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"Sports Quote of the Day"
"Teamwork is so important that it is virtually impossible for you to reach the heights of your capabilities or make the money that you want without becoming very good at it." ~ Brian Tracy, Self-help Author
Trending: NFL Prediction: NFC North. (See the football section for Bears updates).
Trending: Gar Forman says Bulls 'retooling'; Rose trade the first step. Bulls select Denzel Valentine with No. 14 overall pick. Bulls select German SF Paul Zipser with final pick in 2016 NBA Draft. Five reasons the Bulls were right to trade Derrick Rose. What's Your Take? (See the basketball section for Bulls updates).
Trending: Olympics 2016: Tracking Which Golfers Have Bowed Out of Rio. (See the golf section for PGA and Olympic Golf updates).
Trending: Cubs and White Sox road to the "World Series".
Trending: Olympics 2016: Tracking Which Golfers Have Bowed Out of Rio. (See the golf section for PGA and Olympic Golf updates).
Trending: Cubs and White Sox road to the "World Series".
Cubs 2016 Record: 47-24
White Sox 2016 Record: 36-37
(See the baseball section for Cubs and White Sox updates).
Bear Down Chicago Bears!!!!! NFL Prediction: NFC North.
By Vasilis Lericos
(AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
The NFC North is usually a competitive division, the 2016 season should bring more of the same. After the Packers wore the crown as division champions for four consecutive seasons, the Vikings broke though last season to claim the throne.
The Beatdown staff agrees in predicting a clear separation in the NFC North, with two contending teams and two also-rans. However, opinions on which team will win the division were mixed and consensus was determined by the slimmest of margins...
First Place - Green Bay Packers:
The Vikings are a tempting pick here, but Aaron Rodgers is the greatest football player on the planet, and he's getting his favorite receiver back. The defense won't be lights out, but will play just well enough for the Pack to regain the NFC North crown. - Jacob Louque
Packers return to dominance on the backs of an improved defense and the return of Jordy Nelson to a deep group. Eddie Lacy shows up in great shape and runs the ball down the throats of the opposition. - Yitzi Weiss
The combination of playmakers in the secondary, led by Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, along with veteran pass rushers Peppers and Matthews gives GB a slight edge over MIN. A healthier OL is the key to their offensive and will help Lacy regain his TD production. - Vasilis Lericos
Second Place - Minnesota Vikings:
AP drops off a cliff, but the Vikings still finish in second place, albeit while missing the playoffs. The Vikings defense is the best in the division in 2016, but that is not enough to carry a weak offense. - Yitzi Weiss
The Vikings will have another nice season, and likely capture one of the two wildcard playoff spots in the NFC. Teddy Bridgewater will need to be a bit better in his third season, but the addition of Laquon Treadwell will help him do so. - Jacob Louque
HC Mike Zimmer keeps adding pieces that suit his defense. Linval Joseph, Sharrif Floyd, Everson Griffen, Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, Xavier Rhodes, Mackensie Alexander and Harrison Smith is a young defensive core that would make any GM blush. Unfortunately, the offensive additions of Andre Smith and Treadwell are not enough for Bridgewater to overcome his deep passing limitations now that AP is dangerously close to running into the dreaded aging RB wall. - Vasilis Lericos
Third Place - Chicago Bears
The Bears have made it their mission over the last two offseasons to rebuild the "Monsters of the Midway" by signing Pernell McPhee, Danny Trevathan, Akiem Hicks and Jerrell Freeman. To go along with these signings, the team has Willie Young, Eddie Goldman, Lamarr Houston and 2016 first round pick Leonard Floyd to round out a strong defensive front. But there are issues in the secondary and creating turnovers is also a problem. The offense should get a boost with the return of 2015 first round pick Kevin White to team with Alshon Jeffery. Tight end is a question mark for Cutler, now that Martellus Bennet has been traded to NE. Jeremy Langford must step up with the loss of Matt Forte. - Evan Mazza
The Bears bounce back, with an improved offense and a young but ascending defense. The Cutler to Jeffrey and Kevin White connection bears fruit, and Langford leads a very solid running back position. - Yitzi Weiss
This retooled offense looks ready to roll. Top ten pick Kevin White will finally play his first game. To some, including myself, Kevin White was seen as a better receiver than Amari Cooper in that draft class. Jeremy Langford will continue on an impressive rookie campaign. The defense is just not very good and it holds the team back. - Matt Cohen
If you thought that the Bears defense needed work, then get ready for the Lions, whose defense is somehow worse than the Bears. The Lions lost Megatron on offense, and have no receiver capable of being a reliable target for Matthew Stafford. On top of that, the running game is atrocious. It's gonna be a long year in Detroit. - Matt Cohen
This is a very difficult team to figure out. They looked like two different teams last year, improving for the better after Jim Bob Cooter (best name in the NFL) took over as offensive coordinator. Ultimately, the loss of Calvin Johnson can't be a good thing for Matthew Stafford. There aren't very many pieces on their defense to get excited about. - Jacob Louque
Once again, its a new regime in The Motor City as Bob Quinn, who worked 16 years for the Patriots, takes over as General Manager. The team looks to continue on a strong 6-2 finish in 2015, but with the loss of the recently retired Calvin Johnson, things might be a bit difficult for the offense, even though they did acquire Marvin Jones. The defense has Ziggy Ansah and a good secondary led by Darius Slay. The Lions will compete, but they are not Green Bay or Minnesota yet. - Evan Mazza
How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Patrick Kane wins Hart Trophy to cap huge night at NHL Awards.
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Kane won the Hart Trophy for most valuable player at the NHL Awards on Wednesday night, the second U.S.-born player to do so (Billy Burch, born in Yonkers, N.Y., won in 1925). He was also the first Blackhawks player to win the award since Stan Mikita in 1968.
It was busy night for Kane in the awards department. He had already won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s regular-season scoring leader – he was the first American-born player for that award, too. He was also the Ted Lindsay Award winner as the league’s most outstanding player (as voted on by the NHLPA).
While the Blackhawks’ offense was inconsistent this season, Kane wasn’t. Kane recorded career highs in goals (46), assists (60) and points (106). He was also part of the team’s most consistent line with Artem Anisimov and Artemi Panarin, who took home the Calder Trophy earlier this evening.
Kane won the Hart voting by a landslide, taking 121 first-place votes. Sidney Crosby was second with 11 first-place votes. Dallas’ Jamie Benn, Washington’s Braden Holtby and San Jose’s Joe Thornton rounded out the top five.
Artemi Panarin captures Calder Trophy.
By CSN Staff
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
The 24-year-old Panarin recorded 77 points (30 goals, 47 assists) for the Blackhawks last season. He was part of a successful trio with Artem Anisimov and Patrick Kane, who is a Hart Trophy finalist for league MVP.
Panarin received 88 first-place votes en route to winning the Calder. He thanked family, friends and teammates upon receiving the award.
Shayne Gostisbehere of Philadelphia finished second in the voting. Connor McDavid of Edmonton, Jack Eichel of Buffalo and Dylan Larkin of Detroit rounded out the top five.
Stan Bowman: Blackhawks trying to get something done with Andrew Shaw.
By Tracey Myers
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
And so it begins again.
With the salary cap set at $73 million for the 2016-17 season, general manager Stan Bowman can move forward with potential signings and other offseason moves. The top priority still seems to be re-signing Andrew Shaw, although Bowman said on Thursday there’s been no progress on that front thus far. Shaw’s agent Pat Brisson said via email last week that he expects to talk to Bowman at the draft this weekend.
“We’ve had some good discussions with his agent, so that’s ongoing. And we’re trying to get something done. That’s how I can characterize it right now,” Bowman said from Buffalo. “There are a lot of things we’re working through and that’s certainly one of them.”
The Blackhawks have some cap room but not a ton. If they do sign Shaw, he could take $3 million or more of that; he had a cap hit of $2 million last season. Do the Blackhawks get a defenseman? Do they make some other deal in the next few days/weeks? Plenty of speculation abounds this time of year but Bowman wasn’t talking about any of it.
“There are lots of rumors floating round. I’d say a majority of them are false but you can’t comment on individual rumors. We have a job to do and there are a lot of conversations this time of year,” Bowman said. “We’re trying to prepare for the draft, we have eight picks and that’s an important part of building for the future, making sure we prepare well and choose the right players. The other part of it is shaping our roster for next season, which can come through trades, preparing for free agency and those type of things. There’s a lot happening and these are busy days.”
In the meantime, the Blackhawks have shored up several depth players recently. Richard Panik signed a one-year deal last week. Nick Schmaltz signed a three-year, entry-level deal on Sunday. Dennis Rasmussen was re-signed for this coming season on Wednesday. As much as everyone likes the splashy deal and players these depth guys are just as important, especially to a team constantly fighting cap issues.
“It’s a huge part of what we’re trying to do here and critical to our success going forward,” Bowman said. “[This is Rasmussen’s] third year with us. He took a big jump last year and now he’s trying to build on that and expand his role. With Nick, we’re thrilled he made the decision he was ready for pro hockey. We’ve felt that way for a while here, watching him the last two years in college. He’s grown his game from when we drafted him and we thought it was time for him to take the next step. He felt the same way. He’ll have a great opportunity to show us what he can do in camp. We don’t hand out jobs but they’re there to come and earn. He’s prepared to have a big summer. When we get to see him on the ice, you’ll see the talent he has.”
The Blackhawks have eight picks at the draft; they’ve usually selected a good mix of forwards, defensemen and goaltending and they’ll probably do the same this draft. But this weekend usually goes beyond taking future prospects. The Blackhawks have decisions to make and a roster to shape. Much of that could start this weekend.
Blackhawks re-sign Dennis Rasmussen.
By Tracey Myers
Dennis Rasmussen showed good work in his first season with the Blackhawks. On Wednesday, he signed up for one more.
The Blackhawks and Rasmussen agreed to terms on a one-year deal on Wednesday afternoon. Generalfanager.com reports the deal is worth $575,000. The 25-year-old Rasmussen played in 44 games with the Blackhawks last season, recording four goals and five assists.
Rasmussen provided depth at center when the Blackhawks were without Marcus Kruger, who missed nearly four months with a broken wrist. In March, Rasmussen talked about everything he learned in his time with the Blackhawks, and how beneficial it would be entering training camp this fall.
“Of course, you feel more comfortable and know what to expect,” Rasmussen said at the time. “When you go back in the summer you know what to focus on and how the game is up here. Before, you didn’t know exactly. Of course it’ll make you feel more comfortable.”
NHL sets salary cap at $73 million for 2016-17 season.
By Tracey Myers
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
When Stan Bowman talked last week of the Blackhawks’ potential signings/moves this offseason, he said he’d have to wait to find out the cap number to truly know the team’s options.
We know that number now.
The 2016-17 salary cap is set at $73 million, the NHL and NHLPA announced on Tuesday night. It’s not a massive raise from the 2015-16 cap, which was $71.4 million. But for cash-strapped teams like the Blackhawks, every little bit helps.
The Blackhawks added more than $4 million of cap space last Tuesday when they traded Bryan Bickell and Teuvo Teravainen to the Carolina Hurricanes. But they owe bonuses, mostly to Artemi Panarin, and those are applied to this season’s cap. With that addition and subtraction, the Blackhawks should have approximately $7 million of cap space.
That may sound like a lot but it really isn’t. If the Blackhawks are going to re-sign Andrew Shaw, that’ll cost them a few million. Shaw is coming off a two-year deal that carried a $2 million cap hit. The Blackhawks will also have a few roster holes to fill.
The cap number is now known. Now the work really begins for Bowman.
We know that number now.
The 2016-17 salary cap is set at $73 million, the NHL and NHLPA announced on Tuesday night. It’s not a massive raise from the 2015-16 cap, which was $71.4 million. But for cash-strapped teams like the Blackhawks, every little bit helps.
The Blackhawks added more than $4 million of cap space last Tuesday when they traded Bryan Bickell and Teuvo Teravainen to the Carolina Hurricanes. But they owe bonuses, mostly to Artemi Panarin, and those are applied to this season’s cap. With that addition and subtraction, the Blackhawks should have approximately $7 million of cap space.
That may sound like a lot but it really isn’t. If the Blackhawks are going to re-sign Andrew Shaw, that’ll cost them a few million. Shaw is coming off a two-year deal that carried a $2 million cap hit. The Blackhawks will also have a few roster holes to fill.
The cap number is now known. Now the work really begins for Bowman.
Cubs fall to Marlins late, lose fourth straight for first time this season.
Associated Press
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Giancarlo Stanton homered in the fourth inning and singled home the go-ahead run with two outs in the eighth, helping the Miami Marlins send the Chicago Cubs to their fourth consecutive defeat, 4-2 on Thursday night.
Stanton's two hits hiked his average to .216.
The Cubs still have the best record in the majors, despite their longest losing streak of the season. The game marked the start of a season-high 11-game trip for the Cubs, and came after they were swept in a three-game series at Wrigley Field by the Cardinals.
Jon Lester allowed only two runs in seven innings, but Miami ended his streak of wins in five consecutive starts. The Cubs' David Ross led off the eighth with his sixth homer to make the score 2-all.
Christian Yelich started Miami's rally in the bottom of the eighth with a one-out walk against Pedro Strop (1-2). He advanced on a wild pitch and scored standing up on Stanton's opposite-field single.
J.T. Realmuto followed with an RBI double.
Kyle Barraclough (4-2) pitched a scoreless eighth. With closer A.J. Ramos being rested, David Phelps pitched out of a one-out, bases-loaded jam in the ninth when Chris Coghlan struck out and Ben Zobrist flied out.
The Cubs managed just seven hits and have totaled nine runs during their losing streak.
Miami's Marcell Ozuna made a costly error in center field and then atoned for the misplay by hitting his 16th homer in the sixth.
Stanton's homer was his 14th.
Wei-Yin Chen took a 2-1 lead into the eighth but departed after he allowed Ross' homer. Over the past three games, the Marlins' starting pitchers have allowed two runs in 22 innings.
The Cubs' Jason Heyward singled to start the fourth and continued to third when Ozuna let the ball roll past him. Kris Bryant followed with a sacrifice fly to put Chicago ahead 1-0.
The Cubs still have the best record in the majors, despite their longest losing streak of the season. The game marked the start of a season-high 11-game trip for the Cubs, and came after they were swept in a three-game series at Wrigley Field by the Cardinals.
Jon Lester allowed only two runs in seven innings, but Miami ended his streak of wins in five consecutive starts. The Cubs' David Ross led off the eighth with his sixth homer to make the score 2-all.
Christian Yelich started Miami's rally in the bottom of the eighth with a one-out walk against Pedro Strop (1-2). He advanced on a wild pitch and scored standing up on Stanton's opposite-field single.
J.T. Realmuto followed with an RBI double.
Kyle Barraclough (4-2) pitched a scoreless eighth. With closer A.J. Ramos being rested, David Phelps pitched out of a one-out, bases-loaded jam in the ninth when Chris Coghlan struck out and Ben Zobrist flied out.
The Cubs managed just seven hits and have totaled nine runs during their losing streak.
Miami's Marcell Ozuna made a costly error in center field and then atoned for the misplay by hitting his 16th homer in the sixth.
Stanton's homer was his 14th.
Wei-Yin Chen took a 2-1 lead into the eighth but departed after he allowed Ross' homer. Over the past three games, the Marlins' starting pitchers have allowed two runs in 22 innings.
The Cubs' Jason Heyward singled to start the fourth and continued to third when Ozuna let the ball roll past him. Kris Bryant followed with a sacrifice fly to put Chicago ahead 1-0.
By Tony Andracki
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
About 20 minutes after he picked up just his second loss in his last 28 starts, Jake Arrieta walked into his postgame press conference wearing a shirt that said, "All me, PED free."
But this wasn't a press conference where the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner was fielding questions about another dominant outing.
Instead, Arrieta was tasked with trying to explain why he's been inefficient of late, needing 106 pitches to get through just five innings against the Cardinals Wednesday.
Part of the reason was the Cardinals hitters laying off Arrieta's pitches out of the zone, illustrating a new approach against the Cubs ace.
"Take it in stride and learn from it," Arrieta said. "Go back to work tomorrow and combat the things that teams have done against me recently. It's an easy fix.
"I think the byproduct will be very positive. You gotta give them credit."
Arrieta said he thinks it's an easy fix just in terms of approach and game planning, not as much a mechanical issue.
"Sometimes, commanding my stuff in the strike zone can be difficult," he said. "It's not a bad problem to have with guys standing up there with bats on their shoulders early in the count. It's gonna favor me moving forward."
Miguel Montero - who typically catches Arrieta - agreed the Cubs don't have to make a crazy adjustment, pointing to a lot of foul balls from the Cardinals that increased the pitch count.
"But even at that, when he wasn't at his best, we couldn't turn a double play, otherwise he'd have five shutout innings," Montero said, referencing the only two runs (one earned) Arrieta surrendered in the fifth inning Wednesday.
Arrieta has walked multiple batters in four of his last five starts, totaling 14 free passes in 30 innings in that span.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon attributes some of Arrieta's recent blips on a lack of fastball command.
"I don't think he's getting it where he wants to all the time," Maddon said. "And when you don't, they're not going to chase the other pitches. ... We just gotta get him back with his fastball command and then he will just take off."
At the end of the day, Arrieta still has a sparkling 1.74 ERA and 0.98 WHIP on the season, so it's not like he's truly struggling in the large scheme of things.
But Cubs fans - and Arrieta himself - have come to expect more.
"It looks like Jake's working too hard to get his outs," Maddon said. "I remember last year, really pitch-efficient. I defended the fact that he pitched a lot of innings but did not throw a lot of pitches.
"This year, he's throwing more pitches to pitch in fewer innings. Just exactly the opposite of what he had been doing last year.
"The old scouting adage: If he's shown it to you once before, he's gonna show it to you once again. He's physically fine. His stuff is outstanding. It's about command of his fastball."
But this wasn't a press conference where the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner was fielding questions about another dominant outing.
Instead, Arrieta was tasked with trying to explain why he's been inefficient of late, needing 106 pitches to get through just five innings against the Cardinals Wednesday.
Part of the reason was the Cardinals hitters laying off Arrieta's pitches out of the zone, illustrating a new approach against the Cubs ace.
"Take it in stride and learn from it," Arrieta said. "Go back to work tomorrow and combat the things that teams have done against me recently. It's an easy fix.
"I think the byproduct will be very positive. You gotta give them credit."
Arrieta said he thinks it's an easy fix just in terms of approach and game planning, not as much a mechanical issue.
"Sometimes, commanding my stuff in the strike zone can be difficult," he said. "It's not a bad problem to have with guys standing up there with bats on their shoulders early in the count. It's gonna favor me moving forward."
Miguel Montero - who typically catches Arrieta - agreed the Cubs don't have to make a crazy adjustment, pointing to a lot of foul balls from the Cardinals that increased the pitch count.
"But even at that, when he wasn't at his best, we couldn't turn a double play, otherwise he'd have five shutout innings," Montero said, referencing the only two runs (one earned) Arrieta surrendered in the fifth inning Wednesday.
Arrieta has walked multiple batters in four of his last five starts, totaling 14 free passes in 30 innings in that span.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon attributes some of Arrieta's recent blips on a lack of fastball command.
"I don't think he's getting it where he wants to all the time," Maddon said. "And when you don't, they're not going to chase the other pitches. ... We just gotta get him back with his fastball command and then he will just take off."
At the end of the day, Arrieta still has a sparkling 1.74 ERA and 0.98 WHIP on the season, so it's not like he's truly struggling in the large scheme of things.
But Cubs fans - and Arrieta himself - have come to expect more.
"It looks like Jake's working too hard to get his outs," Maddon said. "I remember last year, really pitch-efficient. I defended the fact that he pitched a lot of innings but did not throw a lot of pitches.
"This year, he's throwing more pitches to pitch in fewer innings. Just exactly the opposite of what he had been doing last year.
"The old scouting adage: If he's shown it to you once before, he's gonna show it to you once again. He's physically fine. His stuff is outstanding. It's about command of his fastball."
White Sox can’t complete sweep, but looking at positives leaving Boston.
By JJ Stankevitz
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
The White Sox couldn’t hold two leads and couldn’t come through with the bases loaded twice late in the game, but head back to Chicago looking at the positives from taking three of four games from the Boston Red Sox.
“The quality of baseball we played this series was probably the best baseball we played all year, including the nice start that we had,” catcher Alex Avila, who had four hits Thursday, said. “We played well with the lead, we played well when we were behind. (We) made some big pitches when we had to, got some big time hits when we needed to, which is something that’s been lacking past few weeks.”
A narrow view of Thursday’s game, though, has a more frustrating tone. The White Sox squandered a 4-1 lead, got it back on Jose Abreu’s go-ahead three-run homer in the top of the seventh, then gave that two-run advantage back in bottom of the seventh and eighth innings.
The White Sox loaded the bases with nobody out in the top of the eighth but failed to score when J.B Shuck flied out to left (it wasn’t deep enough for Brett Lawrie to be sent home, even with natural third baseman Travis Shaw having to play left field), Tim Anderson struck out and Adam Eaton grounded out.
The same scenario played out in the top of the 10th, with Lawrie, Avila and Avisail Garcia again loading the bases but Shuck (popout), Anderson (strikeout) and Eaton (strikeout) failing to plate the go-ahead run against Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel.
Bogaerts delivered his walk-off single in the bottom of the 10th.
“We won three out of four — you look at it that way,” manager Robin Ventura said. “You could look at a lot of things negatively, but the way it’s been going for us, you win a series and get ready for tomorrow.”
The White Sox pulled off an impressive bases-loaded escape on Monday and won in extra innings, then cruised to a victory behind Chris Sale on Tuesday. Wednesday saw Todd Frazier, Melky Cabrera and Brett Lawrie blast home runs in a rare spate of run support for Jose Quintana in a comeback win. And while the final three innings Thursday were certainly disappointing, starter James Shields exited the game with a lead and Abreu momentarily picked up for a strung-out bullpen in the seventh.
“This was a good series,” Shields said. “We got swept in Cleveland, coming in here to Boston, one of the best hitting teams in the league and to do what we did three out of four is pretty good.”
Where Avila saw the greatest benefit to this series — outside of winning three games in a row for the first time since early May, of course — was getting some high-leverage experience for a handful of players. Michael Ynoa held on to a one-run lead in the eighth inning Wednesday, while Chris Beck — with an assist from a strange decision to bunt by Jackie Bradley Jr. — limited the Red Sox damage to just one run in a shaky seventh inning Thursday.
Whether the experience of this series pays off as the White Sox look to remain within striking distance for the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2008 remains to be seen. But for a team starved of positive morsels since early May, there was plenty to like about these four days in Boston.
“We need to graduate a little bit because we’re going to need everybody,” Avila said. “But overall we had a really good series, played really good baseball. It just shows you how tough it is to beat a team four days in a row.”
James Shields takes step in right direction, but White Sox still need more.
By JJ Stankevitz
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
James Shields took a step toward turning his season around, though there’s still plenty of room to improve.
While it wasn’t an unmitigated disaster like his previous starts against the Washington Nationals, Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians, Shields only lasted five innings and issued more walks (four) than he had strikeouts (three). Still, he was able to keep the White Sox in the game — and left with a lead — which represents a step in the right direction.
“Obviously my last three outings weren’t very good, so it’s definitely a positive,” Shields said. “I’ve ben around the game a while, I’ve got a lot more in the tank. Body feels great, so we’ll move forward.”
Shields’ abbreviated outing, though, forced the White Sox to burn relievers Matt Albers (who hit a batter and gave up two hits) and Dan Jennings (who threw a scoreless inning) early. And with those two guys used, and reliable right-handers Jake Petricka and Zach Putnam on the disabled list, manager Robin Ventura turned to rookie Chris Beck in the seventh.
Beck avoided a meltdown but allowed a run. While Nate Jones ultimately gave up the game-tying run in the eighth, having to cover a dozen outs proved to be a difficult task.
“We were getting a little short today,” manager Robin Ventura said. “We didn’t have (Zach) Duke out there to be able to come in. We were trying to patch it together. These guys have been used a lot, so we knew we couldn’t necessarily go four outs with Jonesy or (David) Robertson. We were a little thin.”
Shields was generally better at getting ahead in the count, and held Boston scoreless through his first four innings. But after striking out Christian Vasquez and getting Marco Hernandez to ground out to begin the fifth, the Red Sox lineup turned over to face Shields for the third time. Mookie Betts’ single was followed by a Dustin Pedroia RBI double, though Xander Bogaerts popped out to end the inning.
Shields issued walks to David Ortiz — he thought his 1-2 slow curveball was a strike, though — and Ryan LaMarre before being pulled with no outs in the sixth.
“He was playing more in the strike zone early on in the at-bat than in previous starts,” Avila said. “Throughout the innings that he pitched there were times where he kinda got out of himself a little bit and rushed a little bit but he was able to make the adjustment much quicker than he did in his previous outings. A good start for him, pitched well, used everything. Was able to go both sides of the plate with a good mix of his pitches. Those are the types of starts that I’ve seen quite a bit of him make and would expect to make.”
Anything better than a figurative fireworks show would’ve been an improvement, and while Thursday wasn’t vintage Shields, it did represent a step in the right direction.
“Overall it was just me trying to relax and not trying to do too much for my new team,” Shields said. “I felt okay today. But there’s always room for improvement and I’m going to try to get better next time.”
Just Another Chicago Bulls Session..... Gar Forman says Bulls 'retooling'; Rose trade the first step.
By Vincent Goodwill
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Derrick Rose requires more than just a cursory explanation, something Bulls GM Gar Forman was well-aware of when he met with media two hours after the trade was consummated.
“Derrick has meant a lot to this organization and to this city and to this team and has had to overcome a lot over the years with all the injuries to get back to the point he was,” Forman said. “But in putting our plan together, we felt as a first step this really made sense for us.”
The Bulls acquired Robin Lopez, veteran guard Jose Calderon and 2015 first-round draft pick Jerian Grant for Rose, Justin Holiday and a 2017 second-round pick. With the NBA draft on Thursday, it’s another opportunity for the Bulls to move forward, although who they’ll select has become just as murky—considering they’re high on Grant and Calderon started for the Knicks last season.
Forman wouldn’t say if Lopez, a serviceable if not outright revelation for the Knicks last season after signing a free agent deal, would be a starter this coming season as Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah are free agents.
Lopez averaged 10.3 points and 7.3 rebounds last season for the Knicks, and league executives say he could be a source of stability on the interior, especially considering he’s played 82 games in three of the last four seasons.
Forman wouldn’t say if this is now officially Jimmy Butler’s team—or if the Bulls would entertain offers for Butler leading into the draft, as he’s been highly coveted by teams looking to make the leap into the land of the elite.
“Basketball is a team game, a five-man game,” Forman said. “Obviously, Jimmy being an All-Star is our best player. But I don’t think you go as far as saying it’s this guy’s team. It’s everybody’s team.”
Either way, the reshaping or in Forman’s words, “retooling” of the Bulls will begin in earnest and take another step forward as free agency begins on July 1.
“We like a lot of the young players we have on this roster, starting with Jimmy, who’s 26,” Forman said. “ (Rookies) Bobby Portis and Felicio, who showed towards the end of the year that (Felicio) has got a lot of upside. Doug McDermott, Niko, we’ve got the first round pick coming up tomorrow night with the possibility of two first round picks next year, so you can see kind of where were kind of trying to go. Obviously at the same time we’re trying to put the best team together that we can. I wouldn’t call it a rebuild; more of a retool.”
Whether it’s a youth movement, athletic movement or whatever you want to call it, it’s a movement and where it’s moving, only Bulls management can chart.
“We felt we need to start changing the roster,” Forman said. “We felt we needed to start getting younger and more athletic. And I think we’ve done that in Robin Lopez and Jerian Grant. And along with that, get a veteran who we really like in Calderon. That was important to us. It was more from a team-building standpoint trying to get this process started and try to put us in a different direction where we think we can have success down the road.”
Taking a step back for the sake of taking multiple steps forward later seems to be the goal, an aspect that isn’t always easy in today’s superstar-laden NBA. Calderon is an expiring contract at $7.7 million, and the Bulls would also like to retain guard E’Twaun Moore, but he’ll have plenty of suitors around the league as a solid reserve.
Taj Gibson is also entering the final year of his contract, and the Bulls resisted offers from suitors at the deadline last season, namely the Toronto Raptors.
Mirotic will also be a free agent after next season, his third in the NBA.
“Like we should be this time of year, we’re talking to all 29 teams and a lot of different scenarios,” Forman said. “That’s our job, to listen, to know what the market is, to evaluate what’s out there and opportunities to get better and then ultimately make a decision.”
And it looks like the moves are just beginning.
Bulls select Denzel Valentine with No. 14 overall pick.
By Vincent Goodwill
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
On a night where the Bulls have been rumored to be involved in some of the bigger blockbuster moves, they took the safer route with their first-round draft pick by selecting guard-forward Denzel Valentine from Michigan State.
The Bulls have been engaged in talks with the Minnesota Timberwolves about a trade for Jimmy Butler, according to multiple reports, but until that situation is resolved, they selected Valentine with the 14th pick, the last in the draft lottery.
Valentine was the national player of the year, beating out Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield, for a Michigan State team ranked in the top five all season. Valentine has the capability to play all three perimeter positions and was arguably the best all-around player in college basketball, averaging nearly eight rebounds and eight assists in addition to scoring nearly 20 points a night.
His ability to run the offense and shoot from long range (45 percent from 3) was probably a strong selling point for a Bulls team that needs perimeter help. Valentine isn’t a natural point guard but is a facilitator who can initiate offense, qualities that had the Bulls linked with Notre Dame guard Demetrius Jackson and Vanderbilt’s Wade Baldwin IV.
“I was getting nervous there, pick after pick and you’re wondering,” Valentine said to ESPN after being selected. “I’m so glad I’m going to the Bulls and I’m gonna give it my all. Gonna get this process going.”
Valentine was nervous in part due to his knees being red-flagged after taking physicals with prospective teams, dropping him from being a pick right outside the top-10 to perhaps sliding out the lottery altogether. Valentine had knee surgery seven years ago as a high-schooler and after an awkward fall in December, had minor knee surgery on his left knee, causing him to miss a few games. In his four-year career at Michigan State, he played in 144 of a possible 148 games.
Valentine was the third senior taken in the draft, a rarity so many taken so early in the first round.
His ability to adapt on the offensive end, especially his court vision, has been attractive to teams.
Bulls select German SF Paul Zipser with final pick in 2016 NBA Draft.
By Mark Strotman
The Bulls have been engaged in talks with the Minnesota Timberwolves about a trade for Jimmy Butler, according to multiple reports, but until that situation is resolved, they selected Valentine with the 14th pick, the last in the draft lottery.
Valentine was the national player of the year, beating out Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield, for a Michigan State team ranked in the top five all season. Valentine has the capability to play all three perimeter positions and was arguably the best all-around player in college basketball, averaging nearly eight rebounds and eight assists in addition to scoring nearly 20 points a night.
His ability to run the offense and shoot from long range (45 percent from 3) was probably a strong selling point for a Bulls team that needs perimeter help. Valentine isn’t a natural point guard but is a facilitator who can initiate offense, qualities that had the Bulls linked with Notre Dame guard Demetrius Jackson and Vanderbilt’s Wade Baldwin IV.
“I was getting nervous there, pick after pick and you’re wondering,” Valentine said to ESPN after being selected. “I’m so glad I’m going to the Bulls and I’m gonna give it my all. Gonna get this process going.”
Valentine was nervous in part due to his knees being red-flagged after taking physicals with prospective teams, dropping him from being a pick right outside the top-10 to perhaps sliding out the lottery altogether. Valentine had knee surgery seven years ago as a high-schooler and after an awkward fall in December, had minor knee surgery on his left knee, causing him to miss a few games. In his four-year career at Michigan State, he played in 144 of a possible 148 games.
Valentine was the third senior taken in the draft, a rarity so many taken so early in the first round.
His ability to adapt on the offensive end, especially his court vision, has been attractive to teams.
Bulls select German SF Paul Zipser with final pick in 2016 NBA Draft.
By Mark Strotman
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
The Bulls used their final pick in the 2016 NBA Draft on German small forward Paul Zipser.
The 6-foot-8 forward originally entered his name in the 2015 draft before withdrawing, going back to his home country to play for Bayern Munich. He also played for Germany's Eurobasket team in 2015, which included NBA'ers Dirk Nowitzki and Dennis Schroder.
In 25 German League games, the 22-year-old Zipser averaged 7.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.6 steals in 18.1 minutes.
Zipser projects as a small forward who could be used in a power forward role in a small-ball lineup. His versatility is in his defense, where he shows solid instincts and good lateral quickness.
Zipser's selection at No. 48 followed the Bulls' selection of Michigan State wing Denzel Valentine with the No. 14 pick.
The Bulls were rumored to have had discussions with the Celtics and Timberwolves early in the draft, with the intention of trading for Providence's Kris Dunn.
The 6-foot-8 forward originally entered his name in the 2015 draft before withdrawing, going back to his home country to play for Bayern Munich. He also played for Germany's Eurobasket team in 2015, which included NBA'ers Dirk Nowitzki and Dennis Schroder.
In 25 German League games, the 22-year-old Zipser averaged 7.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.6 steals in 18.1 minutes.
Zipser projects as a small forward who could be used in a power forward role in a small-ball lineup. His versatility is in his defense, where he shows solid instincts and good lateral quickness.
Zipser's selection at No. 48 followed the Bulls' selection of Michigan State wing Denzel Valentine with the No. 14 pick.
The Bulls were rumored to have had discussions with the Celtics and Timberwolves early in the draft, with the intention of trading for Providence's Kris Dunn.
Five reasons the Bulls were right to trade Derrick Rose. What's Your Take?
By Mark Strotman
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Everyone's got an opinion on whether the Bulls were right in trading away point guard Derrick Rose.
What's not up for debate is that the deal has benefits for the Bulls. Here are five reasons the Bulls got it right in dealing the former MVP when they did:
1. Rose's stock is in constant flux, and it's high right now
Bulls fans know all too well that Rose is one awkward landing or misstep away from serious injury. Last season he played in 66 games, five more than he played the previous three seasons combined. While not a clean bill of health - Rose will likely never have that again - he's currently as healthy as he's been since before he tore his ACL in the 2012 playoffs. Yes, the Bulls could have gone into the season with Rose and bet on his contract-year status pushing him to play even better than he did a year ago, boosting his trade value. But what if Rose were to re-injure his knee in early November, crushing his trade value as February's trade deadline came and went? Then the Bulls lose him for nothing at season's end. It was a gamble the Bulls rightfully didn't take.
2. The Bulls found their answer to Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah leaving
It's easy to look at Rose's expiring deal and wonder why the Bulls are giving up a talent like him AND taking on more salary. But with Gasol and Noah essentially out of the team's plans, the Bulls were going to need to sign a center this offseason or plug in the No. 14 pick in the middle, always a risky proposition. Instead they get center Robin Lopez, someone who has played in 82 games three of the last four years, provides solid rim protection and can go for a double-double each night. He's signed through 2019 at an average of $13.5 million. That may seem steep, but with the salary cap increasing each of the next two years that'll be the going rate for a starting center. Lopez is a safe bet on a team-friendly deal.
3. If it really was between Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose, this was a no-brainer
Reports surfaced Tuesday night that the Celtics were unable to reach a deal with the Bulls for Jimmy Butler. And for that Bulls fans should breathe a sigh of relief. It's the right move for the Bulls to stick with a 26-year-old, two-time All-Star about to enter his prime. Yes, the return for Butler would have been far greater than what the Bulls received for Rose. But regardless of the kind of leader Butler is or whether he gets along well with head coach Fred Hoiberg, it's unwise for any team to ship out that kind of talent. There's no way the Bulls could have received equal value in any deal, including one with the Celtics that included the No. 3 pick. Butler is locked in to a relatively cheap deal (given the contracts about to be handed out this offseason) and isn't fading anytime soon. If the Bulls had to choose between Rose and Butler, even with the potential return in a Butler deal, this was a no-brainer.
4. The Bulls get the guy they wanted last year in Jerian Grant
The Bulls reportedly were high on Grant before last season's draft, only to see him selected three picks before they their No. 22 slot. Instead, the Bulls were gifted Bobby Portis, who appears to have a bright future in the Windy City. And following Wednesday's trade, the Bulls now get a 23-year-old point guard with the ability to play off the ball. The Bulls are getting younger and more versatile at a position of need, with Aaron Brooks and E'Twaun Moore both free agents. Whatever Jose Calderon is able to provide will be an added bonus after Lopez's and Grant's contributions.
5. They now have more options in Thursday's draft
With Lopez and Grant in tow, the Bulls can approach the draft in a variety of ways. It's not imperative they find a center, or at least one who can play right away. If they want to focus their attention on more of a pure point guard they're able to do so, knowing Grant has the ability to play off the ball. Should they opt for a shooting guard or a wing they can feel good knowing they've got Grant and Calderon as a 1-2 combination at the point. Gar Forman said the Bulls feel as though they added another first-round pick with Grant, so they may be able to roll the dice on a high-upside prospect at No. 14.
Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica Take: Derrick Rose is still a good ball player with a tremendous amount of talent, however, it was time for him to move on. It will be a good move for the Bulls and for him. He has a reputation for getting injured and that's frustrating for the team's management with the salary he is getting. He was the league's youngest MVP but has not done much since then due to his various injuries. The opinion of team insiders is that his agent and his brother are misleading him advice wise. It should be noted that there is more to this story than just the injury aspect. This move will give Derrick a fresh start with the Knicks and allow the Bulls to start rebuilding the way the Blackhawks, Cubs and Bears are now doing. Get a core of young talented players, mix in a few wily veterans, provide good coaching, hold everyone in the organization accountable and push for that championship. It's worked for the Blackhawks, it seems to be working for the Cubs, the Bears will see what happens this year and the Bulls will start this season. It may take three to four years but it will be worth the wait as long as they're showing major progress each year. Time will tell. In the meantime, we wish Derrick the best of luck. You know, I think he's going to have a great season this year because he has something to prove and the Knicks are starting all over again also. You know where my heart lies so all I can say is "Let's go Bulls!!!!!"
Now you know how we feel and what we think, what's your take? Please go to the comment section at the bottom of this blog and share your thoughts with us. We can't wait to hear what you have to say. We value and appreciate your thoughts.
The Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica Editorial Staff.
What's not up for debate is that the deal has benefits for the Bulls. Here are five reasons the Bulls got it right in dealing the former MVP when they did:
1. Rose's stock is in constant flux, and it's high right now
Bulls fans know all too well that Rose is one awkward landing or misstep away from serious injury. Last season he played in 66 games, five more than he played the previous three seasons combined. While not a clean bill of health - Rose will likely never have that again - he's currently as healthy as he's been since before he tore his ACL in the 2012 playoffs. Yes, the Bulls could have gone into the season with Rose and bet on his contract-year status pushing him to play even better than he did a year ago, boosting his trade value. But what if Rose were to re-injure his knee in early November, crushing his trade value as February's trade deadline came and went? Then the Bulls lose him for nothing at season's end. It was a gamble the Bulls rightfully didn't take.
2. The Bulls found their answer to Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah leaving
It's easy to look at Rose's expiring deal and wonder why the Bulls are giving up a talent like him AND taking on more salary. But with Gasol and Noah essentially out of the team's plans, the Bulls were going to need to sign a center this offseason or plug in the No. 14 pick in the middle, always a risky proposition. Instead they get center Robin Lopez, someone who has played in 82 games three of the last four years, provides solid rim protection and can go for a double-double each night. He's signed through 2019 at an average of $13.5 million. That may seem steep, but with the salary cap increasing each of the next two years that'll be the going rate for a starting center. Lopez is a safe bet on a team-friendly deal.
3. If it really was between Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose, this was a no-brainer
Reports surfaced Tuesday night that the Celtics were unable to reach a deal with the Bulls for Jimmy Butler. And for that Bulls fans should breathe a sigh of relief. It's the right move for the Bulls to stick with a 26-year-old, two-time All-Star about to enter his prime. Yes, the return for Butler would have been far greater than what the Bulls received for Rose. But regardless of the kind of leader Butler is or whether he gets along well with head coach Fred Hoiberg, it's unwise for any team to ship out that kind of talent. There's no way the Bulls could have received equal value in any deal, including one with the Celtics that included the No. 3 pick. Butler is locked in to a relatively cheap deal (given the contracts about to be handed out this offseason) and isn't fading anytime soon. If the Bulls had to choose between Rose and Butler, even with the potential return in a Butler deal, this was a no-brainer.
4. The Bulls get the guy they wanted last year in Jerian Grant
The Bulls reportedly were high on Grant before last season's draft, only to see him selected three picks before they their No. 22 slot. Instead, the Bulls were gifted Bobby Portis, who appears to have a bright future in the Windy City. And following Wednesday's trade, the Bulls now get a 23-year-old point guard with the ability to play off the ball. The Bulls are getting younger and more versatile at a position of need, with Aaron Brooks and E'Twaun Moore both free agents. Whatever Jose Calderon is able to provide will be an added bonus after Lopez's and Grant's contributions.
5. They now have more options in Thursday's draft
With Lopez and Grant in tow, the Bulls can approach the draft in a variety of ways. It's not imperative they find a center, or at least one who can play right away. If they want to focus their attention on more of a pure point guard they're able to do so, knowing Grant has the ability to play off the ball. Should they opt for a shooting guard or a wing they can feel good knowing they've got Grant and Calderon as a 1-2 combination at the point. Gar Forman said the Bulls feel as though they added another first-round pick with Grant, so they may be able to roll the dice on a high-upside prospect at No. 14.
Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica Take: Derrick Rose is still a good ball player with a tremendous amount of talent, however, it was time for him to move on. It will be a good move for the Bulls and for him. He has a reputation for getting injured and that's frustrating for the team's management with the salary he is getting. He was the league's youngest MVP but has not done much since then due to his various injuries. The opinion of team insiders is that his agent and his brother are misleading him advice wise. It should be noted that there is more to this story than just the injury aspect. This move will give Derrick a fresh start with the Knicks and allow the Bulls to start rebuilding the way the Blackhawks, Cubs and Bears are now doing. Get a core of young talented players, mix in a few wily veterans, provide good coaching, hold everyone in the organization accountable and push for that championship. It's worked for the Blackhawks, it seems to be working for the Cubs, the Bears will see what happens this year and the Bulls will start this season. It may take three to four years but it will be worth the wait as long as they're showing major progress each year. Time will tell. In the meantime, we wish Derrick the best of luck. You know, I think he's going to have a great season this year because he has something to prove and the Knicks are starting all over again also. You know where my heart lies so all I can say is "Let's go Bulls!!!!!"
Now you know how we feel and what we think, what's your take? Please go to the comment section at the bottom of this blog and share your thoughts with us. We can't wait to hear what you have to say. We value and appreciate your thoughts.
The Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica Editorial Staff.
Golf: I got a club for that..... Rahm leads Quicken Loans National in pro debut.
Omnisport
Spaniard Jon Rahm's professional debut on the PGA Tour started well on Thursday. (Photo/Omnisport article on yahoosports.com)
Jon Rahm made a flawless start in his professional debut at the Quicken Loans National as he earned a one-stroke lead after the opening round.
After finishing as the low amateur at last week's U.S. Open, Rahm could not have dreamed of a better start to life as a professional on the PGA Tour, carding a bogey-free seven-under-par 64 on Thursday.
Amid a subdued field at Congressional Country Club, Rahm did not drop a shot, holing seven birdies in Bethesda, Maryland after storms delayed the start of play for more than two hours.
The 21-year-old Spaniard, who received the silver medal at Oakmont having finished tied for 23rd, started on the back nine and birdied the 12th, 13th and 18th holes.
Rahm added another four birdies following the turn, with three of those coming from his final five holes.
Jhonattan Vegas is a stroke further back after he also posted seven birdies, though he did bogey the second hole.
Former world number one and four-time major champion Ernie Els is two shots off the lead, alongside Jamie Lovemark, Kyle Reifers, Camilo Villegas, Bill Haas, Harold Varner III, Billy Hurley III and Wesley Bryan.
Marc Lishman and Webb Simpson are a shot further back, in an 11-way tie for 11th position.
At three under is Rickie Fowler, who recorded a 68.
Defending champion Troy Merritt opened with an even-par 71.
Meanwhile, Jim Furyk struggled after finishing in a tie for second at the U.S. Open, with the veteran American ending the round two over the card.
Olympics 2016: Tracking Which Golfers Have Bowed Out of Rio.
By Alan Bastable
(Photo/Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy Pulls Out of Rio Olympics Rory McIlroy announced Wednesday he would not be representing Northern Ireland in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio citing concerns over the Zika virus. This is golf's first time in the Olympics in over 100 years. First Adam Scott. Then Charl and Louis. Now Rory and G-Mac. If you’ve lost track of which golfers have withdrawn themselves from consideration for the XXXI Olympiad in Brazil next month, well, we don’t blame you. One scratch seems to lead another, and the way some top players have been chirping (including your world No. 1), you shouldn’t be surprised to see more of them say “thanks, but no thanks” in the coming days and weeks. The RSVP list is hard to keep up with, but fear not, Olympic golf fanatics, we’ve compiled a handy-dandy reference guide for who’s in, who’s out, and who’s still sitting on the fence with less than 50 days until the event begins. We’ll update this list as more players commit or back out, so be sure and check back often.
ALL IN: BRING ON THE GAMES!
"I can't wait. My wife played professional basketball and she missed out on the Olympics because of a knee injury the one time she had a chance to make the team. … So for me, it's an amazing sporting event that I get to be inside the ropes at. I get to see some of the athletes I've always wanted to see. I get to go to some of the events I've always wanted to watch and then I get to play in it."
Henrik Stenson (Sweden, Rank: 7)
“I’m really looking forward to the Olympics. I think it’s going to be a great experience. And if I could myself and my family and my country by winning a medal, that be awesome.”
Justin Rose (Great Britain, Rank: 9)
“I’m all over it. I’m really excited about it. I’m going to go down there and treat it as a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m going to take in the Opening Ceremonies and try to feel like I’m part of a bigger team -- Team GB.”
Sergio Garcia (Spain, Rank: 11)
“I’m really looking forward to the Opening Ceremonies, walking with the flag and the whole team from Spain. I think it will be amazing. ... To see so many different sports in the same spot is just amazing. I hope to watch some track and field, some tennis. And there’s the whole atmosphere at the Olympics, meeting great athletes in other sports in the Olympic Village. I can’t wait.”
Byeong-hun An (South Korea, Rank: 14)
"Hopefully, I'll get one of the medals. It would be nice if it's gold. It's one better than [An’s parents, both of whom won medals in table tennis in the 1988 Games; his mother won a silver and a bronze, his father took bronze]."
Danny Lee (New Zealand, Rank: 17)
"It will mean so much for me. Hopefully, I will find a good partner and hopefully we do our best and win the gold medal there. It will be so much fun going there and playing as a New Zealand golfer."
Martin Kaymer (Germany, Rank: 33)
“I think [the Olympics] are even a little bit more of a priority than the majors. … With the majors you have four chances every year, whereas in the Olympics you only have one chance every four years. … I will take the Olympics as seriously as the majors, but I think there will be more emotion in the Olympics.” (In May, after several players had withdraw themselves from consideration, Kaymer told Golf.com: "It makes me wonder how serious is it really, and why is everyone pulling out? But I would think it wouldn't change my opinion of going there.")
Graham DeLaet (Canada, Rank: 41)
"It would be special. This is the first time in over a hundred years that golf is back in the Olympics and I want to be there."
Camilo Villegas (Colombia, Rank: 51)
"It would be a huge honor for me to represent my country there. I've been kind of dreaming of being at the Olympic opening ceremony, that would be pretty cool. The very first thing that I thought was that if I happen to compete at the Olympics, I want to stay in the Olympic village … I want to experience the whole gig, the opening ceremony, everything."
Matt Kuchar (USA, Rank: 3rd reserve for U.S.)
"The Olympics is something that I think every kid dreams about doing at one stage. Awfully exciting now that golf is actually part of the Olympics again, that my sport has a chance."
UNDECIDED, EXHIBITING SOME DOUBT
[At the U.S. Open at Oakmont last week a reporter suggested Spieth was looking forward to Rio and that he would be in field.] Said Spieth: “You’re putting words in my mouth, sir. I said, ‘pending scheduling changes.’ I’m not sure where I’ll play next [week]. You just never know. … Right now, I’m pretty confident with what we’ve heard from not only the PGA Tour but our personal outreach, and I think being an Olympian is just an absolute tremendous honor. … [But] do I think being an Olympian outweighs any significant health threat? No. If I thought that the threat was significant, I certainly would not go.”
Dustin Johnson (USA, Rank: 3)
“The last time we talked about it he was full steam ahead,” Johnson’s agent David Winkle told GOLF.com. “There was a time a couple months back when he had some real concerns, but he seems to have moved beyond those and is comfortable with going. But, who knows? He could call me today and [withdraw].”
Rickie Fowler (USA, Rank: 6)
“I’m definitely excited about the opportunity. But I think we want to make sure that we do our homework and make sure that we feel safe about going down there both on the security reasons and the health reasons, and make sure that everything’s taken care of. That’s our main focus right now. … I’d love to have the opportunity to go down there but we don’t know for sure yet.”
Danny Willett (Great Britain, Rank: 8)
Willett says he and his wife, Nicole, are “monitoring” the Zika situation. "It's not great, is it? There's going to be 500,000 people watching the Olympics and you have 11,000 athletes right in the heart of where it's at. If it turns out that it would be a massive threat to myself or [Nicole] or to the little man [their infant], then I probably wouldn't go. Family comes first. But as it stands at the minute, I think everything should be OK.”
UNDECIDED, EXHIBITING SERIOUS DOUBTS
Jason Day (Australia, Rank: 1)
"It's difficult to say right now. We're just really trying to monitor what's going on because we're not done having kids. I don't want to have to bring anything back and have the possibility of that happening to us. Obviously, it can happen here. But if you put yourself down there, there's a chance of you getting it. … You don't know how long [the virus] is going to last in your body. So I'm a little wary about it.”
Hideki Matsuyama (Japan, Rank: 12)
“I have concerns … I won’t know right until the last minute. I know that players who are married and players who have kids are more concerned about it. I am not married but it still bothers me. I have not been contacted by anyone [on the Japanese Olympic Committee] and it is a bit much under the current circumstances to have someone tell you to go [and play].”
Shane Lowry (Ireland, Rank: 13)
"Obviously I really want to go but there is a decision to be made. I am recently a married man and I have to learn a lot more about the [Zika] virus. I have to speak to the medical people from the European Tour and the doctors back home. … How big a percentage is the risk? That's the really big one. I'm going to listen to the medical advice that comes my way and I'll be honest, I'm not going to take any chances."
WITHDRAWN -- HIT ME UP FOR TOKYO 2020!
Rory McIlroy (Ireland)
Reason: Zika. “After speaking with those closest to me, I’ve come to realize that my health, and my family’s health, comes before anything else. Even though the risk of infection from the Zika virus is considered low, it is a risk nonetheless, and a risk I am unwilling to take.”
Graeme McDowell (Ireland)
Reason: His wife is due to give birth in September. "I made the decision many months ago, before I was on the team, that I would not travel.”
Adam Scott (Australia)
Reason: Scheduling and family commitments. "My decision has been taken as a result of an extremely busy playing schedule around the time of the Olympics, and other commitments, both personal and professional."
Marc Leishman (Australia)
Reason: Concerns about the health of his wife, Audrey, who nearly died in 2015 from toxic shock syndrome. Leishman’s doctors, advised him against traveling to Brazil. Said Leishman: “We have consulted with Audrey's physician and due to her ongoing recovery and potential risks associated with the transmission of the Zika virus it was a difficult yet easy decision not to participate."
Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa)
Reason: Scheduling and family commitments. "I have always represented South Africa with pride, so I didn't make my decision without a great deal of thought.”
Charl Schwartzel (South Africa)
Reason: None cited.
Vijay Singh (Fiji)
Reason: Scheduling and Zika. “The timing of it, you know I have to focus over here [on Tour]. I would like to play the Olympics, but the Zika virus, you know and all that crap. … It wasn’t that difficult [a decision]. I feel bad, I wanted to play and finally decided against it. It’s in the middle of the Tour over here and I’m trying to figure out my game.”
Third-ranked Park drops out of US Women's Open.
AFP
Inbee Park of South Korea plays a shot on the 15th hole during the final round of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G at the Pinnacle Country Club on June 23, 2013 in Rogers, Arkansas. (Photo/Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Seven-time major winner Park In-Bee, the world number three from South Korea, withdrew from next month's US Women's Open with a nagging left thumb injury. Park withdrew from the July 7-10 event at CordeValle in San Martin, California, after pulling out following the first round from two events last month because of the injury. She also missed the cut earlier this month at the second women's major, the Women's PGA Championship. The 27-year-old from Seoul won the Women's PGA, formerly the LPGA Championship, the past three years, took the US Women's Open in 2008 and 2013, captured the ANA Inspiration in 2013 and the Women's British Open last year.
NASCAR’s weekend schedule at Sonoma, Gateway.
By Daniel McFadin
(Photo by Jonathan Moore/Getty Images)
After a week off the Sprint Cup Series returns this weekend with the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. Meanwhile, the Camping World Truck Series is still in the Midwest as it visits Gateway Motorsports Park for its Drivin’ for Linemen 200.
Here is the full weekend schedule for both series, including TV and radio times.
All times are Eastern.
Sonoma Raceway
Friday, June 24
11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. – Sprint Cup garage open
3 – 4:55 p.m. – Sprint Cup practice (Fox Sports 1)
6:30 – 7:55 p.m. – Final Sprint Cup practice (Fox Sports 1)
Saturday, June 25
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Sprint Cup garage open
2:15 p.m. – Sprint Cup qualifying; multi-car/two rounds (FS1, Performance Racing Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday, June 26
10 a.m. – Sprint Cup garage opens
1 p.m. – Driver-crew chief meeting
2:30 p.m. – Driver introductions
3 p.m. – Toyota/Save Mart 350; 110 laps, 218.9 miles (FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Camping World Truck Series
Saturday, June 25
8 a.m. – Truck garage opens
9:30 – 10:25 p.m. – Truck practice (No TV)
11: 30 a.m. – 12:55 p.m. – Final Truck practice (FS1)
4 p.m. – Driver-crew chief meeting
5:45 p.m. – Qualifying; multi-car/three rounds (Fox Sports 2)
8 p.m. – Driver introductions
8:30 p.m. – Drivin’ for Linemen 200; 160 laps, 200 miles (Fox Sports 1, Motor Racing Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Why so many NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers from California? Kevin Harvick’s simple theory.
By Nate Ryan
Kevin Harvick (Photo/nbcsports.com)
How did NASCAR’s premier series shift from being a bastion for driving talent born and raised in the Southeast to a healthy sampling of California natives?
With the Sprint Cup circuit returning to the Golden State – the home of six drivers who will start Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway – it seems timely to explore the question.
Kevin Harvick, who grew up in the central California city of Bakersfield, believes the answer is rather simple.
“I think when you look at California there are a lot of racetracks in California up and down the coast,” said Harvick. “Whether it is asphalt, dirt tracks, go-kart tracks, there is a well-supported community of racing up and down the state of California, even into Washington and Oregon.
“There is definitely a lot of racing and I think when you look at way back in the day it was mostly a southeastern sport. I think Jeff Gordon was obviously somewhat responsible for being able to allow guys like myself and pave the way for us to have a path to have an opportunity to come and race in NASCAR.”
During this week’s NASCAR on NBC podcast, A.J. Allmendinger said he hardly had memories of his hometown of Los Gatos (near San Jose) because he spent so much time traveling between go-kart tracks in the region.
Other Sprint Cup drivers who hail from California and racing at Sonoma this weekend: Jimmie Johnson, Casey Mears, Kyle Larson and Cole Whitt.
“It’s always been a well-supported racing area,” Harvick said of California. “I was fortunate to grow up in Bakersfield, California, which is a very well-supported racing town no matter what you race. There is a lot of racing it just took a while for everybody to figure that out.”
With the Sprint Cup circuit returning to the Golden State – the home of six drivers who will start Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway – it seems timely to explore the question.
Kevin Harvick, who grew up in the central California city of Bakersfield, believes the answer is rather simple.
“I think when you look at California there are a lot of racetracks in California up and down the coast,” said Harvick. “Whether it is asphalt, dirt tracks, go-kart tracks, there is a well-supported community of racing up and down the state of California, even into Washington and Oregon.
“There is definitely a lot of racing and I think when you look at way back in the day it was mostly a southeastern sport. I think Jeff Gordon was obviously somewhat responsible for being able to allow guys like myself and pave the way for us to have a path to have an opportunity to come and race in NASCAR.”
During this week’s NASCAR on NBC podcast, A.J. Allmendinger said he hardly had memories of his hometown of Los Gatos (near San Jose) because he spent so much time traveling between go-kart tracks in the region.
Other Sprint Cup drivers who hail from California and racing at Sonoma this weekend: Jimmie Johnson, Casey Mears, Kyle Larson and Cole Whitt.
“It’s always been a well-supported racing area,” Harvick said of California. “I was fortunate to grow up in Bakersfield, California, which is a very well-supported racing town no matter what you race. There is a lot of racing it just took a while for everybody to figure that out.”
SOCCER: Fire can't comeback in high-scoring loss at Philadelphia.
By Dan Santaromita
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Deflections have not been kind to the Chicago Fire in the past two games.
After giving up a late-winner to Colorado on a big deflection Saturday, the Fire were torched by the Philadelphia Union on rebounds and deflections on Wednesday. When the dust settled from a wide-open match, the Union beat the Fire 4-3 at Talen Energy Stadium.
David Accam actually gave the Fire (2-7-5, 11 points) the lead, the club’s first lead in seven road matches this season, just over 90 seconds into the match. He showed off his speed to burn a defender and score with a low shot towards the far post.
The lead didn’t even last 10 minutes.
Roland Alberg took a shot that was saved onto the post by Sean Johnson, but it bounced off Jonathan Campbell’s leg and into the net for an own goal.
Four minutes later in the 15th minute, Alberg was at it again. Tranquillo Barnetta fired a shot that Johnson again saved onto the post and bounced back into play. Alberg eventually got a hold of the loose ball and scored the rebound to give Philadelphia (7-4-5, 26 points) the lead.
In a 3-5-2 formation with Brandon Vincent and Michael Harrington playing higher up the field as true wingers, the Fire created plenty of chances and had 56 percent of the possession in the first half. However, the Union were able to find space and counter regularly and effectively.
Just before halftime, minutes after David Accam and Razvan Cocis failed to convert chances in the box, Alberg scored again. Fabian Herbers hit a shot on goal, which Johnson was able to parry. However, Alberg again was there for the rebound. His first effort was blocked by Johan Kappelhof on the line, but he got a second crack at it and finished.
Alberg completed his hat trick in the 56th minute on a penalty kick after Campbell pulled down Chris Pontius in the box.
The loss for the Fire comes two days after coach Veljko Paunovic said he wanted to see a better mentality from his team. The Fire started the match well and were aggressive towards goal, but struggled defensively.
Eric Gehrig made his first MLS start of the season. He started alongside Kappelhof and Campbell on the back line. John Goossens replaced him in the 60th minute, which was Goossens’ first appearance since April 16 due to a torn left LCL.
Goossens made an early impact, earning a corner kick which led to the Fire’s second goal. Goossens played a short corner, Rodrigo Ramos eventually crossed the ball in and Razvan Cocis slid to redirect the shot into the net.
It’s the first time the Fire scored more than one goal in a match since the season opener.
Khaly Thiam got on the end of a Goossens corner in the 80th minute to make for an interesting final 10 minutes. Thiam’s shot was deflected in front of Andre Blake’s goal and cut the lead to 4-3.
The Fire were unable to get the dramatic late equalizer and suffered a fifth straight road defeat.
Ranking the 16 teams remaining at EURO 2016.
By Joe Prince-Wright
(Photo/Getty Images)
With a two-day break at EURO 2016 before the knockout rounds begin, now seems like a good time to take stock of what we’ve seen so far from each team and rank them accordingly.
First-timers Iceland, Hungary, Wales and Northern Ireland have all progressed to the Round of 16 but can they go any further? Wales have the best chance and after winning Group B, they’ve shown they’re well organized and defensively sound, plus it always helps when Gareth Bale is in top form.
The likes of Belgium, England and Portugal have all underwhelmed so far, but they are through and while they’re still around they still have a chance to go all the way.
Heading into the Round of 16 here’s our ranking of the remaining 16 teams based purely on how they’ve performed so far. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
- Germany
- Spain
- Italy
- France
- Croatia
- Wales
- England
- Belgium
- Poland
- Hungary
- Portugal
- Iceland
- Republic of Ireland
- Switzerland
- Slovakia
- Northern Ireland
NCAAFB: Baylor grants releases to five 2016 signees.
By John Taylor
(Photo/Getty Images)
And the exodus is nearly complete.
On the same day that a four-star 2016 signee who benefited from sloppy paperwork officially found a new home, Baylor announced that it has granted a National Letter of Intent release to five members of its most recent recruiting class. Unfortunately, and continuing the lack of transparency demonstrated by the university throughout the sexual assault scandal, BU declined to divulge the names of those who are on the receiving end of a release from their NLI.
It had previously been reported that another four-star 2016 wide receiver signee, Tren’Davian Dickson, had been granted a release from his NLI. At various points, it was reported that upwards of seven 2016 signees had requested a release from their NLI, including offensive linemen Patrick Hudson and J.P. Urquidez as well as defensive back Parish Cobb and running back Kameron Martin.
It’s unknown at this point how many of those four are among the five to be released, although anyone on the receiving end of a release had to request one before May 31 for it to be considered.
It’s also unknown what if any restrictions were placed on the releases, although there’s a decent chance none of the group will be permitted to transfer to another Big 12 program.
“I wanted the opportunity to talk with our signees and their families before providing any releases,” said Bears acting head coach Jim Grobe in a statement. “This has never been about whether or not we would ultimately provide individuals with a release; we simply asked that we go through the process outlined by the NLI, take some time and have the chance to speak with the student-athletes and their parents. I’ve enjoyed those opportunities to meet with these families and wish each individual success in all that they do in life.
“I am very impressed with the young men who are here at Baylor and on our team. We have great student-athletes who are working hard, committed to success and being a part of something special. I am committed to each one in their pursuit of academic and athletic excellence.”
Also in the press release, the university attempted to put a positive face on the departures:
On the same day that a four-star 2016 signee who benefited from sloppy paperwork officially found a new home, Baylor announced that it has granted a National Letter of Intent release to five members of its most recent recruiting class. Unfortunately, and continuing the lack of transparency demonstrated by the university throughout the sexual assault scandal, BU declined to divulge the names of those who are on the receiving end of a release from their NLI.
It had previously been reported that another four-star 2016 wide receiver signee, Tren’Davian Dickson, had been granted a release from his NLI. At various points, it was reported that upwards of seven 2016 signees had requested a release from their NLI, including offensive linemen Patrick Hudson and J.P. Urquidez as well as defensive back Parish Cobb and running back Kameron Martin.
It’s unknown at this point how many of those four are among the five to be released, although anyone on the receiving end of a release had to request one before May 31 for it to be considered.
It’s also unknown what if any restrictions were placed on the releases, although there’s a decent chance none of the group will be permitted to transfer to another Big 12 program.
“I wanted the opportunity to talk with our signees and their families before providing any releases,” said Bears acting head coach Jim Grobe in a statement. “This has never been about whether or not we would ultimately provide individuals with a release; we simply asked that we go through the process outlined by the NLI, take some time and have the chance to speak with the student-athletes and their parents. I’ve enjoyed those opportunities to meet with these families and wish each individual success in all that they do in life.
“I am very impressed with the young men who are here at Baylor and on our team. We have great student-athletes who are working hard, committed to success and being a part of something special. I am committed to each one in their pursuit of academic and athletic excellence.”
Also in the press release, the university attempted to put a positive face on the departures:
Several members of the 2016 class enrolled for the first session of summer school, which began last month, and are participating in the Bears’ strength and conditioning program. Additional class members are expected to join the program for the second session of summer school in July.UPDATED 8:27 p.m. ET: CFT can confirm that Martin, Urquidez and Donovan Duvernay are three of the five to have received releases. Duvernay is the brother of Devin Duvernay, also a 2016 Baylor signee who didn’t need a release from his NLI — paperwork snafu — and who signed with Texas earlier today.
Trainers want more input on youth sports concussion policy.
AP - Sports
The National Athletic Trainers' Association is urging trainers at all levels of youth and school sports to become more involved with creating concussion policies and implementing protocols.
The group also wants policymakers to review what they have in place now and figure out how to improve those measures.
On Thursday, during its national convention in Baltimore, the group acknowledged high school football players suffer three times as many ''catastrophic head injuries'' as college players and 39 percent of prep football players continue playing with concussion-like symptoms.
It also noted research has shown concussion rates among all high school athletes have increased by 200 percent in the past decade - largely because of better awareness and more reporting of head injuries.
Since 2009, all 50 states have adopted concussion laws.
NCAABKB: A decade after the one-and-done rule, is college basketball better off?
The group also wants policymakers to review what they have in place now and figure out how to improve those measures.
On Thursday, during its national convention in Baltimore, the group acknowledged high school football players suffer three times as many ''catastrophic head injuries'' as college players and 39 percent of prep football players continue playing with concussion-like symptoms.
It also noted research has shown concussion rates among all high school athletes have increased by 200 percent in the past decade - largely because of better awareness and more reporting of head injuries.
Since 2009, all 50 states have adopted concussion laws.
NCAABKB: A decade after the one-and-done rule, is college basketball better off?
By Rob Dauster
(Photo/Getty Images)
It’s been a decade since J.J. Redick and Adam Morrison staged college basketball’s greatest Player of the Year race, which is notable today for one reason and one reason only: That was the final season that high school players were allowed to go straight to the NBA out of high school.
This is now the tenth iteration of the NBA Draft since the association incorporated the one-and-done rule, and while we can debate whether or not it has hurt college basketball, there is no equivocating the simple truth that it has changed the way the game is played.
First things first. When I say ‘the association’, I mean the NBA, because the most important thing to remember about this rule is that it exists entirely because the NBA was tired of having to guess on which high schooler would turn into Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant or LeBron James and which would end up being Kwame Brown, Darius Miles or Jonathan Bender. Owners were tired of spending money on kids that were never going to be worth what their contract said they had to be paid. Send them to campus for a year, watch the kids play against 22 and 23 year old men, put them in a more structured setting and figure it out from there.
They’d still end up guessing — for every Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook there are half a dozen Anthony Bennetts, Michael Beasleys and Greg Odens — but at least those guesses felt more educated; it’s hard to predict injuries, work ethic and affinity for narcotics.
The NCAA had no say in this rule.
It is not something that the NCAA wanted implemented.
And there are people that believe that the rule is bad for college basketball, that it has hurt the sport that so many grew up loving so much.
That’s partially true, particularly if you’re looking at this through the lens of an administrator or an educator. Ben Simmons cared about going to class about as much as I care about parliamentary elections in Albania. John Calipari can brag about his team’s GPA all he wants, even the most naïve member of Big Blue Nation understands he’s bringing kids to Lexington to be educated in how to be a professional basketball player.
Those guys aren’t “student”-athletes in any sense of the word, but is that really worse for the public perception of the state education in major college athletics than the fake classes that North Carolina funneled their athletes into?
Calipari was the first to figure this thing out, that embracing one-and-done culture and shoveling players off to the NBA as quickly as possible was the best way to ensure that the next crop of stars would arrive on campus the following fall. Once he won a national title with Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the No. 1 and No. 2 pick in the 2012 draft, the copycats came out in full force.
Ten years into the experiment, we’ve reached a point where Duke and Kentucky, the two biggest brands in the sport that are led by two of the most famous coaches in America, spend every spring and summer competing to land commitments from the next crop of 18-year old superstars. Kansas throws themselves into the mix for some of these kids, as has Arizona. Ohio State and Syracuse pick up one-and-dones from time-to-time, and there’s always a random Pac-12 school — UCLA, Cal, Washington — underperforming with a lottery pick on their roster.
The recruiting is year-round. The biggest programs in the country aren’t worried about filling two or three empty scholarships every year. They have to overhaul their roster every 12 months if they truly want to compete for league titles and trips to the Final Four.
It’s exhausting.
And here’s the catch: The best recruiting class in the country doesn’t guarantee a banner. UConn won two national titles in the last six years built around undersized, veteran point guards. The best NBA player on Louisville’s 2013 national title was … Gorgui Dieng? Montrezl Harrell? Russ Smith? Villanova’s 2016 national title team may not have had an NBA player on the roster. Duke’s 2010 title team had a bunch of seniors leading the way. North Carolina won it in 2009 with seniors Tyler Hansbrough and Danny Green and juniors Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson leading the way. A veteran Kansas team beat one-and-done Derrick Rose and Memphis in 2008. Florida won their second straight title in 2007 when their three lottery picks all returned to school, and they beat an Ohio State team with Oden, Mike Conley and Daequean Cook on it to do so.
In other words, one-and-dones haven’t hurt the chances that programs can develop kids for three or four years and turn them into winners, but it has created a situation where the best young players in the world spend a winter playing on college campuses.
All-in-all, it’s hard to argue with the idea that the age limit has been a good thing for college basketball.
And there’s one way to prove it to you: Last year’s NCAA tournament ratings.
We’ve talked about it ad nauseam, but this year’s draft class is weak because the 2015 recruiting class was as bad as any class has been in a long time. The superstar freshman played on an LSU team that was totally irrelevant by February and that didn’t even play in the NIT. Brandon Ingram, the soon-to-be No. 2 pick in this draft, was out in the Sweet 16. Skal Labissiere was a bust, and he was gone before the end of the first weekend. Jaylen Brown didn’t make it past opening night. Henry Ellenson watched the NCAA tournament on TV.
The 2016 NCAA tournament was the closest thing we’re going to see to an NCAA tournament played with the one-and-done rule eliminated.
And, as a result, the amount of people that actually cared about the NCAA tournament plummeted.
Prior to the national title game, the ratings for the 2016 tournament were down 12% from the 2015 tournament. The ratings for the national title game were down more than 30% from the prior season, when a one-and-done laden Duke won a title over a Wisconsin team that beat a one-and-done laden, record-chasing Kentucky team.
The one-and-done rule is unfair to the elite basketball prospects across our country, taking away their ability to earn a living at 18 years old and limiting their career earnings potential by a year.
That bothers me.
I don’t think it’s right.
But you can’t complain about it anymore, because getting the next generation of NBA superstars on campus for seven months is better for college basketball than losing them to the league straight out of high school.
This is now the tenth iteration of the NBA Draft since the association incorporated the one-and-done rule, and while we can debate whether or not it has hurt college basketball, there is no equivocating the simple truth that it has changed the way the game is played.
First things first. When I say ‘the association’, I mean the NBA, because the most important thing to remember about this rule is that it exists entirely because the NBA was tired of having to guess on which high schooler would turn into Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant or LeBron James and which would end up being Kwame Brown, Darius Miles or Jonathan Bender. Owners were tired of spending money on kids that were never going to be worth what their contract said they had to be paid. Send them to campus for a year, watch the kids play against 22 and 23 year old men, put them in a more structured setting and figure it out from there.
They’d still end up guessing — for every Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook there are half a dozen Anthony Bennetts, Michael Beasleys and Greg Odens — but at least those guesses felt more educated; it’s hard to predict injuries, work ethic and affinity for narcotics.
The NCAA had no say in this rule.
It is not something that the NCAA wanted implemented.
And there are people that believe that the rule is bad for college basketball, that it has hurt the sport that so many grew up loving so much.
That’s partially true, particularly if you’re looking at this through the lens of an administrator or an educator. Ben Simmons cared about going to class about as much as I care about parliamentary elections in Albania. John Calipari can brag about his team’s GPA all he wants, even the most naïve member of Big Blue Nation understands he’s bringing kids to Lexington to be educated in how to be a professional basketball player.
Those guys aren’t “student”-athletes in any sense of the word, but is that really worse for the public perception of the state education in major college athletics than the fake classes that North Carolina funneled their athletes into?
Calipari was the first to figure this thing out, that embracing one-and-done culture and shoveling players off to the NBA as quickly as possible was the best way to ensure that the next crop of stars would arrive on campus the following fall. Once he won a national title with Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the No. 1 and No. 2 pick in the 2012 draft, the copycats came out in full force.
Ten years into the experiment, we’ve reached a point where Duke and Kentucky, the two biggest brands in the sport that are led by two of the most famous coaches in America, spend every spring and summer competing to land commitments from the next crop of 18-year old superstars. Kansas throws themselves into the mix for some of these kids, as has Arizona. Ohio State and Syracuse pick up one-and-dones from time-to-time, and there’s always a random Pac-12 school — UCLA, Cal, Washington — underperforming with a lottery pick on their roster.
The recruiting is year-round. The biggest programs in the country aren’t worried about filling two or three empty scholarships every year. They have to overhaul their roster every 12 months if they truly want to compete for league titles and trips to the Final Four.
It’s exhausting.
And here’s the catch: The best recruiting class in the country doesn’t guarantee a banner. UConn won two national titles in the last six years built around undersized, veteran point guards. The best NBA player on Louisville’s 2013 national title was … Gorgui Dieng? Montrezl Harrell? Russ Smith? Villanova’s 2016 national title team may not have had an NBA player on the roster. Duke’s 2010 title team had a bunch of seniors leading the way. North Carolina won it in 2009 with seniors Tyler Hansbrough and Danny Green and juniors Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson leading the way. A veteran Kansas team beat one-and-done Derrick Rose and Memphis in 2008. Florida won their second straight title in 2007 when their three lottery picks all returned to school, and they beat an Ohio State team with Oden, Mike Conley and Daequean Cook on it to do so.
In other words, one-and-dones haven’t hurt the chances that programs can develop kids for three or four years and turn them into winners, but it has created a situation where the best young players in the world spend a winter playing on college campuses.
All-in-all, it’s hard to argue with the idea that the age limit has been a good thing for college basketball.
And there’s one way to prove it to you: Last year’s NCAA tournament ratings.
We’ve talked about it ad nauseam, but this year’s draft class is weak because the 2015 recruiting class was as bad as any class has been in a long time. The superstar freshman played on an LSU team that was totally irrelevant by February and that didn’t even play in the NIT. Brandon Ingram, the soon-to-be No. 2 pick in this draft, was out in the Sweet 16. Skal Labissiere was a bust, and he was gone before the end of the first weekend. Jaylen Brown didn’t make it past opening night. Henry Ellenson watched the NCAA tournament on TV.
The 2016 NCAA tournament was the closest thing we’re going to see to an NCAA tournament played with the one-and-done rule eliminated.
And, as a result, the amount of people that actually cared about the NCAA tournament plummeted.
Prior to the national title game, the ratings for the 2016 tournament were down 12% from the 2015 tournament. The ratings for the national title game were down more than 30% from the prior season, when a one-and-done laden Duke won a title over a Wisconsin team that beat a one-and-done laden, record-chasing Kentucky team.
The one-and-done rule is unfair to the elite basketball prospects across our country, taking away their ability to earn a living at 18 years old and limiting their career earnings potential by a year.
That bothers me.
I don’t think it’s right.
But you can’t complain about it anymore, because getting the next generation of NBA superstars on campus for seven months is better for college basketball than losing them to the league straight out of high school.
Tim Tebow visits old teammate who was injured in Orlando attack.
By Frank Schwab
Rodney Sumter isn't Tim Tebow's most famous former football teammate, but Tebow came to be with his friend after Sumter was shot in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando.
Sumter was Tebow's teammate at Ponte Vedra Beach Nease High. While Sumter is still in the hospital recovering from being shot three times and suffering two broken arms in the attack, he was visited by Tebow. According to Sumter's Instagram post, "My high school quarterback left the Bahamas to come and see me. Tebow has always been an awesome person."
Sumter went on to play at Jacksonville University after high school, the Orlando Sentinel said. Tebow, of course, became a phenomenon at the University of Florida and for a brief time in the NFL.
Sumter was a bartender at Pulse. During his recovery Sumter quoted a Bible verse that Tebow has cited too, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Tebow would often write "Phil. 4:13" on his eye black. Here's what Sumter wrote on Instagram:
"No weapons formed against me shall prosper. Life changing experience and I don't want to do anything but share my testimony and turn my life over to the lord. I don't have my phone so I can't respond to you all through text or Facebook just yet. ... But thank you so so so much for the heavy support that I have received. It definitely hasn't gone unnoticed.
"Still in excruciating pain but, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' - Philippians 4:13."
On
emoriesofhistory.com
1922 - The American Professional Football Association took the name of The National Football League (NFL).
1952 - Eddie Arcaro became the first U.S.-born jockey to win 3,000 races.
1962 - The New York Yankees beat the Detroit Tigers, 9-7, after 22 innings.
1968 - Jim Northrup (Detroit Tigers) tied a major league baseball record when he hit two grand slams in one game.
1971 - The National Basketball Association modified its four-year eligibility rule to allow for collegiate hardship cases.
1979 - Bob Watson (Houston Astros) hit for the cycle against San Francisco. On September 15, 1979, he became the first player to hit for the cycle in both leagues when he did it with the Boston Red Sox.
1980 - The Atlanta Flames franchise moved to Calgary, Alberta.
2003 - Barry Bonds (San Francisco Giants) became the first player to reach 500 home runs and 500 stolen bases.
2010 - The NHL Board of Governors approved a penalty for a lateral, blindside hit to the head. The penalty an "illegal check to the head" was set at a five-minute major penalty, an automatic game misconduct and possible supplemental discipline from the League.
2010 - John Isner defeated Nicolas Mahut after 11 hours and 183 games. The sets were 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (7-3) and 70-68.
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