CS&T/AllsportsAmerica Friday Sports News Update and What's Your Take? 03/13/2015.

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Sports Quote of the Day:

"At the end of the day, you are solely responsible for your success and your failure. And the sooner you realize that, you accept that, and integrate that into your work ethic, you will start being successful. As long as you blame others for the reason you aren't where you want to be, you will always be a failure." ~ Erin Cummings, Actress

Trending: The excitement is building, the time is now, the most exciting part of college basketball starts in a week and a half. "March Madness" is almost here. "Are you willing to accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory?" Think about it, get a friend and participate in CS&T/AA's 2015 "March Madness" Bracket Buster Office Pool. (See entry information in the college basketball section below.)

A little advice: Look at the brackets, check the Las Vegas odds, make your picks but throw in a couple of upsets because there always are some and go for it!!! Remember, you can't win if you aren't in.

Teaser?: Do you think Kentucky will go all the way or does an upset await them? You make the call..... It's your bracket..... 

How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks?  Power play comes alive in Blackhawks win vs. Coyotes 2-1.

By Tracey Myers

Chicago Blackhawks' Jonathan Toews (19) celebrates a goal by teammate Andrew Shaw with Brandon Saad (20) as Arizona Coyotes' Lauri Korpikoski (28) skates past during the first period. (Photo/Ross D. Franklin, AP)

The Blackhawks’ power play has been much maligned lately, and for good reason. There were times when even entries or getting set up on it was becoming difficult.

But on Thursday night, the power play wasn’t the typical thorn in the Blackhawks’ side. Instead, it was the game-decider.

Andrew Shaw and Brad Richards each scored power-play goals, Richards’ proving to be the game-winner and his 900th career NHL point, as the Blackhawks beat the Arizona Coyotes 2-1 at Gila River Arena. The Blackhawks, who have 86 points, are five behind Nashville and St. Louis, which overtook the Predators for first place in the Central Division on Thursday night.

The Blackhawks busted out of a few slumps on Thursday, be it individually or as a team. Their first power play conversion snapped a 0-for-15 streak, dating back to Patrick Kane’s injury against the Florida Panthers on Feb. 24. Shaw’s goal was his first since Jan. 28 (against the Los Angeles Kings) and Richards’ was his first since Jan. 11 (against the Minnesota Wild). Both scored with their dads in attendance – it’s the Blackhawks fathers’ trip – and Shaw’s father, Doug, celebrated his birthday on Thursday.

For Richards, the goal was doubly special, given the milestone and his dad being here. And breaking his personal goal-scoring skid was a relief, too.

“It’s obviously been a tough time. I don’t think I’ve ever gone that long [without a goal],” Richards said. “That’ll take some weight off the shoulders. Hopefully I get some confidence coming down the stretch.”

The Blackhawks got some much-needed confidence on that power play too. Sure, there were times it still didn’t look great – the Blackhawks went on it seven times – but as Richards said, “it wasn’t amazing but it wasn’t deflating.”

More than that, it capitalized at critical times.

“That was definitely needed and necessary, tonight it proved to be the difference. Very timely at the end and getting us started as well,” he said. “We did some good things but the best part of tonight was the power-play success.”

The Blackhawks threw 45 shots at Arizona goaltender Mike Smith, who had a very strong night. While the Blackhawks didn’t have as much traffic as they would’ve liked overall, they scored both power-play goals off rebounds. Shaw backhanded it past Smith off Duncan Keith’s shot and Richards scored off Kris Versteeg’s opportunity.

“We bore down when we had those chances,” Shaw said. “We had some power plays that didn’t go our way but it didn’t stop us from refocusing and getting back to what made us successful early on the power play. We got pucks to the net and guys converging and finding those loose pucks.”

The Blackhawks’ power play has been the source of a lot of frustration at times this season. On Thursday, it was the source of their offense.

“They were checking well a few times and maybe we were fighting the puck sometimes; it was bouncing around a little bit. Other than that I think we moved it around pretty well and we got chances and two big goals,” Jonathan Toews said. “We worked hard to draw those chances and in the end we took advantage of it. It was nice to see a couple go in for us.”

Five Things from Blackhawks-Yotes: Richards hits milestone.

By Tracey Myers

When you’re struggling to score goals you’ll take them any way you can get them.

Coach Joel Quenneville has been repeating the merits of greasy/traffic-generated goals for a while now, so it seems only fitting that the Blackhawks’ two goals against the Phoenix Coyotes came from close range and from guys who capitalized off rebounds.

But we’ll get into that more. Before we head to San Jose, let’s look at the Five Things to take from the Blackhawks’ 2-1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes.

1. The power play scores. Heading into Thursday, the Blackhawks’ last power-play goal came when Patrick Kane got hurt against the Florida Panthers on Feb. 24. That was a 0-for-15 skid that ended when Andrew Shaw’s backhanded shot got past Mike Smith in the first period. Brad Richards scored on it again in the third period, giving the Blackhawks a much-needed, 2-for-7 outing on the advantage. It wasn’t always pretty but it was a lot more effective than it’s been in a while.

2. Brad Richards hits a milestone. Richards admitted his lack of offense had bothered him. He’s been a point producer his entire career and this was probably the longest he’d gone in his career between goals (Jan. 11 and then again tonight). Can this spark him the rest of the regular season? ”You have an appetite to do that and never satisfied,” he said. “Hopefully that’ll free me up a little bit and see it a little better.”

 3. Andrew Shaw breaks a slump, too. Shaw talked prior to the game about his father, Doug, celebrating a birthday on Thursday. Shaw gave him a present of sorts with his 10th goal of the season and first since Jan. 28. Said Shaw, “I think all the dads are pretty excited but it’s fun to score on your dad’s birthday, especially when he’s [here] watching.”

4. Good night with faceoffs. One of the assets Antoine Vermette brought when he was traded to the Blackhawks was his faceoff work. Vermette won 11 of 14 faceoffs on Thursday, and the Blackhawks won 37 of 56 overall on the night. Shaw, who has had his ups and downs in that department, won five of six.

5. The puck stopped here. Corey Crawford didn’t face a lot of shots but, as Quenneville noted, he was big when he had to be. Crawford continues to be stingy; he’s allowed two or fewer goals in his last four games.

Just Another Chicago Bulls Session… Bulls-Hornets Preview.

By JEFF MEZYDLO (STATS Senior Writer)

While the Chicago Bulls might have their starting center back, the Charlotte Hornets are in danger of being without their top big man for the immediate future.

Joakim Noah could be available Friday night as the Bulls look to deliver a third straight home loss to a Hornets team that's dealing with an injury to veteran Al Jefferson.

Already without starters Derrick Rose (knee), Jimmy Butler (elbow), and key reserve Taj Gibson (ankle), Noah sat with left knee soreness Wednesday, but Chicago (40-26) still managed to snap a three-game skid with a 104-95 overtime victory at Philadelphia.

''We have a lot of guys out," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "Just find a way to scratch out wins, hold the fort until we can get some guys back and we go from there."

Though Rose, Butler and Gibson aren't ready to return, Noah could play after sitting for the first time in 22 games. Chicago's best overall defender averaging 10.0 rebounds, Noah doesn't expect any lingering issues with the same knee he had surgery on during the offseason.

"We've been playing a lot of games. I don't think it's a big roadblock," Noah told the Bulls' official website. "I have to listen to my body and I'll use the next couple days to be ready."

While guard Aaron Brooks scored a season-high 31, big men Pau Gasol and rookie Nikola Mirotic combined for 43 points and 28 rebounds Wednesday. With Butler down, the 6-foot-10 Mirotic has averaged 20.1 points and 8.6 boards in seven games this month.

''This team is resilient," said Brooks, who is averaging 22.7 points and shooting 54.3 percent in the last three games. "It's going to make us better in the long run.''

A day after Rose announced he needed another knee surgery and even with Noah, Butler and Gibson, Chicago fell 98-86 at home to Charlotte (28-35) on Feb. 25. Gasol had 25 points with 13 rebounds and Noah added 11 boards but the Bulls went 3 of 17 from 3-point range.

The Hornets won minus Kemba Walker (18.5 points per game), who should be available after returning from an 18-game absence following knee surgery to score six points in 16 minutes of Wednesday's 113-106 loss to Sacramento.

However, Jefferson (17.2 points, 8.8 rebounds per game) doesn't expect to play after straining his calf in the second half.

''He heard something pop, so that's obviously concerning,'' coach Steve Clifford said.

Charlotte, though, got some good news Thursday when an MRI on Jefferson's calf and knee came back negative. The Hornets said Jefferson will meet with team physicians, who will then determine how much time he'll miss.

''The quicker we can get the pain out, the quicker I can be back,'' Jefferson said Thursday, adding ''it's not a long-term thing.''

One half-game out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, the Hornets shot 49.5 percent and allowed 41.2 during a five-game winning streak they've followed by hitting 39.4 percent of their shots and yielding 49.4 from the floor in home defeats to Washington and the Kings.

''If we're going to play like this, forget the playoffs,'' Clifford said. ''We can't win like this. ... You've got to know who you are and play to your game.''

Charlotte's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had a season-high 23 points with nine rebounds Wednesday, and 18 with 12 boards at Chicago. He did not play as Walker scored 23 in a 102-95 home loss to the Bulls on Dec. 3.

Walker has averaged 24.7 points in his last three games versus Chicago.

The Hornets, however, have not scored more than 95 points or shot better than 45.7 percent while losing six of seven at home to the Bulls.

Bulls need OT to get past Sixers, end three-game losing streak 104-95.

By Vincent Goodwill

Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (Getty Images)

The look of disgust was evident across Pau Gasol’s face, and Mike Dunleavy swung his fists down in anger when it became clear the Bulls let the Philadelphia 76ers hang around far too long Wednesday.

It was supposed to be a feel-good bounce back game, but the chant of “Beat the Bulls” that emanated from the Wells Fargo Center crowd let them know breaking their three-game losing streak would be no easy task.

Gasol had a different look a few minutes later after he finally got the better of 76ers rookie Nerlens Noel, one of exasperation after the Bulls finally gave themselves some breathing room.

It took longer than the allotted 48 minutes, but the Bulls put together a couple minutes of professional basketball to put away a Sixers team that doesn’t have many sustainable pros on its roster, with a 104-95 win on Wednesday.

“I thought our guys battled for being shorthanded like that,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said, referencing the Bulls being without Joakim Noah (left knee soreness), who was a late scratch in addition to being without Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson.

“It pleased me to be able to come out with the win.”

For once on this evening, the Bulls would keep the 76ers from making a decent comeback, after allowing them a 15-0 run midway through the fourth when it looked like the Bulls were ready to salt the night away.

76ers guards Isaiah Canaan and Ish Smith put repeated pressure on the Bulls guards, getting to the lane while also combining for seven triples and 43 points.

Their perplexing start to the game could’ve been blamed on Noah’s absence, but it merely adds to the confusion in evaluating this hot and cold team.

Giving up 51 points to a talent-depleted, offensively-challenged squad is enough to give even the biggest Bulls optimist pause. Despite the 76ers shooting a 76er-like 40 percent from the field and 32 from 3 point range, the Bulls gave up seven triples, including a parade of open shots the 76ers simply failed to convert.

“You don’t wanna drop one period, a fourth game (in a row),” Bulls guard Aaron Brooks said. “But they’ve been playing good basketball of late. They’re free, when they can get it going they can scare you.”

It was nearly a full-blown panic before Brooks did something about it, a leaning triple with 33.2 seconds left in regulation that temporarily averted disaster, dying the game at 92 and sending it to overtime.

“I kinda got on a roll and was finally able to get some layups and make a three,” Brooks said. “It sounds cliché, but when you have Pau, it frees you up to attack more because they have to respect it.”

A myriad of mistakes later, the Bulls found themselves playing five minutes longer than they anticipated—making the 53-minute total about 25 minutes longer than most fans thought.

Brooks and Gasol scored every field goal in overtime, as Brooks did his damage late in the fourth and beyond, scoring 18 points from the 5:15 mark of fourth—and every bit of his season-high 31 point performance was necessary.

“He’s great, stepped up when we needed it,” Gasol said. “Made a lot of tough shots, big plays. Got us going at a critical time of the game when the pressure was on, I’m glad he did.”

Gasol scored 27 points with 16 rebounds and Nikola Mirotic, who started in place of Joakim Noah (knee soreness), scored 16 with 12 rebounds in 43 minutes.

“We’re headed down the stretch. Every game is critical,” Thibodeau said. “You’d like to have everyone out there, building your rhythm. But that’s not the case for us, hasn’t been the case all year. So whoever we have, let’s go.”

Bear Down Chicago Bears!!!! Bears' only way to fix jay Cutler? Accept he's broken. What's your take?

By Vinnie Iyer

Jay Cutler (Photo/Getty Images)

The Bears aren't happy that they're stuck with Jay Cutler. Their solution? Make sure Cutler doesn't stick it to them (again).

"We've moving forward with Jay Cutler as our starting quarterback," first-year general manager Ryan Pace told reporters on Wednesday.

That confirmation may have been definitive, but Pace didn't make that declaration until two months into his tenure and that of new head coach John Fox. In between, Pace and Fox got to know Cutler and tried to determine whether they were comfortable with him as the starter. During the vetting, Pace added that despite rumors, they had "zero" interest in trading Cutler and gave doing so no effort. 

In reality, he is the NFL's ultimate un-tradeable commodity as overpriced and permanently damaged goods. Cutler is making $15.5 million guaranteed in base salary for 2015, and now that he'll be on their roster well beyond Thursday, he's already guaranteed to get $10 million of the $16 million he's owed in 2016.

You can bet Pace and Fox would have liked a fresh start, but it would have been hard to pursue a deal if nobody wanted to be on the other end. Even though they weren't really all-in on him, they now have to be because he's better than any other short-term option.

So Plan B for the new regime went into effect. It's the opposite of Plan A of their predecessors, Phil Emery and Marc Trestman — which was to coddle Cutler and hope he would finally see the light.

Pace and Fox are forced to do it in a much different way. Instead of being able to treat Cutler like an established, successful veteran and maximizing what's around him, they're going minimalistic.

Pace, the aggressive one of the two, stripped Cutler of his old friend and go-to wide receiver, trading Brandon Marshall to the Jets. Most of Pace's moves in his initial offseason will be tied up in remodeling the defense into a more Monsters of the Midway-like 3-4, and not catering personnel-wise to Cutler.

Fox's job as the conservative one is to bring that defense together on the field and back it up with a running game-centered offense.

The goal? Make Cutler the league's highest-priced caretaker and win despite of him. Fox and the offensive coordinator he brought with him from Denver, Adam Gase, just got to the playoffs with both Peyton Manning and Tim Tebow. Gase, unlike Trestman, will not let Cutler loose.

Along with that rebuilt D, in the short term, they'll focus on the more reliable part of their offense, running back Matt Forte.

Cutler, at 31, has run out of chances to show he can be anything better than what we've seen. His mental makeup will keep taking away from his physical skills. 

It didn't take Pace and Fox long to learn that. They may be committed to Cutler, but they would be crazy to trust him.

Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica Take: As do many Chicago Bear fans, we have our opinion on Jay Cutler. We've decided that we would not write a negative opinion and give the new management team a chance to implement their program. Our editorial staff has made a list of positives versus negatives on Jay Cutler but before we divulge them, again we feel it would be unfair to list them without giving the new regime a chance to put their plan into action. The Bears have historically based their winning philosophy on two things, 1) A tenacious defense and 2) A hard nose running game with above average special teams. General Manager Emery and Head Coach Trestman threw these concepts completely out of the window. Hence, we start all over again.

We don't expect to go to the Super Bowl this year, but we do expect to beat Green Bay and we expect to have a winning season, something we haven't seen in the last three years. You can beat up Lovie Smith all you would like but he and Jerry Angelo never had anything like we saw the last two years. Let us not digress, for the Bears to have any success this year, it will depend on how the most important position (QB) on the team performs. And we're not talking about talent, we're talking about the intangibles of which the most important one is connecting with and earning your teammates respect. We feel the defense is going to make great strides and really perform well so let's hope for the best from the special teams and again, the offense. Time will only tell.

Now, you know how we feel and what we think, we'd love to hear your thoughts and know, what's your take? Take a minute and share your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of this blog. Your Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica  editorial staff.

Bears agree to 5-year deal with Pernell McPhee.

AP - Sports

Pernell McPhee signing his Bears contract at Halas Hall.

The Chicago Bears have agreed to a five-year contract with linebacker Pernell McPhee.

The deal was announced on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old McPhee spent four seasons in Baltimore and played for a Super Bowl champion. Chicago has a new coach in John Fox and general manager in Ryan Pace. The Bears, coming off a five-win season, are switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense. The Bears allowed the most points in franchise history in 2013 and second-most last season.

McPhee set career highs for Baltimore last season with 27 tackles, 7 1/2 sacks, four pass breakups and 11 tackles for loss. He had 92 tackles, 17 sacks and 24 tackles for loss with the Ravens.

Bears sign safety Antrel Rolle, WR Eddie Royal to three-year deals.

By Sam Cooper
                                                    

Antrel Rolle signs his Bears contract at Halas Hall.

                                                                                                                      
The Bears improved on both sides of the ball by signing safety Antrel Rolle and wide receiver Eddie Royal to three-year deals on Wednesday night.

Rolle, a 10-year veteran and three-time Pro Bowl selection, started all 16 games in each of the last five seasons for the New York Giants at strong safety. The 32-year-old Rolle registered 464 tackles and 14 interceptions during his time in New York.

After being picked in the first round of the 2005 draft, Rolle spent the first five seasons of his career with Arizona, where he totaled 335 tackles and 12 interceptions.

Rolle, whose deal is reportedly worth $11.25 million with $5 million guaranteed, will join outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, who signed a five-year contract with the Bears earlier on Wednesday.

“It’s official,” Rolle wrote on Instagram. “Today was a long, painful, and exhausting day! But in the end we both get what we want. A team that wants to win and a player that would give them everything he got to win! Thank you to the Chicago organization for making this day possible once again.”

Wide receiver Eddie Royal is signing with the Chicago Bears.

Royal spent the past three seasons with the San Diego Chargers, with his 2014 campaign being his most productive with 62 catches for 778 yards and seven touchdowns.

Interestingly, the best season of Royal’s career came in his rookie year with Denver in 2008 when he caught 91 passes for 980 yards and five touchdowns. His quarterback? None other than the Bears’ Jay Cutler.

Overall in his career, Royal has recorded 338 catches for 3,750 yards and 25 touchdowns. With Brandon Marshall traded to the Jets, Royal will provide a nice complement to Alshon Jeffrey and tight end Martellus Bennett.

Royal has also proven to be a capable punt returner, averaging 10.6 yards and scoring twice on 111 attempts in his career.

The financial terms of Royal’s deal were not disclosed.

Michael Sam, Felix Jones, Michael Bush at vets combine.

By BARRY WILNER (AP Pro Football Writer)

St. Louis Rams defensive end Michael Sam walks on the field during a preseason NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland. Sam is among more than 100 players invited to the first NFL veterans' combine, set for March 22, 2015, at the Arizona Cardinals' practice facility. Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by an NFL team, was cut by St. Louis at the end of training camp last year. He then joined the Dallas practice squad before being released. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)

Michael Sam is among more than 100 players invited to the first NFL veterans' combine, set for March 22 at the Arizona Cardinals' practice facility.

 

Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by an NFL team, was cut by St. Louis at the end of training camp last year. He then joined the Dallas practice squad before being released.  

The defensive end from Missouri has said he wants to continue his football career. He currently is a contestant on ''Dancing With The Stars.''  

Among other players invited are running backs Felix Jones and Michael Bush, and defensive ends Jamaal Anderson and Adam Carriker.  

''Combines have long provided draft-eligible players with the forum needed to showcase their skills to NFL teams,'' said Matt Birk, the NFL's director of football development. ''The NFL veteran combine will give veteran free agents a similar opportunity to work out in front of club personnel in a streamlined process.''  

The idea is to consolidate free agent veterans' tryouts in one location. Holding the combine on the weekend of the owners' meetings, when many team personnel will be in Phoenix anyway, should add to the convenience.  

Players who have been sidelined by lengthy recoveries from injuries will be joined by veterans who have been released and even some who have played in other leagues. 

Unlike Sam, a seventh-round selection in 2014, Jones, Anderson and Carriker all were first-round picks. Jones went 22nd to Dallas in 2008 and led the league with a 5.9-yard rushing average in 2009. He last played for Pittsburgh in 2013.
 

Anderson, the eighth overall choice in 2007 by Atlanta, last played in the league in 2012. Same for Carriker, the 13th pick by St. Louis in 2007.

CSN to air Cubs, White Sox spring training games. 

CSN Staff

For the second straight year, Comcast SportsNet will be airing two back-to-back, commercial-free Cactus League spring training games featuring the Cubs and White Sox.

Those two games kick off CSN's "15 Games in 15 Days" spring training game telecast schedule and will feature the Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks, followed the next day with the White Sox hosting the Cubs.

In addition to broadcasting each game, CSN will also showcase new, one-on-one player interviews with new and veteran players from both sides of town, along with numerous feature stories and much more.

Check out a composite Cubs/White Sox spring training schedule below:

Fri., March 13 at 7 p.m.	Cubs vs. Oakland	Las Vegas, Nev.
Thurs., March 19 at 8:30 p.m.	Cubs @ Arizona	Scottsdale, Ariz.
Fri., March 20 at 3 p.m.	White Sox vs. Cubs	Glendale, Ariz.
Sat., March 21 at 3 p.m.	White Sox vs. Kansas City	Glendale, Ariz.
Sun., March 22 at 3 p.m.	Cubs vs. San Diego	Mesa, Ariz.
Mon., March 23 at 3 p.m.	White Sox @ San Diego	Peoria, Ariz.
Tues., March 24 at 3 p.m.	White Sox vs. Colorado	Glendale, Ariz.
Wed., March 25 at 9 p.m.	Cubs @ Seattle	Peoria, Ariz.
Thurs., March 26 at 3 p.m.	White Sox vs. LA Dodgers	Glendale, Ariz.
Fri., March 27 at 3 p.m.	Cubs vs. White Sox	Mesa, Ariz.
Sat., March 28 at 3 p.m.	White Sox vs. Oakland	Glendale, Ariz.
Sun., March 29 at 3 p.m.	White Sox @ Cleveland	Goodyear, Ariz.
Mon., March 30 at 3 p.m.	Cubs vs. San Francisco	Mesa, Ariz.
Tues., March 31 at 3 p.m.	White Sox @ LA Dodgers	Glendale, Ariz.
Wed., April 1 at 3 p.m.	Cubs vs. Milwaukee	Mesa, Ariz.
Thurs., April 2 at 2 p.m.	White Sox @ Arizona	Scottsdale, Ariz.



Among the key in-game features that fans can look forward to seeing during the commercial-free telecasts on March 19 and 20 include:

White Sox

— One-on-one interviews with manager Robin Ventura, pitcher Carlos Rodon and power-hitter Adam LaRoche

— Exclusive, combined interview with pitchers Chris Sale and Jeff Samardzija

— An inside look at outfielder Avisail Garcia's off-field training 

— Baserunning instructor Vince Coleman mic'd up during drills with players

Cubs

— One-on-one interviews with new manager Joe Maddon, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and pitcher Jake Arrieta

— Dexter Fowler provides a baserunning clinic

— Kyle Hendricks displays his array of pitches via a pitching clinic

— Jason Hammel takes his family down to the driving range

— Maddon explains the story behind the charity t-shirts he wears during postgame press conferences

Who will have a bigger Fantasy season: Jose Abreu or Anthony Rizzo?

#CSNFANTASY

Chicago is home to two of the top first basemen in all of Major League Baseball.

Between White Sox Cuban sensation Jose Abreu and Anthony Rizzo - one of the faces of the Cubs' rebuild - it's a hard choice to decide which guy to put your faith in.

On his way to the American League Rookie of the Year, Abreu led the league in slugging percentage (.581) and OPS+ (169) with a .317 average, 36 homers and 107 RBI.

Rizzo rebounded after a shaky 2013 season to post career highs in homers (32), runs (89), average (.286), on-base percentage (.386) and slugging percentage (.527) while finishing 10th in National League MVP voting.

So how can you decide?

The Case for Rizzo

It's hard to believe that Rizzo is still only 25 and has plenty left to learn about staying consistent and getting the most out of his abilities. He had a career year in 2014, but in only 140 games as he missed the last three weeks of the season with a back injury.

Rizzo's peripherals all check out from last season, too, as his walk rate and isolated power set new career marks while his groundball rate decreased and flyball rate increased. His BABIP wasn't bloated (.311), either and his .258 BABIP in 2013 proves he was just a victim of bad luck in his one down season.

As Rizzo creeps closer to the prime of his career, he won't be counted on to be one of the only sources of offense for the Cubs. The emergence of Jorge Soler along with the arrival of veterans Miguel Montero and Dexter Fowler, the possibility of Javier Baez and Arismendy Alcantara turning the corner and top prospect Kris Bryant not far off takes a whole heap of pressure off Rizzo and Starlin Castro.

A full season and a stronger lineup around Rizzo could mean a .300/35/100 season with 100 runs and a .400 OBP. I'll take that any day of the week. (Tony Andracki)

The Case against Abreu

First off, I want to start by saying that I don't believe Abreu will have a bad year at all. But there is a lot of risk for the No. 3 first baseman off the board, going roughly ninth on average in drafts.

For whatever reason, sophomore slumps exist and Abreu could be a prime candidate for one. He's still learning how to adjust to life in America and the MLB and it can be overwhelming for a guy who was thrown into the fire last year.

Abreu also showed some signs of decline in the second half of 2014 as the league caught up to him. He may have hit .350 with a .435 OBP after the All-Star Break, but his power was way down (only seven homers and 34 RBI in the second half). He also was the benefactor of some good luck with a lofty .356 BABIP, which is almost impossible to sustain on a yearly basis.

It's nitpicking a bit because Abreu is a special talent, but if I'm trusting my first or second pick with any Chicago first baseman, it's Rizzo, not Abreu. (TA)

The Case for Abreu

I'm not buying into the "sophomore slump" for Abreu for multiple reasons. He doesn't seem like that kind of player who would get complacent with just having one great season. From all indications, his work ethic is fantastic. It sounds as if Abreu spent a lot of the offseason getting his body ready for the 162-game (or more) grind. I don't see him fading later in the year like he did in 2014.

The addition of Adam LaRoche is also overlooked. Not only does he provide Abreu protection in the lineup, he allows Robin Ventura to give Abreu days off (or simply slide him into the DH spot) and the team won't miss anything. The addition of Vince Coleman is also intriguing on many levels. The White Sox are clearly making a statement that they want to be more aggressive on the basepaths. That not only helps guys like Melky Cabrera and Adam Eaton but Abreu as well as Ventura could likely put on a lot of hit-and-runs. Not like Abreu really needs hit-and-runs to drive in runs.

Finally, the pitching in the AL Central is a little different than it was last year. Max Scherzer and James Shields are no longer in the division. It's not a huge fantasy impact considering Abreu would only face those two a handful of times a year, but it's still a boost to Abreu's stock. (John Paschall)

The Case against Rizzo

Rizzo will have a year worthy of a late 1st-round pick but I'll get picky here.

On Opening Day, Rizzo and the rest of the Cubs will deal with something that they haven't dealt with in a long time: expectations.

Can Rizzo handle the pressure of being "The Guy" in the middle of that lineup? It's unclear. It would help if some of the prospects lived up to their hype (cough, Kris Bryant) when they come up to the majors. If his supporting cast is struggling, pitchers may not give Rizzo a lot of good pitches to hit.

And unlike Abreu, there's no real backup plan behind Rizzo so he should be dealt with a heavy workload. Will that affect him later in the season when your fantasy team (and potentially the Cubs) are making a playoff push?

A lot remains to be seen with the Cubs and their highly-anticipated season. But one thing's for sure: Rizzo will be a key figure for the Cubs this year. (JP)

Golf: I got a club for that; Davis chips in to take lead at Valspar Championship.

By DOUG FERGUSON (AP Golf Writer)

Brian Davis waves to the gallery after making a birdie putt on the 18th hole during the first round of the Valspar Championship golf tournament Thursday, March 12, 2015, at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Brian Davis takes pride in his short game, which saved him from a rough finish Thursday and gave him the lead in the Valspar Championship.

Coming off back-to-back bogeys, Davis chipped in from 25 feet on the ninth green at Innisbrook for a 6-under 65, giving him a one-shot lead over past champion Sean O'Hair and Ricky Barnes after the opening round.

For the 40-year-old Davis, it was the perfect finish to go with what had been an ideal start. Starting on the back nine of the Copperhead course, he missed three birdie chances inside 15 feet and still went out in 30. There wasn't a hint of trouble until a three-putt from 45 feet on No. 7 and a poor chip at the par-3 eighth that led to bogey.

And right when he thought he had hit a good approach on No. 9, he heard nothing.

''I expected a clap and nobody clapped,'' he said.

His chip came out with more over-spin because of the grain in the grass and might have gone about 6 feet by the hole except that it struck the pin.

 

"Delighted,'' the Englishman said.

O'Hair got even more evidence that his game is turning around by making eight birdies in the morning for a 66. Barnes, playing in the afternoon, was tied for the lead until he three-putted the par-3 17th from 35 feet and missed a 12-foot birdie putt on the last hole.

Henrik Stenson, at No. 3 the highest-ranked player in the field, made his debut at Innisbrook by dressing in the same colors as the volunteers, though it wasn't intentional, and none of the volunteers had matching pants to go with his periwinkle shirt.

He didn't like the swing he had on the range, though he hit enough good iron shots early on to get by. Stenson hit wedge into the par-4 ninth for a final birdie and a bogey-free 67. He was in a group that included Justin Thomas and Puerto Rico Open winner Alex Cejka.

Thomas opened with nine straight pars, a bogey on the par-5 first hole, and then five birdies. 

Stenson played with Adam Scott, who made four straight bogeys on his back nine that ruined a good round. He had a birdie on the final hole for a 71. Also in the group was Jordan Spieth, slowed by a double bogey in his round of 70.

''Fell asleep out there for about 30 minutes,'' Scott said.

The Copperhead course didn't have a lot of bite with its green, soft conditions. Thomas was among those who had mud on the golf ball, which led to his bogey at No. 1. It still was the sturdy test that makes it so popular. Even without much wind and a mostly overcast sky, the course average was about 71.4.

''The golf course was there - no wind and fairly soft - so you have to try to make your score today if you could,'' Davis said.

It wasn't there for John Daly. He opened with a double bogey when he three-putted from 5 feet. He later four-putted for triple bogey on the 14th hole. A birdie on the final hole gave him an 81, but there was a sliver of good news at the end of his long day. He wasn't selected for drug testing. 
 

''No, that's tomorrow,'' said Daly, with a grin.

He said on his SiriusXM radio show Tuesday that night the PGA Tour didn't have random testing because he has been picked at Innisbrook the last six years.

O'Hair won at Innisbrook in 2008, though he has fallen on lean times. He has had to earn his card at the Web.com Tour Finals each of the last two years.

''The last two years have been disappointing for me,'' O'Hair said. ''I lost really everything. I lost my ball-striking and kind of lost my mind, lost confidence as far as how I play the game because I like to hit a lot of different shots and I got very swing-oriented.''

DIVOTS: Course owners said Thursday the Copperhead course will go through an extensive restoration this summer, primarily to replace the grass in the fairways and rough, to rebuild the greens and reshape some of the bunkers to the original Larry Packard design. ''Hopefully, they don't mess around with the design too much because I think we've got a really good golf course here,'' Scott said. ... Padraig Harrington, in his first start since winning the Honda Classic, opened with a 76. ... Georgia Tech senior Ollie Schniederjans, in his first PGA Tour event, made a 30-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole for an even-par 71.

Stenson: Viagra is the only PED for golfers.

By Ryan Ballengee

Consider Henrik Stenson in the camp of professional golfers who think there's no drug that can truly enhance their performance -- except for maybe one.

Stenson was asked ahead of this week's Valspar Championship about the PGA Tour's anti-doping program, particularly after John Daly said on his SiriusXM show earlier in the week that he didn't feel the Tour's drug testing was random and expected to be asked for a urine sample after his second round on Friday.

While Stenson wasn't fazed about the concept of testing, he didn't seem to find much wisdom in it. 

"Long and straight. Viagra might be the only one that's going to get you anywhere," Stenson joked. "I don't know. What else? I don't know what else you take for performance enhancement in golf."

The Swede said he tended to get tested earlier in the season, saying he had given samples at Doral during last week's WGC-Cadillac Championship. He said he was conflicted as to is he felt the Tour's approach felt random to him. 

Overall, however, Stenson understands the need for golf, which is now a part of the Olympic program, to maintain a stringent drug-testing program.

"I think it's good," he said. "I don't spend too much time thinking about it."

Daly complains that tour drug tests not random.

By DOUG FERGUSON (AP Golf Writer)

John Daly hits from the seventh fairway during the pro-am for the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Wednesday, March 11, 2015, in Palm Harbor, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

John Daly was still steaming Wednesday over the PGA Tour's drug testing program that he says is too predictable to be random and was ''a big joke.''

Daly based his rant on being tested six consecutive years at the Valspar Championship, which starts this week at Innisbrook. His biggest complaint: Having to hold in it on the back nine of the tournament knowing he will be selected to provide a urine sample after his round.

''It's not fair to the tour guys,'' Daly said after his pro-am round. ''I don't mind taking a drug test at all. When I'm sitting out here Thursday and Friday thinking I'm going to get drug tested, holding my (urine) for two hours, it affects your golf game.'' 

Daly first vented about the testing on his SiriusXM radio show Tuesday night called ''Hit it Hard with John Daly.'' Most of his anger was directed toward Andy Pazder, the PGA Tour's chief of operations, and commissioner Tim Finchem. 

''It's not random,'' Daly said on his show. ''Andy Pazder, if you're listening to the show, you and Tim Finchem, get off your (behind) and get it right. I'm tired of it. Because it has to be random. This is (expletive). I'm sorry. Fine me. I don't care what you do. But do it randomly. I know when I'm getting drug tested. That's sad. They all know when we're getting drug tested.'' 

When asked if he had been drinking during the show, Daly replied, ''We had a couple of drinks. We were just having fun more than anything.''

The PGA Tour, which began its drug testing program in the summer of 2008, said Daly didn't have his facts straight.

''While our staff has met with John Daly in the past, including within the past year, to review the details of the program, it would appear we need to do so again based on his recent comments,'' the tour said in a statement.

The tour said it has explained to Daly that testing is random and selective. The policy allows for ''target testing.''

''We have also shared with him his own individual testing history,'' the tour said. ''While it is not our practice to publicly comment on individual testing matters, we reserve the right to correct factually incorrect statements. Contrary to his assertions, John Daly has never been targeted for testing and his claim that players know when they will be tested is simply not true.''

Daly said he ''taking one for the team'' because players were talking about it in Puerto Rico last week and he's not afraid to air his views. He said he expects to be fined for his comments.

When he finished talking, Ross Berlin, the tour's director of player relations, was waiting to speak to him. They spoke as they walked across the practice green and when Daly got into a cart to go back to the clubhouse, he smiled and said, ''I already got my letter.''

Daly said player know when they are getting tested because of the regularity. He wasn't making much sense Wednesday when he complained that the tour's drug testing was not random, and wished that it would be like the NFL ''because they know when they're getting tested. We don't.''

''They don't take it seriously, like Major League Baseball, and NFL takes it seriously,'' he said on his show. ''They think it's a joke. Who knows? Finchem probably owns the drug testing company, anyway. And I'm pissed off about right now. It sucks. I know exactly when I'm getting tested. And hell, any guy on the PGA Tour (who) can fail a drug test is the most stupid (person) on the planet. And Andy Pazder, if you're listening to this, I'm so (ticked) off at you right now . because I know that Thursday morning, or Friday afternoon, John Daly will get tested at Tampa.''

Kurt Busch reinstated by NASCAR and is eligible for Chase.

By Nick Bromberg

Kurt Busch missed three races before being reinstated on Wednesday. (Photo/AP)

Kurt Busch was reinstated by NASCAR on Wednesday, will race this weekend at Phoenix and is eligible for the Chase.

“As we stated last week, the elimination of the possibility of criminal charges removed a significant impediment to Kurt Busch’s return to full status as a NASCAR member,” Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president, said in a statement. “We therefore have decided to move him to indefinite probation and waive the Chase requirement. He has fully complied with our reinstatement program during his suspension and the health care expert who conducted his evaluation recommended his immediate return.

“We have made it very clear to Kurt Busch our expectations for him moving forward, which includes participation in a treatment program and full compliance with all judicial requirements as a result of his off-track behavior.”

Busch was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR on Friday, Feb. 20, after the release of a decision following the grant of a protection order against his ex-girlfriend. In the decision, a Delaware county commissioner wrote it was more likely than not that Busch committed an act of domestic abuse against Patricia Driscoll on Friday, Sept. 26.

However, the Delaware attorney general announced last week that Busch wouldn't face criminal charges, saying there was insufficient evidence.

Following his reinstatement, Busch's team Stewart Haas Racing announced he will be in the No. 41 car for this weekend's race at Phoenix International Raceway.

"We appreciate the steps Kurt Busch has made while following NASCAR's process for reinstatement," SHR executive vice president Joe Custer said in a statement. "He has taken this path seriously, which allowed him to return to our race team. With his reinstatement and the conclusion by the Delaware Attorney General to not file charges, our focus is on the future."

Busch's suspension covered three races. Drivers are required to attempt to qualify for each NASCAR race to be eligible for the Chase. However, NASCAR holds the right to grant a waiver for drivers to be eligible for the Chase and has previously done so with Brian Vickers and Tony Stewart. This is the first time NASCAR has used the waiver with a suspension and possibly creates a curious precedent of allowing drivers to violate NASCAR's rules enough for a suspension while still granting them postseason eligibility.

Chase eligibility for Busch doesn't seem like that much of a stretch either, provided he wins a race. To make the Chase, a driver must win a race and be in the top 30 in points or have enough points to fill the remaining Chase positions assuming there aren't 16 drivers with wins.

While Busch won't likely be able to accomplish the latter requirement, a win would do a lot to get him in the Chase. Last year's 30th-place driver, David Gilliland, averaged less than 16 points per race. On that standard, Busch would need to average a 25th-place finish to get in to the top 30 of the points standings by Richmond in September.

Daytona to install SAFER barrier on wall Kyle Busch hit.

By Nick Bromberg

Daytona International Speedway announced plans to install SAFER barrier on the wall that Kyle Busch hit during February's Xfinity Series race.

Busch hit a bare concrete wall and suffered a compound fracture in his right leg and a broken left foot. He's currently out of action and being replaced by David Ragan in his No. 18 for Joe Gibbs Racing.

The wall isn't the only place where Daytona is making improvements. After Busch's crash, Daytona president Joie Chitwood vowed that his track would make necessary safety improvements and said SAFER, energy-absorbing steel and foam wall, should have been in the spot where Busch hit. The track is currently in the midst of a $400 million renovation project and SAFER barrier is estimated to cost $500 a foot.

“In addition, based on material availability and timing, we will install SAFER barrier on the outside backstretch wall and will complete as much as possible prior to the July NASCAR weekend," Chitwood said.

"Following the July races, we will complete any remaining installation of SAFER barrier on the outside backstretch wall, and continue to install SAFER barrier on the remaining areas of the property. We will provide additional updates regarding our safety initiatives as circumstances warrant.  The safety of the competitors and our fans is our top priority.”

Here's a list of other Daytona changes:
 

• Additional 20,000 square feet of asphalt in Turn 1
 

• Realignment of a portion of the inside retaining wall from infield road course exit to Turn 1

• Installation of SAFER barrier (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) on realigned retaining wall and existing retaining wall in Turn 1

• Installation of SAFER barrier on retaining wall at pit road exit

• Installation of SAFER barrier between the exit of Turn 4 to pit road entry
 

The next NASCAR Daytona race weekend begins July 2. No mandates have been announced for NASCAR regarding SAFER barrier additions or other safety improvements at other tracks for the 2016 season.

U.S. men drop one spot to 32nd in FIFA world rankings.

By Joe Lago

The United States fell one more spot in the latest FIFA world rankings, slipping to 32nd just below Ukraine and one place ahead of Russia. The U.S. hasn't played a match since the last rankings when the Americans fell four spots to No. 31, its lowest rating since Jurgen Klinsmann took over for Bob Bradley in 2011, but FIFA has committed itself to releasing these rankings every month. So something had to change.
 

Apparently, there were enough international friendlies to create some fluctuation. FIFA also attributed the changes to "a direct result of devaluation of past results." So, yes Klinsmann critics, the U.S.'s string of disappointing results that ended 2014 were a possible factor for the new No. 32 ranking.
 

UPDATE: CONCACAF provided some big news – the release of the Gold Cup schedule. The U.S. will open Group A play against the winner of the Honduras vs. French Guyana playoff on July 7 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The Americans then face Haiti on July 10 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., and play their group finale against Panama on July 13 at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan.

Now, back to the rankings …

The big ranking news, or at least the headline trumpeted by FIFA, is the return to the top 10 by Italy, which bumped Spain down one place to take over the 10th spot. The top nine remains unchanged with world champion Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Belgium and the Netherlands making up the top five.
 

The really big FIFA news, though, is that qualifying for the 2018 World Cup is under way. Believe it or not, qualifiers in Asia began Thursday in places like Timor-Leste and Sri Lanka.
 

Klinsmann's men don't play again until March 25 when they travel to Europe to face Denmark, currently ranked 28th in the world. Six days later, they meet No. 11 Switzerland in Zurich.

Here's a look at the U.S.'s current neighborhood in FIFA's rankings:
 

 

Unusual selection weekend looming for NCAA committee.

By MICHAEL MAROT (AP Sports Writer)

Kentucky has held the No. 1 spot all season. Apparently, the NCAA Tournament selection committee concurs.

Chairman Scott Barnes acknowledged Wednesday that Kentucky heads into this weekend as the top overall seed, something that may not change regardless of the results in this week's SEC tournament.

''I think given the circumstances, as of today, that's certainly a good read on the situation,'' Barnes said when asked directly if Kentucky was locked into the top spot.

It's a rare admission from a committee head.

Usually, they try to shroud even the clearest-cut decisions by discussing a team's full body of work or referring to the principles and procedures used to select teams for Sunday night's release of the 68-team bracket.

This year just isn't the same.

Kentucky (31-0) is trying to become the first team since the 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers to complete a perfect season. Since then, three other unbeaten teams have made the tourney field. None of those was able to win the title. Larry Bird's Indiana State team came closest, losing to Michigan State in the 1979 title game to fall to 33-1.

No other major conference team has fewer than two losses, making the Wildcats' the clear favorite to get the top overall seed.

''There's going to continue to be jockeying for positions,'' Barnes said. ''In my five years, this is unique in that there seems to certainly be some separation there.''

Sure, things could change if the Wildcats were to sustain a significant injury, something committee members can take into account.

But what makes this tourney field even more unusual is that it's not just Kentucky separating itself at the top.

Most analysts believe ACC champion Virginia, ACC runner-up Duke, Big Ten champ Wisconsin, Big East champ Villanova and Pac-12 champ Arizona have already earned a No. 1 or No. 2 seed, regardless of what happens between now and the end of the conference tourneys. Big 12 champ Kansas and West Coast tourney champ Gonzaga are also in the mix.

After that, things could get messy and intense as the committee tries to distinguish between, say, ACC foes Louisville and Notre Dame, which look relatively even on paper. That is what Barnes believes the committee will spend the bulk of the next five days trying to sort out.

''When you look at the seed lines, for instance, three to five, six to nine, I think we're in for a lot of work,'' he said. ''I think there will be some challenges in coming to decisions on that group of teams.''

The debate, which formally began Wednesday afternoon in Indianapolis, isn't going to be any clearer when it comes to the bottom half of the draw.

Teams such as Indiana and Temple are still trying to play their way into the tourney, and with some conference tournaments wrapping up until Sunday afternoon, the committee could be forced to wait on some key decisions.

Plus, regular-season conference champs who did not win their conference tourneys, such as Murray State of the Ohio Valley and Iona of the Metro Atlantic Athletic, also will be considered for the precious at-large bids.

What is clear? That Kentucky is No. 1 and everybody else is playing for No. 2.

''In my five years I can't remember it being quite as clear as it is in terms of the teams that might populate those two lines,'' Barnes said. ''Certainly, that's the perspective of today. There are more games to play. But it is one thing that seems to be shaping up.''

                               

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Are you ready to feel the "Thrill of Victory" or the "Agony of Defeat"? You can't win if you aren't in!!!!!

 

The excitement is building, the time is now, the most exciting part of college basketball starts in a week. "March Madness" is almost here. "Are you willing to accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory?" Think about it, get a friend and participate in CS&T/AA's 2015 "March Madness" Bracket Buster Pool. See the entry information below. Good luck and good picking!!! 

 

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2015 Bracket Buster Office Pool

 

 

The 2015 NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament is a week away. The brackets will be finalized by the selection committee March 15, 2015, and two days after that, the play-in games will start. Two days after that, March 19, 2015, the madness begins!!! It's the most wonderful time of the year in college basketball. Everyone gets excited because they have a favorite team. Don't miss this select opportunity to participate in one of the most fun and exciting office pools of the year, The Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica bracket buster office pool. The entry fee is very reasonable ($12.00 per bracket), actually "it's very rare but super fair" and the rewards are just as good; (1st place $200.00, 2nd place $100.00, 3rd place 50.00 and 4th place $50.00). Payouts go to the final four. If you live anywhere on this beautiful earth, are a college basketball fan and have a PayPal account, a checking account or cash, then you can participate in our pool. We're looking for a minimum of 40 participants.  In the event we get more than 40 players, the payouts will be adjusted accordingly. Note: Our office pool is for competitive entertainment purposes only. Again, don't miss out on this select opportunity ($$$). We look forward to your participation and wish you the best of luck.

 

A little advice: Look at the brackets, check the Las Vegas odds, make your picks but throw in a couple of upsets because there always are some and go for it!!! Remember, you can't win if you aren't in.

Teaser?: Do you think Kentucky will go all the way or does an upset await them? You make the call..... It's your bracket..... 
 

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Big 12 will use head-to-head tiebreaker to declare 'One True Champion'.

By Graham Watson

The Big 12’s maxim of “One True Champion” will actually be true in the 2015 football season.
 

Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said Thursday that the conference's athletic directors are in favor of getting rid of the co-champion policy and instead using head-to-head as the tiebreaker to indeed declare one true champion. 

 The Big 12’s “One True Champion” credo came under fire during the football season as Baylor and TCU jockeyed for position in the College Football Playoff. They both had one loss, but Baylor beat the Horned Frogs in their matchup. The conference declared the two teams co-champions and the Big 12 ultimately became the only Power Five conference to miss out on the inaugural College Football Playoff despite it being the only conference with two teams in the top six of the rankings.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that the Big 12 declaring Baylor the regular season champion over TCU would have changed the way the College Playoff Committee voted. Baylor finished fifth and TCU finished sixth in the final rankings.

However, declaring one champion will make it easier for the conference to petition for one team if playoff scenarios are close in future years.

Greg Sankey named new SEC commissioner.

By Sam Cooper

Southeastern Conference executive associate commissioner Greg Sankey attends the NCAA's Autonomy Business Session during the final day of the NCAA Convention in Oxon Hill, Md. Sankey has been named the new commissioner of the SEC, the conference announced Thursday, March 12, 2015. Sankey will replace Mike Slive, who has served a commissioner since 2002 and announced last October that he will retire effective July 31, 2015. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

Six months after it was revealed that SEC commissioner Mike Slive would retire, the conference announced Thursday that Greg Sankey has been named his successor.

Sankey is currently in his 13th year with the SEC and has served as the league’s Executive Associate Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer since 2012.

Sankey will assume the role of commissioner when Slive’s retirement becomes official on July 31, 2015.

"The institutions of the Southeastern Conference searched for a commissioner who would carry forward the momentum of success enjoyed by the SEC over the last decade while also possessing a vision for change in the modern era of college athletics," said Nick Zeppos, chancellor of Vanderbilt and president of the SEC presidents and chancellors. "Greg Sankey's experience with our institutions, his respect on the national landscape, his understanding of the balance of athletics and academics, and his passion for the welfare of student-athletes make him the perfect leader for the SEC."

Arkansas chancellor Dr. David Gearhart, who headed a search committee that also consisted of four other SEC presidents, said that Sankey “possesses all of the traits” the committee was searching for.

"He has shown tremendous leadership in his existing role in the conference office and he exudes a passion for the student-athlete that is critical for the new era of college athletics that we have entered. He is the right person to lead the SEC at an important time in our history," Gearhart said.

According to the SEC’s release, Sankey has “been an integral part of the SEC’s efforts to reshape the league’s governance, enforcement and compliance program” and has also “directed the SEC’s championships staff.” Sankey has also worked with on the NCAA’s Division I Legislative Council, Committee on Academic Performance and is the chairman for the NCAA Committee on Infractions.

"The universities of the SEC represent the greatest combination of academic and athletic excellence and I am honored to be selected to follow Mike Slive as commissioner of the Southeastern Conference," Sankey said. "The SEC is poised to make a difference in the lives of student-athletes for generations to come. We must ensure that the lessons they learn from their achievements in competition and in the classroom translate into success in life after college."

Before his time with the SEC, Sankey was the commissioner of the Southland Conference for close to seven years. He also worked in compliance at Northwestern State and Utica College.

Floyd Mayweather Jr: I believe in my skills, I believe in myself and I believe I am going to be victorious.

By Miguel Maravilla

The time has come for eleven time and five division world champion Floyd ‘Money” Mayweather Jr. (47-0, 26 KOs) to silence the critics and haters when he takes on eight division world champion Philippine icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (47-5-2, KOs) on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena live on HBO and Showtime Pay per view. We caught up with boxing’s best pound for pound fighter Wednesday afternoon at the Nokia Theatre at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles prior to the kickoff press conference announcing this fight.

“It’s always good watching the best vs. the best that’s what’s intriguing about this about this matchup,” Mayweather told Fightnews.com “Everything is about timing it took a while but it happened.

“Meeting after the Miami Heat game in his hotel, I think that is what made this happen,” Mayweather said about making this fight.

The drama continued during Super Bowl weekend when TMZ reported on January 30th that Mayweather vs. Pacquiao was official. Causing stir and excitement around the boxing world as those reports were later reported as false. After all the drama, it was finally agreed upon on February 20th as Mayweather made it public on his Shots app posting a picture of the signed contract.

“I was adamant about making this fight happen, it took a while. I have been asked for this fight a while and it eventually happened,” Mayweather said. “I don’t have to sell this fight. It sells itself. He is doing a lot of media talk shows, which is great I prefer him to do it.”

Mayweather found himself once again alongside with his former promoter Bob Arum at Wednesday’s kickoff press conference. “You missed me, right Floyd?” Arum with a huge laugh told Mayweather, as Floyd went along smiling drawing laughs from everyone in attendance.

Top Rank promoted Mayweather in the early part of his career since turning pro after the 1996 Olympics up until 2006. When Floyd decided to go his own way. “There has never been any animosity towards Bob Arum. I just simply wanted to be my own boss again. No hard feelings against Top Rank or Bob,” Mayweather said.

Now Floyd will zoom’s his focus on the Filipino icon Pacquiao.

“May 2nd is when the world stops to tune into Mayweather-Pacquiao, the biggest fight in boxing history,” Mayweather said. “May 2nd I have a tough task. I think it’s a bump on the road for me. Styles make fights Manny’s style and my style call for a great matchup. I have nothing to prove. I know my skills, I know what I can do.”

Training at his headquarters the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas, Mayweather has begun the process of training camp working with his father Floyd Mayweather Sr. and uncle former world champion Roger Mayweather.

“Training has been phenomenal,” Mayweather said. For this training camp Mayweather has brought in the southpaws as well as former opponents, former world champion Zab Judah and Demarcus “Chop Chop” Corley to help prepare for Pacquiao’s explosive style.

“Zab and Chop Chop are helping me and I have ten sparring partners. We are looking bring in all kinds of styles.”

It has long been said that Mayweather has had issues with southpaws and many feel that Pacquiao has the style and explosiveness to defeat Mayweather. “He’s a good fighter but last I checked I have defeated eight southpaws,” Mayweather said. “Any fighter is dangerous but I can instantly figure out an opponent.”

Floyd is coming off two unanimous decisions over Argentinian slugger Marcos “Chino” Maidana. “My last fight was in September but the first fight was easier than the second fight that’s just my opinion.” Mayweather commented. “Manny is a very aggressive fighter but I always have the ability to come out on top. The plan is be smart, be first, and take our time. In the last five to six years I think I have seen him fight twice. I can say the key piece to Manny Pacquiao was Alex Ariza.

“I can remember when I was young watching Leonard vs. Hagler it was called the Super Fight. I thought there will never be a fight like this and here we are today,” Mayweather said. “After this fight I will be victorious. I will move on to another guy then they will say, that this guy can beat me. We’ve faced all the top guys. I believe in my skills, I believe in myself and I believe I am going to be victorious.”

On This Date in Sports History: Today is Friday, March 13, 2015.

Memoriesofhistory.com

1878 - The first collegiate golf match was played between Oxford and Cambridge.

1894 - J.L. Johnstone invented the Horse Racing's starting gate.

1954 - Bobby Thomson (Milwaukee Braves) broke his ankle sliding into a base during a spring training game. The Braves replaced him with a rookie named Hank Aaron.

1955 - Maurice "Rocket" Richard (Montreal Canadiens) was ejected from a game for fighting. Three days later, NHL commissioner Clarence Campbell suspended Richard for the rest of the season. Campbell's decision resulted in seven hours of looting and destruction of property.

1960 - The NFL's Chicago Cardinals transferred to St. Louis.

1983 - Randy Smith's NBA consecutive game streak ended at 906 games.

1992 - Chick Hearn, broadcaster for the Los Angeles Lakers, called his 2,500th consecutive Laker game. The streak began in November of 1965.

1993 - Oksana Bayul became the youngest world champion when she won the world figure skating championship at age 15.

1999 - A.C. Green (Dallas Mavericks) played in his 1,000th consecutive game.

1999 - Phil Housley (Calgary Flames) became the American all-time points leader in the NHL when he reached 1,066. He passed Joe Mullen who had 1,063.

2002 - Former NHL player Jim Brown began a six-month jail sentence for vandalizing his wife's car. Brown had refused to undergo court-ordered counseling and community service.

2007 - Mike Modano (Dallas Stars) scored his 500th career goal.

 

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