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Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Take a lap: the hockey fan’s guide to Olympic swimming
In the off season I can be found in a galaxy far, far away from the ice rink, doing laps at my local community pool. This year, I’m cutting into quality workout time to watch the aquatic events at the Olympics. I can see from my Twitter feeds that my fellow hockey fans do not all appreciate the finer points of my favorite water sport. Maybe they just don’t realize that the two sports aren’t that different. That’s why I suggest that the next time you turn on the Olympics to a swimming event, think hockey.
Team USA gets by Tunisia
Disappointing wouldn’t be the exact word to describe Team USA‘s first half against and over-matched Tunisia team. Pathetic or embarrassing would be more like it. Thankfully Team USA’s second unit, led by Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Love, helped them cruise to an easy victory in the end. This game was projected to be a blowout. The spread was 55 points in [...]
Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/nba/team-usa-gets-by-tunisia/
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Olympics 2012: American Stars Who Will Emerge as London Games Continue
It's been an action-packed first few days at the 2012 London Olympics, but we haven't even reached the half-way point of this year's Games.
The Olympics don't wrap up until Sunday, August 12, so there is plenty of time for breakout stars to emerge. We've already witnessed a few Americans rise to national prominence (Missy Franklin, Matt Grevers, the U.S. women's gymnastics team), and with multiple high-profile events to come, we'll certainly see a few more Americans reach Wheaties-box status.
The following athletes are the most likely candidates.
Jordan Burroughs - Wrestling (74 Kg)
A 24-year-old New Jersey native, Jordan Burroughs is equal parts swagger and substance, making him the perfect candidate to become an international superstar.
His Twitter handle (@alliseeisgold) reeks of arrogance. His resume shows that he's earned it.
Burroughs has won every tournament he's entered since 2009. He's won 34 consecutive freestyle matches, dating back to spring 2011. He was an NCAA national champion in 2009, and after recovering from a knee injury, he was named the top collegiate wrestler in the country in 2011.
He also won the 2011 World Wrestling Championships in Istanbul, defeating two-time world champion Denis Tsargush of Russia in the process.
Burroughs is a heavy favorite to take home the gold in London. If he does, get used to seeing his face whenever you turn on the TV or pick up a magazine.
Carmelita Jeter - Track & Field
Right now, most Americans have no idea who Carmelita Jeter is. The first guess would probably be Derek's wife. The second might be his sister.
By 4:55 p.m. ET on August 4, though, Carmelita will (briefly) become the most famous Jeter in America. That's because she's expected to win gold in the 100-meter dash and possibly become the fastest woman in history.
Jeter has already posted the second-fastest time ever by a woman, running a 10.64 in 2009. She has since followed that up with a world championship in 2011, and after winning the 100 in the U.S. Olympic Trials, she looks to be in top form.
Jeter boosted her fame by posing for ESPN the Magazine's Body Issue in July. If she can win gold and break the female 100-meter record of 10.49 seconds, she will reach full-blown celebrity status.
Alex Morgan - Soccer
The new golden girl of U.S. Soccer, expect Alex Morgan to become one of the two or three most famous female athletes in our country by the end of the Olympics.
She has everything that a legitimate superstar needs: a charismatic personality, a beautiful smile, and of course, a ridiculous amount of talent.
The 23-year-old Morgan has scored 29 goals in just 43 appearances for the national team, including two thus far in the Olympics. She has helped lead Team USA to the quarterfinals, and as the heavy favorites to win it all, Morgan and her teammates will likely take home the gold.
If they can do that, and if Morgan scores a few more goals along the way, she will emerge as one of the brightest stars from London.
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U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team 2012: Athletes Searching for First Gold Medal
With both the U.S. men's and women's gymnastics team this year full of youth, the London Olympics can be a special one for them. This is because the majority of these gymnasts are searching for their first Olympic gold medal.
Now even a bronze Olympic medal is special. However, there's something that's just so overwhelmingly amazing about winning first place in an event that you have spent years of your life training for. The gold medal is a tangible representation of success, that you are indeed the best in the entire world at the event you just won.
The women's team now knows all about this having just won a gold in the team finals. For this young team, all of them are currently in the process of celebrating their first Olympic gold medal.
Even with their loss in team finals yesterday, many of the men's team still have that hunger for success in individual competition. The opportunity may have been squandered yesterday, but they have to hope that will not be the case in the days to come.
Here's a look at some of the U.S. men's gymnasts that hope to be getting their first Olympic gold medal within the next week.
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US Women's Gymnastics Team Reacts to Winning Gold in Team Competition
Aly Raisman sheds tears of joy as Team USA wins the gold medal in women's gymnastics.
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How To Handle The Perry And Getzlaf Contracts?
from Ken Campbell of The Hockey News, As the NHL, in the words of one agent, “try to idiot-proof the CBA once again,” two players who find themselves in rather interesting situations are Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf of the Anaheim Ducks.
You see, both are due to become unrestricted free agents next summer, which means the Ducks are free to negotiate contract extensions with them now. But it begs the question, what to do with two players who were on track to become superstars in the NHL, but have both seen their production dip precipitously?
For both players to get in on the action of the ridiculous front-loaded, double-digit term contracts we’ve been seeing lately, the time to strike is now. Because chances are by the time both players become UFAs next summer, the new collective bargaining agreement will have placed term limits on contracts.
Perry and Getzlaf will be 28 years old by the time their theoretical extensions would kick in next summer, meaning they’d potentially have at least another decade remaining in their careers. It’s the prime age for the 13- and 14-year deals we’ve been seeing players and agents sign to beat the system.
But there’s considerable risk in signing these two players to those kinds of deals because predicting their future production is a mug’s game.
continued
You see, both are due to become unrestricted free agents next summer, which means the Ducks are free to negotiate contract extensions with them now. But it begs the question, what to do with two players who were on track to become superstars in the NHL, but have both seen their production dip precipitously?
For both players to get in on the action of the ridiculous front-loaded, double-digit term contracts we’ve been seeing lately, the time to strike is now. Because chances are by the time both players become UFAs next summer, the new collective bargaining agreement will have placed term limits on contracts.
Perry and Getzlaf will be 28 years old by the time their theoretical extensions would kick in next summer, meaning they’d potentially have at least another decade remaining in their careers. It’s the prime age for the 13- and 14-year deals we’ve been seeing players and agents sign to beat the system.
But there’s considerable risk in signing these two players to those kinds of deals because predicting their future production is a mug’s game.
continued
Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/how_to_handle_the_perry_and_getzlaf_contracts/
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Team USA Basketball 2012: Stars Who Need to Step Up
The games in London this year will feature one of the best Olympic squads we’ve seen on paper in recent memory, but the names on the roster alone won’t bring gold to Team USA, as we saw with the 2004 squad in Greece.
With the roster running a bit thin due to injuries, and comparisons to the 1992 Dream Team buzzing about, there are a few players on the team that will need to perform exceptionally to lead the US to their second straight Olympic gold.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1278928-team-usa-basketball-2012-stars-that-need-to-step-up
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U.S. Women’s Volleyball team NAKED in ESPN Body Issue (PHOTOS)
“It’s time to put on makeup, it’s time to dress up right,” those are the words of the Muppet theme song. And they apply to the ESPN Body Issue. Sort of. It’s more about dressing down here. As in GETTING NAKED! Check out the U.S. Women’s Volleyball team as they get ready for the London [...]
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Monday, July 30, 2012
Matt Garza: Reds Reportedly in Discussions for Cubs Righty
The red-hot Cincinnati Reds are apparently attempting to further bolster their squad and discussing a trade with the Chicago Cubs that would bring right-handed starting pitcher Matt Garza to the Queen City.
This is according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, who offers the following:
The Reds, seeking to fortify the top of their rotation for a potential playoff run, are talking to the Chicago Cubs about a trade for right-hander Matt Garza, according to major league sources.
Contrary to what his 5-7 record would indicate, Garza is a top-of-the-rotation-type pitcher with a 3.91 ERA this season. However, as Rosenthal points out, he is currently on the shelf with "fluid in his triceps area, and will not pitch again until after the non-waiver deadline at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday."
This injury certainly complicates the situation, as the Reds will certainly want to give Garza a thorough medical before completing any kind of deal. This could simply be a non-issue, or it could be an ominous sign of things to come for the 28-year-old righty.
This trade is not likely to go down if the Reds find anything alarming. Rosenthal stated that the Cubs' asking price is commensurate with their optimistic view on the righty's current state.
If Garza can return to 100 percent strength, this would be a great move for the Reds. They have the second-best record in the National League and a three-game lead in the NL Central. Further, they are also getting better as the season rolls on. They have every right to expect the playoffs, and looking ahead to the postseason, their current rotation may not be suited for the rigors of the playoffs.
The Reds' current rotation of Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, Homer Bailey, Bronson Arroyo and Mike Leake is a solid rotation for the regular season, but it lacks the top-end dominance needed in the postseason.
Outside of Cueto—and possibly Latos—they do not have a pitcher that would inspire much confidence in playoff baseball. Matt Garza would certainly help with that. If the Reds do land Garza, it would leave them with a top three of Cueto, Garza and Latos.
And that is solid postseason top three.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1278892-reds-reportedly-discussing-deal-for-matt-garza
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Olympic Link Bank: Dana Vollmer, McKayla Maroney, Nastia Liukin, Jordyn Wieber
-So who suffered the bigger disappointment: Nastia Liukin or Jordyn Wieber? Both are devastating in their own right. But comment below who you think had/has it worse. If one more face of the U.S. women’s gymnastics suffers an elimination setback…you could start comparing them to Iowa Hawkeyes tailbacks. -staying with gymnastics, I’ve seen Twitter chatter [...]
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Meet Czech Republic Volleyball Players Kristyna Kolocova and Marketa Slukova
Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings went back to work Monday and took on the Czech Republic duo of Kristyna Kolocova and Marketa Slukova.
In this age of Twitter and live streaming, brought to you by NBC Olympics, a result doesn't stay secret for long. While some may see this match in prime time, others will know that the end result will favor the Americans.
An article written by Jimmy Golen of the Associated Press and posted on Yahoo! reports that May-Treanor and Walsh Jennings were able to hold their own and win in straight sets.
We now salute Busted Coverage for being ahead of the curve and introducing us to the competition ahead of their match with a splendid slideshow of Kolocova and Slukova.
They also got us up to speed on the particulars of these ladies who will be prime time starlets for a brief moment in the states.
Both players are 24; both are single. The team won its first match against Austria 10-21, 21-13 & 15-13.
There is a website dedicated to the two, Kolocova-Slukova.cz that seems to feature a great wealth of information on both players.
Kolocova calls Prague her home and is studying sports management. If you ever wondered what she looks for in a man, you would have to look like Brad Pitt. He is listed as the celebrity that she would love to have a dinner date with.
Slukova is a self-described moody athlete who loves to read and actually started out in gymnastics as a kid.
The Olympics continue to introduce us to a world of athletes who we are sad only feature every four years.
Follow us on Twitter for more Olympic Glory.
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UFC on FOX 4 Preview: Brandon Vera, Chris Weidman and Herb Dean on Stalling
The Ultimate Show starts off with a bang as we preview the upcoming UFC on FOX, Shogun vs. Vera.
TUS sat down with Brandon Vera to see what the light-heavyweight has been up to these past few months. Hear as Vera gives Bleacher Report his insight on everything from his opponent Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, to his expectations come fight night on Saturday.
Herb Dean lets us into his exciting world of MMA refereeing and shows The Ultimate Show what he looks for when opponents try to stall on the ground. Also, Cub Swanson stops by to show us his Move of The Week, his counter to a south paw jab.
Team EDGE prospect Chris Weidman stops by to give us his thoughts on what’s next for him after coming off an amazing victory against Mark Munoz in San Jose.
Be sure to sound off and let us know what you think in the comments below. If you like what you see, click here for more from Bleacher Report Productions.
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A South Korean Fencer Refused To Leave Olympic Arena After Controversial Ruling
Below is the scene right now following the semifinal match between South Korean Shin A Lam and German Britta Heidemann in the Women's Individual Epee at the Olympics.
Heidemann needed one point for the win as time was running out in the match. And with one second left, the clock froze for several seconds and the German scored the necessary point to advance to the gold medal match.
After several minutes, the judges ruled in favor of Heidemann.
Shin is now refusing to leave the arena as that would be an acceptance of the judges' ruling. South Korea is currently protesting the decision...
[UPDATE] After several minutes of urging by officials, Shin was finally escorted out of the arena by two officials and in tears (see second image below). It appears that the judges' ruling will stand and Heidemann has been declared the winner.
[UPDATE] Shin went on to lose the bronze medal match. Heidemann lost the gold medal match.
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Vote For Your Favorite Bobblehead
Paul for George who is sunning in the great UP.
Detroit, MI… For the second consecutive year the Detroit Red Wings will be asking fans to help determine which players will be featured in their season-long bobblehead giveaway promotion in 2012-13. Following the success of last summer’s Operation: Bobblehead voting campaign, which saw nearly two millions ballots cast in selecting the current members of the roster to be immortalized in the form of a collectible bobblehead, this year the team will be asking citizens of Hockeytown to vote on which former Red Wings greats they’d most like to see the likeness of emblazoned upon a 6 ½ inch polyresin figurine.
A total of six players will be featured in the 2012-13 Operation Bobblehead - Alumni Edition. The exact games at which 7,500 bobbleheads will be distributed this season will be announced at a later date.
Detroit, MI… For the second consecutive year the Detroit Red Wings will be asking fans to help determine which players will be featured in their season-long bobblehead giveaway promotion in 2012-13. Following the success of last summer’s Operation: Bobblehead voting campaign, which saw nearly two millions ballots cast in selecting the current members of the roster to be immortalized in the form of a collectible bobblehead, this year the team will be asking citizens of Hockeytown to vote on which former Red Wings greats they’d most like to see the likeness of emblazoned upon a 6 ½ inch polyresin figurine.
A total of six players will be featured in the 2012-13 Operation Bobblehead - Alumni Edition. The exact games at which 7,500 bobbleheads will be distributed this season will be announced at a later date.
Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/tmr/comments/vote_for_your_favorite_bobblehead/
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Olympic Results 2012: How Will US Gymnastics Fare After Jordyn Wieber's Exit?
The most shocking development in the opening round of women's gymnastics at the Olympics is the fact that Jordyn Wieber will not be participating in the individual all-around final. However, she must move past it to help the team win the gold.
Wieber was the 2011 world champion in the all-around competition, but the rules state that no more than two competitors per country are allowed to reach the finals. Teammates Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman put together outstanding performances in the opening round to advance.
Therefore, Wieber will only be a spectator in the all-around finals, despite finishing with the fourth most points in the competition.
Still, the team will need her if it wants to win its first team gold since 1996 in Atlanta. Wieber will be competing in a number of events, and if she is not in the right frame of mind, the team will suffer.
Fortunately, the U.S. squad seems too deep to fail. Not only does this group have experience from winning the 2011 World Championships, but everyone competing is considered one of the best in the world at their sport.
If everyone on the team can perform to their capabilities, they should be able to dominate the competition.
After the team competition, Douglas and Raisman will be competing for the prestigious individual all-around. While Wieber came into the games as the favorite, either of these two are capable of taking home the gold.
The biggest external competition will be from Viktoria Komova. The Russian finished second in last year's world championships, and she finished the qualifying round with more points than anyone else in the field.
Both Komova and Douglas had disappointing floor routines to start the competition, but the competition will be interesting when the two perform their best.
In addition, the Americans should be able to take home a few medals in the individual event competitions throughout the week.
Wieber's only chance to win an individual medal will be in the floor exercises and her determination might be enough to put her over the top. In addition, McKayla Maroney is on the team specifically for her vault expertise and should be the favorite in that competition.
No medals have been given out in gymnastics yet, but the Americans have set themselves up for quite a week as they try to continue a great legacy at the Olympics.
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Women's Gymnastics 2012: Gabby Douglas Will Emerge as Top All-Around Gymnast
Gabby Douglas has already usurped Jordyn Wieber as the leader of Team USA's women's gymnastics team. Douglas and Aly Raisman qualified for the women's individual all-around, but Wieber failed to make the cut.
Douglas was excellent in all-around qualifying. Her performances on the uneven bars, balance beam and in the floor routine were near the top. Overall, she enters the all-around competition on August 2 as the third-place competitor. Raisman is second, Russia's Victoria Komova is first.
We will know Douglas as the best all-around gymnast in the world after her performance in all-around competition. She managed to emerge as her team's go-to performer, and she's getting better as each event passes.
In terms of momentum, Douglas has it all. Wieber wasn't just supposed to be Team USA's best performer; she was considered to be the best all-around gymnast in the entire world. Douglas wasn't considered far behind, but she still wasn't expected to outperform her American teammate.
Once you thwart the best in your sport, what else is there to do? Nothing gets harder than that. Wieber would have made the cut if Team USA was allowed more than two participants, but she was still expected to be one of those two.
With her out of the mix, this now becomes Douglas' time to shine. She has the stage to herself, and Wieber isn't around to best her performance.
Douglas entered London's competition as a favorite to medal. Wieber was the only gymnast who most anticipated would keep her from taking home a gold medal.
Wieber's failure to qualify will allow Douglas to take the word "arguably" out of the equation. She has a chance to take home the most-coveted accolade in a gymnasts' collection, not Wieber.
Expect Douglas to win the all-around gold and become Team USA's unquestioned leader in the process. Wieber is talented, but Douglas' hardware will set her apart on all stages.
These Olympic games will set Douglas' career on an extremely bright path.
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WATCH: David Beckham Delivers The Olympic Torch On A Boat
David Beckham didn't make the cut to play for England's soccer team in the Olympics. He was, however, given the great responsibility of driving a boat carrying the Olympic torch to Olympic Stadium in East London.
Watch Beckham deliver the torch below:
And follow the Olympic opening ceremony live blog HERE >>
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Sunday, July 29, 2012
WATCH: David Beckham Delivers The Olympic Torch On A Boat
David Beckham didn't make the cut to play for England's soccer team in the Olympics. He was, however, given the great responsibility of driving a boat carrying the Olympic torch to Olympic Stadium in East London.
Watch Beckham deliver the torch below:
And follow the Olympic opening ceremony live blog HERE >>
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Here's Mr. Bean's Cameo In The Opening Ceremony
London, you have not disappointed us. Mr. Bean in Chariots of Fire:
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San Francisco Marathon 2012 Results: Men's and Women's Top Finishers
The results are in.
Hours after the 2012 San Francisco Marathon concluded, the unofficial results have finally been released.
Nathan Krah crossed the finish line first for the men while Devon Crosby-Helms toasted the women’s field. Krah is a former All-American while Crosby-Helms participated in the U.S. Olympic Trials.
Each runner extended the red, white and blue’s dominance in the event. An American male citizen has now won the San Francisco Marathon seven straight years. American women have won 12 out of the last 13.
Sure, their victories don’t add to Team USA’s medal count in London, but it’s always nice to defend the home turf. Here are the top performers in Sunday’s marathon (via Race Central):
Top 5 Men's Results
| 1 | Nathan Krah | 2:26:44 |
| 2 | Alexander Varner | 2:27:15 |
| 3 | Michael Wardian | 2:28:32 |
| 4 | Chris Mocko | 2:29:05 |
| 5 | Tim Harder | 2:34:56 |
Top 5 Women's Results
| 1 | Devon Crosby | 2:44:02 |
| 2 | Anna Bretan | 2:49:34 |
| 3 | Kimberly O'Donnell | 2:51:00 |
| 4 | Connie Mendoza | 2:54:27 |
| 5 | Stephanie Kato | 2:56:57 |
Weather
According to Weather.com, runners weren't held back by the elements on Sunday.
A major story pre-race was focused on the running community “Wear Blue: A Run to Remember.”
Ben Martin of the San Francisco Examiner reported that the group would participate in their own marathon that began at midnight on Sunday before they run city’s marathon. Wear Blue was started by Lisa Hallett to honor her husband, a U.S. soldier who died overseas. She said:
I have found that I identify more as a military spouse and as a runner than I do as a widow. I really value going to Saturday morning Wear Blue runs and being a part of that community and saying, “We’re active, we’re healing in a healthy way.” I want to be a part of a community that really has great pride in our American military.
On Wear Blue’s official website, they say their goals are to, “act as a support network, create a living memorial and bridge the gap between the military and the community.”
I know most people run marathons not as a competition, but as a personal challenge. Well, Wear Blue is a group it’s hard not to root for to finish first.
David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.
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Hope Solo working out at Sports Science (video)
USA soccer star Hope Solo visits the Gatorade Sports Science Institute to help her learn how to properly prepare her body from the inside out before hitting the field. Watch the Inside the Edge vid after the jump Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of [...]
Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/olympics/hope-solo-working-out-at-sports-science-video/
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Conservative Politician Derides Opening Ceremony As 'Leftie Multi-Cultural Crap'
Aidan Burley, the Conservative MP sacked as a parliamentary private secretary after it was revealed he attended a stag party in France where a guest wore a replica SS uniform, criticised Danny Boyle's "leftie" Opening Ceremony.
A Conservative MP has attacked the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games as “leftie multi-cultural c---.”
While others were lavishing praise on Danny Boyle’s £27 million extravaganza, Aidan Burley, member for Cannock Chase, described it on Twitter as “the most leftie opening ceremony I have ever seen - more than Beijing, the capital of a communist state!"
He added: "Welfare tribute next?"
An hour later, when the athletes from the competing countries started their parade, he wrote: “Thank God the athletes have arrived! Now we can move on from leftie multi-cultural crap. Bring back red arrows, Shakespeare and the Stones!”
Downing Street reportedly distanced itself from his comments, which were derided by others on Twitter.
James Cridland, managing director of Media UK, called for his resignation, while James Max, a broadcaster, tweeted: “I think the British people will be wondering if you deserve to be an MP at their expense with comments like that.”
Mr Burley later added: “Seems my tweet has been misunderstood. I was talking about the way it was handled in the show, not multiculturalism itself.”
His controversial remarks came just seven months after he was removed from his post as parliamentary private secretary to Transport Secretary Justine Greening for attending a party where guests dressed up as Nazis and drank toasts to senior figures in the Nazi regime.
Gavin Barwell, another Conservative MP who represents Croydon central, said: "With respect, us Londoners are rather proud of the diversity of our city."
The Prime Minister, David Cameron, fired Mr Burley after it was reported that he had been responsible for hiring the offensive uniforms for a stag weekend party in France in December.
Mr Burley apologised for not disassociating himself from “clearly inappropriate behaviour by several of the other guests at the party.”
In February, he was caught up in another row when he was said to have been “texting and dozing” during a talk by a Holocaust survivor at the Auschwitz concentration camp.
Friends of the MP denied any disrespectful behaviour but admitted he had sent at least one text message during the talk at the camp in Poland.
Stan Collymore, the former footballer who hails from Cannock, angrily replied on Twitter: "I'll happily stand against you at the next election. You have no clue about our town or its people."
Twitter: Aidan Burley MP - The most leftie opening ceremony I have ever seen - more than Beijing, the capital of a communist state! Welfare tribute next?
Twitter: Aidan Burley MP - Thank God the athletes have arrived! Now we can move on from leftie multi-cultural crap. Bring back red arrows, Shakespeare and the Stones!
Twitter: Aidan Burley MP - Seems my tweet has been misunderstood. I was talking about the way it was handled in the show, not multiculturalism itself
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Frei: Todd Bertuzzi-Steve Moore lawsuit pushed back till January 2013
Via RedWingsFeed, I don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but involves a member of the Red Wings and what is sure to be an incredibly difficult time for him. From the Denver Post’s Terry Frei:
Finally scheduled to begin on Sept. 24 in Ontario, the trial in the lawsuit of former Avalanche forward Steve Moore against Todd Bertuzzi, the Vancouver Canucks and Marc Crawford now has been “adjourned” to Jan. 28, 2013.
The defense requested and was granted the latest delay. It’s unclear how Bertuzzi’s still-playing status with the Detroit Red Wings would be handled, but I’m assuming it wouldn’t be shocking if it were pushed back again, to after the season.
The trial could last as long as three months.
Finally scheduled to begin on Sept. 24 in Ontario, the trial in the lawsuit of former Avalanche forward Steve Moore against Todd Bertuzzi, the Vancouver Canucks and Marc Crawford now has been “adjourned” to Jan. 28, 2013.
The defense requested and was granted the latest delay. It’s unclear how Bertuzzi’s still-playing status with the Detroit Red Wings would be handled, but I’m assuming it wouldn’t be shocking if it were pushed back again, to after the season.
The trial could last as long as three months.
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Women's Gymnastics Olympic Qualifications 2012: Favorites Who Will Dominate
Imagine growing up wanting to be a gymnast. Chances are that you have trained, practiced and competed before you even started school.
The lifespan of a gymnast is so short, and with the Olympics coming once every four years it is even shorter.
With the abuse gymnasts take, this will be many participants' best chance to medal at the Olympics. The pressure is on.
Here are three favorites in women's gymnastics who will dominate the competition:
Jordyn Wieber (USA)
An American favorite to win gold, Jordyn Wieber looks to put on a great performance in London. It will happen if she brings her A-game, which she is very capable of doing.
Wieber won gold in 2011 in the all-around competition at the World Championships in Tokyo. She has plenty of experience despite being 17 years of age.
Wieber is arguably the world's best gymnast and her game speaks for herself. She is consistent in competitions, rises to the occasion in big moments and is not afraid of the moment.
Aliya Mustafina (RUS)
Russia's best chance to win gold in women's gymnastics rests on the shoulders of Aliya Mustafina. She won gold in the all-around at the 2010 World Championships. She's been in pressure-packed situations before, although the Olympics are rare air.
Mustafina has the intangibles, experience and desire to become the world's best women's gymnast. She will take that next step Sunday in qualifying.
Gabby Douglas (USA)
Could you imagine being 16 years of age in front of a world-wide audience? Sounds pretty crazy, right? United States' Gabby Douglas will find out how crazy it is on Sunday.
Douglas' confidence is riding high heading into the Olympics having defeated Wieber in July's trials. With that victory comes through-the-roof confidence that will either soar her to a medal or make her overly confident in herself, leaving out details of having to earn a victory.
Judging by her confidence level, Douglas will have the right attitude heading into the competition. She'll embrace the pressure and seize her opportunity to do something special.
For more information on the Olympics check out NBCOlympics.com.
Joe Callahan Bryan Allen Mark Cullen Baltimore Orioles Boston Red Sox Chicago White Sox
Red Wings overnight report: a prospect, a question and a list
Looking at the Red Wings’ summer development camp in the rearview mirror, I find it somewhat ironic that news regarding the surprisingly large Jake De Haas’s trade to the BCHL’s Penticton Vees popped up on Friday, and that the Free Press’s George Sipple profiled Andreas Athanasiou today, because the pair of prospects almost prompted a delayed reaction in terms of the impressions the pair left upon me.
Phil Hughes Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera Kerry Wood Francisco Cervelli Chad Moeller
Red Wings morning report: leaving on a predictably strange note
I’m heading on vacation for a week today, and as such, my availability will be limited for the vast majority of the next week. I’m heading to the U.P. and a location where internet access extends to a “clubhouse” but not the cabin I’ll be staying in—I will kinda sorta be on vacation—so if anything big breaks, Paul will cover it here, but I’ll only checking in a couple of times a day. I’ll return on Saturday, August 4th and will take things a bit slow due to the time of year (here’s hoping that it’s not too quiet). Before I embark on a 400-mile drive with the mom:
As you might expect in late July, the news cycle is a feast-or-famine one, and we begin with St. Louis Blues coach Ken Hitchcock’s assessment of the state of the Red Wings in a discussion of the Blues’ Central Division rivals, held with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Jeremy Rutherford:
As you might expect in late July, the news cycle is a feast-or-famine one, and we begin with St. Louis Blues coach Ken Hitchcock’s assessment of the state of the Red Wings in a discussion of the Blues’ Central Division rivals, held with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Jeremy Rutherford:
Anibal Sanchez John Baker Brad Davis Logan Morrison Mike Stanton Josh Bailey
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Ejection Tantrum: Joe Mikulik Meltdown Shamefully Typical of Baseball Blame Game
Joe Mikulik has served as manager of the minor league Asheville Tourists since 2000 and has been an embarrassment to professional baseball on the national stage since 2006.
A former San Jacinto Junior College walk-on, Mikulik was drafted by the Houston Astros in 1984, sputtering around the minor leagues until retiring in the early 1990s, never having made it to MLB action.
Despite his stalled playing career, Mikulik endeavored to assist others in achieving their dreams, turning to coaching and accepting a position with the Canton-Akron Indians in 1995 before his promotion to manager of the Burlington Indians in 1997 and finally landing with the Asheville Tourists—a Colorado Rockies affiliate—in 2000.
Though as altruistic as the minor league player-turned-coach story might be, Mikulik appears to have never quite gotten over the pill of retirement, as evidenced by two significant meltdowns since taking the job.
Michael Erwin of CareerBuilder advises employees not to curse in the workplace—57 percent of surveyed employers said swearing could cost an employee a promotion—but don't tell that to Mikulik, who has been the Single-A Asheville Tourists' manager ever since.
On June 25, 2006, Mikulik was ejected from a game against Lexington after arguing a safe call at second base.
Cue the insanity.
During his '06 temper tantrum, Mikulik—and get ready for a long list of misconduct—threw his hat, yelled, dove into second base before picking up the base and showing it to the umpire, threw the bag toward center field, kicked chalk and dirt on home plate—indeed covering the plate with dirt by using his hands—threw bats from the dugout onto the playing field, dumped water on home plate before pretending to be a catcher, spiked a water bottle on the plate and untucked his jersey before finally retreating to the clubhouse, where he knocked over several water coolers and slid a batting practice screen in front of the umpires' dressing room door.
Mikulik, who was fined $1,000 and suspended seven days for his histrionics, chalked it up to frustration, via ESPN.com: "I don't think I ever lost total control ... It was just frustration and I obviously went a little bit too far. I apologize to fans and to the umpires for my actions, and I regret what happened."
Apparently, Mikulik was not sorry enough: Fast forward to July 27, 2012 and "Mikulik Meltdown Part II."
To his credit, Mikulik's tantrum was tamer this time around, with the manager only kicking dirt, throwing his hat and running wildly toward third base before picking up the bag, handing it to one lucky fan before tipping his cap to the crowd en route to his club's dugout.
Yet acting like a buffoon is not limited to Mikulik.
In 2007, then-Double-A Braves manager Phil Wellman famously created an improvised grenade with a pitcher's rosin bag before walking away with both second and third base, blowing kisses to fans as he exited through an outfield wall.
In 2010, South Georgia Peanuts manager Wally Backman launched a profanity-laced tirade and threw a bucket of baseballs along with some bats toward home plate—not safe for work—a tantrum featured in the documentary Playing for Peanuts.
Backman also forfeited a game by pulling his team off the field following a bench-clearing brawl. Backman had been ejected in the first inning of that particular contest.
And then there's former MLB manager "Sweet" Lou Piniella, famous for base-hurling, dirt-kicking, cap-throwing tirades.
Sure the Mikulik and Piniella tantrums make for riveting television—and the oddest of music videos—in a train wreck sort of way, but such meltdowns are an absolute disgrace to the sport: In an Umpire Ejection Fantasy League poll, just 13 percent of respondents agreed that tirades were pure entertainment. The remaining 87 percent of voters pegged such tantrums as at least partially disgraceful, with 49 percent describing them as purely disgraceful.
Baseball, in its ideal state, is intellectual—from sabermetrics to strategy, baseball is a brainy person's game, whereas the brawny sports of football, basketball and hockey feature brutal contact, towering strength and speedy burliness.
Yet tirades and hissy fits detract from the great baseball paradigm, injecting immaturity into a sport distinguished for its classy and classic nature—while hockey fights are commonplace and accepted, and hard fouls and hits are par for the course in football and basketball, baseball is remarkably gentlemanly.
When a manager or player airs his frustration with an umpire's call by employing childish tactics—though statistics prove that MLB umpires are right 99.5 percent of the time—he promotes the stereotype that baseball is "dumb."
When Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon sounded off on umpire D.J. Reyburn after surrendering a game-winning triple to Dodgers shortstop Dee Gordon earlier this season, the veteran reliever bashed Reyburn in a flurry of Freudian-like puerility, calling the umpire "terrible" instead of taking responsibility for his own shortcomings.
During a recent interview on FOX Sports Radio's Petros & Money, longtime umpire Joe West described baseball as "typically American," for according to West, "they're always looking for someone to blame ... The sport is so good, it has a place on the scoreboard for errors. There's no other sport that has that."
Enter the human element and the psychology of blaming umpires: There is always fault to go around.
When an umpire's call adversely affects one's team, it is the arbiter's fault—even when instant replay deems the call correct.
Even when an umpire reverses a call for—as they say—the explicit purpose of "getting it right," this is apparently an excuse to complain and induce an ejection.
And it does not stop at calls of "ball," "strike," "safe" or "out" either.
In another case of managers wanting umpires to "get it right" only when the call doesn't go against their own team, Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel was ejected for arguing Joe West's use of instant replay to declare spectator interference during a 2011 contest, resulting in an official protest and denial at the hands of MLB executive vice president Joe Torre, who publicly supported West's replay-aided endeavor of "getting it right."
West is right—baseball is "typically American," though unfortunately, when baseball turns into a giant finger-pointing affair, it stops being a sport and regresses into a silly, infantile game.
Gil Imber is Bleacher Report's Rules Featured Columnist and owner of Close Call Sports, a website dedicated to the objective and fair analysis of close or controversial calls in sports.
Juan Miranda Colin Curtis Kevin Russo Curtis Granderson Nick Johnson Javier Lopez
China Just Won The First Gold Medal At The Summer Olympics
China just won the first gold medal of the Summer Olympic Games in London, in the 10-meter air rifle event, according to The New York Times.
Yi Siling won gold, followed by Sylwia Bogacka of Poland with silver.
Two Americans advanced to the final round, but fell short — placing fifth and seventh in the end.
In 10-meter air rifle event, China earns two gold medals: nyti.ms/MRVWuv
— NYT Olympics Live (@LondonLive) July 28, 2012
SEE ALSO: The 12 Most Ridiculous Moments From The Bizarrely Awesome Olympics Opening Ceremony >
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Pittsburgh Pirates: Analyzing the Contributors That Came out of Nowhere
The 2012 Pirates have relied on first-round picks such as Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez to carry the offense. These guys had been groomed in the system and unlike many other first round picks of the Pirates, made it to the big leagues and have been highly productive.
Yet, the success of the 2012 Pirates is also largely due to players who came out of nowhere to start producing for the Bucs, and it is those players who I want to take a closer look at.
Jones had a long path to reach the major leagues, let alone be a successful player. Garrett was drafted in the 14th round of the 1999 Draft by the Atlanta Braves. He played three seasons in their minor league system before being released and signed by the Minnesota Twins.
He would remain in the Twins organization all the way until the 2008 season, yet he would only play in 15 games with the Twins during that time as he was blocked at first by Justin Morneau.
In the winter of the same year, the Pirates signed Jones to a minor league deal, one that received relatively little attention. Jones had a strong spring, but didn't make the club. The 2009 Pirates were so bad, however, that eventually he would get his chance, and he made the most of it.
Jones would go on to hit 21 home runs in just over half a seasons worth of games and earned a starting spot the next year. Yet, 2010 was not the kindest to Garrett. While he did top 20 home runs and 80 RBI receiving everyday at bats, his weaknesses, such as his inability to hit lefties, were exposed, and his batting average plummeted as a result. 2011 brought a platoon in right field with the highly unsuccessful Matt Diaz, and Jones' numbers dropped again. 2012 brought about another platoon, this time with Casey McGehee, and for most of the first two months, it looked as if Jones was playing his way out of the starting lineup yet again.
In June however, things began to change. As the Pirates offense improved, so did Jones, who is now putting up his best numbers since his original call-up in 2009. This has allowed him to stay in the lineup more vs. lefties, who he is also hitting far better as of recently. The man who became the Pirates everyday cleanup hitter was destined to be a career minor leaguer until the Pirates took a flier on him, and if the Bucs make it to October, he will be a large reason why.
Drew Sutton
Utility man Drew Sutton's story is one that deserves its own piece, so I will try and give the shortened version of this man's success story.
Sutton bounced around between the Astros, Reds, Red Sox, Braves and Rays organizations before coming to the Pirates (Actually, he was on the Pirates before the Rays, but only for a day). Playing for four organizations in one calendar year would challenge the mental toughness of any athlete, and Sutton was no exception.
Once arriving in Pittsburgh, though, Sutton played himself into more regular at-bats, and hit one of the most memorable game winning home runs in PNC Park history against the Astros, an emotional time for both Sutton and the Bucs.
Sutton recently scored the game winning run vs. the Astros in Houston, and keeps bringing the magic day in and day out. Championship teams have utility men such as Sutton amongst them.
Jeff Karstens
Jeff Karstens was essentially the sixth most valuable player in the deal that sent Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees for Jose Tabata, Ross Ohlendorf, Daniel McCutchen and himself. After pitching poorly in the Bronx, Karstens got himself a spot in the Pirates putrid 2008 rotation, and showed from the onset that maybe he had what it took to be a big league starter.
He nearly pitched a perfect game vs. Arizona in one of his first outings, yet, after a couple unsuccessful years, he was dropped from the 40-man roster and essentially was free to go sign with any other team. He ended up coming back to the Bucs and making the team as the fifth starter in 2011, where he would go on to post a sub-3.50 ERA and become the most valuable pitcher during the year.
Posting similar success in limited time this year, Karstens is proving to be a very valuable fourth starter as well as a leader on the staff.
Jason Grilli
Surprisingly, Jason Grilli actually was a first-round pick way back in 1997, yet, didn't have a full-time major league job until 2006. By 2011, Grilli was out of the big leagues after producing mediocre numbers and bouncing around several different teams.
He was with the Phillies Triple-A squad in Lehigh Valley when the Pirates signed him after his contract set him free if he wasn't in the big leagues by a certain date. For the first time in his career, Grilli began pitching lights out and racking up strikeouts.
He has been one of the premier set-up men in the game this year, on pace for over 100 strikeouts, and is the bridge to getting to Joel Hanrahan. One of the most valuable pieces on the team, it is amazing that Grilli was wilting away in the minor leagues just one season ago.
Michael McKenry
The only reason the Bucs even have the Fort at the moment is due to injuries from a season ago. Chris Snyder and Ryan Doumit were both injured within a week of each other, and the Bucs were left with Dusty Brown posting terrible numbers behind the plate.
They decided to make a low risk acquisition in trading for McKenry from the Boston Red Sox where he was in Triple-A. Soon, McKenry's style of play became a hit in the Burgh, yet, his numbers weren't exactly awe-inspiring. This year, McKenry took it upon himself to become a better hitter, and that he has. McKenry has his nine home runs so far in under 125 at-bats. That is a Ryan Braun level of power, and it is coming from the short, backup catcher on the Bucs.
With his hot-streak carrying over from June to July and hopefully August, it will be just a matter of weeks before McKenry becomes the starting catcher.
Jason Arnott David Clarkson Patrick Davis Tyler Eckford Mark Fraser Andy Greene
Here's Team USA Walking In The Olympic Opening Ceremony [VIDEO]
The United States of America just finished its walk at the Olympic Opening Ceremony in London.
Kobe Bryant looked lost and seemed to have gotten separated from his USA Basketball team, Michelle Obama was in attendance giving Team USA her support, and William and Kate looked like they didn't give a crap.
Watch USA proudly walk during the Opening Ceremony below:
And follow the Olympic opening ceremony live blog HERE >>
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