Meet your first openly gay productive NBA player: 12-year expert Jason Collins, whom lots of you understand from his days with the Wolves, Grizzlies, Nets, Hawks, Celtics and of late Wizards. In a composition that may appear in this weekas Sports Illustrated, Collins opens up about his sexuality, a choice motivated in part by a desire and the Boston Marathon bombings to be himself. Itas breath-taking stuff. The whole article is accessible now on SI.com, but we can detail several choice bits here. First, Collins begins by why he chose to emerge of the wardrobe as a black gay NBA center: saying I didnat set out to function as the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, Iam very happy to start the discussion. I hope I wasnat the kid in the class raising his hand and saying, aIam different.a If I had my way, someone else could have already done this. No body has, which is why Iam raising my hand. He says that he was encouraged by the Boston Marathon to come out now. Certainly one of the instructions of an attack like that, for everybody, is that life could result in a moment a' so itas best to live it the way you want to. The new Boston Marathon bombing reinforced the notion that I shouldnat watch for the conditions of my being released to be perfect. Things can alter right away, so just why not live truthfully? He notes that in his long career, heas been referred to as the aproas pro,a an individual who requires or makes the difficult foul. Also, gay does not equal flopping: Iam perhaps not afraid to defend myself against any challenger. I really like playing contrary to the best. Though Shaquille OaNeal is just a Hall of Famer, I never shirked from the process of trying to frustrate the heck out of him. (Note to Shaq: My flopping has nothing related to being gay.) He describes the pain of keeping aside from teammates, to be able to keep his true identity a a but he hopes his admission wonat change the locker room dynamic: By its nature, I have been kept by my double life from approaching any of my teammates. Early within my career I worked hard at working straight, but less effort was required by it as I got much more comfortable in my straight mask. In recent days, however, little has separated amask on, mask off.a Personally, I donat like to stay in some body elseas personal life, and I hope coaches and players show the exact same regard to me. When Iam with my staff Iam about winning games and working hard. A good teammate helps you no real matter what. He creates each of this with outstanding wit and warmth, especially in this verse, when he shows how he would, and will, manage intolerance in the league: Iall take a seat with any player whoas anxious about my developing. Being gay isn't a choice. This is the difficult road and at times the lonely road. Former players like aI was said by Tim Hardaway, who hate gay peoplea (and then became an advocate of gay rights), energy homophobia. Tim is an adult. Heas entitled to his belief. God bless America. Still, if Iam against an intolerant player, Iall established quite a hard pick on him. And then proceed. Thereas really not much more it is possible to say about this besides: Bravo. Incredible. Superbly done, Jason Collins. We finally have an openly gay player in an important American sport, and this indicates we couldnat have found a better head for the gay community than you. Today you broke a barrier. Many thanks. Read the whole composition here. Picture via Getty Your Ultimate Guide to Dream Soccer Xcellence. Check always it out! Your mind will be blown by this Derrick Rose print. Do we be believed by not? Take a look in the store. Jordan Smith Better late than never #HisHers a@HendyLuke: michaelsmith I have no idea how I managed to live this long without your podcast. #obsesseda Dan Levy @JonesOnTheNBA It is odd how some individuals think, isn't it? Like its socially acceptable to consider somebody as less of a person. Nate Jones Being gay is not a choice...Just like almost everything that produces up what we become. But just do it and believe you are better than somebody John Steinberg Also, sound of Wolff finding Ty Cobb at a D.C. hotel about his reputation for dirty perform http://t.co/hcKlxlPia8 Bill Barnwell RT @greggrosenthal: Wow. Expenses exchanged POUND Kevin Sheppard to Colts for LB Jerry Hughes. Unusual young player-for-player deal.
Monday, 29 April 2013
WWE: Why Turning Ryback Heel Is a great Idea, but Done Too Early
There's no question that Ryback can be a monster heel. He is a huge man that hulks above pretty much every one in the WWE. He's got an excellent menacing promo type with his gravelly voice and his ability to, effectively, be menacing. But did they change him too soon? The WWE wanted to get Ryback in a with John Cena, but as we have observed in the past, they are not too partial to experience compared to. Experience feuds. Therefore, they gave him a bit of an advantage, walking from the face in the commercial today. His heel promotion on Raw fourteen days before was powerful and angry, which can be very appropriate for a beast heel. But, was not Ryback only starting to acquire some momentum as a face? Wasn't he finally finding a legitimate lover following? The idea of turning Ryback heel is an excellent one, nevertheless the timing stinks. The build toward a Ryback vs. John Cena fit may have been drawn out for a much longer time. For anyone of you over 30, the Randy Savage vs. Hulk Hogan construct was extremely slow. The seeds were planted, but every time you thought they had feud, they composed and were friends again. By the time Savage turned, we were frothing at the mouth wanting it to take place. The WWE missed the boat with this one. They might have used a similar route for Ryback and Cena. They might have joined up together to fight off The other people and Shield in their paths. Cena could have did not support Ryback on various occasions, but rather of Ryback immediately snapping, he could have gradually began losing faith in Cena as his friend. A very important factor of note is Ryback's usage of "Super Cena." May be the WWE providing the smart fans the center finger? Are they really going to supply Ryback to Cena, simply to make the Cena haters upset? It's too late now, as Ryback and Cena can face off for the WWE Championship in less than a. They could have pulled this to SummerSlam. As an alternative, Ryback is getting drive into a concept plan prematurely. Without giving the fans perfect time to obtain emotionally invested, they are maybe not likely to give their fit the respect and reaction it deserves. Jordan Dunlap is definitely an NBA credentialed writer who addresses Phoenix Suns methods and games for the site he started, HoopsHabit.com. Check it out for daily distinctive information, thoughts and research on all 30 NBA teams from Michael and his team.
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3/13 NHL Mid Week
NHL Mid-Week with Illegal Curve airs Wednesdays from 6pm-8pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg. Search for the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast. The Illegal Curve Hockey Show airs Saturdays from noon-3pm on TSN 1290 Winnipeg.
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NFL Draft 2013 Grades: Team-by-Team Statement Cards
The NFL draft has become a unique three-day trip, filled with the aspirations of 254 men coming accurate and the re-sparking of curiosity about the United States ' new national activity (sorry football). But by enough time Mr. Irrelevant is crowned, almost everyone is excited to have the hell out of Radio City Music Hall. For many of its pleasure, the draft boils down seriously to a bit more than hours upon hours of a at a and five others telling us what to consider what the man in the podium just said. It's a truly a wonder that dysentery does not occur after a while. That being said, those hours upon hours usually feel worth ita'even for the absolute most casual fans. Being an original release, a proverbial shaking of the hands with somebody who will hopefully become a section of your typical Sunday viewing for the next decade these eight rounds are recommended. You're hoping he becomes the nextAMad Men, perhaps not the next Do No Harm. For many groups, those potential stars were bought at Radio City Music Hall. For others, well, fans better hope their team's veterans step-up to the menu. And although it is obviously dangerous (read: just a little silly) to gauge these three days before anyone even sets foot on the subject, the thought of need and value are real. We could look at a roster and theoretically examine how those people drafted this week may fita'even if it is just an informed guess. With that at heart, listed here is a team-by-team report card, where we'll highlight each team's most readily useful and worst variety. Showing Groups of Notice Minnesota Vikings: A- It's very easy for anyone to drop in deep love with a team's draft if they have three first-round picks. These naturally tend to be the most respected people, and first-round bargains tend to get way more attention than, say, grabbing someone with a fourth-round quality in the seventh. What's more, we cannot forget that certain of the choices was acquired by trading Percy Harvin. Just 24 years old (he'll turn 25 in-may), Harvin is really a robust celebrity whose effect in the Vikings crime was made quite clear after he was hurt. Harvin's versatility made every thing easier for Minnesota, and he will be sorely missed. Cordarrelle Patterson, himself very functional, can only desire to develop into a Harvin-like difference maker. That said, Vikings normal director Rick Spielman had himself a virtuoso three times. Texas defensive handle Sharrif Floyd was bar none the most effective value of the initial round. Expected by many to get within the very first five picksa'ESPN's Todd McShay had him placed at No. 3 to the Oakland Raidersa'Floyd surprisingly dropped from the top 20. The Florida solution can play on the inside of 4-3 sets (which he will do in Minnesota) or the exterior in a, and he should give a top-notch combination to the Vikings with the aging Kevin Williams. Xavier Rhodes was still another solid value at a need position at No. 25, and if you are planning to trade Harvin, landing Patterson is just a godsend. His output as a recipient probably will maybe not be good in 2013a'his route-running requires a lot of worka'but he can affect a defense in a multitude of ways. Following the first round, Minnesota only continued to find value at need jobs. Gerald Hodges may start Week 1, and as detail the roster should be made by his former teammate at Penn State Michael Mauti. Guard Jeff Baca must act as a for guards and suits just one more need. The only pick Spielman kind of blew was using punter Jeff Locke in the fifth rounda'and that's only relatively speaking. Locke was the best punter in this school, but we have seen way too many times how disposable kicking opportunities are; Minnesota will not hesitate to send him packing along with his first big mistake. If Locke calculates, this may be a 4.0 draft. But composing a in Round 5 with other must fill and giving up a king's ransomAfor Patterson is enough for a slight downgrade. Texas Cowboys: N It was not very taking a kicker in the first round mad, but we possibly may forever remember this draft while the year Jerry Jones changed into Al Davis 2.0. The critique of Jerry Jones, general manager, has always been a little overblown, more grounded in the schadenfreudian glee that accompany rooting contrary to the Cowboys. After all, he's the person who nabbed Dez Bryant when everybody was tentative, and several other teams have ever had Dallas' level of chance with undrafted free-agents (Tony Romo, Miles Austin, etc.). Yes, several of those triumphs date back once again to the Bill Parcells period, but Jones has never stopped having say in his team's day-to-day operations. In 2013, though? The complaint is totally guaranteed. It is very possible we see the Cowboys got a chance on Jeff Saturday 2.0 and look right back on this draft five years from now. And if that's the case, we must all deliver a to the Jones family of candy and flowers like an anniversary was forgotten by a husband. Even at a non-premium position, drafting an evergreen Pro Bowler like Saturday will probably be worth it at No. 31. But, if Travis Frederick ends up as any such thing significantly less than one of the three most useful facilities in football, Dallas basically punted its first-round pick. Frederick was a needless overdraft, some guy most had named anywhere from the second- or third-round pick. On some draft boards, he was not even the best player at his own situation, sitting behind Alabama's Barrett Jones. This is about the time we note that Jones went in the fourth rounda'Frederick is signing a multi-million dollar contract. And let's be clear that the begrudging of the choice isn't aimed at Franklin himself, who may seem like a humble child and was a great player at Wisconsin (also he thought he was overdrafted). After Frederick, Dallas' draft did not get definitely better. The Cowboys either spent their selections on non-need jobs (small conclusion Gavin Escobar) or took task players when they desperately need depth (J.J. Wilcox). We needless to say won't know the actual value of these selections for a few years. Nonetheless it looks like a whole mess from begin to finish now. Natural Bay Packers: A- It nearly seems unfair at this time how well the Packers draft seemingly every April. This team has been a bastion of developing young talent for years, which helps increase its draft name, but it also helps that Ted Thompson is merely really, really smart. Datone Jones was just still another case of this. While he is not probably the most intense player at his place, nor was he the best player overall on the board at No. 26, he's a great schematic suit. He should begin Week 1 on the outside and give Green Bay one of the best young defensive line corps in baseball. Second-rounder Eddie Lacy was the most effective running back in the draft for a huge amount of pundits. I had him positioned behind North Carolina's Giovani Bernard (who went to Cincinnati early in Round 2), but just as a result of his flexibility out of the backfield. Lacy is obviously the very best inside-the-tackles runner in this course, an assessment that made the decisions by the Steelers (Le'Veon Bell) and Broncos (Montee Ball) extremely debateable. Barring injury, Lacy should be the Packers' Week 1 beginning behind Aaron Rodgers. Alex Green was dandy down the stretch, but he was bit more than "another guy" who ran in a straight line just to keep defenses honest. Lacy has Pro Bowl potential, which will be the best thing anybody could say of a Packers running straight back since Ryan Grant's heyday. Following the first round, the Packers understandably began plugging away at manifest needs (unpleasant tackleADavid Bakhtiari being the highest), but some potential gems were still found by them. UCLA working straight back Johnathan Franklin gives a fascinating one-two strike to the Packers at the position and was a at the end of Round 4. And while seventh-round picks add up to bit more than "oh what the hell, let's try him," large devices Charles Johnson and Kevin Dorsey are stimulating fliers. Green Bay has been doing an excellent career at developing late-round draftees at that place, so it'll be interesting to see if either sticks.
Tampa Bay Champion Presented by EverBank Match Records
Dates: March 11-17, 2013Where: Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Bobbleheadwater Resort (Copperhead )Par/Yards: 36-35a'71/7,340 yardsField: 1562012 champion: Luke DonaldPurse: $5,500,000/$990,000 (champion )FedExCup: 500 points to the winnerFormat: 72-hole swing playWebsite: tampabaychampionship.comFacebook: tampabaychampionshipTwitter: @TBChampionship Henry Donald posted a, 5-under 66 to force the first playoff in the 12-year history of the match. On the very first extra hole (No. 18), Donald turned a birdie putt to defeat Robert Garrigus, Jim Furyk and Sang-Moon Bae to state his sixth gain on the PGA TOUR. With the success, his next in the state of Florida, Donald re-emerged as No. 1 in the State World Golf Ranking after falling to No. 2 after The Honda Classic a couple of weeks earlier. More on Luke Donald Henry Donaldas win at the 2012 Tampa Bay Championship offered by EverBank got in his fourth begin in the function. Just before last yearas gain, he completed T58 in 2003, T6 this season and T22 in 2002. Including his victory at Innisbrook in 2012, Donald totaled ten top-10 finishes en approach to a finish in the FedExCup rankings. Jesse has previously defended three of his four games. Of them, the most effective he's maintained was a at the 2003 Southern Farm Bureau Classic. A look at the industry Four of the top-eight ranked players in the Official World Golf Ranking: Luke Donald (No. three), Louis Oosthuizen (No. 6), Adam Scott (No. 7) and Matt Kuchar (No. 8 ); altogether 21 of the most truly effective 50 are scheduled to participate. Thirteen of the most effective 30 in today's FedExCup rankings. Fifteen people won PGA TOUR activities in 2012, including: Two-time heart transplant recipient Erik Compton submitted his first profession top-10 finish on the PGA TOUR at The Honda Classic (T4) a couple of weeks before. Jordan Thompson, who got in to the top 50 in the State World Golf Ranking with his success at The Honda Classic, concluded T16 at the 2012 Tampa Bay Championship. Noteworthy rookies: Distinctive mentor exemptions: People in the field with seven or maybe more PGA TOUR wins (11 ): Vijay Singh (34), Jim Furyk (16), David Toms (13), Justin Leonard (12 wins), Stuart Appleby (9), Zach Johnson (9 wins), Adam Scott (8 wins), Mike Weir (8 wins), Retief Goosen (7 wins) and Geoff Ogilvy (7). Past champions in the area (8 ): Luke Donald (2012), Gary Woodland (2011), Jim Furyk (2010), Retief Goosen (2009, 2003), Sean OaHair (2008), K.J. Choi (2006, 2002), Carl Pettersson (2005) and Vijay Singh (2004). Tournament notes In 2011, Gary Woodland became just the next person (Carl Pettersson a 2005) in the (then) 11-year record of the Tampa Bay Championship shown by EverBank to produce the event their first victory on the PGA TOUR. He joined Retief Goosen (2003) and John Huston (2000) as the only people to gain in their first appearance in the event. K.J. Choi (2002 and 2006) and Retief Goosen (2003 and 2009) are the only real multiple winners of the Tampa Bay Championship shown by EverBank and both are in the field this week. Choi almost won for a third time, finishing runner-up to Jim Furyk this season. No person has yet to successfully defend his title at the Tampa Bay Championship. Champion of the 2013 Humana Challenge in collaboration with the Clinton Foundation early in the day this season, Brian Gay is the only person to compete in most previous 12 payments of the Tampa Bay Championship. His most useful end was a T4 in 2007. The four champions on the 2012 Florida Swing completed one of the top 10 in the last FedExCup standings: Rory McIlroy a The Honda Classic/2; Justin Rose a WGC-Cadillac Championship/6; Luke Donald a Tampa Bay Championship presented by EverBank/9 and Tiger Woods a Arnold Palmer Invitational/3. The last four winners of the Tampa Bay Championship offered by EverBank have all finished the season of their win inside the top 20 in FedExCup standings, highlighted by Jim Furyk winning the FedExCup concept in 2010, the entire year of his win in Palm Harbor. Varied EverBank new showing recruit of Tampa Bay Championship The PGA TOUR, contest variety firm Copperhead Charities and EverBank Financial Corp (NYSE:EVER) recently announced a agreement whereby EverBank could be the presenting sponsor of the TOURas Tampa Bay Championship at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club. The contest represents the 2nd main sports support for the Jacksonville-based business. Since 2010, the naming rights have been held by EverBank to EverBank Field, home of the NFLas Jacksonville Jaguars. PGA TOUR Wives Associationas 25th wedding Last month, its 25th anniversary was celebrated by the PGA TOUR Wives Association with the release of a commemorative book called aBeyond the Fairways and Greens; A Look Within the Lives of PGA TOUR Families.a The 384-page, hardbound book offers readers a rare glimpse into the lives of TOUR people, through the telling of stories and inclusion of photographs. Treasured recipes are also featured 134 by the book published by the families of decades of people, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, and Rickie Fowler. The book sells for $50 (email:.( JavaScript must certanly be allowed to see this current email address), with all net proceeds benefiting PTWA-designated charities. Participants and wives from the book is going to be available for interviews all week at the Tampa Bay Championship offered by EverBank.Astellas provides Executive Womenas Day Shown by Astellas, Executive Womenas Day will be held on Monday, March 11, and will feature well-known sports representative Molly Fletcher. Female business leaders are invited by the day-long summit from town to be always a part of a community which focuses on personal, health-related and professional development discussions. Elements contain high-profile panelists, topic-specific breakout classes, a keynote speaker and networking opportunities. Astellas is really a pharmaceutical firm, with a primary emphasis in your community of urological wellness. Source: PGA Trip
Kansas State WR Target Drake Harris Commits to Michigan
In the battle that's presently underway between Ohio State coach Urban Meyer and Michigan coach Brady Hoke, both have acquired a significant battle throughout the last a week. It had been when 4-star linebacker Kyle Berger verbally focused on Ohio State over Michigan the Buckeyes who notched a victory last week. On Sunday, Hoke and the Wolverines countered by landing one of Michigan's top senior high school recruits in Drake Harris, a 4-star prospect out of Grand Rapids. His decision was announced by harris on Twitter: His commitment was given by harris to the WolverinesAjust two days after having a time"Avisiting the Ohio State university. The 4-star extensive out left Columbus to attend Michigan's spring game on Saturday, then devoted to the Wolverines Sunday afternoon. On why he chose Michigan over offers from Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Notre Dame and many more, Harris told 247Sports.com, "Just the confidence and love I have with everyone only at Michigan, it's the ideal place for me." Harris hauled in 91 receptions for 2,015 meters to complement 25 touchdowns as a senior in 2012. Photograph courtesy of 247Sports.com. The Buckeyes and Meyer were fighting an uphill battle contrary to the Wolverines since Harris decommitted from Michigan State to consider different schools. Harris was growing more comfortable with most of the coaches and players there and spending lots of time on the Michigan university. Despite the loss of Harris, Ohio State appears to be in good shape on the wide receiver entrance. Meyer has secured a consignment from 4-star prospect Parris CampbellAand leads for another elite 4-star recipient in Demarre Kitt. This may maybe not function as the last hire choosing between two of college football's best opponents, but also for today, Brady Hoke and the Wolverines have notched the most recent success. *All sponsor ranks per 247Sports.com. DavidARegimbalAis the lead Ohio State football author for Bleacher Report.Follow him on Twitter @davidreg412.
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Gareth Bale Becomes 3rd Man To Be Crowned PFA POTY & Young POTY In Same Season: The Nightly EPL
Gareth Bale has become just the third man to be crowned PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year in the same season. Bale picked up the two trophies tonight in an awards ceremony, and joins Andy Gray and Cristiano Ronaldo on the proud achievement.
De Gea (Manchester United), Zabaleta (Manchester City), Ferdinand (Manchester United), Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur), Baines (Everton), Hazard (Chelsea), Carrick (Manchester United), Mata (Chelsea), Bale (Tottenham Hotspur), Suarez (Liverpool), Van Persie (Manchester United)
What's your opinion about the PFA Team of the Year and whether there are any glaring omissions or players you feel that shouldn't have been selected? Let us know your opinion in the comments section below.
The Nightly EPL is tomorrow's news today. It's often tomorrow morning's British newspaper headlines that are published the night before. We do all the work for you, combing the Internet and aggregating the news for you. Read The Nightly EPL on EPL Talk every night before bed, so you can stay on top of all the news that matters.
Kondogbia to Arsenal FC? Newcastle sack is faced by pardew? Beckham sees red for... - Crunchsports.com
The most truly effective stories making Monday's back pages in the UK... The Sun: Newcastle director Alan Pardew has told operator Mike Ashley to straight back him or sack him. Also: Frank Lampard moved to within certainly one of Bobby Tambling's Chelsea goal history - then met him. Daily Mirror: Harry Redknapp found his QPR side ultimately directed recently - and said they may never keep coming back. Also: Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has mentioned his future is in Mike Ashley's fingers. Everyday Star: Harry Redknapp concerns a Wolves-style dual relegation can hang over Queens Park Rangers. Everyday Mail: Queens Park Rangers were yesterday mad with Jose Bosingwa after he was found laughing only moments after the club's relegation was established. Also: David Beckham was sent off six minutes after coming on as a substitute as nine-man Paris Saint-Germain won 1-0 in a match which saw Marco Verratti also dismissed and a mass brawl use after the final whistle. And: Joleon Lescott admits he may need to leave Manchester City in the summertime to safeguard his World Cup aspirations. A foul-mouthed rant was launched by daily Express: Joey Barton at his relegated Queens Park Rangers team-mates yesterday, calling them "maggots" for showing deficiencies in fight - and putting the responsibility on former boss Mark Hughes. Metro: Tottenham will soon be presented around A8million for left-back Danny Rose when Sunderland visit White Hart Lane on the last day of the growing season. An unpopular inclusion was proven by also: Luis Suarez in the group of the entire year at the Professional Footballersa Association prizes, with the Liverpoolas strikeras title met by a chorus of boos. And: Arsene Wenger has promised to offer forget about of his players to Manchester United. Everyday Telegraph: Arsene Wenger has promised he won't let Sir Alex Ferguson to sign any longer players from Arsenal. The Times: Arsene Wenger has mentioned that Arsenal can't afford to fall any longer points if they are to be eligible for a next season's Champions League after Robin van Persie returned to haunt his former membership and generate Manchester United a draw at the Emirates Stadium yesterday. The Guardian: Arsene Wenger remains "convinced" that Arsenal can qualify for the Champions League following yesterday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
Sunday, 28 April 2013
8 Takeaways from Sunday's Basketball Playoff Action
Let us see, the Lakers' season-ending 103-82 loss to the completely excellent Spurs presented disappointing play, an injury-riddled collection and a few sideshows that overshadowed the on-court item. Yes, that sounds about right. L.A. Went with a against the Spurs, failing to threaten victory following a brief flirtation with it in the initial quarter. Outgunned, out-coached and outclassed, the Lakers had the design of a team that was prepared to tie a bow using one of the very awkward times by any team in NBA history. But before that could happen, Dwight Howard had to get himself tossed out of the sport, much to the apparent disgust of GM Mitch Kupchak, and Kobe Bryant had to participate his staff on the bench during the next quarter. Both situations diverted from the silently full beating that was taking place on the ground, which was both a bad thing and a good thing. On the one hand, the extracurriculars got the focus from the undeniable fact that the Lakers clearly lacked the ability and organization to put up much of a fight against a quality opponent. On whilst the latest types of a group composed of people who have their particular times another, they served. Howard may be in route out, and if his final become a was a selfish, disappointing one, well...let's just say it was correct. Goodnight, Lakers. It is been no fun at all.
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Fila Golf London Waterproof Wind Jacket Review
I have unfortunately had ample time in the past couple of weeks to field test the Fila Golf London Waterproof jacket. The weather this spring has been extraordinarily rainy—the start of our league has thrice been postponed because much of the course is under water.
Still, I've managed to get some playing practice in weather that could only charitably be described as drizzly. On those rounds, I've been very thankful that Fila sent me one of their London Waterproof Windjackets for testing.
From a golf swing perspective, the jacket fits very well. It is roomy, and the "mechanical stretch" fabric allows a great deal of freedom of movement. It's a big step up in that respect from my older Nike Storm Fit jacket. That tends to bunch and reduce movement.
The fit is great, but where the jacket really shines is in its fabric. The material is both fully waterproof and breathable. That avoids the problem presented by some cheaper waterproof jackets (especially the "provisional" jackets) that keep the rain out, but trap your body's moisture inside. The end result of those jackets is that you still end up damp.
Breathability is by no means new to fabrics. Gore-Tex has been around since 1980. Indeed, I already own several "breathable" rain jackets for camping and golf purposes. The difference with the Fila fabric is its feel. This is much softer, lighter and more flexible.
It is, however, ultimately not as waterproof nor as breathable as a Gore-Tex fabric. Typical Gore-Tex weather fabrics offer 28,000 mm of waterproofness and 15,000 g/m2 of breathabilty. That means that the jacket will hold up to 91 feet of rainfall in a single day. A breathability of 15,000 indicates that 529 ounces of moisture can pass from the inside out in a 24 hour period.
Fila's Waterproof Windjacket has a waterproof rating of 3,000 mm (9 feet in a 24 hour period) and a breathability of 3,000 g/m2 (105 ounces). That's significantly less, but conditions regularly faced by golfers are considerably less severe than those of campers and other outdoor adventurers. If a golfer is faced with a rainstorm that will sustain more than four inches an hour, chances are he's headed to the clubhouse.
The seams of the jacket are additionally reinforced with waterproof tape. Anyone who has ever camped in bad weather (as I do frequently with the Scouts) will tell you that the seams on a tent are its weakest link. I am sure the same holds true on jackets.
I have two suggestions in the design department. First, the jacket needs additional pockets—an inside breast pocket at a minimum. People carry so many gadgets these days that I don't think a jacket can have too many pockets.
Second, I'd like a tighter sleeve closure.The current ones have a velco tab, but it doesn't quite close snug enough for my tastes. This may be a design decision, since a tighter sleeve will trap more body moistue.
Still, I think those are minor complaints for a jacket that fits as comfortably as the Fila London Waterproof Windjacket. I think that Fila has made some very good design tradeoffs for the golfer. Making the jacket more waterproof would likely increase weight and cause a loss of flexibility.
Just as an aside: I assume that London refers to the city and that Victoria refers to the queen (unless it is one of several places named after the queen). Therefore, to keep the naming conventions similar, wouldn't it make more sense to name the men's jacket the Churchill? Or the Peel, Disraeli or Gladstone (Victoria's prime ministers). Or if the decision is to stick with London(for its famous rain) wouldn't it make more sense to name the women's jacket the Manchester, Tyneside, or Glasgow? Tyneside sounds a bit feminine, doesn't it.
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2013 NFL Draft Grades: Overall Evaluations for Each Team
There were plenty of twists and turns in the 2013 NFL draft, whether it was teams trading up to get their guys or squads finding potential steals in the later rounds.
Some current bottom-feeders had nice drafts, while some title contenders strengthened their squads. Some teams simply made some confounding selections.
Jonathan Cooper, Kevin Minter and Alex Okafor were all first-round prospects to me. The fact that the Cardinals got Okafor in the fourth round is amazing. Adding guard Earl Watford, running back Stepfan Taylor, receiver Ryan Swope and running back Andre Ellington were all solid value picks.
In Desmond Truant, the Falcons find an instant starter to replace the recently departed Brent Grimes. Malliciah Goodman was a nice pickup in the fourth round. But grabbing a second cornerback in the second round may not have been the best move considering other areas of need. Plus, I don't see Robert Alford as an instant impact player in the NFL.
If you're a Ravens fan, you have to be happy with this draft. Baltimore got a safety who can start right away in Matt Elam, an inside linebacker who an start right away in Arthur Brown and two solid linemen in Brandon Williams and Kapron Lewis-Moore.
I like Buffalo's picks of Woods, Alonso and Goodwin, but I question the franchise's judgment drafting quarterback E.J. Manuel at No. 16 overall. Quarterbacks such as Geno Smith, Matt Barkley and Ryan Nassib were all on the board at that point.
The Panthers doubled up on defensive tackles with Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short, then found a running back in Kenjon Barner who could be an asset if used right. Lotulelei has great potential at the next level. Short could be a solid pro, too.
The Bears certainly loaded up on linebackers, and for good reason. It's going to be interesting to see how Bostic and Greene fit in Chicago. Washington will be a solid pick if Chicago intends on simply using him as a pass-rusher. I thought drafting Kyle Long at No. 20 overall was a bit of a reach, but it does add talent to the line.
It was essential to draft a tight end after Jermaine Gresham's season in 2012 and the Bengals managed to end up with the best tight end in the class. Giovani Bernard could also develop into a solid pro. Adding an athletic freak of nature in Margus Hunt in the second round can only help an already strong defense.
While I do believe Barkevious Mingo can make a significant impact as a pass-rusher in the NFL, he's too raw and too one-dimensional to draft at No. 6 overall. Cornerback Leon McFadden and safety Jamoris Slaughter were good value picks in the third and sixth rounds respectively.
A lot of draft experts had center Travis Frederick as a third-round prospect. Well, the Cowboys took him at No. 31 overall anyway. That was a very strange (and poor) decision in my mind. But I do think the Cowboys got some value in Escobar, Williams and Wilcox in the second and third rounds.
Landing Sylvester Williams at No. 28 overall was big for the Cowboys and I thought they got good value with defensive end Quanterus Smith in the fifth round, but I wasn't a fan of their picks of running back Montee Ball and cornerback Kayvon Webster in the second and third round, respectively. Both of those picks were reaches in my mind.
Ezekiel Ansah was a logical pick at No. 5 overall and I like the pick of guard Larry Warford in the third round, but I think the selection of Mississippi State cornerback Darius Slay at No. 36 overall was a bit risky, especially considering he's had a meniscus problem in his knees.
What a fantastic draft by the Packers. They add an athletic pass-rusher to start opposite Clay Matthews, add one of the best running backs in the class in Eddie Lacy and make three very nice value picks in Bakhtiari, Tretter and Franklin (all selected in the fourth round).
DeAndre Hopkins could become a star in the NFL, which would make the Texans offense unbelievably electric, considering they already have a strong offense with Andre Johnson. Adding safety D.J. Swearinger with the No. 57 overall pick was a nice move, too. I thought drafting offensive tackle Brennan Williams in the third round was a bit of a reach. Defensive end Sam Montgomery could be a solid player if he stays focused.
Hugh Thornton and Khaled Holmes were nice value picks who should only help young quarterback Andrew Luck. I think defensive tackle Montori Hughes could outplay his fifth-round selection. But I thought the Colts made a mistake drafting defensive end Bjoern Werner instead of Datone Jones.
Let's put it this way: If young quarterback Blaine Gabbert doesn't succeed next season with Luke Joeckel blocking for him, it may be time for the Jaguars to start looking in a different direction. Joeckel was the best offensive tackle in the class in my mind. Also, John Cyprien can be an immediate starter on the back end, while cornerback Dwayne Gratz and receiver Ace Sanders were nice value picks in the third and fourth rounds, respectively. Denard Robinson may not be a bad pick in the fifth round, either, depending on how Jacksonville uses him.
Although I thought the Chiefs should have drafted Joeckel instead of Fisher, I can't knock them too much, given I still believe Fisher will be a strong left tackle in the NFL. Also, Travis Kelce was one of my biggest sleepers in the draft. Former Arkansas running back Knile Davis could end up being a nice pick if he stays healthy.
I'm a big fan of Dion Jordan. The super-athletic prospect will look excellent on the same team as Cameron Wake. Jamar Taylor was a fast-rising prospect who the Dolphins ended up getting at No. 54 overall. Giving former Florida running back Mike Gillislee a chance in the fifth round was also a good move.
The Vikings' first three picks had me sold. Sharrif Floyd just happened to fall into their lap at No. 23 overall, Xavier Rhodes is a physical cornerback who will help against the bigger receivers in the NFL and Cordarrelle Patterson should help Minnesota replace Percy Harvin. I love what Minnesota did in the draft.
I thought outside linebacker Jamie Collins and receiver Aaron Dobson were reaches in the second round, but Logan Ryan was a very nice value pick in the third round and he should help strengthen the secondary in due time.
The Saints grabbed the best safety in the class in Kenny Vaccaro, then made some nice value picks with offensive tackle Terron Armstead and defensive tackle John Jenkins in the third round. I'm surprised the strong, quick Jenkins fell so far.
If the Giants use Justin Pugh as a guard instead of a tackle, I like the pick at No. 19 overall. The Giants also got Johnathan Hankins and Damontre Moore in the second and third round respectively—they had been mocked in the first round for much of the year.
The Jets got the best cornerback in the class in Dee Milliner to succeed Darrelle Revis in New York. They also landed Geno Smith—the top quarterback in the class—at No. 39 overall. And while some didn't understand the pick of Sheldon Richardson, I actually think it gives Rex Ryan room to rotate Quinton Coples back and forth between defensive end and outside linebacker in the 3-4.
Menelik Watson was a first-round talent who the Raiders got in the second round. Tyler Wilson has the potential to be a starting quarterback in the NFL in due time and the Raiders got him in the fourth round. The selection of cornerback D.J. Hayden at No. 12 overall was very risky (he survived a life-threatening injury last season at Houston), but Hayden does have the talent to be an impact player in the NFL.
The athletic Lane Johnson is the perfect offensive tackle for Chip Kelly's system. Zach Ertz could be an impact player at tight end. Nabbing Matt Barkley in the fourth round could end up being a solid pick. I even liked the selection of defensive tackle Bennie Logan, who should help in the interior for Philadelphia.
I'm a fan of Jones, Wheaton and Thomas and I think second-round selection Le'Veon Bell could be a nice fit in Pittsburgh's backfield. Jones has been knocked on his lack of elite athleticism, but he's a football player who understands leverage and angles.
There are character concerns surrounding Keenan Allen, but he's a a first-round prospect as far as talent and the Chargers got him in the third round. I thought grabbing Alabama offensive tackle D.J. Fluker at No. 11 overall was a bit of a reach and I'm not the biggest fan of Manti Te'o, who was San Diego's second-round selection.
I wasn't initially a fan of the 49ers trading up to grab LSU safety Eric Reid, but stealing Tank Carradine at No. 40 overall levels things out. Tight end Vance McDonald should help ease the loss of Delanie Walker in the offseason. And if Lattimore can come back from two devastating injuries, he has the talent to be a Pro Bowler.
Grabbing Jesse Williams in the fifth round is unbelievable. He was being discussed in the first and second round during the draft process. But nothing else about the Seahawks' draft really excited me. Running back Christine Michael can make an impact in the NFL, but there are legitimate character concerns surrounding him.
Grabbing West Virginia receivers Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey will surely help quarterback Sam Bradford. I also was surprised Barrett Jones slipped so far. Nabbing him in the fourth round is a steal.
Johnthan Banks and Akeem Spence aren't eye-popping prospects, but they do have the potential to be nice players for the Buccaneers. Banks could be a good fit in Tampa as a press corner. The selection of William Gholston could either be a steal or a wasted pick; I don't see any middle ground with the former Michigan State defensive lineman.
Chance Warmack—my No. 1 guard—will strengthen an offensive line that all of a sudden looks legit. After the signing of veteran guard Andy Levitre in the offseason, this is an eye-opening offensive line on paper. Grabbing the electric Justin Hunter should help out young quarterback Jake Locker in due time. I also really liked the pick of Connecticut corner Blidi Wreh-Wilson in the third round.
The pick of cornerback David Amerson in the second round was too much of a gamble in my mind. His agility is questionable and he doesn't have much experience playing man coverage. But, wow, what a nice next few picks. Jordan Reed, Phillip Thomas, Brandon Jenkins and Bacarri Rambo could all be starters in the NFL.
Link: Soccer Houston Dynamo - Colorado Rapids - USA Major League Soccer
The Program: Can Jadeveon Clowney and the Gamecocks Improve on Defense?
The Sc Gamecocks have quietly established themselves as the sleeping giant in the SEC East. That group that nobody generally seems to discuss but that nobody wants to play. With former running straight back Marcus Lattimore, large radio Ace Sanders and a number of defenders now headed to the NFL, head mentor Steve Spurrier was looking for playmakers this spring. Who stepped up and what works remains to be done? SEC cause author Barrett Sallee reviews Sc spring training in this edition of "The Program."
The Program: Can Jadeveon Clowney and the Gamecocks Improve on Defense?
The Sc Gamecocks have silently established themselves while the sleeping giant in the SEC East. That team that nobody seems to talk about but that nobody desires to play. With this spring former running back Marcus Lattimore, extensive phone Ace Sanders and a host of defenders now headed to the NFL, head mentor Steve Spurrier was searching for playmakers. Who moved up and what works remains to be performed? SEC lead writer Barrett Sallee reviews South Carolina spring training in this model of "The Program."
Via: Soccer Evian Thonon Gaillard - Paris Saint Germain - French Ligue 1
8 Approaches to Feel Much Better About Everything.
1.APerform random acts of kindnessaThe good acts donat have to be random and they donat have to be always a particular type (e.g, private or social or major, etc. ),a LyubomirskyAtold guy happiness-expertAGretchen Rubin. Shock have found that nearly every forms of acts of kindness boost happiness.a Recent reports have corroborated the conclusions, she noted, with one showing that when 9- to 11-year old children were asked to accomplish good deeds for a number of months, they not just got happier, but became more popular with their colleagues. The American Dream is not ownedALyubomirsky taken by 2.alive in a home thatas rented, to activity, saying that visitors are happier than owners. At least oneAstudy confirms, discovering that aHomeowners are no happier than renters by some of the following definitions: life pleasure, overall feeling, overall experience, general moment-to-moment emotions (i.e. affect) and affect at home but instead get more pain from their property and home.a 3.ACount your blessingsLearning to practice gratefulness is very essential to contentment, Lyubomirsky says. And there are several methods to do it: by keeping a journal, in which you ruminate on 2-3 points for which youare currently grateful, afrom the mundane (your dryer is fixed, your plants are ultimately in bloom, your partner remembered to stop by the shop) to the impressive (your childas first actions, the beauty of the air at evening ),a she wrote in a recentAblog post. Alternatively, you can choose a fixed time thatas set aside for thinking about your joys, or when you can talk about whatas great in your life with an appreciation partner, or even tell people directly that youare happy for them or their activities. Writing one day, and then thinking or discussing the next, is a good method to keep your passion training new, she notices. 4.ABe thriftyMaterialism, overconsumption and overspending may ultimately allow you to get down, Lyubomirsky hasnoted, reiterating the point by using age-old tropes (items separate, while thoughts only improve) and quotes (aOur needs are few, but our desires are endlessa). aPromoting ecological delight means helping people transcend collection points and difficulties to call home more satisfying lives,a she writes in one single study. This endeavor can be complemented by athrift by stretching the meaning of sustainability, making sure the collective can flourish as well as the individual.a In other words? Greed makes everyone unfortunate. 5.ABecome a, itas not for all, and certainly not a fast or simple fix. But parents experience greater degrees of pleasure and meaning in existence than people without children, in accordance with study that Lyubomirsky brought in 2012. Shock are not stating that parenting makes people happy, but that parenthood is connected with joy and meaning,a sheAexplained. aContrary to repetitive scholarly and media pronouncements, people may find solace that son or daughter and parenthood care may actually be linked to feelings of joy and meaning in life.a 6.ALearn to savor positive experiencesaThe capability to savor the positive experiences in your life is one of the main elements of happiness,aAaccording toALyubomirsky. How exactly to get it done? Put together a small album with happy photos or mementos and carry it around with you. Play the role of present and fully recognize small, happy momentsa'from taking a shower to eating dinner. And tune in to normal joys, from the sound of a singing to the scent of new spring blossoms in the air. 7.ATake baby steps toward life goalsMaking a listing of your big ambitions in life, and taking baby steps toward them, is very happy-inducing. Thatas just because a part of happiness could be the sense your life is good, athat youare progressing towards your targets in life,a LyubomirskyAtold Diane Rehm. This can be a digestible way to have the ability. 8.AStay healthy and live long: Happiness peaks at age 65As she observed in her first book, a 22-year study of approximately 2,000 healthy veterans of World War II and the Korean War unmasked that life satisfaction increased over the span of these menas lives, peaked at age 65, and didnat start somewhat suffering until age 75. Takeaway: Unhappy at 30? Donat quit, and donat rush it. Thereas still time.
Arsenal vs. Manchester United: Preview and TV schedule - SB Nation
With a Champions League place still to fight for, Arsenal will be gunning for three points against the Premier League winners.
Arsène Wenger has confirmed that his side will form a guard of honour for the new champions, though there'll be no standing on ceremony when the action actually gets underway. Arsenal are currently third, though will drop below Chelsea and Tottenham and outside the Champions League places if said duo win their games in hand.
Arsenal will be hoping that Manchester United will ease up after they sealed the title, though winning their remaining games would ensure that United set a new Premier League points record. They could make changes to the team which beat Aston Villa last Monday, with Tom Cleverley, Nani, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernández likely to start.
Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes and Ashley Young will definitely play no part -- they are out injured. For Arsenal, Łukasz Fabiański, Abou Diaby and Ryo Miyaichi are also unavailable with injury, as well as striker Olivier Giroud, who has a three match ban.
May 1 Golf
I squeezed on April first to play a round of golf. Our Mother Earth was playing an April Fools joke as the air temperature was only slightly above freezing and a brisk wind managed to get seem worse. My human anatomy was very warm because of the battery operated Mobile Warming golf coat I was sporting, but my face was frozen after nine holes. Iad had an area of frostbite after an early period round a couple of years back, and while that was somewhat amusing, now I decided that discretion was the higher part of valor. With one case of frostbite from tennis, people were laughing with me. Two situation, and people could be laughing AT me. I bailed after nine holes. The course had a lot of winter storm damage that had yet to be moved, however the fairways were clear. The grass was still yellow, and the trees bare, but at least there were no pools of snow on the ground. Here I'm modeling my Mobile Warming coat.
Inter and Tottenham Hotspur in opponent change? - Forza German Soccer
Inter and Tottenham Hotspur could possibly be set to change full-backsABenoAtAAssou-Ekotto and Alvaro Pereira in summer time. The Uruguayan left-back has already established a hardcore first season at the Nerazzurri and could find herself surplus to requirements in the off-season. According to the Daily Mail, Spurs chef Andre Villas-Boas is a big admirer of Pereira, whom he coached at Porto, and will look at building a summer transfer. It is also thought as a primary alternative that Inter could be happy with Assou-Ekotto.
Taking A Look At Eagles Instructor Chip Kellyas First NFL Draft
By Joe Sageman a' Eagles Gab 1st round: OT Lane Johnson a The Eagles solidified their offensive line by using Lane Johnson, a supremely running handle who can play on either the proper or left side. Heas not used to the positioning and is only scratching the outer lining of his potential, but is more than a task. He was one of many more impressive players at the Senior Bowl and must win the proper handle job. A starting bad distinct Jason Peters, Evan Mathis, Jason Kelce, Todd Herremans, and Lane Johnson is one Eagles supporters must be worked up about. They are often the key to success for Chip Kelly, who relies on the running game. Grade: B+ Second round: TE Zach Ertz a' Chip Kelly enjoys running small ends simply because they push defenses to choose whether in which to stay their bottom defensive package or put a supplementary defensive back on the subject. After his Oregon Ducks were carved up by Ertz last year, many colleagues thought that Ertz was the most effective small end on the Eaglesa table. The Eagles undoubtedly have bigger requirements than another talent position player, but Chip Kelly decided he had to have another tool at his disposal. Ertz includes a major body, gentle arms, and smoothness as a course athlete. They can fall into line being an inline tight end or as a contract person in the position or out wide. With Brent Celek and James Casey equally locked up long-term, itas hard to find who the odd man out is. Nowadays there are way too many mouths to feed at tight conclusion, and Chip Kelly canat justify paying them all so highly or committing such substantial draft picks in the positioning. Grade: C 3rd round: DE Bennie Logan a The Eagles needed defensive assist in this draft, and although they waited until the third round to have it, Bennie Logan should contribute immediately. Entering draft weekend, the Eagles were paper thin along the defensive line, and Logan may generate a healthier snap count in his rookie year. He was a reason why the LSU defensive line was so dominant throughout the last few months when he plays the function very well. Because he loves to bunch and shed blockers a lot more than he looks to enter and get right up the area he fits nicely as a defensive end. HE was recognized by lsu as a top figure individual by giving him making use of their storied #18 jersey for the 2012 year. Click HERE to Learn The Rest! By Joe Sageman a Eagles Gab 1st round: OT Street Johnson a.'.. By Morgan Smith a Patriots Gab Tampa Bay received certainly one of New... The NFL world is in distress, together of the least mobile... By Kyle Gans Because the Cleveland Browns came ultimately back to the league, in... NFL Network has their model of the aTop 10 Steelers of All-Time,a... By Jesse Ferguson Itas NFL sentimenta' or even ethical lawa' that an... Visit DerbyDeals.com for an excellent choice of Kentucky Derby Seats and Kentucky Derby Packages.
RotoExperts: Is Tavon Austin Wes Welker 2.0?
Wes Welker is a special skill in the NFL because he was introduced by the Newest England Patriots. Heas obtained over 1,100 receiving yards in most five of these seasons and recorded at the least 100 receptions in five of the final six seasons. Even though Welker doesnat possess elite size or power, heas still an incredibly successful device. Heas consistently a top-performing person in Fantasy Football, particularly in PPR leagues. With Welkeras future unknown in New England, the NFL might be ready for Welker 2.0. Enter West Virginiaas Tavon Austin, among the premiere playmakers in the 2013 NFL draft. Today weall break down just how unique an ability Austin is, and how they can help you win your Fantasy Football league in year one. Advantages The first word that concerns mind with contemplating Austin is flexibility. Heas not merely going to make an impact as a wide receiver; heall make plays out of the backfield and on punt and kick returns. Defenses arenat planning to have the ability to hone in on one part of Austinas game because heall only figure out how to beat them a different way. Once Austin has got the ball in his arms, heas going to be one of the toughest people to prevent. Although he just stands 5a8a and 174 lbs, heas got elite speed and quickness in the wild field. He ran a raging 4.34 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and had a brief taxi time of 4.01. Both of those figures prove that Austin will consistently gain in the wild field against defenders. The chances of him making a play is high, if defenses allow Austin to find yourself in space. Heas got sure fingers and seldom drops moves he gets a hand on. Taking care of of people that will be surprised by Austin is his toughness. Rarely does he shy from contact and he is ready to do whatever it will take to grab the excess yards. Heas usually extreme with the ball in his arms and hardly ever finds on a play himself losing yards. All in all, Austin will probably be described as a special weapon in the right type of crime. His flexibility and open-field skills will make him one of many most successful and satisfying beginners to look at through the 2013 year. Flaws Although Austin can be an multipurpose player, as a wide receiver he'll be restricted to use as a position receiver. He just doesnat have the size or power to break media coverage to play on the outside. This isnat necessarily a bad matter, but Austin wonat be your standard NFL radio like Calvin Johnson or A.J. Natural. Austinas overall size is also planning to cause some issues for clubs. At only 5a8a, Austin doesnat have the shape to include much weight to his 174-pound human body. The big problem is going to be if Austin are designed for the physicality of the NFL. What might make or break Austinas career is the first massive attack he receives in the center of the field. Thatas where groups are going to want him to have the ball, but his capability to get an enormous strike from Dashon Goldson or Kam Chancellor is just a enormous question mark right now. 2013 Dream Soccer Outlook What makes Austin this kind of energetic option for Fantasy Football could be the undeniable fact that teams are going to would like to get him the ball as frequently as possible. Thatall make him at the very top choice in PPR leagues as a rookie. Nevertheless, even yet in standard-scoring leagues, Austinas usefulness and big-play potential make him an incredible option. In the best offensive process, it isnat ridiculous to think that Austin could lead all novice receivers in receptions and receiving yards. If Austin can find a handful to the end zone of as a rookie times, he could even become one of the best Fantasy Football devices in the category. A distinctive and truly specific expertise like Austin needs to be described as a goal for your Fantasy Football list in 2013 and beyond. Photos Via Getty
Link: - Norwegian Elitserien
LA Lakers: Is Kobe Bryant Having His Best Time ever?
Kobe Bryant's exceptional play this season has many wondering whether he is playing the best basketball of his career. Although an argument could be made that he is, taking such a stance would be inaccurate.
The Los Angeles Lakers' leading scorer has had nights where he's looked like the best player in the game, and that's a testament to his singular skill. Indeed, the 17-year veteran is winning the battle against Father Time.
In late February, ESPN.com's TrueHoop blog ran a piece putting in perspective just how fantastic the former scoring champion has been:
Is Kobe playing his best basketball of the season right now? Perhaps it goes even beyond that. It seems that he could be playing the most efficient basketball of his career […]
For most of the season, Bryant's efficiency hovered around career high levels. Entering the March 13th contest against the Atlanta Hawks, he was the proud owner of a 57.7 percent true shooting percentage (a combination of field-goal, three-point and free-throw percentages all wrapped into one).
The Lakers' all-time leading scorer has not only ramped up his efficiency this season, but he has also added a few responsibilities to his ever-expanding role.
Mike D'Antoni has turned the former league MVP into the team's de facto point guard. Consequently the onus falls on his shoulders to score, initiate the offense, make the proper reads and also anticipate defensive rotations in order to take advantage of them.
Defensively, Metta World Peace is now responsible for checking opposing power forwards. As a result, Bryant must guard the other team's best perimeter player regardless of position. It's not uncommon to see the four-time All-Star game MVP pressuring opposing point guards in the backcourt.
However, it's difficult to unequivocally state that he is playing his best ball ever. The reason is simple: He is not.
If we simply rely on his statistical production, the 2012-13 campaign would rank as his ninth-best. The two-time NBA Finals MVP is posting a player efficiency ranking (PER) of 23.5.
It's worth noting that Bryant's defense has been exceptional since the All-Star break. The perennial All-Star has been far more engaged both on and off the ball, which has helped the Lakers thrive during that same time span.
Mind you, an improved defensive effort in the last month or so is synonymous with a lack of it prior to the midseason classic.
The superstar guard's contributions on this front were laughable early in the season. Bryant was often caught ignoring his main assignment in favor of ball watching. He even had instances where he simply observed his teammates get beat off the bounce and did nothing.
NBA.com's advanced stats tool tells us that the Purple and Gold's defense has been in the NBA's bottom third with their leading scorer on the floor. Remove him from the equation and the team is among the Association's elite with the eighth-best ranking.
These last few details make it hard to endorse this current season as the future Hall of Famer's best. Make no mistake though, it's somewhere in his top 10.
Many believe that Bryant's best season is the 2005-06 campaign that saw him average an almost absurd 35.4 points per game.
He recorded 27 games in which he produced 40 points or more and tormented the opposition with his scoring outbursts. His best piece of work that season was a jaw-dropping 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors.
Even today, many people aren't sure how the Raptors allowed one perimeter player to produce such an ungodly amount of baskets.
The 2005-06 campaign put Bryant in an entirely different stratosphere in comparison with his peers, as well as other legends that came before him.
Very few had ever scored as much as the Laker guard that season and it was a sight to behold. But in my books, that yearlong assault on the NBA ranks as his second-best season of all-time.
Armed with confidence and an improved jump shot, the former Olympian became a much more assertive player. He drove by defenders with incredible ease, finished with authority at the rim and essentially scored at will.
At the tender age of 22, Bryant had the best scoring season of his career (at that stage of his NBA life), averaging 28.2 points per game on 46.4 percent field-goal shooting.
The increase in shot attempts did not please Shaquille O'Neal because it came at the expense of his own opportunities. The duo eventually found a healthy compromise late in the season and captured their second consecutive title.
At that point in his career, he was not the finished product he is today that can annihilate a defense from just about any spot on the floor. Indeed, his game has seen multiple transformations throughout the years.
This very same season also brought in a new facet of his game that elevated him to levels not seen at any other point in his career: ball-hawking defense.
After celebrating his first championship in June 2000, the former gold medalist rejoined his teammates in the fall as the most destructive perimeter defender since Gary Payton.
The Philadelphia native used his jaw-dropping athleticism to put the clamps on the best wing players on opposing teams. Bryant hounded whichever players were placed before him and made life miserable for them. There were occasions when the Laker guard was assigned to defend point guards, and they simply could not run their offense.
These days, the Lakers' all-time leading scorer does this in very small spurts. But 13 seasons ago, he executed this consistently in every game.
In other words, Bryant was defending like former San Antonio Spurs great Bruce Bowen, while pouring in 28 points a night.
That very same effort in the postseason helped the Lakers destroy the opposition. The Purple and Gold won 15 of 16 playoff games on their way to another parade in downtown Los Angeles.
Bryant's play this year has been amazing by every possible measure. It just comes up short in comparison to his most destructive NBA season as a two-way player.
Chael Sonnen Requires To The Touch Sage Steeleas Hair On SportsCenter, Controversy Arises
Seem, I donat pretend to learn why this is considered a racist shift, but obviously it's. Chael Sonnen, UFC fighter and skilled loudmouth, was on SportsCenter on Monday being interviewed by Sage Steele (Sonnen is preventing Jon Jones this Saturday). The talk took a strange detour when Steele asked Sonnen if he's to hate someone in order to have the opportunity at beating him. Sonnen answered without missing a beat: aCan I feel your hair?a After Steele bent toward him allowing it to be touched by him, Sonnen said: aThatas true hair, people. And itas soft.a See the video here. Apparently thatas a racist move, at the least according to this source. Steele, but, doesnat look worried. Thx for concern-yes-I lasted intvw n @sonnench..heas hysterical! Complete reverse of @jonnybones whoas up next. Hair? I couldnat treatment less! a Sage Steele (@sagesteele) April 23, 2013 Sonnen is an acquired taste to be certain. He has his supporters a can 300,000 Twitter supporters be wrong? But he has his detractors. You simply never know whatas going to come out of his mouth. As an example, this week he explained As Dwight Schrute could say: aFalse.a that Jones can abeat up Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali in the same day.a Your Ultimate Guide to Fantasy Baseball Xcellence. Examine it out! Your mind will be blown by this Derrick Rose print. Do not believe us? Check it out in the shop. Buster Olney As Wheeler takes the pile for next start,NYM will wish to see from him for big leagues,and won't need certainly to return he is absolutely ready Lee Jenkins Really fun ROME currently with @jimrome and @JRudolphSports. Lively Cle/LeBron talk. Check out at 3 pm pst on @cbssportsnet Buster Olney Zack Wheeler is likely to make another start for the Mets, but I believe we've reached stage where each start perhaps his last in the kids. John Ourand NBC Sports Network's insurance of Notre Dame's Blue & Gold game averaged 191K readers Saturday afternoon. John Ourand MLS ratings: DCU v Philly on ESPN2 Sunday had 170K viewers; NBCSN's KC v LA Saturday had 58K audiences.
Via: Soccer to the Rayan - Al - Hilal - AFC Asian Champions League
Ivo Karlovic is in a Miami hospital having suffered a stroke. From Jenny. Thanks.
I don't know how true this is but read via Twitter that Ivo Karlovic is in a Miami hospital having suffered a stroke. This could be a Trans Ischaemic Attack [TIA - mini stroke], patients usually make a full recovery from those without lasting damage, unlike a CVA. I have no further details. I'm sorry and wish him a speedy recovery.
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Te'o feels he's 'quite prepared' for NFL
HILLCREST (AP) a' After coping with the commotion over his artificial on line partner and his flop in the national title game, Manti Te'o thinks he's ready for the NFL. Which includes being mentally difficult enough for the verbal abuse he will certainly hear in places like Oakland and Philadelphia, the North Park Chargers' first road game next period. Te'o said Saturday that he is experienced a whole lot and he's ready. The Chargers' novice head confidence, normal supervisor Tom Telesco and instructor Mike McCoy, said these were not worried by the scrutiny Te'o has been beneath the last four weeks. The Chargers traded up in the second round to pick the Notre Dame linebacker, who had been the Heisman Trophy runner-up.
Wimbledon 2013 sets report with largest total prize money in golf history
The planners of the All England Club announced that the total prize money for the Wimbledon, The Championships 2013 is the largest in the history of professional tennis. The players at Wimbledon 2013 are estimated to receive a complete of A22.6 million, or a rise of A6.5 million (401(k)) from this past year. As patterned with other Grand Slam tournaments, the players who lose in earlier rounds or qualifying is likely to be benefitting from the increase. There is a phase change increase of over 60 percent for singles players who lose in the very first three units at the All England Club. There is also a 41 per cent upsurge in prize money in the qualifying rounds. A year ago the singles winners will each receive A1.6 million, a whopping A450,000 (or 39%) increase frmo.
Wigan Athletic v Tottenham Hotspur: fit critique - Telegraph.co.uk
Sunday, April 27 2013 Wigan Athletic v Tottenham HotspurDW StadiumKick-off: 15.00 BST.TV: Highlights BBC ONE Fit of your Day. Wigan (Possible, 3-4-3 ): Robles; Scharner, Caldwell, Figueroa; Boyce, McCarthy, Gomez, Beausejour; McManaman, KonA, Maloney.Out: Alcaraz (hamstring), Crusat, Ramis (both knee), Miyaichi (ankle) Pollitt (leg). Tottenham (Possible, 4-4-1-1 ): Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Parker, DAmbAle, Dempsey; Bale, Defoe.Out: Gallas (leg), Kaboul (leg), Sandro (knee). Referee: Martin Atkinson. Matches: 21, R1 Y81. Group Information Jean Beausejour is placed to go back to the Wigan starting line-up for the Premier League experience with Tottenham at the DW Stadium. With Antolin Alcaraz out for three months, Beausejour will probably profit from a defensive reshuffle that's likely to see Maynor Figueroa go back from the wing-back berth last weekend was filled West Ham by him. Wigan are seeking to complete an initial ever category double against Spurs and know only three items will take them out from the relegation zone on goal big difference from Aston Villa, that are not for action until Monday. Meanwhile, Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon has recovered from his leg injury and can be obtained. Ahead Gareth Bale and striker Jermain Defoe experienced no a reaction to their individual ankle and pelvis issues against Manchester City last Sunday and are absolutely fit for the visit to the DW Stadium. Midfielder Sandro and defensive pair Younes Kaboul and William Gallas are still missing. Fit Records Wigan come in threat of saying Middlesbroughas feat of reaching an FA Cup Final and heading down in exactly the same year. Roberto MartAnez might compromise Wembley success for many Premier League victories, but Spurs are back in the look for the most truly effective four. The consequences of a defeat could be disastrous for both of the ambitions, and a draw wonat be much use to both clubs. With Gareth Bale and Jermain Defoe weekly trimmer, Spurs must certanly be strong favourites. Betting: Home 12-5, Away 21-20, Draw 13-5. Statistic of the game: Wigan have admitted the first goal in no less than 21 of their 33 games.. Frank Bascombe's prediction: Wigan Running 1 Tottenham Hotspur 2.
Top 5 remarkable Arsenal Hamilton Academical vs. Man Utd activities ahead of Sunday's battle - Crunchsports.com
Six years back, those two groups played out a great Premier League fitting. After having a moderately quiet first-half, a William Gallas own goal set the away side in-front. There were then a lot of twists and turns in the second-half. Cesc Fabregas equalised for the Gunners shortly after half-time, beforeACristiano Ronaldo restored United's lead in the ultimate ten minute. The final word went to Gallas though, as he scored in the last minute to make up for his earlier OG and save a point for Arsenal. Collection 2-1 Man Utd (January 2007) Just a couple of weeks earlier, Arsenal once again left it late contrary to the Red Devils. Adam Rooney gave the readers the cause in the second-half and they look well set for all three items. But, when Robin Van Persie equalised with eight minutes remaining, the energy was with the house area. Thierry Henry then scored a remarkable late success. Collection 2-4 Man Utd (February 2005) Objectives were the order of your day in this one. Collection light emitting diode at the break with objectives fromAPatrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp either side of Ryan Giggs's equaliser. Following the break however, United fired up the style. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in four second-half minutes and afterAMikael Silvestre was sent-off,AJohn O'Shea ensured of the details late on. It had been one to forget for the Gunners. Strategy 3-1 Man Utd (November 2001) On this occasion, it had been the Gunners that struggled back from behind on a really pleasant morning for them at Highbury. Henry Scholes obtained the first purpose of the game as United led at the split, butAFredrik Ljungberg equalised 3 minutes to the second-half. It was then up to Henry. The Frenchman won twice in the final five minutes to win Arsenal the game in a performance standard of the Gunners tale. System 0-1 Man Utd (November 1992) This was the very first ever Premier League conference between these two with Arsenal as the home area and it was the Red Devils that came out on top. Mark Hughes obtained the only purpose of the game and United would latter continue to win the name. What'll the latest meeting have in store for all of us? AFind out from 4pm on Sunday!
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Chelsea FC link with Radamel Falcao and Jose Mourinho leaves Arsene ... - Crunchsports.com
Audley Harrison takes on Deontay Wilder tonight, with Wilder the huge odds-on favourite to be victorious (20:00 BST). Harrison thought he resurrected his career by winning Prizefighter recently, but the former Olympic champion will come crashing back down to Earth tonight. Those Prizefighter wins a...
Chelsea vs. Swansea takes place on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.The game, which takes place at Stamford Bridge, is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 BST.Chelsea recorded a narrow win at FC Basel in the Europa League in midweek and interim manager Rafael Benitez is confident of taking all thr...
British boxer Tyson Fury has been officially challenged to fight UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez by UFC president Dana White. The open invitation was announced by White after Fury, who last weekend won his first fight on American soil, called for a fight with Velasquez via Twitter. Fur...
Bayern Munich have denied that a deal for Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, who is also a target for Manchester United, has been reached.Lewandowski, who is out of contract at the end of next season, scored all four goals in Borussia Dortmund's 4-1 win over Real Madrid in the Champions ...
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez on Friday decided not to appeal the ten-match ban received from the Football Association for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. Suarez was charged with violent conduct by the FA on Monday for biting Ivanovic during last Sunday's 2-2 draw at Anfield, and on Wed...
Rafael Benitez has received a lot of criticism since taking charge of Chelsea towards the end of last year, but is the backlash from Blues fans justified? writer Thomas Rooney looks at the job Rafa has done at Chelsea this season... First of all, it is worth noting that when the Spaniard took...
Na Li takes on Bethanie Mattek-Sands this evening in the semi-finals of the 2013 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart (17:30 BST start). Li and Mattek-Sands look set to provide us with an entertaining semi-final in Stuttgart later today. Whilst Li looks to be the overwhelming favourite, Mattek-Sa...
Arsenal play host to Manchester United on Sunday and ahead of the game at Emirates Stadium, here's a look back at five memorable Premier League meetings between the two sides... Arsenal 2-2 Man Utd (November 2007) Six years ago, these two teams played out a cracking Premier League fixture. After a ...
Santos striker Neymar, who continues to be linked with the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid, is ready to move to Europe, the South American club have confirmed. Neymar is arguably the most sought after player in world football today and has been linked with a number of clubs in recent mo...
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John Terry Will Begin Discussions Over New Chelsea Contract In Summer: The Daily EPL
David Terry says heall start discussions over a new deal in the summertime. The former England captain hopes to acquire a 12-month extension to his agreement. Hereas what the 32-year-old defender said: aPeople need certainly to know that Iave got per year left at Chelsea after this. People have spoken about this type of thing and no new deal but itas not even on the agenda right now. aThey may sit down with me after the time has finished and weall begin talking then. Whether itas a yes or a number Iall continue to give my best till my contract finishes.a Listed below are todayas Premier League media headlines: The Daily EPL is your morning guide to the newest Premier League news headlines, which means you donat have to spend one hour or maybe more scanning the Internet. We do most of the meet your needs. See The Daily EPL on EPL Talk every morning to remain on top of all the news that matters.
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Watch Wigan compared to Tottenham Spurs live on the web free supply English premier category... - Greenpoint Star News
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Stoke City: Reinvention or back-to-basics? - Here May Be The Town - Here May Be The Area
Spurs are assessing a personal injury suffered on mortgage at QPR for Andros Townsend. Would they get him fit for the Loftus Road tie with Arsenal? Could an obvious go on to Paris Saint-Germain from Napoli keep Everton short within their pursuit of this Spanish global?
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Newcastle United v Liverpool quiz - can you score 5/5? - ChronicleLive
Check your understanding within our quiz as Newcastle United prepare to defend myself against Liverpool at St James' Park Newcastle United variety Liverpool at St James' Park trying to take themselves further away from the relegation zone that's crept back upon them. Alan Pardew's part have only acquired once in the last five games, including a derby morning drubbing at the fingers of Sunderland and conceding a 1-0 lead to West Bromwich Albion last weekend resulting in a draw. NUFC will soon be raised by the fact that their opponents also have felt one success within their last five fits along with the news that star striker Luis Suarez has been forbidden for 10 games for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic last week. Check your understanding within our quiz as Newcastle United prepare to take on Liverpool.
Manchester City to be Left by kolo Toure Announces Decision This Summer - Bleacher Report
Kolo Toure has announced he will keep Manchester City when his contract expires come july 1st. The news was reported by graeme Bailey of Sky Sports. This choice won't come as a shock to many, considering how Toure's role with the club has dwindled during the last few seasons. Upon joining the club in 2009, an immediate impact was made by Toure, beginning 31 group games. That number decreased to 21 in 2010-11 and then nine in each one of the last two periods. Today, Toure has said City didn't offer a brand new long-term deal: to him Now he has mentioned that he is set to keep City while the team have made no contact over a new deal. "I have been here for nearly four years, and two wonderful years when I have been playing a lot and I hear my tracks with Yaya and I'll miss those ideas, for me my family is here, my kids are at school and they just like the place - but in two months nothing has come from the team and I'm thinking about my future definitely," Toure told Sky Sports News. Toure reached Manchester City when the membership was starting to sprinkle the money essential to develop into a power in the Premier League. Combined with the centre-back came Gareth Todd, Roque Santa Henderson, Emmanuel Adebayor, Joleon Lescott and Carlos Tevez. It had been merely a indication of things to come, as Mario Balotelli, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure would all go on to City as well. As more people came in, the more Toure found himself crowded from the club's back four. Lately, Toure has lost playing time for you to Lescott, Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic. The undeniable fact that City has chosen to not even offer him a new agreement is further proof of how low Roberto Mancini regards Toure in the pecking order. And with Financial Fair Play, shedding Toure's weekly earnings may help the bottom line out as well. Aside from his diminished role lately, there will be an extended distinct groups trying to obtain Toure when he becomes available come july 1st. At 32 years old, Toure still has a few good times to provide a club looking for experience and reliability at the rear.
System v Manchester United: ArsAne Wenger's team could not have asked for a... - Telegraph.co.uk
A good time to play them? I really do not think you are able to fight with this. Collection could not really want an improved scenario entering Sunday's clash with Manchester United. To begin with, the game suggests a heck of a lot more to the house part than it will to the newly-crowned champions. The three-way fight for third and last areas between Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea may go to the line. Every stage is valuable from here on in. And that situation, theoretically, should provide an advantage to ArsAne Wengeras side over a group who've already accomplished their major target. For United, whipping Chelseaas history 95-point total could be the only thing left and I am unsure how much that can stimulate several participants that was enjoying hard at the start of week. Because of that, Sir Alex Ferguson might choose to give some of his stars a rest. I'd maybe not be surprised, for instance, to see Robin van Persie start on the bench, a shift that could also steer clear of the unavoidable spherical of boos everytime the former Arsenal favorite touches the ball. But whoever represents for the guests, this may be a difficult game for a team featuring a really bad record against their top-six rivals. One get from seven games this season demonstrably isn't adequate. That has simply surely got to change for Arsenal to be more of a serious pressure. In the short term, nevertheless, Wenger should choose the simplest way to cope without the suspended Olivier Giroud. Lukas Podolski, Gervinho and Theo Walcott are all possible options as stand-in centre-forwards, though each has his negatives. If the ball can be held up by him and the skilled Podolski might be the very best bet make some decent runs. A fine finisher, the Germany global doesn't always play a huge part in the build-up. He will come alive around the package, whether it is establishing a with a intelligent pass or releasing that fearsome left foot of his. Gervinho will work hard, as he often does, but his game lacks finesse, particularly facing target. For Walcott, Wenger seems to have forgotten his early in the day experiment of using the pamphlet through the center. After one or two promising trips, Walcott could not really arrive at grips with the challenging demands. At times such as this you do wonder if it would be considered a good idea for Wenger to stray from his usual system; in other words, perform two in advance rather than one, provide Walcott some help against Unitedas main defenders. I do believe that's a valid criticism of the Frenchman: unlike Sir Alex Ferguson, he doesn't change his design to suit the situation. Wenger might play a fairly slim midfield, the full-backs giving the width, with a front two of Podolski and Walcott. At the very least that would mix things up a little, perhaps shock United you might say that doesn't often occur in regards to Wengeras line-ups. You won't ever know, it a solution NNP be actually proven by NNP to both Podolskias and Walcottas limitations as solitary main strikers. That said, it's perhaps not going to happen. Wenger confessed the maximum amount of recently in his press conference. The same structure will be kept by awe in our teama, he explained, while understandably outstanding coy about who would change Giroud. Actually, at the very least that framework he covers has looked more solid of late, specially pertaining to the rear four where Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker seem happy in each otheras organization. A week ago they even went in terms of to link up in Fulhamas fee area, Koscielny nodding down a for Mertesacker to nod home. As Jack Wilshere confessed afterward, that has been a significant surprise since Arsenal, generally, don't often score from those type of set pieces. But if they are able to do so again within a gain at the Emirates, my old area put themselves in the box seat in this tense top-four struggle. They have not quite been playing out of these themes currently, but eight wins in their previous 12 group games point out a side heading in the proper way. A season containing embarrassing beats to Bradford and Blackburn, a season when faith in Wenger was further diluted, might find yourself OK if Champions League football is attached all over again.
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Manchester Area v West Ham United: match critique - Telegraph.co.uk
Saturday, April 27 2013 Manchester City v West Pig UnitedEtihad StadiumKick-off: 12.45 BST.TV: Live Atmosphere Sports 2, Features BBC ONE Fit of the Afternoon. Manchester City (Possible, 4-2-3-1 ): Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy; Y TourA, Barry; Silva, TAvez, AgAero.Out: Maicon, Richards (both leg ).Test: Rodwell (hamstring). West Ham (Possible, 4-4-1-1 ): Jaaskelainen; Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien; Vaz Te, DiamA, Nolan, Jarvis; Noble; Carroll.Out: Tomkins (calf), McCartney (knee ).Tests: J Cole (hamstring), Noble (neck). Referee: Howard Webb. Matches: 26, R3 Y96. Staff Media Birmingham City have Mark Silva, James Milner and Sergio AgAero all available following hamstring issues against West Ham at the Etihad Stadium. Playmaker Silva has missed the past three games while striker AgAero was an untouched change in last weekend's defeat by Tottenham and winger Milner was forced down at half-time for the reason that sport. Midfielder Jack Rodwell has been out for nearly 8 weeks along with his latest hamstring issue but could be available while defenders Maicon and Micah Richards aren't yet ready for a go back to first-team action. West Ham, meanwhile, are without defensive pair James Tomkins and George McCartney at the Eithad. His first game could be begun by midfielder Mark Noble since February after making two consecutive appearances from the substitutes' seat. Fellow midfielder Joe Cole, who also got off the bench against Wigan last weekend following his recovery from a hamstring issue, might be considered for his first start since March 2. Fit Records How Manchester City finish this year will probably prove critical in whether Roberto Mancini maintains his position as director come early july. Slide away and let the league to be won by Manchester United by a record margin and Mancini will be battling, but a brilliant end and FA Cup achievement can swing your decision in his favour. Beating West Ham is the first goal and it should be routine. Betting: Home 1-4, Away 10-1, Draw 5-1. Stat of the game: If City drop it'll function as first time they have endured back-to-back defeats in 100 Premier League games.. Mark Ogden's prediction: Manchester City 3 West Ham United 1.
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund experience old difficulties in new dawn - The Guardian (blog)
The English game may well not have noticed, being mostly worried about Luis SuArez and his marauding molars, but there was a coup in European football this week. On subsequent nights two German groups not only saw off the best-known names in Spanish football but did therefore with a relish which suggested that the ability structures in the Champions League are planning to change. On Tuesday, Bayern Munich beat Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of these semi-final. These night Borussia Dortmund defeated Real Madrid 4-1. The likelihood of either deficit being overturned in Spain must be slender and the prospect of an final at Wembley on 25 May is an stimulating one. A German resurgence is long overdue. Bayern were the past German team to win the Champions League in 2001 if they beat Valencia on fines. Ever since then the tournament has been dominated by Spanish, English and Italian sides. In 2013 the task from England and Italy has fallen well short while Manchester United might declare that they might still have now been there but for the dismissal of Nani in the second leg of the last 16 when they appeared set for success against Real. Chelsea, the members, and Manchester City maintained only token appearances and while the group stage was survived by Arsenal their departure was predictable and meek. Bayern were anything but meek against Barcelona. Their performance was ab muscles essence of German football even if two of probably the most significant players, Arjen Robben and Franck RibAry, originated from Holland and France. The rate, combination of technique, natural passing and movement, and especially the strength of their group, rolled back the years to the membership, great German groups and international, of days gone by. The way in which Barcelona were beaten valued remote pictures of the 1954 World Cup last in Switzerland when West Germany faced Hungary, the staff of its era. Several gave the Germans the merest glimmer of hope. The Hungarians had defeated them 8-3 in the opening class period. Why should they lose now? But Hungary, like Barcelona on Tuesday, were slightly off their game. And Ferenc Puskas, like Lionel Messi, hadn't entirely recovered from an injury. So even though the Hungarians scored twice in the initial eight minutes they were gradually worn down by the opposition's pace, skill and relentless targeting power and were beaten 3-2. Dortmund's rout of Madrid was practically an replay of the fit in Munich twenty four hours earlier in the day, except that victory was all about the conventional centre-forward play of Robert Lewandowski, who is Tommy Lawton, Nat Lofthouse, Alan Shearer and Robin van Persie rolled into one. If Van Persie's excessive shot for United against Aston Villa on Monday, when the Dutchman took a ball dropping over his shoulder on the volley, was the purpose of the season in the Premier League, then the third of Lewandowski's four on Wednesday, an exquisite drag-back accompanied by a change and booming shot, may have few rivals in the Champions League. In the aftermath of these German triumphs against such vaunted competitors, many statements have spoken of power changes in European soccer. It is a fair concept backed by exhilarating research, although with the return legs still in the future, and when it can be assumed that Bayern and Dortmund will continue to go from strength to strength while adding new faces for their squads, German optimism might be entirely justified. Yet Dortmund went in to Wednesday's match understanding that certainly one of their most critical players, Mario GAtze, was established to join Bayern in the close time for A31.5m with still another, Sven Bender, also more likely to move. And as Lewandowski was scoring his four goals, one could sense his selling price rising since he'll be out of agreement after next season, an issue which may also result in him making come early july. While Bayern would seem to be better placed economically, neither membership may be in a position to withstand the kind of offers because of their players that could originate from Spain or England. If Chelsea's manager, Roman Abramovich, was prepared to pay A50m for Fernando Torres, what may he maybe not lash out for Lewandowski? Needless to say he can offer Torres in part-exchange, according to his sense of humour. Uefa's try to control such excesses through limitations on debt could make it easier for groups like Dortmund to keep on to their participants nevertheless they shouldn't rely on it. In Europe the power may be shifting on the field, but the power in the pockets remains unchanged.