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Trending: Kyle Schwarber hit a game-tying homer in the ninth and a go-ahead homer in the 13th to power the Cubs to a dramatic, come-from-behind win over the Reds on Tuesday night in Cincinnati. (See baseball section for details).
Kyle Schwarber hits a game winning home run in the 13th inning. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Trending: Hammon, Spurs take Las Vegas Summer League championship. (See basketball section for details).
Becky Hammon coaches the San Antonio Spurs against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half of an NBA summer league basketball game Sunday, July 19, 2015, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks?
As huge deals kick in, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane relish challenge.
By Chris Kuc
By Chris Kuc
Expectations run amok when it comes to the Blackhawks. Three Stanley Cups in six seasons tend to do that to a franchise.
Heading into next season, the two brightest stars on the team, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, will have the added burden of trying to prove they're worthy of the dual eight-year, $84 million contract extensions they signed a year ago that kick in for the 2015-16 campaign.
"I've thought about it a little bit so far this summer," Kane said during the Hawks Convention at the Hilton Chicago. "You want to make sure especially with the short summer you're coming back in shape and ready as possible … because you know you're going to have that expectation and accountability to … live up to that contract."
The deals carry cap hits of $10.5 million per season and the combined $21 million equate to more than 29 percent of the team's space under the league's limit of $71.4 million. That has helped push general manager Stan Bowman into cost-cutting mode and, as a result, turnover of the roster this summer has been significant with the departures of Patrick Sharp, Brandon Saad, Antoine Vermette, Brad Richards and Johnny Oduya, among others.
"Front and center is the contracts for Kane and I (that) are kicking in and that's where everyone is kind of looking — I understand that," Toews said. "The two of us have worked hard to own up to that and the pressure will be on us maybe more than it has been in the past. We've been up for challenges like that before and we're ready for this one too."
Still, few begrudge the stars their deals. The dynamic duo not only has led the way to success on the ice, it has been at the forefront of the resurgence of the franchise since coming on to the scene for the 2007-08 season. Each has three Cups and a Conn Smythe Trophy on their resumes and at ages 27 and 26, respectively, should be just reaching their peak seasons. Their star power off the ice has made the Hawks one of the most popular sports organizations in North America.
President John McDonough called the extensions for Toews and Kane "a great investment" and said there is no danger complacency will set in.
"They're grounded, they're humble, they're respectful, and they're appreciative to be Blackhawks," McDonough said. "They know that the task at hand is we're going to try to continue to keep winning. They know there's a lot of responsibility and that they are pillars of our franchise. The horizon is going to be very interesting."
The raises from the matching five-year, $31.5 million contracts signed in '09 are significant but won't affect the pair's desire level, according to Toews.
"There's a lot of work left for us to do," the captain said. "We're enjoying these best years of our career right now. This is the time to get the most out of what you can do on the ice. The two of us have kind of proven to each other and our teammates … to never be satisfied and to continue trying to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.
Heading into next season, the two brightest stars on the team, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, will have the added burden of trying to prove they're worthy of the dual eight-year, $84 million contract extensions they signed a year ago that kick in for the 2015-16 campaign.
"I've thought about it a little bit so far this summer," Kane said during the Hawks Convention at the Hilton Chicago. "You want to make sure especially with the short summer you're coming back in shape and ready as possible … because you know you're going to have that expectation and accountability to … live up to that contract."
The deals carry cap hits of $10.5 million per season and the combined $21 million equate to more than 29 percent of the team's space under the league's limit of $71.4 million. That has helped push general manager Stan Bowman into cost-cutting mode and, as a result, turnover of the roster this summer has been significant with the departures of Patrick Sharp, Brandon Saad, Antoine Vermette, Brad Richards and Johnny Oduya, among others.
"Front and center is the contracts for Kane and I (that) are kicking in and that's where everyone is kind of looking — I understand that," Toews said. "The two of us have worked hard to own up to that and the pressure will be on us maybe more than it has been in the past. We've been up for challenges like that before and we're ready for this one too."
Still, few begrudge the stars their deals. The dynamic duo not only has led the way to success on the ice, it has been at the forefront of the resurgence of the franchise since coming on to the scene for the 2007-08 season. Each has three Cups and a Conn Smythe Trophy on their resumes and at ages 27 and 26, respectively, should be just reaching their peak seasons. Their star power off the ice has made the Hawks one of the most popular sports organizations in North America.
President John McDonough called the extensions for Toews and Kane "a great investment" and said there is no danger complacency will set in.
"They're grounded, they're humble, they're respectful, and they're appreciative to be Blackhawks," McDonough said. "They know that the task at hand is we're going to try to continue to keep winning. They know there's a lot of responsibility and that they are pillars of our franchise. The horizon is going to be very interesting."
The raises from the matching five-year, $31.5 million contracts signed in '09 are significant but won't affect the pair's desire level, according to Toews.
"There's a lot of work left for us to do," the captain said. "We're enjoying these best years of our career right now. This is the time to get the most out of what you can do on the ice. The two of us have kind of proven to each other and our teammates … to never be satisfied and to continue trying to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.
"As soon as the next season starts everyone tends to forget about what happened last year and it's time to go to work again. We've shown we can do that and we know given the fact we just lost … important teammates and the focus is on us and our contract that there is more pressure than ever."
Added Kane on his and Toews' commitment and desire: "I don't think it will change, just like it didn't change from our first contract to our second contract. It's nice to have a deal like that. It's nice to be locked up for a long time here in Chicago."
NHL - Las Vegas, Quebec City apply to join National Hockey League.
Reuters; Reporting by Andrew Both, Editing by Gene Cherry
Las Vegas is hoping to gain its first major sports team with confirmation that it is one of two cities to apply to join the National Hockey League.
Added Kane on his and Toews' commitment and desire: "I don't think it will change, just like it didn't change from our first contract to our second contract. It's nice to have a deal like that. It's nice to be locked up for a long time here in Chicago."
NHL - Las Vegas, Quebec City apply to join National Hockey League.
Reuters; Reporting by Andrew Both, Editing by Gene Cherry
Las Vegas is hoping to gain its first major sports team with confirmation that it is one of two cities to apply to join the National Hockey League.
Bids from Las Vegas and Quebec City were submitted to the NHL by the Monday deadline, the league said on Tuesday.
"We can confirm that we have received two applications: one from Bill Foley for a franchise in Las Vegas, Nevada, and one from Quebecor for a franchise in Quebec City, Quebec," the league said.
Bill Foley is a businessman who heads the group named Hockey Vision Las Vegas.
Quebecor, a Canadian telecom and media conglomerate, announced on Monday it was seeking a franchise.
The league said they were the only two to apply from the 16 that initially expressed interest.
"Apparently, only Mr. Foley and Quebecor have the confidence in their ability to secure an arena and suitable ownership capability to move forward with this process," the NHL said.
Multiple reports said the potential new owners had to include a $10 million down payment.
Two more stages of "documentation submission" are required before a final decision on whether to award new franchises.
Las Vegas has hosted dozens of boxing world title fights but does not have a franchise in any of the four major American team sports leagues.
Quebec City has not had an NHL team since the Nordiques left for Denver and became the Colorado Avalanche in 1995.
The NHL has not expanded since adding its 29th and 30th teams, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild, in 2000.
Just Another Chicago Bulls Session... Hammon, Spurs take Las Vegas Summer League championship.
AP - Sports
San Antonio Spurs coach Becky Hammon holds up the championship trophy after they defeated the Phoenix Suns in an NBA summer league championship basketball game Monday, July 20, 2015, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Becky Hammon already made history when she became the first female head coach in NBA summer league.
''You never know what your journey has in store,'' Hammon said, according to Sports Illustrated. ''You just work hard and keep your nose to the grind. You do things the right way, you treat people the right way, and good things happen. ... I'm just thankful that (Popovich) trusted me with the guys in that locker room, and that those guys trusted me back.''
Leading the San Antonio Spurs to the Las Vegas Summer League championship just made the experience that much sweeter.
Hammon coached the Spurs to a 93-90 victory over the Phoenix Suns in the title game on Monday night.
''It was a grind,'' Hammon said. ''They've been together for 17 days. They really started to jell the last two or three games. They listened and they played really hard for me. I just really appreciate their attentiveness and alertness. They were tired but they fought through.''
The Spurs participated in both the Orlando and Las Vegas summer leagues, but Hammon served as the head coach only in the higher profile Vegas event.
Jonathon Simmons scored 23 points and took home MVP honors for the championship game. Treveon Graham added 22 points for the Spurs.
''It's amazing. It was a humbling experience,'' Simmons told NBATV of playing for Hammon. ''For all of us. I really love her and I've only known her a couple days. She's a real cool coach. She's a player coach. That's something we all like.''
Last year the Spurs made Hammon the first female full-time assistant coach in league history. Earlier this summer they told her she would lead the team in Las Vegas.
''She's a firecracker, she takes no prisoners, she's got a great personality,'' Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said during a visit to Minnesota in the regular season. ''She knows her stuff. She's competitive.''
The Spurs have worked hard not to make too much of their hiring of Hammon. Popovich has said time and again that she was hired because of her coaching acumen and not because the team was looking to help a woman break the glass ceiling.
''I don't know if her perspective is unique. It's women instead of men, but it's the same game,'' Popovich said. ''Becky knows what to do on a pick-and-roll just as much as what Tony Parker knows. So I don't think it's unique at all.''
The players gave Hammon a Gatorade bath during the celebration in the locker room, and the Spurs were the third team to win the Vegas Summer League tournament, following the Warriors in 2013 and Kings in 2014.
''You never know what your journey has in store,'' Hammon said, according to Sports Illustrated. ''You just work hard and keep your nose to the grind. You do things the right way, you treat people the right way, and good things happen. ... I'm just thankful that (Popovich) trusted me with the guys in that locker room, and that those guys trusted me back.''
Bulls rookie Bobby Portis turned heads in NBA Summer League.
CSN Staff
With the NBA Summer League over, ProBasketballTalk's Kurt Helin analyzed five players who impressed him over the time in Las Vegas.
Bulls rookie Bobby Portis found his way onto the list, alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, Noah Vonleh, Kristaps Porzingis and Emmanuel Mudiay.
Here's what Helin and PBT saw from Portis:
With the NBA Summer League over, ProBasketballTalk's Kurt Helin analyzed five players who impressed him over the time in Las Vegas.
Bulls rookie Bobby Portis found his way onto the list, alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, Noah Vonleh, Kristaps Porzingis and Emmanuel Mudiay.
Here's what Helin and PBT saw from Portis:
3) Bobby Portis (Chicago Bulls). The Bulls were surprised on draft night when Portis was still available at No. 22, and they have to be pleased with his Summer League showing. In his Vegas debut, Portis had 23 points and 7 rebounds playing against No. 1 pick Karl-Anthony Towns. His later games weren’t as impressive statistically, but new Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg raved about his motor and intensity. The Bulls’ frontcourt is crowded, but Taj Gibson is coming off recent ankle surgery, Pau Gasol is 35 and Joakim Noah looked like a shell of himself last year, so it’s easy to see a scenario where Portis plays significant minutes this season. He looks ready. (SH)Not a bad first impression.
Bear Down Chicago Bears!!!! Bears Issue No. 1: Reshaping a losing culture.
By John Mullin
The hiring of John Fox to coach the 2015 Bears involved more than returning to the Bears’ “tradition” of coaches from the defensive side of the football. The Fox hire and that of Ryan Pace as general manager, both from backgrounds with winning organizations, was done with a clear directive to reverse the organizational flow brought on by a decaying culture that had even Virginia McCaskey using harsh language not normally associated with so distinguished a lady.
But hires are relatively easy. So are adding players; free agency and the draft assure that. More at issue now is whether the seeds of the Pace/Fox culture take root. Because if they do not, if players are not fully with the program, as was the case with the previous coaching change…
It was evident that the content and style of the Marc Trestman/Phil Emery message did not resonate with their team. Fox and his staff arrive with exponentially more credibility than Trestman and his did, but content and style are still relatively new to players.
“I’m brutally honest,” Fox said. “Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I’m not afraid or intimidated about telling people the truth.”
In more forms than one. The previous regime acquired and put up with Brandon Marshall. The new one got rid of him.
Wanted: Leaders
When matters deteriorated over the past two seasons, the lack of clear leadership on the field was an issue. No successor to Brian Urlacher emerged on defense, Jay Cutler did not deliver the leadership that the greats (Brady, Manning, Rodgers) at his position bring to their offenses. The likes of Blake Costanzo and Craig Steltz were phased out of special teams without comparable replacements.
Apart from what Fox and his staff bring, the need is for players with the combination of talent and personality to lead a team that had precious little leadership over the past two seasons.
“You’ve got to feel things out, see who’s the leader and who’s not,” said linebacker Pernell McPhee, the priority offseason addition to the defense. “Figure out who you can sit down and talk to and who are willing to learn the game.”
With a smile, McPhee added the kind of attitude coaches crave: “I think I could be ‘that guy’ but we’re just going to let it play out.”
Culture/system changes = winning?
When Mike Ditka arrived as Bears coach in 1982, he tore much of existing internal culture up by the roots. Roster turnover was measured in bulk. The Bears went from dismal to postseason in three seasons, no small accomplishment in the pre-free-agency era.
When Dave Wannstedt took over, he and then-chairman Mike McCaskey looked to reshape the Bears from the Ditka motif to something in the model of the Dallas Cowboys, from when Wannstedt had come. Success was short-lived but the Bears were in the postseason and won a playoff game in year two.
But hires are relatively easy. So are adding players; free agency and the draft assure that. More at issue now is whether the seeds of the Pace/Fox culture take root. Because if they do not, if players are not fully with the program, as was the case with the previous coaching change…
It was evident that the content and style of the Marc Trestman/Phil Emery message did not resonate with their team. Fox and his staff arrive with exponentially more credibility than Trestman and his did, but content and style are still relatively new to players.
“I’m brutally honest,” Fox said. “Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I’m not afraid or intimidated about telling people the truth.”
In more forms than one. The previous regime acquired and put up with Brandon Marshall. The new one got rid of him.
Wanted: Leaders
When matters deteriorated over the past two seasons, the lack of clear leadership on the field was an issue. No successor to Brian Urlacher emerged on defense, Jay Cutler did not deliver the leadership that the greats (Brady, Manning, Rodgers) at his position bring to their offenses. The likes of Blake Costanzo and Craig Steltz were phased out of special teams without comparable replacements.
Apart from what Fox and his staff bring, the need is for players with the combination of talent and personality to lead a team that had precious little leadership over the past two seasons.
“You’ve got to feel things out, see who’s the leader and who’s not,” said linebacker Pernell McPhee, the priority offseason addition to the defense. “Figure out who you can sit down and talk to and who are willing to learn the game.”
With a smile, McPhee added the kind of attitude coaches crave: “I think I could be ‘that guy’ but we’re just going to let it play out.”
Culture/system changes = winning?
When Mike Ditka arrived as Bears coach in 1982, he tore much of existing internal culture up by the roots. Roster turnover was measured in bulk. The Bears went from dismal to postseason in three seasons, no small accomplishment in the pre-free-agency era.
When Dave Wannstedt took over, he and then-chairman Mike McCaskey looked to reshape the Bears from the Ditka motif to something in the model of the Dallas Cowboys, from when Wannstedt had come. Success was short-lived but the Bears were in the postseason and won a playoff game in year two.
Lovie Smith stayed with a 4-3 defense but completely changed it from a lumbering front-four to a speed-based one-gap scheme. The 11-5 Bears won the NFC North in Smith’s Year 2.
Fast forward to 2013 and the start of the brief Marc Trestman tenure. He and coordinator Mel Tucker made virtually no changes to a defense that became a piñata in year one and worse in year two. What changes there were came in things such as locker assignments and captaincies rotated weekly. It was clear to Trestman that Cutler was going to be his quarterback, and as the offense was increasingly found out, the inability to adapt and change was fatal.
Worse, the players did not buy into what changes were being made, exacerbating other problems.
“We’ve made a lot of changes, upstairs, downstairs, throughout the building,” Fox said. “I think the guys have responded well. Guys have bought in and worked hard and that’s all I can ask.”
Strong early indicators
The Bears culture and more are in flux under John Fox. Privately and publicly, the indications are that both the specifics and the overall have met with the buy that was so conspicuously absent under Trestman.
“The entire energy is different around here,” said end/linebacker Jared Allen. “It’s really cool to just walk in here. So that breeds that competition and just excitement.”
The entire defense has been uprooted and replanted with both new players and with ones who’ve never played much 3-4 before. Special teams are expected to be staffed with impact players rather than too often being addressed primarily.
Fox has let it be known that even quarterback will be performance-based, which under Emery/Trestman did not always appear to be the case, players said.
Trestman impressed Bears senior management when he laid out a 13-month calendar. Fox’s “calendar” has already made an impression where it may even matter more.
“Fox has a reputation, he knows how to win,” Cutler said. “They have a blueprint.”
Bears Issue No. 2: Not 'Cutler-specific' so much as 'Quarterback'.
By John Mullin
During the death spiral that was the 2014 season, the offensive coaching hierarchy of coach Marc Trestman and coordinator Aaron Kromer grew weary and wary of Jay Cutler’s play at quarterback. There had been more than a passing desire to stay with Josh McCown during his career year of 2013 but the decision was to return Cutler to No. 1.
Last year the frustration with Cutler was enough to bubble over from Kromer to an NFL reporter after the latest in a run of dismal performances. Cutler failed to top 80.0 passer rating in three of his last four games, the other one being against the Dallas Cowboys in which the Bears fell behind 35-7 after three quarters before Cutler posted a stat burst in garbage time.
A change to Jimmy Clausen was made after 14 games. The surprise of this season will be if the new coaching staff stays with Cutler through another 3-6 start.
“We’re in a performance-based business,” Fox has said. “I understand that and you have to perform.” This is probably just coincidence — probably — but after his benching in favor of Clausen, Cutler had one of the only two games over his final nine without an interception. Meaning: Maybe a little job jolt is a good thing where Cutler is concerned.
Cutler will not have the general manager resolutely in his corner as he did with Phil Emery, who used words like “elite” and “franchise quarterback” to describe Cutler when not even the head coach or coordinator were so inclined.
For Clausen, why Chicago?
Best guess is that Clausen will post better preseason numbers than Cutler; backup quarterbacks frequently do, if only because they’re playing against backups.
But the Bears re-signed Clausen to a one-year deal for a reason, and Clausen chose Chicago over some other options.
“I just felt comfortable here,” Clausen said. “I came here, met with the coaches, and love the offense and what they’re planning to do.”
Exactly how the quarterback situation was presented to Clausen is between organization and player. But Kurt Warner chose to sign elsewhere when told that Rex Grossman was not going to be dislodged as the Bears’ starter. Clausen may not have had the options a Warner would have, but enough teams have unsettled quarterback situations such that he did not need to settle for one where the starter was untouchable.
“That’s not up to me; it’s up to the coaching staff,” Clausen said. “We’re just trying to get to where we go out there and play fast and react, not think too much.”
Two Cutler questions
Cutler has remained with the No. 1 offense through the offseason. No surprise there.
But word around the NFL is that new coordinator Adam Gase will be limiting Cutler’s audible options. Cutler’s decision-making was a major issue with the previous staff, and that weakness in his game and makeup contributed to the interceptions that have come to define him as a quarterback.
Not entirely coincidentally, Cutler’s best quarterbacking stretch as a Bear came in 2010-11, with Mike Martz as his coordinator. The two increasingly clashed, in part because Martz did not allow extensive audibling, but Cutler’s career-low interception rate (2.2 percent) came in his 10 games of 2011 before the season-ending broken thumb.
The previous year Cutler threw seven TD passes and seven INT’s through his first six games under Martz. When Lovie Smith intervened and directed that the offense become more balanced, Cutler threw 16 TD passes vs. nine INT’s.
Fox’s history is that his offense will have balance, taking some pressure off his quarterback. Whoever that is.
The first question is how Cutler will take to a system and coordinator without the play calling freedom he exercised. He annually says the right things about his new bosses, but rarely have things worked to a playoff level. He has some familiarity with Gase and quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains, but he had history with Jeremy Bates and that netted nothing.
Still Cutler’s job to lose
Bears senior management said early this offseason that the incoming GM and coach were not locked into Cutler because of contract commitments. The organization did put itself on the hook last March for $15 million this year and $10 million in 2016.
But “it’s all an open competition,” Fox said. “Obviously you’ve got to start somewhere and my experience in football, really in anything, it’s not where you start a competition; it’s where you finish it… .
“I kind of have it in my brain and then they compete.”
That competition may not end even when the season opens in September.
NFL splits record $7.24 billion in national revenue with teams.
Last year the frustration with Cutler was enough to bubble over from Kromer to an NFL reporter after the latest in a run of dismal performances. Cutler failed to top 80.0 passer rating in three of his last four games, the other one being against the Dallas Cowboys in which the Bears fell behind 35-7 after three quarters before Cutler posted a stat burst in garbage time.
A change to Jimmy Clausen was made after 14 games. The surprise of this season will be if the new coaching staff stays with Cutler through another 3-6 start.
“We’re in a performance-based business,” Fox has said. “I understand that and you have to perform.” This is probably just coincidence — probably — but after his benching in favor of Clausen, Cutler had one of the only two games over his final nine without an interception. Meaning: Maybe a little job jolt is a good thing where Cutler is concerned.
Cutler will not have the general manager resolutely in his corner as he did with Phil Emery, who used words like “elite” and “franchise quarterback” to describe Cutler when not even the head coach or coordinator were so inclined.
For Clausen, why Chicago?
Best guess is that Clausen will post better preseason numbers than Cutler; backup quarterbacks frequently do, if only because they’re playing against backups.
But the Bears re-signed Clausen to a one-year deal for a reason, and Clausen chose Chicago over some other options.
“I just felt comfortable here,” Clausen said. “I came here, met with the coaches, and love the offense and what they’re planning to do.”
Exactly how the quarterback situation was presented to Clausen is between organization and player. But Kurt Warner chose to sign elsewhere when told that Rex Grossman was not going to be dislodged as the Bears’ starter. Clausen may not have had the options a Warner would have, but enough teams have unsettled quarterback situations such that he did not need to settle for one where the starter was untouchable.
“That’s not up to me; it’s up to the coaching staff,” Clausen said. “We’re just trying to get to where we go out there and play fast and react, not think too much.”
Two Cutler questions
Cutler has remained with the No. 1 offense through the offseason. No surprise there.
But word around the NFL is that new coordinator Adam Gase will be limiting Cutler’s audible options. Cutler’s decision-making was a major issue with the previous staff, and that weakness in his game and makeup contributed to the interceptions that have come to define him as a quarterback.
Not entirely coincidentally, Cutler’s best quarterbacking stretch as a Bear came in 2010-11, with Mike Martz as his coordinator. The two increasingly clashed, in part because Martz did not allow extensive audibling, but Cutler’s career-low interception rate (2.2 percent) came in his 10 games of 2011 before the season-ending broken thumb.
The previous year Cutler threw seven TD passes and seven INT’s through his first six games under Martz. When Lovie Smith intervened and directed that the offense become more balanced, Cutler threw 16 TD passes vs. nine INT’s.
Fox’s history is that his offense will have balance, taking some pressure off his quarterback. Whoever that is.
The first question is how Cutler will take to a system and coordinator without the play calling freedom he exercised. He annually says the right things about his new bosses, but rarely have things worked to a playoff level. He has some familiarity with Gase and quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains, but he had history with Jeremy Bates and that netted nothing.
| Year | Off. Coordinator | QB coach |
| 2008 | Mike Shanahan | Jeremy Bates |
| 2009 | Ron Turner | Pep Hamilton |
| 2010-11 | Mike Martz | Shane Day |
| 2012 | Mike Tice | Jeremy Bates |
| 2013-14 | Aaron Kromer | Matt Cavanaugh |
| 2015 | Adam Gase | Dowell Loggains |
Still Cutler’s job to lose
Bears senior management said early this offseason that the incoming GM and coach were not locked into Cutler because of contract commitments. The organization did put itself on the hook last March for $15 million this year and $10 million in 2016.
But “it’s all an open competition,” Fox said. “Obviously you’ve got to start somewhere and my experience in football, really in anything, it’s not where you start a competition; it’s where you finish it… .
“I kind of have it in my brain and then they compete.”
That competition may not end even when the season opens in September.
NFL splits record $7.24 billion in national revenue with teams.
By Kirstie Chiappelli
NFL footballs (Getty Images)
The NFL raked in big money from national television deals during the 2014 fiscal year.
With the help of new TV deals with CBS, NBC, Fox, ABC, ESPN and NFL Network, the league will split $7.24 billion in national revenue from last season with its 32 teams, earning each franchise $226.4 million, ESPN reported Monday.
With the help of new TV deals with CBS, NBC, Fox, ABC, ESPN and NFL Network, the league will split $7.24 billion in national revenue from last season with its 32 teams, earning each franchise $226.4 million, ESPN reported Monday.
The revenue shared is up from $187.7 million, growing by 21 percent after the league split a record $6 billion among teams last year. The league split just over $3 billion in national revenue in 2010, more than doubling its share in a five-year span.
The Packers, who released their financial data Monday as the league's only publicly-owned team, reported a total revenue of $375.7 million with $149.3 million in local revenue. Green Bay's national revenue grew by $38.7 million while its local revenue increased by $12.9 million. According to Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy, those number will continue to grow after some major renovations in and around Lambeau Field, including a $55 million renovation of the stadium's luxury suites.
"I think the fans (in the suites) really want to feel that they're connected with the game," Murphy told ESPN. "So that will be the biggest improvement there."
In total, the national revenue shared is up by a whopping 120 percent over the last 11 years.
MLB: Pair of Kyle Schwarber homers powers Cubs to comeback win.
By Patrick Mooney
The Cubs already made their splashes with hitters, investing more than $130 million in Anthony Rizzo, Starlin Castro and Jorge Soler. They used a big trade chip to get Addison Russell and spent first-round picks on Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber.
So the Cubs probably have to find answers from within, as manager Joe Maddon pointed out before Tuesday’s 5-4 comeback victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, a game that took 13 innings, lasted almost five hours and changed with two big swings from Schwarber.
“You just brought up ‘Schwarbs,’ and it’s hard to find bats,” Maddon said. “A veteran bat? I don’t know even know who that guy is that you might want to pick up. And then if you do, where do you play him?”
“Schwarbs” took a vicious swing in the ninth inning, staring out toward right field before dropping his bat, beginning his home-run trot and reminding you he just might be the big bat the Cubs add before the July 31 trade deadline.
Schwarber fell behind 0-2 against Reds reliever J.J. Hoover, fouled off three more balls and worked a 3-2 count before destroying a 94 mph fastball, the ninth pitch of the at-bat. That two-run, game-tying shot traveled 424 feet and seemed to disappear onto a party deck.
Schwarber, who grew up in the Cincinnati suburbs, hit a line-drive homer off Nate Adcock in the 13th inning to win it.
“You just brought up ‘Schwarbs,’ and it’s hard to find bats,” Maddon said. “A veteran bat? I don’t know even know who that guy is that you might want to pick up. And then if you do, where do you play him?”
“Schwarbs” took a vicious swing in the ninth inning, staring out toward right field before dropping his bat, beginning his home-run trot and reminding you he just might be the big bat the Cubs add before the July 31 trade deadline.
Schwarber fell behind 0-2 against Reds reliever J.J. Hoover, fouled off three more balls and worked a 3-2 count before destroying a 94 mph fastball, the ninth pitch of the at-bat. That two-run, game-tying shot traveled 424 feet and seemed to disappear onto a party deck.
Schwarber, who grew up in the Cincinnati suburbs, hit a line-drive homer off Nate Adcock in the 13th inning to win it.
It has to be frustrating for Cubs fans — not to mention Theo Epstein’s front office — to watch a team that leads the National League in strikeouts and hits .229 with runners in scoring position. But it’s not like there’s any quick fix for an offense that was supposed to feel the growing pains this year.
“Your pitching is always No. 1 to improve,” Maddon said. “If you look at the team on the field, I kind of like it.”
At least Jason Hammel passed the test in his first start since July 8, when he lasted only one inning against the St. Louis Cardinals and left the game with a hamstring issue.
Hammel made it through five innings against the Reds, giving up two runs — one earned — before the Cubs had issues with middle relievers Travis Wood and Pedro Strop. The Cubs would burn through four more relievers before Wednesday’s day/night doubleheader.
Hammel’s injury scare — as well as the uncertainty surrounding the fifth starter and the organization’s overall pitching deficit — reinforced the idea the Cubs need at least another arm for the rotation.
The Cubs are waiting to see how Miguel Montero’s sprained left thumb heals, not knowing when the veteran catcher might return. They expect Javier Baez (fractured finger) will accelerate his rehab assignment this week and begin playing games in Arizona, hoping be could develop into an offensive force/defensive spark up the middle (or maybe show he’s healthy enough to be a trade chip).
But for the Cubs, pitching still looks like the biggest need at the deadline, even with a 3.31 ERA rotation ERA that ranked fifth in baseball.
“You still got Miggy in the wings, hopefully not too long into the future,” Maddon said. “Baez should be getting well relatively soon. There’s other things going on. So I think if you had to look at one thing, you’ll always look to augment the pitching.”
Tyler Saladino homers but White Sox fall to Cardinals.
By Dan Hayes
Tyler Saladino’s major league career is off to a nice start.
But even the rookie’s hot bat couldn’t help the White Sox dig out of a massive hole Tuesday night as they fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 8-5 in front of 29,728 at U.S. Cellular Field. Saladino went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer but Carlos Rodon allowed seven earned runs, including a Matt Holliday grand slam as the White Sox lost for the fourth time in five games.
St. Louis already led 3-0 when Holliday stepped in to face Rodon with one out in the third inning and the bases loaded. Rodon had walked Mark Reynolds, allowed an infield single to Stephen Piscotty and hit KoltenWong before he got Randal Grichuk to pop out. But Holliday ripped a first-pitch slider 430 feet to left field to give the Cardinals a 7-0 lead.
Rodon (3-3) allowed seven hits with three walks and six strikeouts in four innings as he made his first start since he pitched six scoreless innings against the Cubs on July 10.
St. Louis took an 8-2 lead in the fifth inning when Reynolds homered off White Sox reliever Daniel Webb, who pitched three innings.
The White Sox offense finally woke up in the fourth inning after Michael Wacha retired the first nine batters he had faced. Adam Eaton drew the first of his three walks and Saladino singled. Jose Abreu singled in a run and Melky Cabrera had a sac fly.
Geovany Soto blasted a solo homer in the fifth inning off Wacha and Saladino followed a two-out walk of Eaton with a two-run homer toleft, his second.
Eaton and Saladino -- who continues to play a nice third base -- almost triggered another rally in the seven as the leadoff man drew a one-out walk and Saladino reached on a fielder’s choice with two Cardinals errors putting men on second and third. But Abreu hit a comebacker and Cabrera struck out.
Saladino’s two-out infield single in the ninth inning off Trevor Rosenthal extended the game and brought Abreu to the plate as the tying run. But Abreu grounded out to end it.
The White Sox also stranded a pair of runners in the sixth inning and Adam LaRoche wiped out a leadoff walk in the eighth inning when he grounded into a double play.
But even the rookie’s hot bat couldn’t help the White Sox dig out of a massive hole Tuesday night as they fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 8-5 in front of 29,728 at U.S. Cellular Field. Saladino went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer but Carlos Rodon allowed seven earned runs, including a Matt Holliday grand slam as the White Sox lost for the fourth time in five games.
St. Louis already led 3-0 when Holliday stepped in to face Rodon with one out in the third inning and the bases loaded. Rodon had walked Mark Reynolds, allowed an infield single to Stephen Piscotty and hit KoltenWong before he got Randal Grichuk to pop out. But Holliday ripped a first-pitch slider 430 feet to left field to give the Cardinals a 7-0 lead.
Rodon (3-3) allowed seven hits with three walks and six strikeouts in four innings as he made his first start since he pitched six scoreless innings against the Cubs on July 10.
St. Louis took an 8-2 lead in the fifth inning when Reynolds homered off White Sox reliever Daniel Webb, who pitched three innings.
The White Sox offense finally woke up in the fourth inning after Michael Wacha retired the first nine batters he had faced. Adam Eaton drew the first of his three walks and Saladino singled. Jose Abreu singled in a run and Melky Cabrera had a sac fly.
Geovany Soto blasted a solo homer in the fifth inning off Wacha and Saladino followed a two-out walk of Eaton with a two-run homer toleft, his second.
Eaton and Saladino -- who continues to play a nice third base -- almost triggered another rally in the seven as the leadoff man drew a one-out walk and Saladino reached on a fielder’s choice with two Cardinals errors putting men on second and third. But Abreu hit a comebacker and Cabrera struck out.
Saladino’s two-out infield single in the ninth inning off Trevor Rosenthal extended the game and brought Abreu to the plate as the tying run. But Abreu grounded out to end it.
The White Sox also stranded a pair of runners in the sixth inning and Adam LaRoche wiped out a leadoff walk in the eighth inning when he grounded into a double play.
Baseball - U.S. teams eye games in Cuba, safe talent pipeline.
AFP
Rob Manfred, the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, said exhibition games in Cuba ahead of the 2016 season "would be my best guess, based on the state of the conversations with the government," according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (AFP Photo/Jim Rogash)
Restoring full diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States could lead to Major League Baseball pre-season games on the Communist island by next year and a safer pipeline for Cuban talent. Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said exhibition games in Cuba ahead of next April's start of the 2016 season "would be my best guess, based on the state of the conversations with the government," according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. As a trade embargo and diplomatic shutdown since the 1960s between Cuba and the United States nears an end, US officials hope to use baseball to make inroads much the same way US officials used table tennis to bridge cultural gaps with China in the 1970s. "Cuba is a great market for us in two ways. Obviously, it's a great talent market. It's a country where baseball is embedded in the culture," Manfred told the Miami Herald.
Golf: I got a club for that: Zach Johnson wins thrilling Open in playoff.
By Allan Kelly
US golfer Zach Johnson poses with the Claret Jug at St Andrews in Scotland, on July 20, 2015 (AFP Photo/Adrian Dennis)
St Andrews (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Zach Johnson won the British Open on Monday, emerging victorious from a gripping four-hole playoff against Louis Oosthuizen and Marc Leishman.
It was the 39-year-old American's second major title win after he triumphed at the 2007 Masters.
"It sounds beautiful. It still sounds extremely surreal. The tone to it is very humbling. I feel blessed to be the champion and honored to be part of the history of this game," Johnson said.
Jordan Spieth, meanwhile, missed getting into the playoff by one shot and thus saw his hopes shattered of becoming just the second player to win the Masters, US and British Opens in the same year.
Johnson, Oosthuizen and Leishman all finished with totals of 15-under 273 after Johnson and Leishman had 66s and Oosthuizen a 69.
That forced the first British Open playoff since Stewart Cink defeated Tom Watson at Turnberry in 2009 and the first three-way playoff since 1999 when Paul Lawrie triumphed.
It was a gripping end to what had been an enthralling day that saw a packed leaderboard go hammer and tongs at grabbing enough birdies to take possession of golf's most coveted trophy.
Played over holes 1, 2, 17 and 18, Oosthuizen and Johnson immediately distanced themselves from Leishman with opening birdies to his bogey.
Johnson then went clear with a birdie at the second, but he hit a poor approach to the notorious 17th, the Road Hole, and bogeyed, only for Oosthuizen to miss a four-footer to get back on level terms.
Johnson then went clear with a birdie at the second, but he hit a poor approach to the notorious 17th, the Road Hole, and bogeyed, only for Oosthuizen to miss a four-footer to get back on level terms.
It all came down to the famous 18th hole with its historic town center backdrop, and a par was enough for Johnson with Oosthuizen narrowly missing an eight-footer to force sudden death.
"To don my name on that trophy is humbling and surreal," said Johnson, whose superb wedge-play and putting were key to his win.
"It has been a week of patience, courage and trust. I can't play any better than I did. I just stayed in it, waited for the opportunities and made a few putts.
"It has been a week of patience, courage and trust. I can't play any better than I did. I just stayed in it, waited for the opportunities and made a few putts.
"I don't like seeing it end on a miss. Louis is a buddy, a friend and a tremendous competitor."
The playoff followed a sensational day of aggressive shot-making under the drenching Scottish rain when it soon became clear from the nature of the early scores that the Open crown would go to the lowest of the low.
The three-way overnight lead held by Oosthuizen, Justin Day and Irish amateur Paul Dunne was immediately shattered when the understandably nervy Irishman bogeyed the first two holes from which he never recovered.
Johnson and Adam Scott came charging out of the pack as the rain showers came and went, but the packed leaderboard was as fickle as the weather, and predicting who would emerge triumphant at the end of the day was nigh-on impossible.
Spieth was well in the hunt, but a double-bogey at the par-three eighth had him chucking his ball away in anger.
Others fell away too as they failed to keep up in the unrelenting birdie stakes and it all came down to a dogfight down the back nine with the punishing six last holes holding the key to victory.
Leishman pushed his nose in front with six holes of his round to play and he made a drive for glory only to lose his outright lead by missing a four-footer at the 16th.
Johnson sunk a snaking, downhill 20-footer for birdie at the last to get to 15 under and it was up to Leishman, Spieth, Day and Oosthuizen coming up behind him to match or better his score.
Spieth came to grief with a bogey at the 17th as his Triple Crown dream died, but Leishman held firm at 15 under and they were joined in the playoff by Oosthuizen, who sunk a six-footer at the last for a birdie.
NASCAR; Power Rankings: Harvick goes back to the top spot.
By Nick Bromberg
1. Kevin Harvick (LW: 2): if only Harvick would have thrown a huge block on Kyle Busch as Busch made the move to get his lap back before the next-to-final caution. He could have won the race. But let's be real, there was no way that he realized the move Busch was making was going to be the winning pass. After all of the cries from drivers to throw a caution because of oil on the track, you can't blame them if they thought the caution was never going to fly. Harvick ended up third.
2. Kyle Busch (LW: 3): Ahead of Jimmie Johnson? Why not. Power Rankings are more about what drivers have done lately, and Busch has won three of four races and is 58 points back of 30th. But we do feel the need to douse some cold water on the Chase talk. Busch still has a ways to go to get into the top 30. Despite the run of recent form he's still only cut his points per race deficit by a third (from 12 points per race on 30th to 8). If he loses 10 points to 30th on Sunday at Indianapolis, his deficit is suddenly 68 points with six races to go and back to over 11 points per race. It's easier to fall than it is to climb.
3. Jimmie Johnson (LW: 1): A speeding penalty under green meant Johnson's day was pretty much toast from then on. He ended up finishing 22nd, the first car one lap down. Hell, if there would have been a caution before the last lap of the race, Johnson probably would have fought back and finished 15th or so. Instead, it was one of the rare races of 2015 where the race's caution flags didn't play out in favor of the No. 48. How fascinating would it be if Johnson won Sunday's race to tie Jeff Gordon with five Brickyard 400s?
4. Joey Logano (LW: 4): If the Gibbs cars have been the fastest of the two weeks, the Penske cars are a close second. After finishing second at Kentucky, Logano was fourth at New Hampshire. And since Johnson had a bad day and finished 22nd, Logano now has second place all to himself in the standings. Though he's a whopping 69 points behind Harvick. If there wasn't a Chase, the championship would be heading to a very early clinch.
5. Kurt Busch (LW: 5): Busch salvaged a top 10 out of Sunday's race. He wasn't one of the fastest cars on the track throughout the duration of the race, but he certainly wasn't in any danger of losing a lap. He was clearly the second-fastest Stewart-Haas Racing car, but it's also necessary to point out Tony Stewart finished 20th and Danica Patrick finished 24th. Busch should be a top pick for Sunday at Indy.
6. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (LW: 7): Junior finished fifth at New Hampshire and now has the most top five finishes at the track without a win. In 32 career starts at the one-mile track he's got eight top fives and 15 top-10 finishes. He's finished in the top 10 four-straight times and that bodes well for the Chase race in September. If he makes it five straight he's likely moving on to the second round of the Chase.
7. Martin Truex Jr. (LW: 6): It's time to panic. Truex finished outside the top 10 again. One of those statements is false. One is true. Which one is it? After finishing 12th, Truex now has 14 top 10s in 19 races after having 14 top-10s in 15 races. Truex was on an unsustainable top-10 pace, so this "slump" should be seen as nothing more than a regression to the mean. If the lack of top 10s becomes a drought before the Chase begins, then we can mention the p-word in serious terms.
8. Brad Keselowski (LW: 11): Keselowski was frustrated after the race despite his second-place finish. And do you blame him? He felt he had the best car and led 101 laps, the most of anyone. And even Kyle Busch said he had the third-best car of the day. While Keselowski is pretty much in the Chase because of his win, a win on Sunday would have served as affirmation for the No. 2 given the circumstances of that first win.
9. Jeff Gordon (LW: 9): The Gordon tributes will be rocking at Indianapolis all weekend, especially since Gordon won in 2014. And while we mentioned the intrigue if Johnson tied Gordon on Sunday, what if Gordon won his sixth Indianapolis race in his final start to essentially clinch a Chase berth? After a season that hasn't been a fairytale farewell it'd be a crazy pivot point.
10. Denny Hamlin (LW: 8): Hamlin wasn't as fast as his teammates all day but got all the way up to fourth on the final restart of the day. He wasn't able to maintain his position after a two-tire pit stop and finished 14th. Now he's heading back to the scene of his Indianapolis crime. Or improperly fastened firewall block-off plates. Hamlin was fined 75 points for the infraction and lost then-crew chief Darian Grubb for six races. We're going to guess those plates may get triple-checked this weekend.
11. Matt Kenseth (LW: 12): Kenseth finished sixth and his career statistics at New Hampshire are basically like Junior's. Kenseth has seven top fives and 16 top-10 finishes in 31 races. Oh, and one win. Kenseth is going to stay down here all sneaky until he wins another race or two before the Chase. And then he'll still be considered a not-so-big favorite for the title and will still make the final eight. Mark it down.
12. Carl Edwards (LW: NR): Edwards' SportClips sponsorship got us thinking on Twitter on Sunday. Which sponsorship would have the lamest freebies? While everyone needs haircuts, would you really want haircuts for free given the possibilities of freebies from other sponsors? If we're ranking the sponsor swag, Jamie McMurray's Cessna sponsorship is near the top of the list. Anything involving insurance is pretty high too.
Lucky Dog: Austin Dillon's 8th-place finish was his second top 10 in three races and his third of the season.
The DNF: He finished the race, but Clint Bowyer's day wasn't exactly a good one. He ended up 34th.
Dropped Out: Jamie McMurray
Will NASCAR crack down on drivers tossing water bottles onto track?
By Jared Turner
Sunday's race at New Hampshire went yellow when NASCAR spotted a water bottle on the track. (Photo/Nick Laham)
It doesn't sound as though NASCAR is ready to prohibit drivers from tossing their water bottles onto the racetrack, a common practice that came under scrutiny when a bottle was spotted on the apron during a caution for debris in Sunday's 5-Hour Energy 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
It does, however, sound as if the sanctioning body will crack down on the practice of water-bottle tossing if there's reason to suspect drivers are deliberately doing it to bring out a yellow flag.
Several drivers -- most notably Brad Keselowski and Jimmie Johnson -- suggested on Twitter after Sunday's race that NASCAR didn't need to throw a caution flag for the rogue water bottle.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., meanwhile, voiced his opinion on Twitter that drivers shouldn't toss anything onto the track -- including tear-offs from their helmet visors.
Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Monday that drivers tossing bottles out of their window is nothing new.
"Coming off pit road sometimes you see it down on the apron where some water bottles are discarded," he said.
O'Donnell then explained why NASCAR decided to throw the caution flag for a water bottle during the New Hampshire race.
"I think in this case, we candidly weren't really sure and knew it was potentially one of the drivers' ones that are a little bit different with the material they're made out of," he said.
It wasn't clear which driver was responsible for Sunday's water bottle or whether the driver who discarded of it might have been trying to bring out a caution for debris. "If someone is purposely trying to manipulate a caution, that's not something that is going to be tolerated, and we'll have to look into that further as we go and we'll address that with the teams also," O'Donnell said on SiriusXM.
O'Donnell indicated that NASCAR won't hesitate to bring up the issue with the competitors if it deems a discussion as necessary.
"It's something that we've addressed in the past, and we'll continue to do that with the drivers," he said.
2. Kyle Busch (LW: 3): Ahead of Jimmie Johnson? Why not. Power Rankings are more about what drivers have done lately, and Busch has won three of four races and is 58 points back of 30th. But we do feel the need to douse some cold water on the Chase talk. Busch still has a ways to go to get into the top 30. Despite the run of recent form he's still only cut his points per race deficit by a third (from 12 points per race on 30th to 8). If he loses 10 points to 30th on Sunday at Indianapolis, his deficit is suddenly 68 points with six races to go and back to over 11 points per race. It's easier to fall than it is to climb.
3. Jimmie Johnson (LW: 1): A speeding penalty under green meant Johnson's day was pretty much toast from then on. He ended up finishing 22nd, the first car one lap down. Hell, if there would have been a caution before the last lap of the race, Johnson probably would have fought back and finished 15th or so. Instead, it was one of the rare races of 2015 where the race's caution flags didn't play out in favor of the No. 48. How fascinating would it be if Johnson won Sunday's race to tie Jeff Gordon with five Brickyard 400s?
4. Joey Logano (LW: 4): If the Gibbs cars have been the fastest of the two weeks, the Penske cars are a close second. After finishing second at Kentucky, Logano was fourth at New Hampshire. And since Johnson had a bad day and finished 22nd, Logano now has second place all to himself in the standings. Though he's a whopping 69 points behind Harvick. If there wasn't a Chase, the championship would be heading to a very early clinch.
5. Kurt Busch (LW: 5): Busch salvaged a top 10 out of Sunday's race. He wasn't one of the fastest cars on the track throughout the duration of the race, but he certainly wasn't in any danger of losing a lap. He was clearly the second-fastest Stewart-Haas Racing car, but it's also necessary to point out Tony Stewart finished 20th and Danica Patrick finished 24th. Busch should be a top pick for Sunday at Indy.
6. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (LW: 7): Junior finished fifth at New Hampshire and now has the most top five finishes at the track without a win. In 32 career starts at the one-mile track he's got eight top fives and 15 top-10 finishes. He's finished in the top 10 four-straight times and that bodes well for the Chase race in September. If he makes it five straight he's likely moving on to the second round of the Chase.
7. Martin Truex Jr. (LW: 6): It's time to panic. Truex finished outside the top 10 again. One of those statements is false. One is true. Which one is it? After finishing 12th, Truex now has 14 top 10s in 19 races after having 14 top-10s in 15 races. Truex was on an unsustainable top-10 pace, so this "slump" should be seen as nothing more than a regression to the mean. If the lack of top 10s becomes a drought before the Chase begins, then we can mention the p-word in serious terms.
8. Brad Keselowski (LW: 11): Keselowski was frustrated after the race despite his second-place finish. And do you blame him? He felt he had the best car and led 101 laps, the most of anyone. And even Kyle Busch said he had the third-best car of the day. While Keselowski is pretty much in the Chase because of his win, a win on Sunday would have served as affirmation for the No. 2 given the circumstances of that first win.
9. Jeff Gordon (LW: 9): The Gordon tributes will be rocking at Indianapolis all weekend, especially since Gordon won in 2014. And while we mentioned the intrigue if Johnson tied Gordon on Sunday, what if Gordon won his sixth Indianapolis race in his final start to essentially clinch a Chase berth? After a season that hasn't been a fairytale farewell it'd be a crazy pivot point.
10. Denny Hamlin (LW: 8): Hamlin wasn't as fast as his teammates all day but got all the way up to fourth on the final restart of the day. He wasn't able to maintain his position after a two-tire pit stop and finished 14th. Now he's heading back to the scene of his Indianapolis crime. Or improperly fastened firewall block-off plates. Hamlin was fined 75 points for the infraction and lost then-crew chief Darian Grubb for six races. We're going to guess those plates may get triple-checked this weekend.
11. Matt Kenseth (LW: 12): Kenseth finished sixth and his career statistics at New Hampshire are basically like Junior's. Kenseth has seven top fives and 16 top-10 finishes in 31 races. Oh, and one win. Kenseth is going to stay down here all sneaky until he wins another race or two before the Chase. And then he'll still be considered a not-so-big favorite for the title and will still make the final eight. Mark it down.
12. Carl Edwards (LW: NR): Edwards' SportClips sponsorship got us thinking on Twitter on Sunday. Which sponsorship would have the lamest freebies? While everyone needs haircuts, would you really want haircuts for free given the possibilities of freebies from other sponsors? If we're ranking the sponsor swag, Jamie McMurray's Cessna sponsorship is near the top of the list. Anything involving insurance is pretty high too.
Lucky Dog: Austin Dillon's 8th-place finish was his second top 10 in three races and his third of the season.
The DNF: He finished the race, but Clint Bowyer's day wasn't exactly a good one. He ended up 34th.
Dropped Out: Jamie McMurray
Will NASCAR crack down on drivers tossing water bottles onto track?
By Jared Turner
It doesn't sound as though NASCAR is ready to prohibit drivers from tossing their water bottles onto the racetrack, a common practice that came under scrutiny when a bottle was spotted on the apron during a caution for debris in Sunday's 5-Hour Energy 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
It does, however, sound as if the sanctioning body will crack down on the practice of water-bottle tossing if there's reason to suspect drivers are deliberately doing it to bring out a yellow flag.
Several drivers -- most notably Brad Keselowski and Jimmie Johnson -- suggested on Twitter after Sunday's race that NASCAR didn't need to throw a caution flag for the rogue water bottle.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., meanwhile, voiced his opinion on Twitter that drivers shouldn't toss anything onto the track -- including tear-offs from their helmet visors.
Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Monday that drivers tossing bottles out of their window is nothing new.
"Coming off pit road sometimes you see it down on the apron where some water bottles are discarded," he said.
O'Donnell then explained why NASCAR decided to throw the caution flag for a water bottle during the New Hampshire race.
"I think in this case, we candidly weren't really sure and knew it was potentially one of the drivers' ones that are a little bit different with the material they're made out of," he said.
It wasn't clear which driver was responsible for Sunday's water bottle or whether the driver who discarded of it might have been trying to bring out a caution for debris. "If someone is purposely trying to manipulate a caution, that's not something that is going to be tolerated, and we'll have to look into that further as we go and we'll address that with the teams also," O'Donnell said on SiriusXM.
O'Donnell indicated that NASCAR won't hesitate to bring up the issue with the competitors if it deems a discussion as necessary.
"It's something that we've addressed in the past, and we'll continue to do that with the drivers," he said.
SOCCER; Gold Cup semifinals preview: Atlanta's the scene for USMNT, Jamaica, Panama, and Mexico.
By Nicholas Mendola
(Getty Images)
We’re down to four nations alive for the 2015 Gold Cup, and each has found a different path to the semifinals.
The United States dominated Cuba.
Mexico advanced via a questionable at best penalty call against Costa Rica.
Jamaica scored early and held on the edge Haiti.
And Panama needed a wild session of penalty kicks to off Trinidad & Tobago.
Here’s what’s on tap for Wednesday at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta:
United States vs. Jamaica, 6 p.m. ET
Jamaica has only beaten the United States once, but it was a recent affair. The Reggae Boyz topped the Yanks in the third round of 2014 World Cup qualification, but the U.S. won the return leg and both matches in the Hex.
The States hadn’t impressed much until their thumping of Cuba, but Jamaica has a similar road. After a fun 2-2 draw with Costa Rica, Jamaica has a trio of 1-0 wins against less than stellar opposition (Canada, El Salvador, Haiti).
It’s a step up in class for both teams, but can Giles Barnes, Garath McCleary and the Reggae Boyz really shock the host nation?
Panama vs. Mexico, 9 p.m. ET
El Tri will have poor memories of this match-up from the 2013 Gold Cup, when Panama beat them in both group play and the semifinals. Since then, Mexico has won a pair of home one goal decisions, and El Tri does lead the all-time series 6W-3D-2L.
Panama has yet to win a match in regulation during this tournament, drawing all three group stage matches before the shootout win against T&T. And Mexico has looked like a different team depending on the opponent. They stomped undermanned Cuba, couldn’t finish in a 0-0 draw with Guatemala and couldn’t defend in a 4-4 draw with T&T.
Mexico will be favored, but will they emerge?
Montreal Impact battling with Chicago Fire to sign Didier Drogba.
By Joe Prince-Wright
(FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-TOTTENHAM)
Didier Drogba is a man in demand.
The 37-year-old striker is currently out of contract after winning the Premier League title last season at Chelsea, and Drogba is being lined up by two Major League Soccer franchises.
Both the Chicago Fire and the Montreal Impact is keen to add Drogba, with the Ivory Coast legend said to be keen on a switch to Quebec over the Windy City.
Speaking about their interest in Drogba, the Montreal Impact’s outspoken owner Joey Saputo told radio station TSN 690 on Monday that they’ve held talks with Drogba and are desperate to get him on board.
With both clubs keen to sign Drogba, will we see a situation similar to when Jermaine Jones arrived in MLS and a lottery pick had to decide if either the Chicago Fire or New England Revolution would pick him up? Let’s wait and see if it gets that far as Drogba is likely to have other options if all this hassle puts him off playing in North America’s top flight.
And by the way, here is the entire ruling on the discovery process and how it works in MLS.
As you try and wrap your head around that, think about how much either Chicago or Montreal would improve with Drogba up top. He scored seven times for Chelsea in 38 appearances last season and if he joins the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Kaka in MLS, he will at least get into double figures during a full season.
NCAAFB: UAB announces football will return in 2017.
The 37-year-old striker is currently out of contract after winning the Premier League title last season at Chelsea, and Drogba is being lined up by two Major League Soccer franchises.
Both the Chicago Fire and the Montreal Impact is keen to add Drogba, with the Ivory Coast legend said to be keen on a switch to Quebec over the Windy City.
Speaking about their interest in Drogba, the Montreal Impact’s outspoken owner Joey Saputo told radio station TSN 690 on Monday that they’ve held talks with Drogba and are desperate to get him on board.
“I personally spoke to Didier. The ball is now in his camp. This is now beyond our control,” Saputo said. “We will do everything we can to bring Drogba to Montreal. I know that the Fire is also in discussion with him. We’ll see what happens. I hope we will be lucky and he will decide to continue his career here. I think he can help us on many levels. It would fit perfectly with us. In addition, we are in a Francophone market.”The only issue here is that Chicago are said to have Drogba’s “discovery rights” and would have first pick if he decided to join MLS. Yes, those rules still exist in MLS.
With both clubs keen to sign Drogba, will we see a situation similar to when Jermaine Jones arrived in MLS and a lottery pick had to decide if either the Chicago Fire or New England Revolution would pick him up? Let’s wait and see if it gets that far as Drogba is likely to have other options if all this hassle puts him off playing in North America’s top flight.
And by the way, here is the entire ruling on the discovery process and how it works in MLS.
As you try and wrap your head around that, think about how much either Chicago or Montreal would improve with Drogba up top. He scored seven times for Chelsea in 38 appearances last season and if he joins the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Kaka in MLS, he will at least get into double figures during a full season.
NCAAFB: UAB announces football will return in 2017.
By Graham Watson
(Photo/USA Today Sports Images)
UAB announced Tuesday that it plans to restart its football program in 2017.
The school said the delay was so enough financial support could be gathered to make the program sustainable.
UAB president Ray Watts said two months ago that $17.2 million had been pledged to reinstate football, but according to AL.com, only $28,000 has actually been given to the program. However, Justin Craft, a former player who led the fundraising efforts to bring the football program back, told AL.com most of the big money pledged wasn’t due until the end of the year.
When those dollars come in, UAB can start to renovate its facilities and put the UAB program on par with other Conference USA schools.
“I am so excited that UAB Football will return to FBS competition in 2017,” head football coach Bill Clark said in a statement released by the school. “Like our fans, I wanted to light the scoreboard much sooner, but doing it right is more important than doing it fast, and this was our best option. We want a program that is here to stay. We have to start by building a new, stronger foundation. We need to take our time to do it right, then we can compete for conference and bowl championships.”
The NCAA has waived UAB’s FBS requirements for three academic years beginning in 2015-16, and when football returns, the Blazers will be counted as FBS competition. UAB will be eligible for Conference USA championships and bowl games.
UAB also announced that rifle would return to competition this coming academic year and bowling would be back in 2016.
“It has been our intent to resume competition as soon as possible,” athletic director Mark Ingram said. “As our coaches and administrative staff looked at multiple scenarios, we wanted to make sure that the welfare of our student-athletes, which is always a top priority, was at the center of the conversation. This, along with our ability to maintain our FBS Status, compete for conference championships and eligible for bowl participation were extremely important to us. We are pleased that this outcome satisfies all of those desires. Now that this plan is in place, each of these three teams can begin rebuilding, and can prepare to resume competition.”
“It has been our intent to resume competition as soon as possible,” athletic director Mark Ingram said. “As our coaches and administrative staff looked at multiple scenarios, we wanted to make sure that the welfare of our student-athletes, which is always a top priority, was at the center of the conversation. This, along with our ability to maintain our FBS Status, compete for conference championships and eligible for bowl participation were extremely important to us. We are pleased that this outcome satisfies all of those desires. Now that this plan is in place, each of these three teams can begin rebuilding, and can prepare to resume competition.”
NCAAFB: Ohio Valley Football: An FCS conference with FBS talent.
By CRAIG HALEY
Ohio Valley Football: An FCS conference with FBS talent.
A former FBS running back drops to the FCS level and goes on to win his conference's offensive player of the year award.
Easy stuff from the start, right?
Not necessarily.
Eastern Kentucky running back Dy'Shawn Mobley, who transferred in from the University of Kentucky, remembers trying to get both his confidence and legs going throughout the preseason and early in the regular season last year.
"It wasn't any easy transition," said the 2014 Ohio Valley Conference offensive player of the year, who is this year's preseason pick for top honors. "When I was at the FBS, I wasn't the No. 1 running back. So me going in there and taking all those reps and then in games, it was different. It was something that I didn't experience (previously). It grew on me. I feel like I will have a better season this year."
FBS-to-FCS transfers occur for many reasons, ultimately designed to help a program raise its talent level. But the expectations for such players are always high, and they too often go unfulfilled.
In the OVC, which installed defending champion Jacksonville State as the preseason favorite Monday, it's a formula for success that is paying off. A number of the FBS transfers are transitioning into all-conference players, and it starts with Mobley and Jacksonville State defensive tackle Devaunte Sigler, who was named the preseason defensive player of the year after winning top postseason honors last season.
In fact, one of Mobley's former teammates at Kentucky, Jalen Whitlow, returns as Eastern Illinois' standout quarterback, and Sigler only has to turn on Jacksonville State's defensive line to see his former Auburn teammate, Chris Landrum.
"Obviously they went to bigger schools for a reason," Eastern Kentucky's All-OVC linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill says of FBS transfers. "They're very talented. I think it really brings a more competitive mind-set to the team. It honestly brings you kind of closer - you kind of help each other and you realize you both have to do this."
As the OVC gets set to kick off its 68th season of football, many of the teams have key FBS transfers. Jacksonville State has an SEC defensive front with Sigler, Landrum and LaMichael Fanning (Alabama) - all three preseason all-conference picks.
This year's biggest transfer is former All-Big Ten defensive end Noah Spence, who has landed at Eastern Kentucky from Ohio State.
Whitlow has new FBS transfers at running back in Korliss Marshall (Arkansas) and Devin Church (Illinois) to combine with returning standout Shepard Little.
UT Martin has reloaded with six FBS transfers from Alabama, Florida State and UAB.
"Those guys come in, they have to work just like everybody else," said the leader of the Jacksonville State offense, quarterback Eli Jenkins said, "No spot is given to anyone. Every day is an evaluation."
Some players are forced to drop from the FBS level to the FCS after running into trouble at their former school or with the law. But some just want more playing time or a fresh start after a coaching change.
Most FCS schools don't bring in many FBS transfers - instead choosing to build with freshman classes and having players for longer periods of time. But the mixing and matching can pay off.
"It doesn't always work out. But the guys that we've got don't have a lot of baggage - they're good kids," Jacksonville State coach John Grass said. "It's relationships with our players and our coaches of knowing guys they played with in high school or knowing a high school coach. They know about our program and I think our program kind of recruits itself."
Added Eastern Illinois coach Kim Dameron, "We do our due diligence, we do our homework, we make sure that we're getting the right kind of person as well as the right kind of player, and that he's somebody that we feel like would add to our program and not be somebody who would be a detractor."
Despite the many expectations placed on FBS transfers, they can be a good thing. They let everybody in the program know the coaching staff wants to win - and win now.
"I knew the expectations were going to be great," Whitlow said. "I don't want them to be low, I want them to be great. And I want to hold our team to the same standards. The expectations are great and there's no reason why we shouldn't be great."
Jacksonville State received 16 of the 18 first-place votes in the OVC's preseason poll of head coaches and sports information directors. The Gamecocks, who finished 10-2 overall and unbeaten in the OVC last season, return 16 starters (nine offensive, seven defensive), including an impressive 12 all-conference preseason selections. No other team had more than four.
Eastern Illinois was picked second, although Eastern Kentucky, which went to the FCS playoffs last season along with Jacksonville State, received the poll's other two first-place votes while finishing third.
"This year, the league's back. Everybody has a lot of returnees," said Tennessee Tech coach Watson Brown, whose team was picked seventh.
OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL
(Voted on by Head Coaches and Sports Information Directors)
1. Jacksonville State (16 first-place votes), 128 points
2. Eastern Illinois, 107
3. Eastern Kentucky (2), 106
4. UT Martin, 78
5. Tennessee State, 66
6. Southeast Missouri, 63
7. Tennessee Tech, 45
8. Murray State, 38
9. Austin Peay, 17
OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PRESEASON TEAM
Offensive Player of the Year - Dy'Shawn Mobley, RB, Eastern Kentucky
Defensive Player of the Year - Devaunte Sigler, DL, Jacksonville State
OFFENSE
RB - Eli Jenkins, Jacksonville State, R-Jr.
RB - Dy'Shawn Mobley, Eastern Kentucky, Sr.
RB - DeMichael Jackson, Southeast Missouri, Sr.
WR - Paul McRoberts, Southeast Missouri, Sr.
WR - Josh Barge, Jacksonville State, R-Jr.
WR - Janawski Davis, Murray State, Sr.
TE - Bo Brummel, Jacksonville State, Sr.
C - Casey Dunn, Jacksonville State, Jr.
OG - Adam Wright, Jacksonville State, R-Sr.
OG - Trey Shelton, Eastern Kentucky, Sr.
OT - Brett Eyckmans, Eastern Kentucky, Sr.
OT - Justin Lea, Jacksonville State, R-So.
OT - Evan Kanz, Eastern Illinois, R-Jr.
DEFENSE
DL - Devaunte Sigler, Jacksonville State, Sr.
DL - LaMichael Fanning, Jacksonville State, R-Sr.
DL - Dino Fanti, Eastern Illinois, R-Sr.
DL - Chris Landrum, Jacksonville State, R-Sr.
DL - Gabe Terry, Tennessee State, Sr.
LB - Kamu Grugier-Hill, Eastern Illinois, Sr.
LB - Jonathan Jackson, Murray State, Jr.
LB - Roper Garrett, Southeast Missouri, Jr.
LB - Tra'Darius Goff, Tennessee Tech, R-Sr.
DB - Jourdan Wickliffe, Eastern Illinois, R-Sr.
DB - Jermaine Hough, Jacksonville State, Sr.
DB - Stanley Absanon, Eastern Kentucky, Sr.
DB - DeBarriaus Miller, Jacksonville State, Sr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK - Ryan McCrum, Southeast Missouri, Jr.
P - Hamish MacInnes, Jacksonville State, Sr.
RS - Pokey Harris, Murray State, Sr.
FIVE KEY OHIO VALLEY FOOTBALL CONFERENCE GAMES
Not necessarily.
Eastern Kentucky running back Dy'Shawn Mobley, who transferred in from the University of Kentucky, remembers trying to get both his confidence and legs going throughout the preseason and early in the regular season last year.
"It wasn't any easy transition," said the 2014 Ohio Valley Conference offensive player of the year, who is this year's preseason pick for top honors. "When I was at the FBS, I wasn't the No. 1 running back. So me going in there and taking all those reps and then in games, it was different. It was something that I didn't experience (previously). It grew on me. I feel like I will have a better season this year."
FBS-to-FCS transfers occur for many reasons, ultimately designed to help a program raise its talent level. But the expectations for such players are always high, and they too often go unfulfilled.
In the OVC, which installed defending champion Jacksonville State as the preseason favorite Monday, it's a formula for success that is paying off. A number of the FBS transfers are transitioning into all-conference players, and it starts with Mobley and Jacksonville State defensive tackle Devaunte Sigler, who was named the preseason defensive player of the year after winning top postseason honors last season.
In fact, one of Mobley's former teammates at Kentucky, Jalen Whitlow, returns as Eastern Illinois' standout quarterback, and Sigler only has to turn on Jacksonville State's defensive line to see his former Auburn teammate, Chris Landrum.
"Obviously they went to bigger schools for a reason," Eastern Kentucky's All-OVC linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill says of FBS transfers. "They're very talented. I think it really brings a more competitive mind-set to the team. It honestly brings you kind of closer - you kind of help each other and you realize you both have to do this."
As the OVC gets set to kick off its 68th season of football, many of the teams have key FBS transfers. Jacksonville State has an SEC defensive front with Sigler, Landrum and LaMichael Fanning (Alabama) - all three preseason all-conference picks.
This year's biggest transfer is former All-Big Ten defensive end Noah Spence, who has landed at Eastern Kentucky from Ohio State.
Whitlow has new FBS transfers at running back in Korliss Marshall (Arkansas) and Devin Church (Illinois) to combine with returning standout Shepard Little.
UT Martin has reloaded with six FBS transfers from Alabama, Florida State and UAB.
"Those guys come in, they have to work just like everybody else," said the leader of the Jacksonville State offense, quarterback Eli Jenkins said, "No spot is given to anyone. Every day is an evaluation."
Some players are forced to drop from the FBS level to the FCS after running into trouble at their former school or with the law. But some just want more playing time or a fresh start after a coaching change.
Most FCS schools don't bring in many FBS transfers - instead choosing to build with freshman classes and having players for longer periods of time. But the mixing and matching can pay off.
"It doesn't always work out. But the guys that we've got don't have a lot of baggage - they're good kids," Jacksonville State coach John Grass said. "It's relationships with our players and our coaches of knowing guys they played with in high school or knowing a high school coach. They know about our program and I think our program kind of recruits itself."
Added Eastern Illinois coach Kim Dameron, "We do our due diligence, we do our homework, we make sure that we're getting the right kind of person as well as the right kind of player, and that he's somebody that we feel like would add to our program and not be somebody who would be a detractor."
Despite the many expectations placed on FBS transfers, they can be a good thing. They let everybody in the program know the coaching staff wants to win - and win now.
"I knew the expectations were going to be great," Whitlow said. "I don't want them to be low, I want them to be great. And I want to hold our team to the same standards. The expectations are great and there's no reason why we shouldn't be great."
Jacksonville State received 16 of the 18 first-place votes in the OVC's preseason poll of head coaches and sports information directors. The Gamecocks, who finished 10-2 overall and unbeaten in the OVC last season, return 16 starters (nine offensive, seven defensive), including an impressive 12 all-conference preseason selections. No other team had more than four.
Eastern Illinois was picked second, although Eastern Kentucky, which went to the FCS playoffs last season along with Jacksonville State, received the poll's other two first-place votes while finishing third.
"This year, the league's back. Everybody has a lot of returnees," said Tennessee Tech coach Watson Brown, whose team was picked seventh.
OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL
(Voted on by Head Coaches and Sports Information Directors)
1. Jacksonville State (16 first-place votes), 128 points
2. Eastern Illinois, 107
3. Eastern Kentucky (2), 106
4. UT Martin, 78
5. Tennessee State, 66
6. Southeast Missouri, 63
7. Tennessee Tech, 45
8. Murray State, 38
9. Austin Peay, 17
OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PRESEASON TEAM
Offensive Player of the Year - Dy'Shawn Mobley, RB, Eastern Kentucky
Defensive Player of the Year - Devaunte Sigler, DL, Jacksonville State
OFFENSE
RB - Eli Jenkins, Jacksonville State, R-Jr.
RB - Dy'Shawn Mobley, Eastern Kentucky, Sr.
RB - DeMichael Jackson, Southeast Missouri, Sr.
WR - Paul McRoberts, Southeast Missouri, Sr.
WR - Josh Barge, Jacksonville State, R-Jr.
WR - Janawski Davis, Murray State, Sr.
TE - Bo Brummel, Jacksonville State, Sr.
C - Casey Dunn, Jacksonville State, Jr.
OG - Adam Wright, Jacksonville State, R-Sr.
OG - Trey Shelton, Eastern Kentucky, Sr.
OT - Brett Eyckmans, Eastern Kentucky, Sr.
OT - Justin Lea, Jacksonville State, R-So.
OT - Evan Kanz, Eastern Illinois, R-Jr.
DEFENSE
DL - Devaunte Sigler, Jacksonville State, Sr.
DL - LaMichael Fanning, Jacksonville State, R-Sr.
DL - Dino Fanti, Eastern Illinois, R-Sr.
DL - Chris Landrum, Jacksonville State, R-Sr.
DL - Gabe Terry, Tennessee State, Sr.
LB - Kamu Grugier-Hill, Eastern Illinois, Sr.
LB - Jonathan Jackson, Murray State, Jr.
LB - Roper Garrett, Southeast Missouri, Jr.
LB - Tra'Darius Goff, Tennessee Tech, R-Sr.
DB - Jourdan Wickliffe, Eastern Illinois, R-Sr.
DB - Jermaine Hough, Jacksonville State, Sr.
DB - Stanley Absanon, Eastern Kentucky, Sr.
DB - DeBarriaus Miller, Jacksonville State, Sr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK - Ryan McCrum, Southeast Missouri, Jr.
P - Hamish MacInnes, Jacksonville State, Sr.
RS - Pokey Harris, Murray State, Sr.
FIVE KEY OHIO VALLEY FOOTBALL CONFERENCE GAMES
1. Jacksonville State at UT Martin (Sept. 26) - It's been coulda, shoulda, woulda for always-competitive-but-just-out-of-it UT Martin. Here's another shot.
2. Eastern Kentucky at Southeast Missouri (Oct. 17) - They have to find a quarterback, but Southeast Missouri and WR Paul McRoberts can fly under the radar for only so long.
3. Eastern Kentucky at Jacksonville State (Oct. 31) - A potential OVC championship game.
4. Jacksonville State at Eastern Illinois (Nov. 7) - Unless this is the OVC championship game.
5. Eastern Kentucky at Eastern Illinois (Nov. 21) - An FCS playoff bid could be on the line with both teams.
5. Eastern Kentucky at Eastern Illinois (Nov. 21) - An FCS playoff bid could be on the line with both teams.
NCAABKB: NCAA's tweaks to selection process are subtle but much-needed.
By Jeff Eisenberg
NCAA President Mark Emmert answers questions during a news conference at the Final Four college basketball tournament Thursday, April 2, 2015, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The NCAA announced a pair of subtle but smart tweaks to its selection and seeding process on Monday, one to prevent last March's biggest controversy from reoccurring and the other to avoid a potential issue that nearly arose at the top of the bracket.
The first change ensures that the last four at-large teams voted into the 68-team tournament field no longer automatically are sent to the First Four. Now the selection committee has the freedom to elevate one or more into the main draw if the ensuing seed scrubbing process reveals they a stronger resume than a team initially voted in ahead of them.
The first change ensures that the last four at-large teams voted into the 68-team tournament field no longer automatically are sent to the First Four. Now the selection committee has the freedom to elevate one or more into the main draw if the ensuing seed scrubbing process reveals they a stronger resume than a team initially voted in ahead of them.
This change should be known as the UCLA rule even though the NCAA's release makes no mention of the Bruins. It's a clear response to the uproar over UCLA receiving a spot in the NCAA tournament's main draw last March when many analysts were skeptical Steve Alford's team even had a resume worthy of the First Four.
UCLA's inclusion in the main draw ahead of the four teams sent to the First Four and at-large snubs Temple and Colorado State was controversial because the Bruins were 4-12 away from home on the season and had only beaten four top 100 RPI opponents all season. The furor lingered even after UCLA proved itself by advancing to the Sweet 16, a run aided in part by a dubious goaltending call in the opening round against SMU and a cushy round of 32 draw against 14th-seeded UAB.
“It’s a small, yet significant, alteration to the language outlining our seeding process,” said Joseph R. Castiglione, the vice president and director of athletics at the University of Oklahoma and the chair of the Division I Men’s Basketball Committee for the 2015-16 season.
“Making this change gives the committee the opportunity to properly seed every team, whereas previous procedures did not permit appropriate scrubbing of the last four at-large teams," said Oklahoma athletic director Joseph Castiglione, the selection committee chair.
“Selecting teams usually involves looking at teams in groups of eight. Scrubbing is comparing two teams against one another and sometimes there’s greater clarity during that process due to head-to-head competition, record versus common opponents or wins against tournament teams. This tweak provides us with the opportunity to scrub teams even more thoroughly.”
The other adjustment to the selection process gives the committee greater flexibility to balance the top two seed lines.
Bracketing principles previously dictated that the committee prioritize geographic proximity over competitive equity when assigning the No. 1 and 2 seeds to a particular region. Now the committee can consider moving the strongest No. 2 seed out of its natural geographic area to avoid placing it in the same region as the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament.
This change is a response to how close the committee came to having no choice but to send Wisconsin to the same region as then-undefeated Kentucky last March. Only the Badgers' late ascension to the last No. 1 seed enabled them to avoid joining the Wildcats in Cleveland, where two of the strongest teams in the entire field could have met in the Elite Eight. Wisconsin instead upset Kentucky a week later in the Final Four.
“This change doesn’t mean we are going to a true S-Curve but if we can achieve it, or come closer to having more competitive balance on the top two lines without compromising our existing principles and without putting a team at a great disadvantage, we will consider it," Castiglione said.
While I still believe competitive balance should be prioritized over geographic proximity in all decisions pertaining to teams on the top four seed lines, this is at least a step in the right direction.
There's no way Wisconsin would rather have played Kentucky in Cleveland in the Elite Eight than a weaker opponent somewhere else. Thanks to this small but important rule change, teams in the future won't face that problem.
Why an AAU team chose to name itself the Motor City Muslims.
By Jeff Eisenberg
The Motor City Muslims pose for a team picture clad in warm-ups that read Brotherhood. (via Ali Altimimy)
Only a few weeks before their debut tournament this past spring, members of the nation's only known all-Muslim AAU basketball team were still grappling with an important decision.
The Motor City Muslims logo (via Ali Altimimy)
Did they want to select a team name that would make it easier to blend in on the AAU circuit or one that would highlight the differences between themselves and their opponents?
A brainstorming session among the players produced some tolerable yet unimaginative possibilities, from the Ballers, to the Warriors, to the Mustangs. Coach Clarence Archibald offered a more daring alternative when he suggested the team show pride in its faith and culture by opting for a name featuring either the word "Muslim" or "Islam."
"Some of them were a little hesitant, but I pushed pretty hard," Archibald said. "We all know Islam often is unfortunately portrayed in a negative way in the media. I wanted to be sure we were easily identifiable as an all-Muslim team because it gave us an opportunity to change people's mindsets by showing them we're as American as home runs and apple pie."
In an era when young Muslim Americans sometimes try to avoid detection by removing any outward signs of Islam in public and by going by names like "Mo" instead of "Mohammed," Archibald's players boldy chose to wear their identities across their chests. They named their team the Motor City Muslims and emblazoned a custom-made logo on the front of their jerseys featuring a basketball player clad in a traditional Islamic robe and turban.
Such an unconventional choice made it difficult for the Motor City Muslims to keep a low profile at the tournaments they attended in Michigan this year.
Strangers often gawked or whispered when the team prayed together between games or broke its huddles by shouting in unison "bismillāh," the Arabic word for "in the name of God." Other teams also tended not to take the Motor City Muslims as seriously as they would have opponents of a different culture or skin tone.
"Some teams looked at us and thought, 'Oh this is an easy win. What are they even doing here?'" said starting point guard Zeeshan Tariq, a rising sophomore at Harrison High School. "When I'd turn around during warm-ups, they'd just be fooling around on the side like they didn't even need to warm up to beat us because it would be such an easy win."
Though the Motor City Muslims didn't have any surefire Division I college prospects or any players taller than 6-foot-3, opponents quickly learned to overlook them at their own risk. The team won a handful of games in the 16-and-under tournaments it entered the past few months before taking the July live period off while fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
The formation of an all-Muslim 16-and-under AAU basketball team in the Detroit suburbs was the brainchild of a man not far removed from his own playing days.
Ali Altimimy, the 26-year-old youth director at the Muslim Unity Center in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is a former high school and community college basketball player whose love for hoops is only exceeded by his passion for his religion. He is skeptical that his own basketball career would have blossomed had he not challenged himself by playing AAU ball, so he wanted to give the same chance to some of the Unity Center's best young recreational players.
"I asked the guys, 'What if we start a team? Would you be down?'" Altimimy said. "They were all over the idea. They were like, 'Yeah, sounds amazing.'
"For me, that was exciting because basketball was my go-to thing when I was their age, along with my connection to God. If I wanted to get away from my parents bugging me or all the negativity and stigma surrounding Islam, basketball was my refuge."
Altimimy recruited 18 high school freshmen and sophomores to try out for the team, some from the mosque at which he works and others from neighboring towns. He didn't actively pursue boys of other faiths, but he says he'd have welcomed them had they heard about the tryout and asked to participate.
The next task for Altimimy was attempting to talk Archibald into getting involved, no easy task since the coach has a family, a full-time real estate job and another AAU coaching position running the more well-established Michigan Soldiers. Fortunately, Archibald was a fellow Muslim who had held clinics at the Unity Center before and believed in what Altimimy was trying to accomplish, so much so that he agreed to carve out time to lead practice twice a week and coach the team at tournaments.
"My wife wasn't happy, but such is life," Archibald said. "It was something I wanted to do. We've had some kids at the Unity Center who were talented enough to play basketball at the next level, but they didn't have anyone to push them. There are a couple who are in college now that said, 'I wish you had this for us when we were growing up.'"
Before Archibald and Altimimy could worry about molding the Motor City Muslim's best players into college prospects, they first had to focus on basics.
One priority was helping the players develop the fundamentals they would need to someday make the jump to the varsity team in high school, anything from ball handling, to boxing out, to maintaining a low defensive stance. Another priority was eliminating the cliques that had formed among players of Indian or Pakistani descent and those with Middle Eastern roots. Once that was done, there was still the vital task of preparing the team for the challenge of wearing "Muslims" on their chest at a time when that word still can inspire fear and distrust.
"What I told them was that they were representing Islam," Altimimy said. "If we can show people that we're ballers and we can hoop but that we're also regular young people, that would be big."
The importance of debunking the negative image of Islam isn't lost on the Motor City Muslims, but many of them were more eager to discredit another unflattering stereotype. They wanted to show that an all-Muslim team could be more formidable on the basketball floor than many opponents expected.
At their first tournament, the Muslims buried a trio of threes and ripped off a 9-0 lead against an opponent that had been giggling at them in warm-ups. Weeks later, they shocked a team with one of the better point guards in Michigan by coming within a basket or two of winning.
One of rising sophomore guard Omar Shalal's favorite memories came at a tournament in Brighton at which other teams were laughing at the Muslims after they played a poor opening game. The Muslims warmed up for their second contest determined to leave a better impression.
"The other team was making fun of us before the game and acting like we were a bunch of pushovers," Shalal said. "We played one of our best games that day and blew them out. All the other teams came on the court afterward, congratulated us and said, 'Wow, you guys are actually pretty good.' They went up to one of our top players and said, 'You can go somewhere with basketball if you keep working at it.'"
Successes like that explain why the Motor City Muslims are unlikely to be merely a one-year phenomenon.
Many of the current players enjoyed their experience enough that they expect to play again next year in the 17-and-under division. Altimimy and Archibald are also discussing expanding the program by launching a couple new teams for younger players in hopes they'll get used to the competition level early and grow together.
"There are a lot of good players in the gym at the mosque I go to, but they just want to play against each other," Tariq said. "They don't ever want to go out and expose themselves against better competition and show out at tournaments and tryouts. I feel like this team helped some of our guys overcome that fear. I feel like it helped us grow and gave us a chance to show what we can do."
Tour de France at a Glance: A rest day, but the Tour de France never rests.
By NBC Sports
Ah, a rest day. After 16 action-packed stages that have provided more drama than a daily soap opera and more plot lines than a “Game of Thrones” season finale, the Tour de France exhales one last time Tuesday, with three summit finishes in the Alps on the horizon.
For riders, staff, journalists, and fans, it’s a welcome break in the action, as this year’s Tour de France has been a seemingly nonstop rollercoaster of emotions, laden with inspiring victories, crushing injuries, breakthrough performances, and troublesome accusations.
It’s been a Tour where two stars of the sport crashed, separately, while wearing the maillot jaune in the opening week, and both were forced to abandon the race.
It’s been a Tour where the words “cocaine,” “testicular cancer,” “pseudoscience,” “hidden motor,” and “urine” have all been in the headlines.
Ivan Basso’s announcement that his team doctor had discovered testicular cancer came on the race’s first rest day; on Monday, Tinkoff-Saxo announced that, following surgery, he has been cleared of additional treatment. News that Katusha’s affable veteran Luca Paolini had tested positive for cocaine and was sent home seems almost like ancient history 10 days later, in the middle of a race that has yet to lose steam.
It’s been a Tour in which Lance Armstrong is again riding on the roads of France, in July. And yet, for better or for worse, that’s been one of the least compelling stories of the race.
It’s been a Tour where Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) has finished second on five occasions, while his team owner, Oleg Tinkov — the Donald Trump of pro cycling — has stated that Sagan is “stronger” than race leader and Sky rider Chris Froome. (Which is, of course, a foolish statement — almost like asking which color is better, yellow or green.) In reality, of course, Sagan and Froome are very different horses for very different courses. Apples to oranges.
It’s been a Tour where the team of the maillot jaune has been booed and assaulted on the open roads, with Froome claiming to have had urine splashed in his face, Richie Porte saying a spectator punched him, and Luke Rowe asserting someone spit on him.
It’s been a Tour in which the top three riders from 2014 have not been in contention for the podium, essentially from the opening stage. Last year’s Tour winner, Vincenzo Nibali (Astana), has looked quite ordinary, sitting in eighth overall at almost eight minutes down. The runner-up in 2014, Jean-Christophe Peraud (Ag2r La Mondiale), suffered a nasty crash on stage 14 into Mende and is covered in bandages. Last year’s third-place finisher Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) had a dramatic first-week meltdown and is currently 19th overall.
The only riders from the top end of last year’s GC who are again fighting for the podium are Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing), who was fifth overall last year and now sits in third, and Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), who placed fourth last year and is in the same position as the race enters the Alps. The absent GC podium from last year’s race serves as confirmation that when riders such as Froome, Nairo Quintana (Movistar), and Alberto Contador (Tinkoff) are not at the Tour, it is a different race entirely, opening the doors for second-tier GC riders to battle at one another’s level, rather than against superior GC riders. What a difference a year makes, indeed.
There have, of course, been moments of brilliance. Daniel Teklehaimanot of MTN-Qhubeka made history by becoming the first black African to wear at Tour leader’s jersey by spending four days in the KOM jersey. A week later, his teammate Steve Cummings took a jubilant stage win for the South African team on Mandela Day.
Tony Martin’s brilliant, solo stage win on the cobblestone stage — on a teammate’s bike, after a puncture, to take the race lead, after narrowly missing it for three days — stands out as perhaps the most touching moment, followed closely by his dramatic exit from the race two days later after he fell in the closing kilometer and suffered a compound fracture to his collarbone. Yet there he stood, on the podium, wearing the maillot jaune in a world of pain and emotion, knowing full well that he would be headed to the hospital for surgery rather than to the team hotel.
For Martin, a quiet rider who has always preferred to let his legs do the talking, there was perhaps no moment more telling of his character than when he and the stage 6 winner, his Etixx-Quick-Step teammate Zdenek Stybar, crossed paths in the mixed zone behind the podium following his crash. In the midst of an interview, Stybar spotted Martin’s yellow jersey and stopped to express concern for his teammate’s well-being, asking Martin if he was OK. Martin answered no, he was not, but told Stybar to “enjoy the moment” of his first Tour stage win. It was a very personal interaction, unfolding in front of millions; a moment no one wanted to see, but also a golden moment of genuine compassion and fraternity amid the chaos of fans, journalists, TV screens, and podium presentations.
A Tour of distrust
More than anything, however, this Tour has turned into one of distrust and doubt, with a chorus of accusations against Froome and Sky. Froome’s performance on stage 10, when he won the stage atop La Pierre-Saint-Martin and put minutes into his competitors, re-opened the floodgates of skepticism that had first appeared in 2013.
Froome has continually insisted he is clean, that his conscience is clear, and in the absence of definitive proof of wrongdoing, it’s understandable that he and his team would be upset about doping allegations. Anyone innocent of wrongdoing would be upset with publicly having their character questioned.
Yet it’s also understandable that, after years of deception, fans and journalists would be skeptical of all stellar performances. The sport’s history requires this. The same would be true of any team dominating the Tour de France, particularly for three of the past four editions, with two different riders who had never before won a grand tour. The same would be true of any team fielding domestiques capable of climbing among the top climbers in the sport on summit finishes, as we’ve seen both Porte and Geraint Thomas do thus far. If it were Quintana, Contador, Nibali, Valverde, or van Garderen in the same position, the same questions would be asked; the same eyebrows would be raised. As they should be.
It’s not pleasant or pretty, but this is the reality of pro cycling in the years that follow the revelations of the USADA report, and more recently, the UCI’s CIRC report. This is the Tour de France in 2015, and the situation is not likely to be different next year, no matter which rider is wearing the maillot jaune. Blaming the media for raising questions about extraordinary performances is as misguided as blaming today’s riders for the actions of their predecessors. The media’s job is to report, but mistrust is now, sadly, part of the story. Everyone involved with pro cycling — riders, directors, sponsors, race organizers, journalists, and fans — shares a piece of the blame. And though it’s not specific to the Tour de France, confronting the sport’s dark history comes to the forefront every year, like clockwork, in July.
As always, actions speak louder than words, and what’s needed now is a collective deep breath and an acknowledgement that full transparency is the only clear path out of this mess.
Full transparency means that all teams should be required by the UCI to make available every rider’s biometric race data — power output, heart rate, cadence — as well as off-bike data, such as resting pulse and body weight. Call it a “power passport,” to complement the longitudinal blood and urine tests of the biological passport. (Unlike the biological passport, however, this data would be publicly available.) Variables do exist, such as different teams using different brands of power meters, or oval versus traditional round chain rings. Algorithms to account for these variables must be developed and agreed upon by a panel of experts. This data can then be used to establish trust, as well as to inform and engage the television audience.
Then, with all this data in the public domain, we let race tactics, weather conditions, course profiles, and team strength determine the winners. Some may not approve, but if all agree to the same terms, no one has an unfair advantage. Similar to the use of race radios, accessing another team’s biometric data would simply be a technological advance that is available to all. And similar to the biological passport, which should remain in the hands of the UCI and World Anti-Doping Agency, every team would be held to the same standards.
On Tuesday’s rest-day press conference, Sky revealed Froome’s data from the 15.3km climb up La Pierre-Saint-Martin. Sky’s Tim Kerrison, head of athlete performance, countered a France Televisions study that estimated Froome’s power-to-weight data from stage 10 as 7.04 watts per kilogram. Kerrison claimed Froome’s average watts output was 414 rather than the 425 claimed by the French expert, and that his true watts per kilo translated to a figure of 5.78 watts per kilo. The team said it has shared a “billion points of data” with the UK Anti-Doping Agency. Whether it will be enough to satisfy Sky’s vocal critics, such as South African professor of exercise physiology Ross Tucker — who has been adamant in his calls for transparency in power data — remains to be seen. But it’s a start.
What’s clear is that times have changed. This is an age of affordable power meters and pro racers setting Strava KOMs, an age when the science of cycling physiology is no longer understood only by a handful of specialists, and an age when red flags are raised, in real time, over social media. The scrutiny — the so-called “pseudoscience” — is not going to disappear; if anything, it’s only going to intensify. The genie is out of the bottle, and it’s not going back in. And let’s face it, words alone won’t change anything. We’ve heard it all before.
And so, here we are, on the Tour’s second rest day — a day that once again delivered drama, without resolution. Some things remain the same, while others, it appears, simply refuse to change.
And yet the Tour marches on. As it has been for the past four years, Sagan will almost certainly wear the green jersey in Paris on Sunday. He’ll likely stand next to Froome, in yellow, and Quintana, in white, just as it was in 2013. Amid all of the chaos and commotion, the Tour remains equally exhilarating and exhausting.
So, to everyone whose July is focused on the biggest, most beautiful race in cycling, enjoy the rest day. Here’s to hoping for a bit of rest — or, at least, an exhalation. And perhaps, in time, a resolution.
On This Date in Sports History: Today is Wednesday, July 22, 2015.
Memoriesofhistory.com
1909 - At Huntington Avenue Grounds, Ty Cobb (Detroit Tigers) stole three bases in one inning.
1926 - At Mitchell Field in New York, Babe Ruth caught a ball that had been dropped from an airplane flying at 250 feet.
1962 - Jackie Robinson became the first African American to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
1991 - Desiree Washington, a Miss Black America contestant, charged she'd been raped by boxer Mike Tyson in an Indianapolis hotel room. Tyson was later convicted of rape and served 3 years in prison.
2002 - A judge issued a gag order in Allen Iverson's assault case. He said that he wanted to "buffer" prosecutors and defense attorneys from intense media coverage.
2002 - Lawyers for former NFL player Rae Carruth (Carolina Panthers) filed an appeal on his murder conspiracy conviction.
2005 - The NHL's board of governors voted 30-0 to pass the cap-based collective bargaining agreement that the players' association had approved the previous day. The deal ended the 310-day lockout that wiped out the 2004-05 season.
1926 - At Mitchell Field in New York, Babe Ruth caught a ball that had been dropped from an airplane flying at 250 feet.
1962 - Jackie Robinson became the first African American to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
1991 - Desiree Washington, a Miss Black America contestant, charged she'd been raped by boxer Mike Tyson in an Indianapolis hotel room. Tyson was later convicted of rape and served 3 years in prison.
2002 - A judge issued a gag order in Allen Iverson's assault case. He said that he wanted to "buffer" prosecutors and defense attorneys from intense media coverage.
2002 - Lawyers for former NFL player Rae Carruth (Carolina Panthers) filed an appeal on his murder conspiracy conviction.
2005 - The NHL's board of governors voted 30-0 to pass the cap-based collective bargaining agreement that the players' association had approved the previous day. The deal ended the 310-day lockout that wiped out the 2004-05 season.
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