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"One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself." ~ Lucille Ball, Legendary Comedian and Television and Movie Star
Bear Down Chicago Bears!!! Bears regain seat at NFC table with win vs. San Francisco.
By John Mullin
Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller runs back an interception thrown by 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the fourth quarter. (Jose M. Osorio, Chicago Tribune)
Well, two weeks in the NFL has proved…absolutely nothing.
What the start of the 2014 season has, in fact, shown is that no team is so far beyond the reach of the pack that it should just go right to fittings for their Super Bowl rings. The Seattle Seahawks looked like that team with their home-opener smackdown of the Green Bay Packers, then couldn’t get the San Diego Chargers off the field (42-plus minutes time of possession).
But after two weeks, 10 of the 16 NFC teams are 1-1, including all four in the NFC North. The Bears’ win at San Francisco got their stretch of four road games in five weeks off to a monumental start and keeps them relevant in a conference looking for an elite team to conclusively establish itself.
1. Buffalo Bills (2-0) L 23-20 OT
The offense breezed to a first score and outgained Buffalo on the game (427-360) but Bears cannot overcome 3 turnovers, including Jay Cutler throwing an INT to a defensive tackle.
2. San Francisco 49ers (1-1) W 28-20
Epic Jay Cutler second half with 13-for-14 passing and 3 TDs, 2 to Brandon Marshall who had one at end of first half. Defense throttles 49ers run game in second half in possible defining road win vs. top team.
3. @ New York Jets (1-1) Mon., Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m. Next: BEARS
Jets have Green Bay reeling, down by 18, and cannot put Packers away as Jordy Nelson goes for 209 receiving yards. Packers only rush for 80 yards vs. Jets’ 146 and Aaron Rodgers is sacked four times.
4. Green Bay Packers (1-1) Sun., Sept. 28, noon Next: at Detroit
Maybe it was home-field advantage, but Packers put down Jets team that still hasn’t gotten over self-destruct tendencies. Aaron Rodgers goes 25-of-42 for 346 yards, 3 TDs but zero INTs.
5. @ Carolina Panthers (2-0) Sun., Oct. 5, noon Next: vs. Pittsburgh
Cam Newton leads 24-7 blowout of Detroit as Lions lose two fumbles and Matthew Stafford throws an INT and Lions can’t get any run-pass balance in loss. Detroit blitzed extensively and sacked Newton five times but couldn’t control line of scrimmage.
6. @ Atlanta Falcons (1-1) Sun., Oct. 12, noon Next: vs. Tampa Bay
Bad day for NFC includes Falcons as Cincinnati reels of 21 straight points from 3-3 early tie. Falcons never manage to sack Andy Dalton in poor road performance after first-week “W.”
7. Miami Dolphins (1-1) Sun., Oct. 19, noon Next: vs. Kansas City
Dolphins endure an AFC East smackdown from suddenly upstart Buffalo. Bills get 4 sacks from D-line that Bears struggled to control.
8. @ New England (1-1) Sun., Oct. 26, noon) Next: vs. Oakland
Patriots do Bears a favor by crushing Adrian Peterson-less Minnesota Vikings 30-7. New England sacks Matt Cassel six times and picks off four of his throws. Tom Brady wins No. 149, trailing only Brett Favre and Peyton Manning in career “W’s.”
9. Off week
10. @ Green Bay Packers (1-1) Sun., Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. Next: at Detroit
11. Minnesota Vikings (1-1) Sun., Nov. 16, noon Next: at New Orleans
Minnesota dealing with Adrian Peterson child-battery issue can’t match up with New England without Peterson, now expected to have him active. Football suddenly a secondary issue.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2) Sun., Nov. 23, noon Next: at Atlanta
Lovie Smith opens 0-2, which never happened when he was operating Bears. Josh McCown throws an INT to Rams, who post “W” with 4 FGs and a backup QB making first start.
13. @ Detroit Lions (1-1) Thurs., Nov. 27, 11:30 a.m. Next: vs. Green Bay
Matthew Stafford completes 27 of 48 passes but is sacked four times by Carolina D and Lions lose 3 turnovers and fail to run to take pressure off Stafford, Calvin Johnson.
14. Dallas Cowboys (1-1) Sun., Dec. 4, 7:25 p.m. Next: at St. Louis
Cowboys follow bumbling home loss to 49ers with road “W” behind DeMarco Murray rushing for 167 yards and a TD as Cowboys call 40 runs for backs. Tony Romo is sacked four times but throws zero picks after 3 vs. SF.
15. New Orleans Saints (0-2) Mon., Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. Next: vs. Minnesota
Cleveland stages upset to win first home opener in 10 years with late drive and FG. Notable that Saints can’t stop Cleveland on an 85-yard drive for game-winner.
16. Detroit Lions (1-0) Sun, Dec. 21, noon Next: vs. Green Bay
17. @ Minnesota Vikings (1-0) Sun., Dec. .28, noon Next: at New Orleans
Bears' Tillman to miss rest of season.
AFP
Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman is out for the remainder of the National Football League season after rupturing his right triceps.
The 33-year-old suffered the injury in the third quarter of the 28-20 win over San Francisco on Sunday.
He finished with eight tackles in two starts this season, his 12th with the Bears.
In eight games last season, Tillman recorded 41 tackles and three interceptions. He ended the 2013 season with a similar torn triceps injury.
Originally selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2003 entry draft, Tillman has 957 tackles, 42 forced fumbles and three sacks in 156 career games.
Bears shake up roster with flurry of moves.
By John Mullin
Bears shake up roster with flurry of moves.
By John Mullin
At one point Shaun Draughn was No. 2 on the Bears’ running back depth chart. He dropped to No. 3 behind rookie Ka’Deem Carey before Week 1. Then came Sunday.
Draughn was flagged for holding on the Bears’ opening kickoff return, setting the offense back inside the Chicago 10. Then he missed a block that allowed a punt to be blocked. Finally, in the second quarter Draughn was called for holding on a punt, forcing the Bears to re-kick.
On Tuesday Draughn was waived. The Bears also let receiver/returner Chris Williams and tight end Matthew Mulligan go as part of an early season makeover in several areas, in particular their return game.
The lack of impact on available kickoff returns is also expected to cost rookie return man Senorise Perry his job. Perry brought the opening kickoff out from seven yards deep in the end zone, reaching only the Chicago 14, and mishandled another kick at the goal line, resulting in a touchback instead of a return.
The Bears moved receiver/returner Rashad Ross up from the practice squad, presumably to take over kickoff returns. Ross, who spent 2013 on the Tennessee and Kansas City practice squads, returned 28 kickoffs for 779 yards and two touchdowns while playing at Arizona State.
“We’re going to evaluate that over the next couple of days and see where we are roster-wise,” coach Marc Trestman said earlier Tuesday. “I think he’ll be back there in some fashion, we’ll make a decision as we move into Thursday and Friday at which position he’ll be at.”
Isaiah Frey, pressed into service last year when veteran Kelvin Hayden suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in training camp, started six games as the team’s nickel cornerback. He was among the Bears’ final cuts this preseason, then re-signed to the practice squad and on Tuesday was moved to the 53-man roster to fill the vacancy created by Charles Tillman going on injured reserve with his torn right biceps.
Rookie Kyle Fuller, who had been coming in as the No. 3 corner, now becomes the starting right cornerback opposite Tim Jennings, with Frey sliding back into his nickel role.
Chicago Bears re-sign Tony Fiammetta, add David Fales to Practice Squad.
By Spongie
The Chicago Bears make roster moves in the wake of Charles Tillman going on IR, re-signing fullback Tony Fiammetta and adding rookie QB David Fales to the practice squad.
Just a couple of days after cutting them as part of maximizing roster flexibility ahead of the game epic victory against the San Francisco 49ers, the Chicago Bears brought fullback Tony Fiammetta and sixth-round rookie QB David Fales back to the team.
Fiammetta, who had been inactive with a hamstring issue since late in training camp, replaces Charles Tillman on the 53-man roster. Tillman, of course, has been placed on season-ending injured reserve with a recurrence of the torn triceps that ended his 2013 season.
Fales, who's been out with a shoulder injury suffered in the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns, somehow cleared waivers and has been added to the team's practice squad. According to beat reporter Adam Hoge, there are two more spots free on the practice squad. Hoge also makes the point that:
Expect more roster moves. #Bears still only have 2 healthy CBs. MNF game gives them time though. First game week practice not till Thurs.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) September 15, 2014
Domestic violence experts added as NFL advisers.Expect more roster moves. #Bears still only have 2 healthy CBs. MNF game gives them time though. First game week practice not till Thurs.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) September 15, 2014
AP Sports
Three experts in domestic violence will serve as consultants to the NFL.
Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to teams Monday announcing that Lisa Friel, Jane Randel and Rita Smith will work as ''senior advisers.'' They will ''help lead and shape the NFL's policies and programs relating to domestic violence and sexual assault,'' he wrote.
Goodell has been under heavy criticism for his handling of the domestic abuse case involving star running back Ray Rice. Rice was initially suspended for two games. Goodell at first defended the punishment, but more than a month later, he told owners he ''didn't get it right'' and that first-time domestic violence offenders would face a six-game suspension going forward.
Then Rice was released by the Baltimore Ravens and indefinitely suspended by the league after video surfaced of the assault on his then-fiancee.
Friel was the head of the Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit in the New York County District Attorney's Office for more than a decade. Randel is the co-founder of No More, a campaign against domestic violence and sexual assault. Smith is the former executive director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Monday's memo also said that Anna Isaacson, currently the NFL's vice president of community affairs and philanthropy, will become its vice president of social responsibility.
''Anna has been leading our internal work relating to how we address issues of domestic violence and related social issues,'' Goodell wrote. ''In this new role, she will oversee the development of the full range of education, training and support programs relating to domestic violence, sexual assault and matters of respect.''
The National Organization for Women, which is calling for Goodell's resignation, called the appointments of the senior advisers ''a step in the right direction - but it's not enough.''
On the new role for Isaacson, NOW said in a statement that ''the fact that Roger Goodell is assigning a current member of his leadership team to oversee new policies shows once again that he just doesn't get it.''
How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? NHL training camp: Jonathan Drouin leads prospects to watch.
By Chris Peters, Hockey Writer
In a matter of days, NHL teams will open their camps with all the familiar faces of regular roster players and established veterans that signed as free agents. Those will be all the names most NHL fans know, but perhaps the most interesting players to watch during training camps are the prospects vying for NHL jobs. This year there will be no shortage of prospects to watch.
There are going to be a lot of talented youngsters in camps and some of them have an honest shot at making the NHL roster this season. There are some just-short-of-obvious candidates for making the NHL this year like No. 1 pick Aaron Ekblad with the Florida Panthers and No. 2 selection Sam Reinhart with the Buffalo Sabres.
With the number of young players that will be vying for spots this year, I decided to pick 10 that are going to be particularly interesting to watch. For some, it’s just how impressive they were in junior or college last season, and for others it’s how they can help their teams right away.
Here are the 10 rookies that should be among the most interesting to follow as training camps commence.
1. Jonathan Drouin (Tampa Bay Lightning): After being a veritable human highlight reel over the last two seasons with the Halifax Mooseheads, the No. 3 pick from the 2013 NHL Entry Draft is ready for the next step. Terrific puck-handling skills accent Drouin’s high-end hockey sense which makes him a rare offensive talent. He had 213 points in 95 games over the last two years in the QMJHL and will join a Lightning squad that has no shortage of offensive weapons. Finding where he fits in will be the most interesting storyline. It’s expected he’ll play on the wing, but with what center? His high-end playmaking abilities may get him a top-six role out of the gates, which makes where they slot him in the preseason of particular interest.
2. Anthony Mantha (Detroit Red Wings): Between the regular season and playoffs in the QMJHL, Mantha had 81 goals in 81 games for Val d’Or. That kind of goal-scoring prowess is rare these days, even for junior. Tack on Mantha’s physical attributes at 6-5, 205 and most Red Wings fans have to be licking their chops to see what this kid can do. The Red Wings have brought along their younger players with patience, but Mantha is going to have a shot to make the team out of camp. No one is going to expect a goal per game out of him at the NHL level, but seeing how he’s able to produce in the preseason, or even more importantly just how he handles himself in the offensive zone playing against men, will be worth following.
3. Teuvo Teravainen (Chicago Blackhawks): Blackhawks fans got a brief glimpse of Teravainen at the end of last season when the dynamic Finnish forward played in three games. It was his first taste of pro hockey in North America at all after a successful career with Jokerit in Finland. Considering his level of production in the Finnish pros as a teenager and his star turn at the World Junior Championship in leading Finland to gold, expectations are high. The question is where does he fit in the Blackhawks lineup if at all. The club improved center depth by adding Brad Richards in free agency. It’s going to take an impressive camp for Teravainen to make the Hawks’ opening night roster, but his skill level will give him a shot.
4. John Gibson (Anaheim Ducks): Gibson was the toast of the NHL for a brief period at the end of last season and a portion of the playoffs when he earned the Ducks’ No. 1 job. The young netminder’s season ended on a sour note when he gave up four goals to the Kings in Game 7 as the Ducks got bounced from the playoffs in the second round. How he bounces back after a long summer to think about that will be key. The Ducks are probably going to roll with Gibson and Frederik Andersen this season. They may work in tandem, but Gibson is widely considered the best goaltending prospect in the league. He has seven NHL games under his belt between the regular season and playoffs last year. Could he seize the No. 1 job? Training camp may start to answer that question.
5. Kevin Hayes (New York Rangers): After his highly-publicized snubbing of the Blackhawks and the heavy interest he drew on the free agent market, Hayes will have a lot to prove in camp. Having signed with the Rangers, Hayes has the benefit of a team that needs to stay cap compliant. His cheap entry-level contract can help his chances of making the opening night roster, but don’t expect him to be handed a spot. That said, he had a remarkable senior season at Boston College with 65 points in 40 games. There will be a lot of competition in camp and a few veterans to try to unseat. It was rumored that Hayes was looking for a more direct path to the NHL, one that Chicago couldn’t provide, so we’ll see what the early returns of his decision look like in a few weeks.
6. Max Domi (Arizona Coyotes): The Coyotes desperately need scoring and they may be able to find some of it in the form of the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. Domi is likely ready for a full-time role with the team after putting up 93 points for the London Knights last season. He has had a scorer’s touch over the last two years and after Arizona lost sniper Radim Vrbata, they need someone to fill the void. At 19, asking Domi to fill that on his own would be asking too much, but if he can make some sort of impact this year, the Coyotes’ chances will improve in the tough Pacific Division.
7. Johnny Gaudreau (Calgary Flames): Most eyes are going to be on No. 4 overall pick Sam Bennett, but of the two, Gaudreau may have the more realistic shot of making the NHL roster. The Flames would be wise to stash Bennett in junior for one more year to preserve the year on his entry-level contract. Gaudreau is coming off of a hugely successful college season, winning the Hobey Baker Award after an astonishing 80 points in 40 games with Boston College. His size is a concern (5-7, 150), but Gaudreau has some dazzling skills that could help him stick with the big club. How he handles the college-to-pro transition is probably a bigger question than his size at this point.
8. David Pastrnak (Boston Bruins): There’s a lot of buzz out of Boston that Pastrnak has a real chance at making the NHL roster. That’s not something you usually hear about the 25th overall pick in the most recent draft. Pastrnak is a bit of a special case though. For one, the Bruins are in tough against the cap. Secondly, Pastrnak was excellent in the Swedish second division last year with Sodertalje, playing against men at 17. Boston has to be careful here. If Pastrnak makes it because of the cap situation and not on merit alone, it could lead to problems both this season and in the longer-term.
9. William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs): Going into last season, Nylander was generating a lot of draft buzz as a potential top pick. He had an up and down season, even missing the cut for Sweden’s World Junior team, but really hit his stride when he got to Sodertalje on loan. He averaged better than a point-per-game while there playing against pros. Toronto’s possession woes last season are well noted, perhaps a high-skill player like Nylander who dropped to No. 8 in the draft, can push for a spot out of camp. If not, he can be sent to the AHL and earn his way to the NHL roster. He’s an exciting young player that could help boost the skill in Toronto, but how he handles his first NHL camp will set the stage for the rest of this season.
10. Kasperi Kapanen (Pittsburgh Penguins): Another later first-round pick that has a chance to make an NHL roster right away, Kapanen will really have to impress to crack the Penguins lineup. Unfortunately, a finger injury is going to keep him off the Pens’ rookie tournament roster. That’s one evaluation point he’ll sorely miss as he only gets a few weeks to show his new bosses what he can do. The Finnish forward has some serious speed and skill that could help him earn a spot with the Pens and bring some needed scoring depth. Kapanen didn’t have an overwhelming draft season, but Pens assistant GM Bill Guerin indicated months ago that the team is quite high on him and he’ll get a chance to make the squad in camp. The son of former NHLer Sami Kapanen, Kasperi has some idea of what he’s getting himself into, but his performance will have to be special to get on this Cup-hungry roster.
Hawks storylines): Third D-Pairing
By Scott Powers
Nick Leddy is expected to be a fixture as the Chicago Blackhawks’ No. 5 defenseman again. What’s up in the air is which players will fill the No. 6, No. 7 and even possibly No. 8 defenseman roles for the Blackhawks this season.
Unless Leddy is traded, which his agent recently said he doesn’t expect, Leddy could be paired with a different defenseman on any given night as he did last season. He found himself partnered with Michal Rozsival, Sheldon Brookbank, Mike Kostka and David Rundblad last season.
The possibilities right now for Leddy are to be paired with Rozsival and Rundblad. Brookbank wasn’t re-signed in the offseason and Kostka was picked up on waivers in March.
Rozsival was solid throughout the Blackhawks’ playoff run in 2013, but his play declined last season and was made a healthy scratch for two games in the playoffs. He just turned 36 and his age has slowed him down in the recent years. He played in 27-of-48 regular-season games in 2013 and in 42-of-82 games last season. If he remains on the roster, the Blackhawks would likely rotate him again.
Rundblad was acquired by the Blackhawks near the trade deadline for a second-round pick last season. Although Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said just before acquiring Rundblad that having eight defensemen on the roster was too challenging, the Blackhawks were again given eight defensemen when Rundblad joined the team.
Rundblad, 23, appeared in five regular-season games last season, but he’s expected to be given a greater chance this season. Bowman coveted Rundblad for some time and did give up a high pick for him.
“I think he’s an example of a young player who’s ready for an opportunity,” Bowman said in June. “He’s in that age bracket where he’s 23, 24 years old. I think he just needs an opportunity for us. He’s got a ton of talent. He’s got a little more familiarity with our system now. It’s tough when he came in at the trade deadline, he didn’t get a lot of games, but everything is new in terms of how we play, what the coaches are looking for. Now he comes into training camp he’s way ahead of where he was back in March, so I would expect that to be a benefit for him. He understands the style of our team, what our coaches like and what they want him to do and I think he’s going to have a comfort level, so it’s good for a player like that to come in and have a chance.”
The Blackhawks also have four defensemen who could make the NHL jump from the AHL this season if needed. Adam Clendening, 21, has been one of the AHL’s most offensive defensemen the past two seasons. Klas Dahlbeck, 23, is a stay-at-home defenseman who has improved his offensive game. He practiced with the Blackhawks throughout the playoffs last season. Stephen Johns, 22, joined the organization last season after playing four years at Notre Dame. He’s a physical defenseman. Kyle Cumiskey, 27, spent the last two seasons in Sweden after playing in 132 NHL games earlier in his career.
Hawks storylines): Shaw's role
By Scott Powers
The Chicago Blackhawks' offseason signing of Brad Richards likely ended Andrew Shaw's second-line opportunity. But coming off Shaw's successful stint with Patrick Kane and Brandon Saad on the second line in the playoffs last season and now nearing 200-plus NHL games in a variety of roles, especially as the third-line center, the question is how do the Blackhawks best use Shaw?
Shaw, who is more athletic than many think, battles for pucks, causes a disturbance around the net, is defensively responsible, adapts to playing with different players and certainly doesn't need to get his when on the ice. He's a team player and is versatile enough to play on the wing or at center.
On the flip side, Shaw has struggled at face-offs, his puck-handling and ability to carry the puck cleanly into the offensive zone aren't always smooth, his offensive game is limited to mostly around the net and he still can end up on the wrong side careless penalties.
Shaw has had chances to play a top-6 role before, but they have never lasted too long and the outcomes have varied. Shaw opened eyes in the playoffs last season when he, Kane and Saad were the Blackhawks' most successful line against the Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference finals. In the final three games of the series, Shaw, Kane and Saad combined for 19 points. What Shaw especially did well with Kane and Saad was get to pucks, keep possessions alive and allow them room to maneuver.
Shaw was hopeful after the season he would get a chance to work with Kane and Saad again, but Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville has already said he expects Richards to begin as the second-line center. Richards' offensive game (867 points in 982 NHL games) and faceoff ability (around 50 percent) give him the edge over Shaw.
Shaw is likely back to the third line to begin the season. Quenneville has utilized Shaw mostly as his third-line center in the past. The line often wins the possession game (Shaw has had a 55.2 Corsi percentage over the past three seasons) and it scores more than it allows. Quenneville has always touted Shaw's defensive game, but Shaw got a chance at more offensive starts last season. He started 67.9 percent in the offensive zone last season compared to 52.7 percent the season before.
Another possibility would be moving Shaw to the wing and putting prospect Teuvo Teravainen at center. Wherever he ends up, Shaw, who turned 23 in July, is expected to play a key role again for the Blackhawks.
On the flip side, Shaw has struggled at face-offs, his puck-handling and ability to carry the puck cleanly into the offensive zone aren't always smooth, his offensive game is limited to mostly around the net and he still can end up on the wrong side careless penalties.
Shaw has had chances to play a top-6 role before, but they have never lasted too long and the outcomes have varied. Shaw opened eyes in the playoffs last season when he, Kane and Saad were the Blackhawks' most successful line against the Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference finals. In the final three games of the series, Shaw, Kane and Saad combined for 19 points. What Shaw especially did well with Kane and Saad was get to pucks, keep possessions alive and allow them room to maneuver.
Shaw was hopeful after the season he would get a chance to work with Kane and Saad again, but Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville has already said he expects Richards to begin as the second-line center. Richards' offensive game (867 points in 982 NHL games) and faceoff ability (around 50 percent) give him the edge over Shaw.
Shaw is likely back to the third line to begin the season. Quenneville has utilized Shaw mostly as his third-line center in the past. The line often wins the possession game (Shaw has had a 55.2 Corsi percentage over the past three seasons) and it scores more than it allows. Quenneville has always touted Shaw's defensive game, but Shaw got a chance at more offensive starts last season. He started 67.9 percent in the offensive zone last season compared to 52.7 percent the season before.
Another possibility would be moving Shaw to the wing and putting prospect Teuvo Teravainen at center. Wherever he ends up, Shaw, who turned 23 in July, is expected to play a key role again for the Blackhawks.
Hawks storylines): Versteeg's return.
By Scott Powers
Kris Versteeg might have been the only Chicago Blackhawk to play on every line last season.
That can be viewed in two different ways. It could be seen as a positive because he showed versatility and was able to adapt to different roles. It can also be seen as a negative, bouncing around because he wasn't consistent enough for Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville's liking.
The Blackhawks and Versteeg expect him to return this season being more of the former than the latter.
"We're looking for more," Quenneville said of Versteeg after the season. "I think Steeger knows and [I] would expect him to be at a different level next year. I think this summer of being able to train and put a real concentrated effort to get up to the speed that we want him at, as far as his conditioning level and his pace, where we want him to play his game at, is what we're looking for. And that will be the challenge for him this summer. But certainly we expect more going forward."
Versteeg admitted last season he returned too quickly from a knee injury he suffered during the 2013 season and didn't give himself enough time to strengthen it. His plan for this offseason was to focus on getting it where he wanted it to be.
Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman is still hopeful Versteeg can be the player they thought they were acquiring last season. Bowman touted the trade for Versteeg as the team's major in-season move, but it didn't pan out. Versteeg had some positive stretches and even started the playoffs on the top line, but he fell out of Quenneville's grace by the end of it and was a healthy scratch three times in the playoffs.
Versteeg can still be a factor for the Blackhawks, and his cap hit of $2.2 million is reasonable no matter where he plays. Training camp will be vital for Versteeg to prove he's regained some of his speed. It could come down to him and Jeremy Morin for a spot on the third line.
The Blackhawks and Versteeg expect him to return this season being more of the former than the latter.
"We're looking for more," Quenneville said of Versteeg after the season. "I think Steeger knows and [I] would expect him to be at a different level next year. I think this summer of being able to train and put a real concentrated effort to get up to the speed that we want him at, as far as his conditioning level and his pace, where we want him to play his game at, is what we're looking for. And that will be the challenge for him this summer. But certainly we expect more going forward."
Versteeg admitted last season he returned too quickly from a knee injury he suffered during the 2013 season and didn't give himself enough time to strengthen it. His plan for this offseason was to focus on getting it where he wanted it to be.
Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman is still hopeful Versteeg can be the player they thought they were acquiring last season. Bowman touted the trade for Versteeg as the team's major in-season move, but it didn't pan out. Versteeg had some positive stretches and even started the playoffs on the top line, but he fell out of Quenneville's grace by the end of it and was a healthy scratch three times in the playoffs.
Versteeg can still be a factor for the Blackhawks, and his cap hit of $2.2 million is reasonable no matter where he plays. Training camp will be vital for Versteeg to prove he's regained some of his speed. It could come down to him and Jeremy Morin for a spot on the third line.
Hawks storylines): Central power.
By Scott Powers
And you thought the Central Division was competitive last season ...
The Chicago Blackhawks should have their work again cut out for them within their division. Four teams finished with a division record better than .500 last season, and the Blackhawks weren't one of them. The Blackhawks finished third in the Central based off points, but they had a 13-13-3 divisional record.
Here's a glance at the Central for the upcoming season:
Here's a glance at the Central for the upcoming season:
Colorado Avalanche (52-22-8 overall last season, 19-6-3 Central)
The Avalanche won't surprise anyone this season. They got everyone's attention by excelling under first-year coach Patrick Roy and winning the Central last season. Their success was short-lived as the Wild knocked them out in the first round. The Avalanche weren't a terribly successful possession team last season, but were able to get by without it. They will have plenty of players with scoring ability again as they return Matt Duchene, Gabriel Landeskog, Ryan O'Reilly and Nathan MacKinnon. They lost Paul Stastny to free agency and added Jarome Iginla. The Avalanche have a lot of defensive depth. Goaltender Semyon Varlamov was often the difference last season. It could be difficult for him to duplicate such a career season.
St. Louis Blues (52-23-7 overall, 21-6-2 Central)
The Blues were ousted in the first round for the second consecutive season. To help fix that problem, the Blues went out and signed the 28-year-old Stastny, who had 25 goals and 35 assists in 71 games for the Avalanche last season. The Blues return plenty of other offensive weapons in David Backes, T.J. Oshie, Alexander Steen, Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko. Alex Pietrangelo again leads the defensemen. The Blues hand the net over to Brian Elliott, who has a .911 save percentage in 235 career NHL games. He has never started more than 36 games in a season for the Blues.
Minnesota Wild (43-27-12 overall, 14-12-3 Central)
The Wild proved themselves to be a legit playoff team by first eliminating the Avalanche and then pushing the Blackhawks to six games. The Blackhawks pulled out the series by winning the final two games with 2-1 scores. The Wild return Zach Parise, Jason Pominville and Mikko Koivu and added Thomas Vanek in the offseason. They also have some youth and skill in forwards Mikael Grandlund, Charlie Coyle, Erik Haula and Nino Niederretier. Ryan Suter will again be the face of the defense. The Wild's goaltending situation is still the wild card.
Dallas Stars (40-31-11 overall, 13-11-5 Central)
The Stars were the fifth team from the Central to earn a playoff spot last season, and they pushed the Anaheim Ducks to six games in the first round. Tyler Seguin, 22, and Jamie Benn, 25, combined for 71 goals and 92 assists last season and will likely lead the way again this season. The Stars added forwards Jason Spezza and Ales Hemsky in the offseason to give them some more depth. There are still some questions about their defensemen, but the Stars should be better this season.
Nashville Predators (38-32-12 overall, 12-13-4 Central)
The Predators made a push for a playoff spot last season, but fell short and replaced coach Barry Trotz with Peter Laviolette. Defenseman Shea Weber led the Predators in points, and the offense is likely a concern again this season. The Predators have a number of players under 25 who could give them an added push. Seth Jones is still 19 and should take a step this season. Forward Filip Forsberg, 20, is another player to keep an eye on.
Winnipeg Jets (37-35-10 overall, 9-15-5 Central)
The Jets got knocked around in the difficult Central last season, but they were pretty good elsewhere, going 28-20-5 outside the division. Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little combined for 51 goals and 82 assists last season. Also returning Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, Evander Kane and Toby Enstrom gives the Jets a chance again. The Jets allowed 2.82 goals per game last season, and their defense and goaltending could be weaknesses again.Just another Chicago Bulls Session… Derrick Rose sees woeful World Cup as positive, says his body is now accustomed to basketball.
By Eric Freeman
United States's Derrick Rose, controls the ball during the Group C Basketball World Cup match, against Turkey, in Bilbao northern Spain, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014. The 2014 Basketball World Cup competition take place in various cities in Spain from last Aug. 30 through to Sept. 14. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos)
When Jerry Colangelo and Mike Krzyzewski first set about making the roster for the 2014 FIBA World Cup of Basketball this summer, one of the biggest stories was the triumphant return of Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose. The 2010-11 NBA MVP and three-time All-Star has missed all but 10 games of the past two seasons with various major knee injuries and appeared set to use the World Cup as a sort of comeback tour. At the beginning of August, Coach K even announced that Rose had returned to the level of basketball's best. It looked like he was ready to serve as one of Team USA's stars.
The eventual reality was much more disappointing. Rose sat out an exhibition game with knee soreness, took on a diminished role in the rotation, and struggled once official World Cup games began. In nine games, Rose averaged 4.8 points on 25.4 percent shooting from the field (including 1-of-19 from the shorter international three-point line), 3.1 assists, and 2.0 turnovers in 17.1 minutes per game. He was also the only American not to score in the final vs. Serbia, though he did log six assists. It's arguable that he was Team USA's worst performer in the tournament .
Nevertheless, Rose views his experience in the World Cup as a major positive for his NBA comeback. From Mark Woods for ESPNChicago.com (via EOB):
It came without the former NBA Most Valuable Player needing to overextend himself -- with Rose used sparingly in playing just 16 minutes in the final. That he survived intact through 50 days of national team duty without any reason to believe that his knees will be a significant issue during the coming season will be a huge relief to the Bulls as training camp approaches.
“Physically he’s great,” said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, who shared in the victory as assistant to USA head coach Mike Krzyzweski. “Mentally he’s great. We had five games in six days. He handled that. There was a lot that was real good." [...]
“I’m going to transfer this onto next season with the Bulls,” he said. “It’s really helped me with my recovery. Being off the floor, taking care of my body, eating right. I was feeling good every time I stepped on the floor, stretching every time, I think it’s going to help me with the Bulls season.
“This has gotten my body accustomed. I haven’t been playing in a long time. I still have to get my rhythm back. But as far as I’m concerned, I think I performed well. Making this team was enough for me. The championship was the cherry on top, just coming here, performing in front of this great crowd. Just coming here. Now, sad to say, I have to put this behind me and concentrate on playing for the Bulls.”
Rose may be seeing a silver lining to his rough performance, but these comments are also not an isolated case. Before the final, he said that he would give himself an A-grade for the tournament and received strong feedback from Bulls officials. While it's hard to be too positive given the stats listed above, it's also understandable that everyone involved would want to focus on what went right. Even if that constitutes getting excited that Rose played in several real basketball games without suffering a painful setback.
On Monday, Yahoo's own Adrian Wojnarowski referred to Rose's FIBA experience as a "Double-A rehab assignment," a joke that doubles as the most effective way to think about what Rose did in Spain. In baseball, stars often appear in the minor leagues on the way back from injury without actually playing in a particularly impressive way. When that happens, it's not a problem — it's just part of a process. The situations aren't entirely comparable, if only because a string of poor games is accepted as normal in baseball to a degree it's not in basketball. Yet FIBA is also not the NBA, and it's possible that Rose would have done better under NBA rules. After all, he wasn't overwhelmingly excellent in the 2010 FIBA World Championships, and that tournament occurred right before his MVP season with the Bulls.
What's clear, though, is that we don't yet know what kind of player Rose will be when he suits up for the Bulls in late October. At that point, he will have been 30 months removed from his pre-injury peak, with only those 10 rust-covered games last fall and this tournament to serve as evidence of his abilities. Rose and the Bulls want observers to withhold judgment on his future, but that process also must involve admitting that he showed very little with Team USA to compel optimism. It makes little sense to write off Rose — it would also be foolish to declare his FIBA World Cup an unmitigated success. There's a lot left to prove.
Bulls announce 2014 training camp schedule.
nba.com, chicagobulls.com
Noah, Noah, Noah!!!
Team will officially begin camp on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
In preparation for the 2014-15 NBA season, the Chicago Bulls will start training camp on Monday, Sept. 29 with their annual Media Day event at the Advocate Center. Bulls players, Head Coach Tom Thibodeau and General Manager Gar Forman will be available to the media for interviews and photos.
The Bulls will officially begin camp on Tuesday, Sept. 30 with a two-a-day practice session set. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Thursday, Oct. 2, and Friday, Oct. 3 the Bulls will have the same two-a-day practice schedule. On Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5, Chicago will have one practice session.
Chicago will tip-off its eight game preseason schedule on Monday, Oct. 6, when it takes on the Washington Wizards at the United Center at 7:00 p.m. (CT). The Bulls will then travel to Detroit to take on the Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. (CT). Other preseason contests include: at Milwaukee Bucks (Oct. 11), vs. Denver Nuggets (Oct. 13), vs. Atlanta Hawks (Oct. 16), vs. Charlotte Hornets (Oct. 19), at Cleveland Cavaliers (Oct. 20; in Columbus, Ohio) and vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Oct. 24; in St. Louis, Mo.).
Tickets for every Chicago Bulls home game will go on sale on Friday, Sept. 26 at 11:00 a.m. at Bulls.com, NBATickets.com, the United Center box office, Ticketmaster locations or by calling 1-800-4NBA-TIX. For season tickets or groups, call 312-455-4000 and ask for a Ticket Executive.
NBA needs to pull stars from USA Basketball, which is showcasing only Duke's coach.
By Adrian Wojnarowski
Krzyzewski helped guide the U.S. to the gold medal at the World Cup of Basketball. (Getty Images)
The confetti falls, the star-spangled banner plays and the USA Basketball illusion plays itself out again and again. Here come the Duke and Syracuse coaches hugging the NBA stars, primping for pictures that they'll rush through texts and Twitter to star recruits. Pity poor Serbia, the silver-medalist props to a college recruiting video.
The World Cup of Basketball is a wonderful event, a well-run, well-coordinated tournament with pride and history and gravitas. It is something else, too: beneath the threshold of worthiness for NBA stars to participate. For Indiana Pacers star Paul George to have broken his leg in a televised pick-up game on the Vegas strip never felt as senseless as did watching the United States hang 129 points on Serbia in the gold-medal game Sunday at Palacio de los Deportes.
Outside of Derrick Rose using FIBA as a Double-A rehab assignment and some sportswriters beefing up on Marriott points for post-summer vacations, this tournament was a waste of everyone's time and resources. They used to call it the World Championships. Now it's the World Cup of Basketball. This is certain: It has outlived its usefulness for the NBA, and owners and executives will be wise to petition FIBA to reshape the future of international basketball.
As one GM told Yahoo Sports, "[Outside of the U.S. team], there's more talent and more interest from basketball fans in the NBA summer league than this event."
For all the inspiration the U.S. coaches and players tried to drain out of George's injury, understand something: It was in vain. He lost a year of his career for the chance to play in a tournament that few watched back home, and even fewer felt mesmerized by across the world. The risk-reward for NBA stars participating in FIBA tournaments has never been so low, the gains of the Mike Krzyzewskis and Jim Boeheims on the bench so high.
George will be the impetus to end the full participation of NBA stars, but far from the reason. After the 2016 Olympics in Rio, the World Cup of Basketball and Olympic Games are destined to become an under-22 developmental tournament.
"We need to get our vets out and move our younger players in," one NBA general manager told Yahoo Sports. "The support's there for the change, and it's getting stronger."
No more grinding down of Pau Gasol and Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker as thirty-something stars for countries that desperately need them to compete, no more Yao Ming dragging a battered leg up and down the floor for China. Rival countries to the United States don't have the depth of Team USA's talent, nor the reinforcements to let stars sit out qualifying events, to excuse them to nurse injuries.
Sooner than later, people will understand: Those most stridently touting the irreplaceable value of USA Basketball are those profiting the greatest from it.
As much as ever, USA Basketball has been co-opted into a Krzyzewski leverage play for the Duke Blue Devils. If that doesn't rile Kentucky's John Calipari, wait until the Duke coach is credited for DeMarcus Cousins' maturity with the Sacramento Kings this season.
The end's coming for USA Basketball's grip on the game in the States, but once change goes into effect come the 2018 World Cup, it won't matter much to Krzyzewski anymore. He still has two full summers of USA Basketball access left to him, and that'll make it a full decade of control. As one Duke alumnus would tell you: There is a USA Basketball storefront selling patriotism and duty with a backroom reality that peddles the Blue Devils and Nike swooshes.
When Team USA goes to the U.S. Military Academy to practice on its pre-tournament tour, guess what the stories are: Krzyzewski returns to his West Point roots. There's Coach K with the cadets.
There's Coach K in the mess hall. There's Coach K teaching those rich NBA players about sacrifice and selflessness. People call Calipari the greatest self-promoting coach of his time, but Krzyzewski doesn't get nearly the credit due him. USA Basketball is a machine with its tentacles deep into every level of basketball, and Krzyzewski taps into every element.
USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo has set it up for Krzyzewski to have a free run, and he's been strategic and shrewd in its use. NBA commissioner Adam Silver gave Krzyzewski a big hug on the floor Sunday night here – another Dukie thrilled about how this partnership has closed the gap on Calipari and Kentucky, and gone a long way toward burying the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Krzyzewski never violated an NCAA rule when he climbed aboard a flight, flew cross-country and addressed the 2013 under-19 USA Basketball national team at its Colorado Springs training camp. He addressed players in a group, and talked to them individually, sources told Yahoo Sports. For the record, Krzyzewski is USA Basketball's senior national coach and the visit gave him an opportunity to personally welcome those young men into the program's feeder system.
Well, the trip did something else, too: It gave the Duke coach unfiltered access to two of the best high school players in the nation. Florida's Billy Donovan was the under-19 head coach. Virginia's Tony Bennett and VCU's Shaka Smart were his assistants. They probably didn't need Krzyzewski's voice, but he probably didn't ask their permission, either.
The roster of college stars happened to include two 17-year-old prep phenoms: Chicago's Jahlil Okafor and Houston's Justise Winslow. When Krzyzewski makes his triumphant return this week, two freshmen stars will be awaiting him on Duke's campus: Okafor and Winslow.
Within the college recruiting game, no one ever considered it a coincidence when one of those younger USA Basketball national teams would detour through Vegas to watch Krzyzewski and his Duke assistants on the training camp floor with the biggest basketball stars in the world.
Without the access of USA Basketball, there's a strong belief within the basketball community that Krzyzewski would've never landed Jabari Parker. Only, he had it, used it and signed him. He's on a tremendous run, and let's face it: Krzyzewski is so untouchable, he could keep Mason Plumlee on this World Cup roster without much of an uproar.
Every four years, Colangelo and Krzyzewski deliver that well-rehearsed routine of the coach wanting to step down only to have the managing director convince him of a return for four more years. Every time, we fall for it.
As long as Krzyzewski needs recruits at Duke, he needs USA Basketball. Why sit in the steamy summer-circuit AAU gyms trying to make eye contact with 16-year-olds, when you can use the media to write about all the close, personal relationships you've developed with LeBron and Kobe, 'Melo and Kevin Durant? Hey kids, Krzyzewski even texts them during the season – maybe sometimes right after he texts you!
Krzyzewski is a great coach. After the 2006 World Championships debacle, he's done an excellent job with these United States teams. He commands respect and sells a vision. Yet once the top players were willing to play again, the United States was never losing – and it hasn't. The gap has grown in the world again, and the romance of the Dream Teams is slowly, surely dying. Under-22 is the way to go, the best young NBA players and a college superstar or two for introduction into the global market.
The beginning of the end for USA Basketball had come on that August night, when George crumpled to the court and a bone blasted out of his flesh. It was a sick, sobering moment, and the USA players were still talking about it on Sunday night in Madrid.
The image was startling, and it'll stay with people for a long, long time. It'll be one of the catalysts to get NBA stars out of FIBA basketball. As the hours passed that August night, Krzyzewski changed the conversation about his involvement in the NBA losing a $100 million star in a worthless scrimmage. At the foot of George's hospital bed, someone had been waiting to snap the photo of the U.S. national coach reaching down and embracing his stricken player.
Suddenly, this most private and personal moment turned out to be anything but that. Within minutes, that image would be flying through Twitter and Instagram for all those moms and dads to see the compassion and caring of Duke's coach.
So the NBA stars climbed onto the podium on Sunday night at the Palacio de los Deportes, and there was Mike Krzyzewski making his move to the far end, framing himself with the gold medalists. The flashes flickered, the confetti swirled and the NBA had a chance to take a long, long look at the photo and ask itself: Who benefited the most in this picture, and why the hell would we keep doing this?
R.I.P.: 2014 Chicago Cubs' season.
By Matt Snyder, Baseball Writer
The Chicago Cubs' 2014 season was mathematically concluded recently. As we do in these parts, let us eulogize the season that was for the North Siders.
What went right
For a team set to finish fifth for the fourth consecutive season, a lot.
First of all, one of the main things the Cubs needed to see this season was progress from their younger players, specifically Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro -- who were coming off down seasons. Both were All-Stars this year and are among the best at their respective positions in the NL, in this their age-24 season. With both locked up to club-friendly, long-term contracts, the bounce-back seasons were huge for the Cubs.
How about Jake Arrieta? He was long a high-upside bust for the Orioles, but this year for the Cubs he's been excellent. He was joined in the rotation by rookie Kyle Hendricks, who went 6-2 with a 2.38 ERA (162 ERA+) and 1.09 WHIP. Felix Doubront and Tsuyoshi Wada also threw well when in the rotation.
Several young arms in the bullpen showed great promise, too, especially Neil Ramirez and Hector Rondon.
With the progress from so many young players, the first year of manager Rick Renteria has to be considered a success.
The Cubs did trade Jason Hammel and Jeff Samardzija in early July, but they got back Addison Russell and Billy McKinney. Both were great after the trade and Russell is considered a top-five prospect in baseball. Given the direction of the franchise, that trade was a huge plus. Throw in the exploits of top 2014 pick Kyle Schwarber and several others, and the farm system is considered by many among the best in baseball.
And then there are the kids that saw the bigs. Twenty-one-year-old Javier Baez has plenty of issues at the plate, but he's shown his power is real. Arismendy Alcantara has shown flashes of his all-around ability and Jorge Soler has wowed from the start.
Finally, Kris Bryant -- the No. 2 overall pick in 2013 -- was the best player in the minors this year, hitting .325/.438/.661 with 34 doubles, 43 homers, 110 RBI and 15 steals in 138 games between Double-A (68 games) and Triple-A (70 games).
What went wrong
The Cubs are destined to finish last again, so that's obviously first and foremost here. In looking at season-long league ranks, it's not difficult to see why. The Cubs rank 12th in the NL in runs, despite being second in homers, in part because they are 13th in average and 14th in on-base percentage. The team ERA is 13th, too.
Individually, it wasn't all positive from the younger guys. Junior Lake and Mike Olt were real bad, for the most part, in the majors and both required demotions to the minors. He's 27, so he's not part of the prospect wave, but Welington Castillo took a step back.
On the mound, it was the veterans that let the Cubs down. Specifically, Edwin Jackson (6-14, 6.09) was awful and Travis Wood (8-12, 5.03) was wildly disappointing. Going back to the beginning of the season, we can't forget how badly the Jose Veras signing tanked.
MVP: Rizzo. If not for a back injury a few weeks ago, he might well have flirted with 40 homers this year. He's still second in the NL to Giancarlo Stanton while also ranking in the top 10 in on-base percentage and slugging percentage.
Co-LVPs: Wood and Jackson. Wood was an All-Star last year. Jackson was the Cubs' highest-paid player this year. Among the 45 pitchers qualified for the NL ERA title, Wood ranks dead last. Jackson is over a run worse, but he's spared the list due to his injury and falling short of being qualified. Had the Cubs gotten what they paid for from Jackson and what Wood gave last year (which would've been a stretch anyway, but work with me here), they could have flirted with .500 for a while. Instead, the two combined for 55 starts and 1.4 fWAR, compared to Hendricks' 1.3 fWAR over just 11 starts.
Free agents to be: RP/SP Carlos Villanueva; also note that Alfonso Soriano's contract comes off the books.
Gameplan heading into the offseason
This is a big offseason for Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and company. The Cubs have just over $30 million in payroll committed to next season. Even with the arbitration raises and pre-arbitration salaries factored in, the payroll would only be around $60 million (and that's without subtractions to the roster, which are likely coming). Now, it's only been $66.9 million this season, but the Cubs have repeatedly made it known that they have money to spend this winter for several reasons.
Atop the wish list is a frontline starting pitcher. Max Scherzer, Jon Lester and James Shields fit the bill. With the Epstein and Hoyer administration having strong ties to Lester, the connection there makes sense and many rumors have indicated that there is mutual interest.
Beyond that, it's possible the Cubs grab another starter, this one likely coming from the group that includes Justin Masterson, Brandon McCarthy, Francisco Liriano et al.
Further, the Cubs have also indicated a preference to find a leadoff man this offseason to put in front of their young firepower. If the Nationals don't pick up Denard Span's option, he'd be intriguing, but the bet is they do. What about Nick Markakis? He's not a prototypical leadoff man, but the Cubs just want someone to get on base. Markakis would fit nicely atop an NL lineup that isn't overly concerned with stolen bases and has a $17.5 million option for next year.
Finally, there is the glut of middle infielders that makes everyone think the Cubs have to trade someone for pitching. As I've pointed out numerous times before, they don't have to. Shortstops in the minors frequently are moved to other positions in the majors. The notion that Starlin Castro and his club-friendly deal are gone for less than a stellar package (start with Matt Harvey, Mets fans, and work from there) are laughable. I could see Javier Baez or even Addison Russell dealt, but the Cubs' return would have to be huge.
Mostly, the feeling is the Cubs look to add a few pieces in free agency and see how everything progresses with the youngsters in 2015. This will be one of the most fun teams to monitor in the offseason.
Ridiculously premature prediction for 2015
They'll get Lester while Bryant wins the NL Rookie of the Year and the Cubs finish with a winning record for the first time since 2009. At least one of the hot-shot youngsters struggles, though, and a serious playoff run will have to wait another year. Still, they'll head into next offseason with many reasons for optimism for 2016 and beyond.
Golf: I got a club for that… Woods says strength is back, but not swing.
By DOUG FERGUSON (AP Golf Writer)
Tiger Woods is too busy in the gym to find a new swing coach, or even swing a golf club.
Woods said Monday his strength has returned from ''busting my butt in the gym pretty hard'' and he is on schedule to resume competition in December. But he still hasn't hit a golf ball since he missed the cut at the PGA Championship on Aug. 8, and still doesn't know when he will.
''We're pretty much past the strength phase now, and I've got my strength where I want to have it,'' Woods said at Isleworth Golf & Country Club, where he lived for the first 15 years of his pro career. ''Now I just need to get my fast twitch going and get my speed back, and that's going to take a little bit of time. That's part of our second phase of training. And that's coming up now.''
Woods had his fifth surgery in 20 years - this time on his back - and failed to win a PGA Tour event for the third time in the last five years.
Rory McIlroy referred to Woods and Phil Mickelson has being on ''the last few holes'' of their careers when he was asked about the two best players of their generation not being eligible for the Tour Championship for the first time since 1992.
McIlroy simply was noting their ages (Woods turns 39 in December, Mickelson is 44) and their injuries. And when ''the last few holes'' became an Internet sensation and McIlroy was asked if he needed to explain his remarks to Woods, he replied with a laugh, ''I've said worse to his face.''
Woods response?
''I thought it was funny,'' he said. ''Phil has less holes to play than I do, though. It's a reality, you know? We're all older. I'm nearing my 20th season on tour here coming up pretty soon. ... It's just part of the aging process.''
The Tiger Woods Foundation announced that India-based Hero Motocorp would be the new title sponsor of Woods' year-end charity event, which is moving to Isleworth from Sherwood Country Club in California. The tournament will played Dec. 4-7.
Woods played an exhibition in India in February when he met Pawan Munjal, the vice chairman and CEO of Hero.
''That's my last good round I played all year,'' Woods said. ''I shot 63 that day.''
Even though he smiled, there was some truth to that. A nagging back injury became progressively worse until Woods chose to have back surgery March 31, forcing him to miss the Masters for the first time and the U.S. Open during a three-month recovery.
When he returned, Woods missed the cut twice, had his worst 72-hole finish in a major and withdrew from a World Golf Championship when he jarred his back hopping off a steep slope into the bunker in the final round at Firestone. He didn't qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs for the second time, both injury related. And he took himself out of consideration as a Ryder Cup pick.
Woods didn't regret coming back too soon. He said he didn't realize how much stamina he lacked.
''I felt good enough to do it, and the only unfortunate part is I couldn't maintain the conditioning,'' Woods said. ''I wasn't as conditioned as I needed to be. So as the tournament would wear on, I would get more and more fatigued and tired, and I wasn't as explosive. I wasn't as strong. ... I could lift the weights that I'm accustomed to lifting, as well as playing and practicing.
''Eventually, the game started to deteriorate a little bit because ... I wasn't in good enough shape to maintain it.''
He said his conditioning program is similar to when he returned from reconstructive knee surgery after winning the 2008 U.S. Open, his last major title.
Woods fired Sean Foley two weeks after the PGA Championship. He already has had three swing coaches - and four different swings - during his pro career.
''Am I looking for a new coach? As of right now, no, I'm not,'' Woods said. ''Right now I'm just trying to get physically better, stronger, faster, more explosive. ... I'm in no hurry to look for one right now. As I said, I'm just focused on what I'm doing.''
Among the early commitments to the Hero World Challenge are U.S. Open champion Martin Kaymer, Masters champion Bubba Watson and either other players in the Ryder Cup next week, along with two Americans who won't be in the Ryder Cup - FedEx Cup champion Billy Horschel and Chris Kirk.
''It's going to be a deep field,'' Woods said. ''And hopefully, I can play a little bit better than I have been playing.''
Woods lost in a playoff last year to Zach Johnson. That was his last top-10 finish.
NASCAR: Tony Stewart case going to a grand jury.
By Nick Bromberg
A grand jury will decide if Tony Stewart will face charges in the August 9 death of Kevin Ward.
NASCAR: Tony Stewart case going to a grand jury.
By Nick Bromberg
A grand jury will decide if Tony Stewart will face charges in the August 9 death of Kevin Ward.
The Ontario County (N.Y.) District Attorney's office announced Tuesday it is sending the evidence from Ward's death to a grand jury, which will decide whether or not to file charges against Stewart.
Stewart and Ward were racing together at Canandaigua Motorsports Park (N.Y.) in a sprint car race on Aug. 9. After Ward hit the wall, he exited his car and went down the track to angrily confront Stewart. Stewart's car struck and killed Ward.
The Ontario County Sheriff's Department had investigated the matter for approximately a month. Last week it announced it had sent the evidence from the investigation to the district attorney. According to the Associated Press, District Attorney Michael Tantillo "could have determined there was not enough evidence to support charges and dropped the case."
Here is the full statement from Ontario County District Attorney Michael Tantillo:
Over the past several weeks I have reviewed with members of the Ontario County Sheriff’s Department their investigation, as it progressed, in the Tony Stewart matter. Recently that office concluded its work and forwarded the complete case file to me. Upon my review of all of the information contained in the entire investigation, I have made the determination that it would be appropriate to submit the evidence to a grand jury, for their determination as to what action should be taken in this matter. Accordingly, the evidence developed in the investigation will be presented to an Ontario County grand jury in the near future.
As grand jury proceedings in New York State are strictly confidential by law, I am unable to state when the matter will be scheduled, other than to state that I intend to present the matter in the near future. Similarly, because of the confidential nature of these proceedings, I cannot state who will be called as witnesses, or what any witness’s expected testimony will be. When the presentation has been completed and a determination has been made, I will advise the public and the media at that time of the results.
Michael Tantillo
Ontario County District Attorney
Stewart, who missed three races following the incident, issued a statement a short time after the district attorney's announcement.
“I respect the time and effort spent by both the Ontario County District Attorney and the Sheriff’s Office in investigating this tragic accident," said Stewart, who is expected to compete in this weekend's Sprint Cup race in New Hampshire. "I look forward to this process being completed, and I will continue to provide my full cooperation.”
NASCAR released its own statement that read, in part, "We will monitor this process and stay in close contact with Stewart-Haas Racing. It would be inappropriate for NASCAR to comment on this case so we will continue to respect the process and authorities involved."
When Stewart, a three time Sprint Cup champion and 48-time winner in NASCAR's elite series, returned to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Atlanta, he gave an almost three-minute statement on the matter. He has not taken questions about the incident and will likely not do so until the grand jury process is completed.
A video of the incident was posted to YouTube in the hours following the accident and the OCSD previously said it had a second video. In its statement last week, the OCSD had said it had obtained enhanced video, though we don't know which video it pertains to.
While the sprint car race was not sanctioned by NASCAR, the sanctioning body announced less than a week after Ward's death that all drivers must stay in their vehicles after accidents until emergency personnel arrive.
NASCAR: Power Rankings: Chasing Keselowski.
By Nick Bromberg
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) celebrates winning the MYAFIBSTORY.COM 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. (Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
1. Brad Keselowski: Please note, we will not be resetting Power Rankings after each Chase elimination round. That seems like an exercise in not-power. With two consecutive victories and the points lead going into the Chase and the points lead after Chase race numero uno, Keselowski is the no-brainer pick for the top spot. His three-wide pass for the lead was great, but it's made more awesome in that it came in a season where battling for the lead at intermediate tracks has been nonexistent at times.
2. Kevin Harvick: Harvick was using everything in his bag of tricks to try to get Kyle Larson to burp the throttle just enough to yield first place. Had either driver been able to get clear, Keselowski may not have an opportunity to make his pass. Instead, Harvick and Larson had cut such a huge hole in the air on the frontstretch that Keselowski's car looked like it had rocket boosters attached to it.
3. Jeff Gordon: The man credited with having the best cars over the course of long green flag runs this season had a very good one as green flag laps accumulated on Sunday. We just simply didn't have enough laps to see if he could catch Keselowski. Speaking of Larson, he gave Gordon a heck of a battle for second at the end of the race too. So much so that Gordon called him "Kevin Larson" after the race.
4. Joey Logano: Yes, Joey Logano got very lucky when his engine expired right as he was crossing the finish line on Sunday. However, he was somewhat unlucky to pick up the large piece of plastic on the front of his grille in the waning laps. While the plastic ultimately killed the engine, it might have helped Logano's car before it blew up with the added downforce. If it helped Logano net a couple extra positions at the expense of an engine and boosts his Chase standing, a blown engine is worth it, right?
5. Kyle Busch: Busch's pole (via Friday's practice speeds) was the first time he's started in the top five at an intermediate track all season. Not a bad time to put up a fast lap in practice, eh? While he ultimately fell six spots and finished seventh, it was a big race for the No. 18 team. They were able to buck a trend of six-straight finishes outside the top 10.
6 Kurt Busch: Kurt gets to follow Kyle because of his bounceback from a spin on pit road. Early in the race, he got onto pit road too quickly and as he turned the car down to the left and tried to hit the pit road speed limit at the same time. The rear brakes locked up and Busch was stalled on pit road. He lost a lap as the miscue was under green but was able to get it back and finish in the top 10.
7. Denny Hamlin: First race with Darian Grubb nets Hamlin a top 10. Maybe this increased horsepower from the Joe Gibbs Racing guys is going to make them formidable opponents to the Hendrick and Penske-powered dominance most of us are expecting? Of course, we can't talk about the good of JGR engines without at least thinking of the bad. If the team can be a force in the Chase and have no reliability issues, the bad will fade.
8. Matt Kenseth: The line of media days on Thursday came from Kenseth when he was asked about his nation amidst the NASCAR driver nations push. Kenseth said (via USA Today) that "I need to get some more people in my nation and start taxing them.' Man, what a great idea. Can you imagine how much richer Dale Earnhardt Jr. would be if he taxed the members of Junior Nation? Instead of China lending the U.S. money, it'd be Junior himself.
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Speaking of Junior, here he is. It's not a time to panic Junior fans. 11th place is just fine for the first race. It's not great, but it's not porous, either. And Junior's bonus points from his three wins are a nice cushion. With the new format, points matter, but sustained excellence won't. Simply being consistent enough to survive, especially in the first six races, is going to be a perfectly fine strategy.
10. Jimmie Johnson: OH NO THE DEMISE OF JIMMIE JOHNSON IS UPON US. HE FINISHED 12TH IN THE FIRST RACE OF THE CHASE AND HAS NO SHOT. No, the Junior paragaph applies here too. Johnson's car didn't have the outright speed many expected over the weekend, but if he and Chad Knaus learned some things to benefit themselves in the future, it's probably worth it, right?
11. Kyle Larson: We can't go straight-Chase this week. We've got to give some love to Larson's show as he went toe-to-toe with both Harvick and Gordon while up front before ultimately finishing third. He's got to be the most likely non-Chase driver to win a race at an intermediate track in the next nine races, right? If it's not him, it may be his teammate Jamie McMurray.
12. Ryan Newman: The final spot was between Newman or Kasey Kahne. Both drivers had issues during Sunday's race, but Newman came from three laps down to get back on the lead lap and finish 15th. That wins. It could be an escape that saves Newman from an early Chase elimination. Had he not gotten any of his laps back, the highest Newman could have finished was 26th.
Lucky Dog: Here's where we will place Kahne, for he had a significantly dented left-front fender that needed repairs.
The DNF: Almirola by mourning, up from San Anton'.
Soccer: How can Real Madrid end Champions League Curse?
By Ben Hayward
A coach's job is seldom safe at Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti delivered La Decima in his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Madrid came within a minute of losing that final and had it done so, the Italian would have been unlikely to remain at the club.
Earlier in the campaign, the side's disappointing displays brought plenty of criticism from the Madrid media. Ancelotti spoke of finding "balance" in midfield and he eventually did - with Xabi Alonso and Angel Di Maria.
But with those two now long gone following summer moves to Bayern Munich and Manchester United, respectively, Ancelotti must find the balance all over again. And with three defeats in the team's last four fixtures, he had better find it quickly.
"Real Madrid are a team of athletes, we're a diesel team," the Italian said last week in reference to his side's slow start to 2014-15. But he added: "I'll find the right solution again."
Madrid kicks off its Champions League campaign on Tuesday at home to Swiss side Basel and hopes to become the first team to retain the trophy since the competition's format changed in 1992. Inexplicably, however, Real is weaker now than when it won the trophy on that special night in Lisbon back in May.
Summer signings Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez lifted the mood after the World Cup. "With Kroos and James we are even stronger," Luka Modric said in July. And they were. But then Di Maria and Alonso left the club.
"Alonso was vital for Madrid," former Real winger Jose Amavisca told Goal. "It was when he returned from injury last season that the team started to play well. He was the one who pulled the strings in midfield and dictated the play, but he also gave the team a balance they had been lacking in his absence."
And that balance was missing as Alonso sat out the Champions League final due to suspension. Without him, Madrid so nearly lost. Sergio Ramos' late leveler forced extra-time, but Di Maria was the Man of the Match and the Argentine's remarkable run set up Gareth Bale for the crucial second goal.
"Di Maria was such an important player last season and there are very few like him. Madrid will struggle to replace what he gave to the team," former Spain midfielder Gaizka Mendieta told Goal.
Ancelotti utilized Di Maria in a midfield role which saw the Argentine track back to help out in defense and set up goals at the other end with his pace, boundless energy and indefatigable spirit. Few such players exist in world football.
Madrid may be lucky enough to have two of them in Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, but the Portuguese is never going to be deployed in such a role (nor should he be), while the Welshman will probably not be keen on regressing back to a midfield slot.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti is considering a midfield three with Bale in the 'Di Maria role' alongside Kroos and Modric. "Bale is an option for Ancelotti in midfield and he played there for Tottenham," former Liverpool striker and Spanish football pundit Michael Robinson said on his video blog this week. "But we have seen that he isn't a player who links up that much with his teammates. Maybe that was because he was the new kid, however, and perhaps Ancelotti now thinks that process is behind him - and that playing him further back would allow James more license to roam and connect with Cristiano and Benzema."
If Bale is indeed willing to play that role, the Welshman has the tools necessary to be able to shine as Di Maria did. As a former fullback, he knows all about covering and tracking back, while his runs from deep positions at Tottenham often proved devastating as he both scored and assisted with wonderful pace and dribbling. However, this role requires much more defensive discipline than his current position and as the world's most expensive player, it remains to be seen whether he would be willing to operate in a more "sacrificial" role on the left, behind Ronaldo.
Potentially, that could solve one problem. But Alonso's departure has created another because Kroos - for all his obvious talents - is simply not a holding midfielder. Neither, of course, is Modric. Both are excellent ball-players and hard workers, but the pair are vulnerable together in a double pivot and Bale dropping back wouldn't solve that problem either.
The arrival of James means that, to some extent, Ancelotti's hands are tied. He has to play the Colombian because he was the club's marquee signing and cost around 80 million euros, but he must also find room for Kroos - and the rest of the team virtually picks itself.
"Kroos has to adapt," former Madrid midfielder Alvaro Benito wrote in his column in AS on Sunday. "The German has almost always had a shield behind him to do the dirty work, but he will have to adapt and take on much more responsibility defensively because if not, the team will always suffer against demanding rivals."
That, however, is a solution which will take time and doubts remain over the German's ability to change his game and become the player Madrid needs in that position.
The alternative is to bring in another player. Sami Khedira is currently injured, but his inclusion would give the midfield more balance. The German is more limited in terms of technical ability, however. Another option would be to include Asier Illarramendi, the man who was signed as Alonso's long-term replacement in the first place. Ancelotti, however, doesn't appear convinced by the 24-year-old.
Casemiro is possibly the answer in the future, but the Brazilian was sent out to Porto on loan for the season, leaving Ancelotti with one last and very intriguing alternative: Raphael Varane.
The Italian thought about playing the Frenchman in midfield against Atleti and he could be the solution to the team's problems. Already an excellent defender, the 21-year-old would be comfortable dropping deep to help out Sergio Ramos and Pepe, while his presence would surely avoid situations like the one from which Atleti scored the winner on Saturday - when Raul Garcia and Arda Turan were left all alone in the area at a throw-in. Varane also boasts excellent technical ability and plenty of pace - another attribute Kroos is lacking.
Varane has often been likened to Fernando Hierro, now Madrid's assistant coach. Hierro himself was a fine center back who played much of his career in midfield and he would be able to pass on invaluable advice.
"We have a great squad. Maybe we no longer have a great team," said Hierro's former teammate Manolo Sanchis at the weekend.
It pretty much summed up the current situation and just like last season, it's up to Ancelotti to change all that once again. Madrid's hopes of retaining the Champions League depend on it.
Week 4 NCAAFB Poll Comparisons.
By Shane.Roberts
On Monday, we posted the NCAA Coaches Poll, Today, we decided to show a comparison of the AP Poll, the Coaches Poll and the Sagarin Poll. Please note the differences. We'd love to know which poll you feel rates the college teams correctly...
Marion P. Jelks, Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica Sports Editor
| AP | Coaches | Sagarin | |
| 1 | Florida State (37) | Florida State (50) | Oregon |
| 2 | Oregon (17) | Alabama (1) | Alabama |
| 3 | Alabama (1) | Oregon (6) | Oklahoma |
| 4 | Oklahoma (2) | Oklahoma (4) | Texas A&M |
| 5 | Auburn | Auburn | Auburn |
| 6 | Texas A&M (3) | Baylor | Georgia |
| 7 | Baylor | Texas A&M | Florida State |
| 8 | LSU | LSU | Michigan State |
| 9 | Notre Dame | Notre Dame | LSU |
| 10 | Ole Miss | UCLA | Wisconsin |
| 11 | Michigan State | Michigan State | Baylor |
| 12 | UCLA | Ole Miss | Notre Dame |
| 13 | Georgia | Arizona State | UCLA |
| 14 | South Carolina | Georgia | Kansas State |
| 15 | Arizona State | Stanford | Ole Miss |
| 16 | Stanford | South Carolina | South Carolina |
| 17 | USC | Wisconsin | Clemson |
| 18 | Missouri | Ohio State | Ohio State |
| 19 | Wisconsin | Missouri | USC |
| 20 | Kansas State | Kansas State | Stanford |
| 21 | BYU | USC | Florida |
| 22 | Clemson | Nebraska | Cincinnati |
| 23 | Ohio State | BYU | Oklahoma State |
| 24 | Nebraska | Clemson | Missouri |
| 25 | Oklahoma State | North Carolina | BYU |
Chicago-area's talent exodus not death sentence for Illini.
By Mike DeCourcy
Jalen Brunson made an uncommon choice in revealing where he will play NCAA basketball by unzipping a sweatshirt to reveal a college T-shirt that gave away the secret. His decision not to play at Illinois, however, had plenty of precedent among Chicago-area high school stars.
Jahlil Okafor, Cliff Alexander and Jabari Parker in recent years, Anthony Davis and Derrick Rose before them. This has created something of a complex among many who follow the Illini, and has all but led the Chicago newspapers to keep standing headlines on hand: “Another blow to Illini basketball”, said Thursday’s Chicago Sun-Times.
John Groce and the Illinois coaching staff took a nice swing at Brunson, a top-20 national point guard prospect from Adlai Stevenson High, but finishing second in recruiting is like being the guy who almost married Jennifer Love-Hewitt.
“It’s not like I didn’t like Coach Groce,” Brunson said at his news conference. “We have a really good relationship. But … you can only pick one school.”
So instead of focusing on where Illinois basketball is headed, many remain obsessed with where it might have been.
This has been a problem around the program for a while, probably for too long. When Bruce Weber was coaching the Illini, he was so affected by the pressure to attract top in-state talent that he pursued players who did not fit his program for behavioral – google Jereme Richmond, then duck -- and tactical reasons.
Groce won’t make the same mistakes, in part because the odds of another Richmond popping up are a bit extreme, and in part because his style is a bit more flexible in accommodating various players’ talents.
The real question, though, is whether those around the program will repeat theirs.
Judging Weber on Nov. 15 instead of March 15 will never produce an accurate reading of his abilities. Look at his Kansas State work for proof. Left rather alone on the plains of Manhattan, he has produced consecutive NCAA Tournament teams and dug up an unknown prospect named Marcus Foster, who was considered a 3-star prospect by both Scout and Rivals and yet somehow managed to average 15.5 points as a freshman.
The difference with Groce is that he has won all sorts of recruiting battles during his career.
He did it at Xavier, where he helped bring Justin Cage to the Musketeers. He did it to enormous effect at Ohio State, where he was directly in the middle of the successful recruitments of Greg Oden, Mike Conley and Deshaun Thomas, among many others. And as head coach at Ohio he found D.J. Cooper, who led the Bobcats to the Sweet 16. Found him in Chicago, as a matter of fact.
At Illinois, Groce’s recruits have included Malcolm Hill and Kendrick Nunn, whose entry into the lineup as freshmen last February rescued the Illini from an eight-game losing streak and propelled them to a 5-2 finish that nearly led to an NCAA Tournament bid. There has been success attracting transfers, including 16-point scorer Rayvonte Rice from last season’s team and guard Ahmad Starks, who shot nearly 40 percent from 3-point range when last seen at Oregon State. Nunn and Starks are both from Chicago, if that counts as much as many seem to believe.
Through two seasons as head coach, Groce has not been able to turn Illinois into the program of choice for the Chicago elite, but anyone who watched the team during that period had to see teams that connected with their coach and their gameplans. They were just a possession short of a Sweet 16 bid in 2013, losing to the Miami Hurricanes in the final minute. They were just a possession short of beating regular-season champion Michigan last March in the Big Ten Tournament.
This is not a program that needs fixing. It simply needs time to mature.
Connecting Brunson’s complicated recruitment to everything that went before merely is convenient; how many big-time Chicago talents will have roots in another city and a father whose embarrassing arrest makes “going away to school” perhaps seem more alluring?
Whether Illinois ever will become the singular destination for the city’s prime talents is difficult to say, because Champaign’s connection to Chicago is somewhat an accident of boundary mapping.
They are more opposite than alike; Champaign is a wonderful example of “rural,” Chicago the very definition of “urban.” Selling what affiliation exists takes exceptional talent, which Groce has, but also a wealth of credibility he hasn’t had time to establish.
In the meantime, those who follow Illinois have to decide whether they want a program they can be proud of Selection Sunday or one that wins attention during the early signing period. They are not disconnected, but neither are they the same.
Ahheuser-Busch throws beer can (figuratively) at NFL.
By Rana L. Cash
The NFL can take attacks to its reputation, its brand and even its on-field product. It will take put-downs from politicians and the public.
But what the league can't withstand are financial hits, especially not from one of its long-standing and most generous partners. Anheuser-Busch issued a statement on Tuesday about its displeasure with the league and its recent handling, or mishandling, of discipline.
The short version is that the beer company is "disappointed and increasingly concerned." Something about their six-year, $1.2 billion deal will get the NFL's attention if nothing else does. A-B's sponsorship fees alone are worth an estimated $50 million a year, according to sponsorship consultancy IEG.
"We are disappointed and increasingly concerned by the recent incidents that have overshadowed this NFL season. We are not yet satisfied with the league's handling of behaviors that so clearly go against our own company culture and moral code. We have shared our concerns and expectations with the league."
The NFL told the Wall Street Journal: "We understand. We are taking action and there will be more to come."
That was the worse of the news for the NFL on Tuesday, but it wasn't the only mess they'll have to somehow clean up.
Nike pulled all of its Peterson merchandise from the shelves in the Twin Cities. Mylan Inc. announced it had ended its association of having Peterson promote its EpiPen, used to treat allergic reactions. Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton pressured the Vikings on Tuesday to suspend Peterson until an accusation of child abuse was resolved in the Texas legal system.
"Yes, Mr. Peterson is entitled to due process and should be 'innocent until proven guilty,'" Dayton said in a written statement. "However, he is a public figure; and his actions, as described, are a public embarrassment to the Vikings organization and the state of Minnesota. Whipping a child to the extent of visible wounds, as has been alleged, should not be tolerated in our state."
Peterson, Ray Rice, Greg Hardy have grabbed the most recent headlines. On Tuesday, another hot button topic — the Washington Redskins nickname — ensured it won't be forgotten when Sen. Maria Cantwell announced she will introduce a bill to strip the league's tax-exempt status because it has not taken action over the Redskins name. She sent a letter to every owner except Washington's Dan Snyder urging them to take action.
Oneida Nation representative Ray Halbritter said he hoped an owner will take a bold position against the name. He cited Brooklyn Dodgers executive Branch Rickey, who integrated major league baseball by signing Jackie Robinson, and longtime Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin, who changed his NBA's team from Bullets because of the violence associated with the term.
"We're looking for the Branch Rickey, looking for Abe Pollin," Halbritter said. "They're out there. We know the owners don't share in this, but they share in the profits."
Ah, yes, the profits. That's what it will ultimately come down. As long as there are television ratings, fandom and even fantasy football, the NFL will thrive. Commissioner Roger Goodell is lauded for ushering in multibillion dollar television deals and most recently, seeing the Buffalo Bills sale go through with the team fixing itself for the long-term to the Western New York.
But when Raddison gives the Vikings the stiff-arm for holding a Peterson press conference with their signage in the background, when Anheuser-Busch raises its brow, when Nike pulls back and Capitol Hill is chomping at the bit with a tenuous but real threat aimed at the league's pocketbook, league
officials get comfortable.
Money talks.
On This Date in Sports History: Today is Wednesday, September 17, 2014.
MemoriesofHistory.com
1920 - The American Professional Football Association was formed in Canton, OH. It was the precursor to the National Football League (NFL).
1953 - Ernie Banks became the first black baseball player to wear a Chicago Cubs uniform. He retired in 1971 known as 'Mr. Cub'.
1961 - The Minnesota Vikings were debuted as the new National Football League (NFL) team.
1983 - Johnny Bench, of the Cincinnati Reds, retired after 16 years as a catcher.
1983 - Carl Yastrzemski of the Boston Red Sox broke Hank Aaron's major league record for games played when he started his 3,299th game.
1984 - Reggie Jackson hit his 500th career home run. It was exactly 17 years from the day he hit his first major league home run.
2004 - Barry Bonds (San Francisco Giants) hit his 700th home run.
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