memories, Johnson just plays on. Another golfer might have some trepidation about a situation where another major could be won or lost on the last day. That doesn't seem to be an issue here. Maybe the pivotal shot that changes the whole tournament was the par putt he's already made, on Thursday.
"I would prefer to be in the lead," he said. "There's less shots you've got to make up."
Let someone else rehash the memories. Johnson is busy forgetting.
And that might be the key to a Sunday to remember.
Five things to watch at Friday's second round of the PGA Championship.
By Jay Busbee
Whistling Straits Golf Course in Haven, Wisconsin. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
If, as you are reading this story, you happen to stumble into a sandy patch of land, fear not. You've just encountered one of the several million* bunkers that blanket Whistling Straits. And that makes you just like pretty much every single golfer in the first round of this week's PGA Championship.
(*-Possibly an exaggeration. Possibly not.)
Play concluded on Thursday at the PGA with a not-uncommon result: Dustin Johnson leading the way with a 66. Right behind him: David Lingmerth, one stroke off the lead. They'll have eyes on them come Friday, but they won't be the only stories. Here's what to watch for as Day 2 rolls around.
1. Morning/Afternoon, Afternoon/Morning. Except for Lingmerth, every one of the players on the first page of the leaderboard teed off on Thursday morning. Will this be a British Open situation, where your tee time determines your fate? The wind is expected to remain fairly constant, but thunderstorms could roll in midafternoon on Friday. That means trouble for the Thursday morning crew, which will be on the course then. Anyone who takes early advantage on Friday could see a strong score stand up heading into the weekend.
2. Weekday DJ or Weekend DJ? Seeing Dustin Johnson atop a leaderboard in a major isn't a rare occurrence. Seeing him atop the leaderboard on a Sunday is a little more infrequent. Johnson has plenty of knocks against him, but if he's able to quell the demons that have sabotaged multiple majors, he'll quiet his doubters and vault himself to the next echelon of golf.
3. Bunker Busting. Virtually every golfer spent time in the bunkers on Thursday, and more than a few required sideways, mountain-goat-esque stances to get their shots back into playable position. You've probably heard five hundred times about how bunkers cost Johnson a shot at a playoff here in 2010. Will a bunker cost someone a shot at making the weekend on Friday? It's likely.
4. Golfbros. Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, the No. 1 and No. 2 golfers in the world, played together Thursday, as they will Friday, and carded identical 71s. Every great golfer needs a great rival, and these two are poised to carry golf for the next two decades. (No pressure, guys.) McIlroy showed no ill effects from the injured ankle that kept him out of the British Open, and Spieth finished strong despite having a wobbly game throughout. They'll be paired together on Friday morning, and possibly on Sunday afternoon too.
5. Tiger Woods. Because, after a first-round 75, this might well be the last time you get to see him in 2015. Come on, that's a little sad.
Round 2 begins at 6:45 a.m. Central Time. Get your coffee!
5. Tiger Woods. Because, after a first-round 75, this might well be the last time you get to see him in 2015. Come on, that's a little sad.
Round 2 begins at 6:45 a.m. Central Time. Get your coffee!
By Jenna Fryer
Drivers complained it was too hot in the cockpit of their cars with the high-drag rules package, which was first used at Indianapolis and will return at Michigan. The package reduces airflow under the car, so heat is trapped in the cockpit and several drivers were almost ill following the Xfinity Series race at Indy.
But NASCAR on Wednesday mandated a dual outlet duct be used on the right-side window to help ventilate the cockpit.
A day before the mandate, Brad Keselowski warned Sunday's race at Michigan would be ''the toughest race probably of the year physically.''
''The heat's going to be even worse this weekend,'' he said Tuesday. ''There is a large amount of concern across both the teams and the driver for this rules package coming up to Michigan. Even though the track is wider and bigger, the significance of the draft is going to be even more important, so you're going to have to stay in line as much as possible. As you stay in line, the car gets less and less air because that's essentially how the draft works.''
With the heat issue now addressed, the focus shifts to durability concerns at Michigan, the fastest track in NASCAR.
Keselowski warned that the high-drag package will cause parts to overheat, particularly in the drivetrain. Cars top 200 mph at Michigan in qualifying, and temperatures are expected to be in the mid-80s on Sunday.
''I would not be surprised to see a lot of car failures this weekend specific to heat relation as it pertains to the aero package and its kind of cause and effects. And inside the car I would not be surprised to see a lot of hot and worn out drivers after the race. We all know we're in for a handful of a race.''
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SOUND GARAGE: Chip Ganassi Racing's drive to attract millennials will once again include an invitation-only concert at its North Carolina race shop.
Big Machine Label Group's recording artist A Thousand Horses will play Oct. 5 at the ''Ganassi Sound Garage'' in a concert that will be hosted by NASCAR drivers Kyle Larson, Dylan Kwasniewski and Brennan Poole, as well as IndyCar driver Sage Karam.
Last year's inaugural social media concert featured Cassadee Pope and won an industry award for NASCAR's ''Most Creative Use of Social/Digital Media.'' The event will again be streamed lived.
The inaugural Sound Garage was for 200 social media savvy millennials and influencers, but Ganassi expects to triple that number this year. This year's event will also include sponsor participation from Target, McDonald's, Clorox, Kimberly Clark, Unilever, Energizer, Coke, Chevrolet and DC Solar.
Opportunities to attend will be given away by the drivers and A Thousand Horses via social media.
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JR MOTORSPORTS-BOWMAN: Alex Bowman will make his Truck Series debut this Saturday driving for JR Motorsports at Michigan.
JRM's No. 00 Chevrolet has primarily been driven by Cole Custer, but other drivers have filled in. Bowman ran two Xfinity Series races last year for JRM.
''The experiences I had racing for JR Motorsports last year were a lot of fun,'' said Bowman. ''It'll be a learning experience for me being my first time in a truck.
Watching the No. 00 team so far this season, I know it's going to be a fast truck and we'll have a shot to run up front.
''The main goal is to help these guys continue learning and improving on their overall program, particularly at the big tracks, so we'll try to do that and see if we can pick up a win at the same time.''
JRM has picked up Truck Series wins this year at Gateway with Custer and at Charlotte with Kasey Kahne. Custer will be back in the truck next week at Bristol.
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KHI-MOTOCROSS: KHI Management, an athlete representation and sports-marketing agency owned by NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick, has signed 10-year-old Ryder DiFrancesco, who is considered the best amateur motocross rider in his age division.
DiFrancesco hails from Bakersfield, California, the same hometown as Harvick.
He's been competing since 2008 and currently rides a KX 65 for Kawasaki Team Green. He's also a member of Team Dunlop Elite, one of the preeminent amateur motocross sponsorship programs in the United States.
His multiple 2015 amateur national championships include a title at the prestigious AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn's Ranch, two national titles at the GNC International Motocross Final, two championships at the Monster Energy Mammoth Motocross National, two at the California Classic Championship and a pair at the James Stewart Freestone Spring National Championship.
''Very few athletes win nearly every time they hit the track, court or field, but Ryder is one of those rare competitors,'' Harvick said. ''He has done more in 10 years than most riders do in an entire career.''
DiFrancesco joins a roster of KHI Management athletes and celebrities that includes: Miesha Tate, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)'s top-ranked female bantamweight fighter; Rose Namajunas, UFC's No.3-ranked female straw weight fighter; Donald ''Cowboy'' Cerrone, UFC's No.2-ranked men's lightweight fighter; former NASCAR driver and current NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton; PGA golfer Jason Gore; and country music artists Jake Owen and Matt Stillwell.
''Very few athletes win nearly every time they hit the track, court or field, but Ryder is one of those rare competitors,'' Harvick said. ''He has done more in 10 years than most riders do in an entire career.''
DiFrancesco joins a roster of KHI Management athletes and celebrities that includes: Miesha Tate, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)'s top-ranked female bantamweight fighter; Rose Namajunas, UFC's No.3-ranked female straw weight fighter; Donald ''Cowboy'' Cerrone, UFC's No.2-ranked men's lightweight fighter; former NASCAR driver and current NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton; PGA golfer Jason Gore; and country music artists Jake Owen and Matt Stillwell.
NASCAR may get 'the boot' at Watkins Glen.
By Reid Spencer
The current configuration of the Glen for NASCAR Sprint Cup and XFINITY Series races eliminates the Boot, which contains Turns 6 through 9, and shortens the course from 3.40 miles to 2.45 miles.
But with repaving already having taken place in the Boot, smoothing the bumps in that portion of the track, NASCAR is considering running the full Grand Prix Course, which currently is used for the Tudor United Sports Car Championship.
"We could," NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O’Donnell told the NASCAR Wire Service before Sunday’s Cheez-It 355 at the Glen. "We're discussing it with the track. It's something we're looking at down the road."
Even with the addition of the Boot, Watkins Glen wouldn't be the longest road course on the NASCAR rotation. Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, which hosts the XFINITY Series, measures 4.048 miles.
SOCCER: Fire alarmed by defeat in USOC semifinal: 'We were outplayed'.
By Danny Michallik
A second-half goal from Sébastien Le Toux - backed by a commanding, collective display - was enough to see the Philadelphia Union past the Fire, 1-0, in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal at PPL Park Wednesday night, effectively eliminating the Men in Red from the 102nd edition of the tournament.
"It was very disappointing," Fire head coach Frank Yallop said. "Aside from a couple spells in the first half and spaced out through the game, we were outplayed tonight; which is alarming. We needed to get up for the game. Our training has been good and we talked about [winning this game]. You've got to go out and perform and give everything you have, and it didn't seem like we did that. To put in a performance like that in a semifinal is not good."
After experiencing a 1-0 loss at the Portland Timbers in MLS regular season play last Friday, Yallop opted to make one change, giving Gilberto - filling in for Jason Johnson - his first start since signing on as the club's third Designated Player during the summer transfer window. The Brazilian - deemed fit and in good condition prior to kickoff - was forced off in the 21st minute, however, with what was confirmed as a right thigh contusion, a low blow as the Fire lacked a substantial attacking dimension on their way toward logging their 20th road loss in all competitions dating back to July 2014.
A somewhat frantic start to the match saw both sides feel each other out before establishing any sort of concrete possession, with the Union thoroughly dominating first half proceedings. Jim Curtin's side posted seven shots on goal and 16 crosses, forcing a back four comprised of Lovel Palmer, Eric Gehrig, Jeff Larentowicz and Joevin Jones to string 22 clearances together in a predominantly defensive outing.
Midfielder Cristián Maidana was at the heart of several of the host's moves, forcing an early, but comfortable save from Sean Johnson in the eighth minute with a left-footed curler.
The Argentine's presence was felt again, cutting inside on a static David Accam and firing a low shot away, which was tipped off the post by Johnson and spit out to C.J. Sapong, whose follow-up hit the outside of the net in the 24th minute. Johnson up to the task again two minutes later, this time denying Brian Carroll as the Fire continued to live dangerously and invite pressure.
In the 37th minute, Le Toux’s sliding cross made its way to Sapong, whose complicated attempt at a back heel flick to beat Johnson inside the six-yard box escaped him. On the stroke of halftime, the visitors aimed to hit back through Accam, who sped past Union defender Richie Marquez and burst through on goal, drawing a kick save from 'keeper John McCarthy at the near post to close out a largely forgettable first half for the Fire.
The second 45 saw Yallop's men show a little more verve, matching the Union in possession stats, but ultimately not doing enough to ruffle the hosts as the Union - after whittling away at the Fire back line - found their match-winner in the 74th minute.
After sidestepping a few defenders, Le Toux collected a loose ball at the top of the 18 and planted a left-footed strike off the right post and in to seal the Union's berth to the final hurdle: the club's second consecutive appearance in the Open Cup final.
While the Men in Red look to overcome Wednesday night's defeat, it's all to play for in regular season action as both sides butt heads at PPL Park Sunday night.
"Our guys are devastated with the result, but we need to get ourselves ready for Sunday," Yallop added. "Sunday's going to come quickly so we need to get ready for that and pick the bones out of this one, because it wasn't good."
Chicago Fire Starting XI (subs)
(4-4-1-1): Sean Johnson; Lovel Palmer, Eric Gehrig, Jeff Larentowicz (C), Joevin Jones; Harry Shipp, Razvan Cocis, Matt Polster (Mike Magee, 77'), David Accam (Jason Johnson, 58'); Shaun Maloney; Gilberto (Kennedy Igboananike, 21')
NCAAFB: Toledo ready for another shot at Northern Illinois in MAC.
By Noah Trister
The Toledo Rockets have had five consecutive winning seasons and went to a bowl four times in that span.
There's really only one breakthrough that's eluded them.
For all of Toledo's success recently, the Rockets haven't won the Mid-American Conference since 2004. Instead, division rival Northern Illinois always seems a step ahead. The Huskies have played in five consecutive MAC championship games, winning three.
This may be Toledo's best chance to move past Northern Illinois. Kareem Hunt returns for the Rockets after rushing for 1,631 yards last season, and Toledo's defense lost only three starters.
Even the schedule is cooperating. Toledo, Northern Illinois and Western Michigan are expected to be the top teams in the West Division, and the Rockets get to play both those other teams at home.
''We know we have a chance to be very good this season but we also have a lot of work ahead of us,'' Toledo coach Matt Campbell said.
''We know we have a chance to be very good this season but we also have a lot of work ahead of us,'' Toledo coach Matt Campbell said.
The Rockets were slight favorites to win the title in the league's preseason poll, but don't expect Northern Illinois to fade without a fight. The Huskies had to replace star quarterback Jordan Lynch last year, and they rolled through the conference slate with only one loss before routing Bowling Green 51-17 in the title game.
Bowling Green won the East for a second consecutive season, and coach Dino Babers is eager to unleash his fast-paced offensive system on the league again. The Falcons ran 113 offensive plays in a September win over Indiana - and that's the blueprint for what Babers is trying to accomplish.
''I told the quarterbacks, I said, 'It's a racing car, and I want to hear the tires sing. When we go into a curve, they're supposed to sing - tires are supposed to make noise,''' Babers said. ''That's not the time to get off the gas, that's the time to accelerate through the curve so we can come out and get going.''
Quarterback Matt Johnson is back for Bowling Green after being limited to one game last season because of a broken hip.
Here are a few other things to watch in the MAC this year:
STABILITY?: The MAC often has a lot of coaching turnover, with its top teams becoming targets for big-name programs looking to hire. But this year only two teams have new faces at the helm - Buffalo with Lance Leipold and Central Michigan with John Bonamego.
Ohio coach Frank Solich is sixth on the MAC's career list with 72 wins, and he can move all the way up to third if he has a big season in 2015. Gary Pinkel (73), Doyt Perry (77) and Bob Pruett (79) are within reach.
ON THE RISE: Massachusetts has been in the Football Bowl Subdivision for only three years, but after going 1-11 in 2012 and again in 2013, the Minutemen won three games last year - all in conference. UMass also led Colorado and Vanderbilt in the second half before losing both games by three points. Is there another step forward for QB Blake Frohnapfel and the Minutemen in 2015?
RUNNING WILD: Hunt led the MAC in rushing last year, but Western Michigan's Jarvion Franklin wasn't far behind with 1,551 yards on 306 carries as a freshman. Buffalo's Anthone Taylor also returns after running for 1,403 yards in 2014.
CHANCES TO SHINE: Western Michigan will have an immediate chance to show it's a MAC title contender when it hosts Big Ten power Michigan State in the season opener. That same week, Central Michigan hosts Oklahoma State.
RECORD STREAK: Northern Illinois has made seven consecutive bowl appearances, a MAC record. The Huskies haven't won their bowl since the 2011 season, however. The league went 2-3 in bowls last season, with Bowling Green and Toledo earning the victories.
Predicted order of finish:
EAST - 1. Bowling Green, 2. Massachusetts, 3. Ohio, 4. Akron, 5. Kent State, 6. Buffalo, 7. Miami (OH).
WEST - 1. Toledo, 2. Northern Illinois, 3. Western Michigan, 4. Central Michigan, 5. Ball State, 6. Eastern Michigan.
WEST - 1. Toledo, 2. Northern Illinois, 3. Western Michigan, 4. Central Michigan, 5. Ball State, 6. Eastern Michigan.
Wisconsin has new-look offensive line.
By Dennis Semrau
When Joel Stave takes his first snap of the season against No. 3 Alabama, a new-look offensive line will be trying to protect the Wisconsin senior quarterback.
Barring injury, the only two returning starters are redshirt senior Tyler Marz at left tackle and redshirt junior Dan Voltz at center.
But at a school where the offensive linemen are viewed as rock stars, Stave didn't appear to be concerned about who would be helping keep him upright while also paving the way for projected starting running back Corey Clement.
''If there are two offensive line positions that you'd want returning, it would be the center and the left tackle,'' Stave said. ''I know we lost some very good seniors on the offensive line.
''But with the guys we have coming back, coupled with some young guys I think who are really ready to step into a big-time role, I think we will be pretty good up there.''
Clement is succeeding record-setting running back Melvin Gordon.
''We always reload. The way we recruit these linemen and the way they come in, they know the expectations of what you need to be,'' Clement said. ''How you need to carry yourself and how big you need to be able to play on a Wisconsin line takes a lot. It's not easy. You've got to do whatever it takes to be consistent.''
Replacements are needed for a trio of fifth-year seniors in left guard Kyle Costigan, guard/center Dallas Lewallen and right tackle Rob Havenstein.
Voltz, though, said plenty of competition in training camp will help keep the Badgers' tradition of stellar line play intact.
''Every year guys have to step up and be that guy,'' Voltz said. ''This year we've got three (starting) spots to fill. But we've got three guys potentially who are going to step in and do a great job.''
Marz acknowledged there are more questions than answers at this time but is confident it will be business as usual once the season begins.
''It's obvious that we don't have as much depth as we've had in the past,'' he said. ''This spring we had some time to work out some wrinkles. This fall, it's going to be huge to sort these guys out, to have them make some strides.
''These guys will be young but they're still good players. Michael Deiter's had some experience here. Dan (Voltz) is going to be a good leader for those inside guys to bring them along and hopefully I can be a great leader for the outside, the tackles, to work with them and focus on their technique.''
Offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Joe Rudolph couldn't wait to get started determining who will join Marz and Voltz on the field.
Offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Joe Rudolph couldn't wait to get started determining who will join Marz and Voltz on the field.
''We have a good pool to find the right guys to fill in around them,'' Rudolph said of Marz and Voltz. Rudolph worked with several different options on Wednesday during the team's first day in pads.
The No. 1 unit included Marz and Voltz along with senior Ray Ball at left guard and Dieter, a redshirt freshman, at right guard with redshirt freshman Beau Benzschawel at right tackle.
Benzschawel got work with the No. 1 offense for the first time in camp, in place of redshirt sophomore Hayden Biegel, who was with the first unit most of the spring.
Deiter also saw time at center, while freshman Jon Dietzen worked at left guard, redshirt junior Walker Williams at right guard and redshirt freshman Jacob Maxwell at left tackle.
''Ray Ball, Walker Williams have been in the program for a number of years,'' coach Paul Chryst said. ''Can they elevate? And a lot of it is being consistent. I think they've shown both care a ton. I mean, I love that part of it. They work and then there is going to be a group of young guys that need to step in.''
Benzschawel got work with the No. 1 offense for the first time in camp, in place of redshirt sophomore Hayden Biegel, who was with the first unit most of the spring.
Deiter also saw time at center, while freshman Jon Dietzen worked at left guard, redshirt junior Walker Williams at right guard and redshirt freshman Jacob Maxwell at left tackle.
''Ray Ball, Walker Williams have been in the program for a number of years,'' coach Paul Chryst said. ''Can they elevate? And a lot of it is being consistent. I think they've shown both care a ton. I mean, I love that part of it. They work and then there is going to be a group of young guys that need to step in.''
NCAABKB: Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan 'not totally sure' about retirement.
AP - Sports
Wisconsin men's basketball coach Bo Ryan now says he's ''not totally sure'' about whether he will retire after next season.
Post-Crescent Media reported Thursday (http://tinyurl.com/nwzxnhx ) that Ryan kept the door open to delaying retirement at an appearance at the U.S. Venture Open golf charity event.
In late June, the 67-year-old Ryan announced he planned to retire at the end of the next basketball season and said he hoped longtime assistant Greg Gard would be hired as his successor.
But he told reporters Wednesday at the charity golf outing that ''I haven't submitted any papers yet. I haven't submitted anything.''
Asked whether that means he's leaving the door open to returning after next season, Ryan said, ''I am.''
''Well, I needed to get a statement out there knowing I wasn't able to tell recruits I could guarantee them four years and I wanted to be fair to our staff and Barry (Alvarez) and the athletic department,'' Ryan said. ''Everybody kind of thinks they know when they're ready to retire, or step aside. I'm not totally sure. Barry said I could change my mind at any time.''
Ryan led Wisconsin to back-to-back Final Four appearances and took the team to last season's national championship game, where the Badgers were defeated by Duke. He has posted a 357-125 record in 14 years at Wisconsin. In his tenure, the Badgers have won more than 74 percent of their games every season. In the 14 years before his arrival, they reached the NCAA Tournament only five times.
Ryan said Wednesday he wanted to see ''what happens in the next number of months'' before sticking with his original intent to retire.
''I'm like a lot of other people who when they get to this stage in their career, who knows when the right time is? I was just trying to be up front and out in the open,'' Ryan said. ''But I wouldn't be the first guy in the country that ever thought about retirement and then changed their mind. I'm not doing anything revolutionary here.''
NCAABKB: MGM Grand Main Event schedule announced.
By Raphielle Johnson
Mike Davis (Photo/AP)
Another in-season tournament schedule has been officially completed, as the slate for the MGM Grand Main Event (to be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas) was announced Wednesday by BD Global Sports. The tournament consists of two four-team brackets, with the teams in the Heavyweight Bracket (Clemson, Creighton, Massachusetts and Rutgers) getting to host at least two home games before heading to Las Vegas for games November 23 (Monday) and 25 (Wednesday).
In the Heavyweight Bracket semifinals November 23, Clemson will take on UMass with Creighton/Rutgers being the other matchup. The consolation and championship games will be held two days later.
There’s also a Middleweight Bracket, with UTSA and Central Arkansas meeting in one semifinal and Texas Southern and Howard in the other. Those four teams will play two road games apiece against the teams in the Heavyweight Bracket before they play in the afternoon sessions in Las Vegas November 23 and 25.
Of the eight teams in the event just one, Texas Southern, played in the NCAA tournament last season. Mike Davis’ Tigers, who won games at Kansas State and Michigan State last season, was the SWAC’s automatic entrant and lost to Arizona in the round of 64.
HEAVYWEIGHT BRACKET
Monday, Nov. 23 – Session 2 (Evening Session – Game Times TBD)
Clemson vs. UMass
Creighton vs. Rutgers
Wednesday, Nov. 25 – Session 4 (Evening Session – Game Times TBD)
Consolation Game
Heavyweight Championship Game
MIDDLEWEIGHT BRACKET
Monday, Nov. 23 – Session 1(Afternoon Session – Game Times TBD)
UTSA vs Central Arkansas
Texas Southern vs. Howard
Wednesday, Nov. 25 – Session 3 (Afternoon Session – Game Times TBD)
Consolation Game
Middleweight Championship Game
OPENING GAMES
Nov. 13 – Howard at UMass
Nov. 14 – Texas Southern at Creighton
Nov. 15 – UTSA at Clemson
Nov. 15 – Howard at Rutgers
Nov. 17 – UTSA at Creighton
Nov. 19 – Texas Southern at Clemson
Nov. 19 – Central Arkansas at UMass
Nov. 21 – Central Arkansas at Rutgers
MLB hires search firm to help minority, female job-seekers.
By Marc Lancaster
Tigers GM Al Avila (Photo/Getty Images)
Major League Baseball is hoping to give minority and female applicants a boost in their efforts to land high-profile jobs around the league.MLB announced Thursday it has hired executive search firm Korn Ferry to provide "support services" to candidates for baseball operations positions and assist teams in their search processes.
The firm will help job-seekers with resume and interview skills in addition to providing clubs with potential candidates for high-level positions on the baseball side: manager, general manager, assistant general manager, scouting director and player development director.
The firm will help job-seekers with resume and interview skills in addition to providing clubs with potential candidates for high-level positions on the baseball side: manager, general manager, assistant general manager, scouting director and player development director.
"We are proudly a sport of inclusion, and we must continue to pursue and develop more opportunities for minorities and women throughout our game, both in senior and entry-level positions," Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "Our policy on this vital issue will ensure that active searches of outside candidates for leadership positions will include strong minority and female representation."
According to the annual Racial and Gender Report Card compiled by the University of Central Florida, the 30 MLB teams featured one person of color (Mike Hill of the Marlins) as a team president entering 2015. In other key jobs, there were two non-white managers — Lloyd McClendon of the Mariners and Fredi Gonzalez of the Braves — and four people of color serving as general managers. That number has since increased to five with Al Avila replacing Dave Dombrowski in Detroit last week.
Across the majors, there were 65 women in club vice president roles last season — 17.3 percent of the total positions. People of color held 14.4 percent of vice president positions.
Some executives are included in multiple categories, such as the Phillies' Ruben Amaro Jr., who serves as both general manager and a senior vice president for the team.
On This Date in Sports History: Today is Friday, August 14, 2015.
Memoriesofhistory.com
1903 - Jim Jeffries defeated Jim Corbett in the 10th round to retain his world heavyweight title in San Francisco.
1936 - The first basketball competition for a Gold Medal was held at the Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany. The U.S. defeated Canada, 19-8.
1937 - The Detroit Tigers and the St. Louis Browns set an American League record for most runs scored combined in a doubleheader with 36. 1958 - Vic Power (Cleveland) stole home twice during the same game.
1959 - The first meeting was held to organize the American Football League.
1961 - The Philadelphia Phillies extended their losing streak to 17 games with a loss to the Chicago Cubs.
1971 - Bob Gibson (St. Louis Cardinals) threw a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was the first no-hitter at Forbes Field in 61 years.
1974 - The NFL Players Association ended their seven-week strike.
1976 - A charity softball game began for the Community General Hospital in Monticello, NY. The game was eventually called off due to weather after 30 hours. The final score was Gager's Diner's 491 to Bend 'n Elbow Tavern's 467.
1977 - The New York Cosmos and the Fort Lauderdale Strikes played a game in front of 77,961 fans at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. It was the largest crowd to witness a soccer game in the United States. The Cosmos beat the Strikers 8-3.
1979 - Lou Brock (St. Louis Cardinals) got his 3,000th hit.
1986 - Pete Rose (Cincinnati Reds) had his 4,256th and last base hit in a game against the San Francisco Giants.
1987 - Mark McGwire set the record for home runs by a rookie when he connected for his 49th home run of the season.
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