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LOS ANGELES, Calif. Oklahoma City Thunder Pro Shop . - Jamal Crawford scored 21 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Clippers held off the Denver Nuggets 102-98 Monday night for their fifth straight victory.Crawford scored their final five points and had a key save that led to a basket in the closing seconds, when the Clippers completed their biggest comeback of the season after being down by 16 earlier in the game.Matt Barnes added 18 points for Los Angeles, and Blake Griffin had 14 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists. Chris Paul scored 15 points.Ty Lawson led the Nuggets with 19 points and 11 assists. Arron Afflalo scored 18 points, Wilson Chandler had 18 points and 10 rebounds and Jusuf Nurkic had 10 rebounds in Denvers seventh straight loss.PELICANS 99, 76ERS 74NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Anthony Davis had 32 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots, and the Pelicans stretched their season-long winning streak to four games.Ryan Anderson scored 19 points and Eric Gordon added 13 for New Orleans, while Tyreke Evans tied a season high — set one night earlier — with 12 assists.K.J. McDaniels scored 16 points for the 76ers, who lost their sixth straight. Henry Sims and Luc Mbah a Moute had 14 points.Philadelphia played without Michael Carter-Williams, who was sidelined by an upper respiratory infection.Davis was 12-of-19 shooting, including five layups and five crowd-pleasing dunks, as New Orleans (24-21) went three games above .500 for the first time since coach Monty Williams first season in 2010-11.THUNDER 92, TIMBERWOLVES 84OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Russell Westbrook scored 18 points, and Oklahoma City got the win while playing without the injured Kevin Durant.Durant sat out after spraining the big toe on his left foot Sunday against Cleveland. Westbrook shot just 7 for 22 from the field, but was 4 for 6 and scored 11 points in the fourth quarter to help the Thunder remain in control. Serge Ibaka added 13 points and a season-high 19 rebounds.Andrew Wiggins scored 23 points, Thaddeus Young had 22 and Gorgui Dieng had a season-high 18 rebounds for the league-worst Timberwolves, who shot a season-low 34.1 per cent from the field.Anthony Morrow and Reggie Jackson each had 14 points to help Oklahoma Citys reserves outscore Minnesotas 45-21.GRIZZLIES 103, MAGIC 94MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Zach Randolph had 24 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in Memphis third straight win, and Marc Gasol added 16 points and 10 boards.Beno Udrih added 15 points and Jeff Green finished with 12 for the Grizzlies.Orlando, which dropped its sixth in a row, got 18 points and 12 rebounds from Nikola Vucevic. Victor Oladipo also had 18 points and Elfrid Payton had 12 points and six assists, but shot 5 of 14 from the field. Dewayne Dedmon had 10 points and 10 rebounds.Memphis led by as many as 20 and held a double-digit advantage through much of the game.CELTICS 99, JAZZ 90SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Tayshaun Prince scored 19 points, and Boston held on for the road win.Tyler Zeller had 14 points and seven rebounds for the Celtics, who grabbed control with a big second quarter. Jared Sullinger had 12 points and nine rebounds, and Avery Bradley also scored 12.Prince, who was acquired from Memphis in a three-team trade on Jan. 12, was 7 for 10 from the field and 3 for 4 at the free-throw line.Gordon Hayward had 26 points for Utah, and Enes Kanter finished with 20.Boston outscored Utah 38-14 in the second quarter, shooting 60 per cent from the field in the period. Cheap Thunder Jerseys . Plata blasted a rising shot to the upper left corner for his team-leading seventh goal of the season. He got the kick after referee Allen Chapman ruled Chris Tierney fouled John Stertzer in the penalty area. Custom Oklahoma City Thunder Jerseys . This week, they discuss the NCAAs revenue sharing, Don Zimmer, soccer language and Super Bowl 50. ARLINGTON, Texas -- Kendrys Morales busted out of his power drought in a big way. Morales homered twice and tied a career high with six RBIs to lead the Seattle Mariners past the Texas Rangers 9-2 on Tuesday night. The switch-hitting Morales, who has been hampered by a sore back, hit .235 with one home run in 25 June games before jumping on the Rangers for the 10th multihomer game of his career. "He lost his stroke there a little bit," Mariners manager Eric Wedge said. "I think its because he has been trying to do too much. But hes a good hitter who can do a lot of damage." Morales had a solo home run in the first and a three-run shot in the fifth off rookie Justin Grimm. Seattles designated hitter added a two-run single in the sixth to help the Mariners win for the first time at Texas this season. "I worked in the cage the last three or four days to make adjustments to feel more comfortable," Morales said through a translator. "I want to take an aggressive approach every time. Thats what it takes to be a winner." Joe Saunders (6-8) won for the first time in eight regular-season starts at Rangers Ballpark. The left-hander allowed two runs -- one earned -- and struck out five in 6 2-3 innings. Raul Ibanez, who hit 10 homers in June, had a solo shot for his 20th of the season as the Mariners opened a six-game road trip. The Mariners had 13 hits and scored their most runs since beating San Diego 9-0 on May 27. "I think the whole team swung the bats well," Ibanez said. "Even the outs that were made were good swings. It was a good collective effort." Grimm (7-6) gave up six runs and seven hits in four innings. He was chased in favour of Ross Wolf after Morales hit his second homer. The 24-year-old Grimm gave up a career-high three home runs and has a 9.31 ERA over his last six starts. "When talking about youth on the mound, youre going to get inconsistency," Texas manager Ron Washington said. "We have to get past the inconsistency." Grimm retired the first two batters of the game before Ibanez lined a 2-1 pitch over the fence in the right. Three pitches later, Morales followed with a solo drive to make it 2-0. "Their big bats in the order didnt misss," Washington said. Wholesale Thunder Jerseys. Texas Leonys Martin dropped down a bunt single leading off the third to extend his hitting streak to 15 games, the longest active run in the majors. Martin scored two batters later on Elvis Andrus single. After Dustin Ackley had a run-scoring double in the fourth to push the lead to 3-1, the Mariners scored three runs in the fifth. Nick Franklin led off with a single and Ibanez reached on Ian Kinslers error at second base to set the stage for Morales. He hit the first pitch from Grimm into the seats in right, extending Seattles lead to 6-1. It was Morales first multihomer game since last Aug. 8 against Oakland. Morales, who went 3 for 5, capped his big game with a two-run single in the sixth to make it 8-1. It was the fourth time he had six RBIs in a game. He last drove in six on July 30, 2012, against Texas. Saunders, who won the 2012 AL wild-card game at Rangers Ballpark with Baltimore, came in 0-7 with a 9.91 ERA in the regular season at Texas. The left-hander was coming off his shortest start of the season when he allowed six runs in 1 2-3 innings June 25 against Pittsburgh. "This place has torn me up a few times," Saunders said. "Everybody knows they can hit the ball. I wanted to work down in the zone and try to get ahead, something I havent been doing, and throw strikes." Saunders got double-play grounders to end the fifth and sixth. After he recorded the first two outs of the seventh, Andrus and Nelson Cruz had consecutive singles to chase Saunders. NOTES: Texas RHP Colby Lewis (elbow) threw 37 pitches in the bullpen and is expected to have another bullpen session Thursday. ... Rangers opening-day starter Matt Harrison, out since April while recovering from back surgery, threw from 120 feet. ... Ackley was back in the starting lineup after missing Sundays game with a sprained left thumb. ... Texas DH Lance Berkman (sore right knee) missed his fourth straight game. Berkman said he hopes to return to the lineup Wednesday night. ... Rangers radio announcer Eric Nadel missed most of the game because of laryngitis. Texas lead radio voice called the first inning before leaving. ... The Rangers outscored the Mariners 23-3 in a three-game sweep April 19-21. ' ' '

FORT MYERS, Fla. Edmonton Oilers Pro Shop . -- David Ortiz hopes to get a one-year contract extension "pretty soon" and Boston Red Sox owner John Henry would like to fulfil his designated hitters desire to retire as a member of the team. Whether a new deal will be completed during spring training remains uncertain. "I think its going to be OK," Ortiz said Wednesday. "Conversations are good. My bosses are more than happy to talk about what were talking about. Theyre trying to get this out of the way so it doesnt begin to be a distraction. "The contract situation thing is going to be taken care of at some point. When, I dont really know. Hopefully, pretty soon." About 90 minutes later, Henry was more restrained when asked if he expects a speedy resolution. "I dont know that it will get done, but I think its good to have the conversation at the beginning of spring training," he said. "The sooner its resolved, in one way or another, the better it is for everyone." Henry said he and other Red Sox owners would be in town by Thursday. Fernando Cuza, Ortizs agent, has been in Fort Myers this week. Ortiz, 38, is in the final year of a $26 million, two-year contract as he enters his 12th season with the Red Sox. He began last spring training with a heel injury that hobbled him early in the season. But he finished with a .309 batting average, 30 homers and 103 RBIs. In the six-game World Series victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, he batted .688 and was the MVP. "Hes meant so much to this franchise, to New England, for so long," Henry said. "He has helped carry us to three world championships, so I know where hes coming from. He wants to finish his career here and we should try to make that happen." The Red Sox could be wary of Ortiz having problems with his health or production at his age. But hes looking forward to another outstanding season. "Last year was a tough year for me and I survived through it and now I feel great," he said. "I feel way better than last year." In 11 seasons with the Red Sox, Ortiz is batting .292 with 373 homers and 1,191 RBIs. That averages out to 34 homers and 108 RBIs per season. "I think Im one of the greatest ever to wear this uniform," he said. "I dont like to talk about it, like to sound like that, but sometime you got to let em know. And I think its very disrespectful for someone out there to be saying that Im greedy, that all I want to talk about is contract. When am I going to talk about contract? When I retire?" Hes more upset with people who criticize him, citing "haters" who "talk trash" on radio -- than he is with the Red Sox. He said he doesnt bring up his desire for an extension, but responds to questions asked by reporters. And one of those questions is how long hell continue playing. "I get that question asked all the time," Ortiz said. "And I have a question for everyone. What am I doing so bad that people want me to retire? Can anybody give me an answer to that?" Ortizs desire for a one-year extension "is certainly something we should listen to and consider," Henry said. Can Ortiz imagine playing for another team? "It can happen," he said. "Hopefully not." After slumping in the AL championship series against the Detroit Tigers, Ortiz went 11 for 16 with two homers and six RBIs in the World Series. His .688 batting average and .760 on-base percentage were the second highest in Series history. "People sometimes want to make a big deal about a guy like me asking for another year extension when some others are asking for a 10-year extension," he said. "If it doesnt get done, it doesnt get done. Ive got to come in and get my job done like I normally do. "Im not going to shut it down. Thats not going to get me another contract." Oilers Jerseys China . Each day, TSN.ca provides the latest rumours, reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. Defensive Depth TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun is reporting the Toronto Maple Leafs have considerable interest in unrestricted free-agent defenceman Dan Boyle. Edmonton Oilers Store . Sizemore, who turned 29 on Jan. 4, has been limited to six games over the past two seasons because of an injured left knee that twice required surgery. He originally got hurt on Feb. 25, 2012, during a fielding drill in Oaklands first full-squad spring training workout and had surgery that March 21 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.JERSEY CITY, N.J. -- Peyton Manning might not be ready to call it a career even if he leads the Denver Broncos to a Super Bowl victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Manning and the AFC champion Broncos arrived in New Jersey on Sunday night for the start of preparations for the big game next week at MetLife Stadium. The Broncos quarterback, at a news conference aboard the Cornucopia Majesty cruise ship docked outside the team hotel, says he has no plans beyond next Sundays Super Bowl, but adds that as of now, he "certainly" wants to continue playing. Oilers Jerseys 2020. . Manning, trying to become the first starting QB to win Super Bowls with two teams, says he feels better than he thought he would at this point after undergoing two career-threatening neck surgeries two years ago ' ' '

NEW YORK -- After 10 pitching changes and more than 4 hours of baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers did what they usually do against the New York Mets lately. Fake Rockets Jerseys . Win. Adrian Gonzalez homered again in his second consecutive three-hit game and Yasiel Puig reached base five times to lead Los Angeles over the skidding Mets 9-4 Tuesday night. Josh Beckett (2-1) helped himself with an RBI single in his second straight victory after 14 winless starts, but the fiery right-hander left frustrated after failing to get an out in the sixth inning. "I was mad at myself," Beckett said. "Last thing you want to do is kill your bullpen the first game of a series." Carl Crawford scored three times and stole two bases. Gonzalez connected for a two-run shot in a four-run fifth, when Los Angeles chased Rafael Montero (0-2) from his second major league start. "Tonight was great," Gonzalez said. "We took walks, putting pressure on and putting up runs. We tallied up a pretty easy win there at the end." Dodgers third baseman Juan Uribe limped off with a right hamstring injury after his ninth-inning double. Puig, who had three hits and scored twice to extend his recent tear at the plate, delivered an RBI single during a three-run ninth. Curtis Granderson (three hits) and Lucas Duda homered in the sixth for the Mets, who dropped to 5-13 in May with their fifth defeat in six games. Twice they loaded the bases with one out and came up empty in the opener of a nine-game homestand. New York (20-24) fell a season-worst four games under .500 and lost for the 10th time in 11 meetings with the Dodgers dating to July 1, 2012. The teams combined to use 12 pitchers in a yawner that took 4 hours, 8 minutes -- a minute short of tying the Mets record for a nine-inning game. "It seemed like we were on the field the majority of the game and thats not good," New York third baseman David Wright said. Puig drew a leadoff walk in the fifth and Gonzalez hit his 11th homer into the Dodgers bullpen in right-centre. The streaking slugger has eight hits in his past 12 at-bats, including a home run in Sundays loss at Arizona. "Im just staying with it all season long. Not going to change a thing," Gonzalez said. Matt Kemp doubled and Crawfords RBI single chased Montero (0-2), who arrived in the majors with a reputation for fine control. One of the teams top pitching prospects, the 23-year-old right-hander has walked six and served up three home runs in 10 1-3 big league innings. "Im going to find out what hes trying to do. If hes trying to pitch to the corners, in this league youve got to earn that, youve got to earn the corners," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "Once the umpire knows youll pound that strike zone, hell give you some stuff. He fell behind a lot tonight. Thats why he threw a lot of pitches. Weve got to get him to realize hes good enough to get strike one and go from there." Uribe fisted a run-scoring single over a drawn-in infield against Jeurys Familia to cap the outburst. Puig, the co-NL player of the week, doubled off the top of the right-field wall in the sixth and scored on Hanley Ramirezs single to make it 6-1. Earlier in the game, the exuberant right fielder appeared to lose track of the outs when he fired a throw to third base after catching a fly ball to end the third inning. That drew chuckles from Puigs teammates -- and a long stare from a perplexed Uribe. After giving up three runs on two homers and a double in the sixth, an animated Beckett gestured with his arm when catcher A.J. Ellis came out for a visit that preceded a walk to Wilmer Flores. As he waited to be removed by manager Don Mattingly, Beckett bounced the ball on the back of the mound and appeared to be venting to teammates about a pitch "right down the middle." "He hit a wall, which is unusual for him," Mattingly said. "It happened quick." J.P. Howell struck out three in 1 1-3 scoreless innings and Chris Withrow retired Duda and Flores with the bases loaded to preserve a two-run lead in the seventh. NOTES: Dodgers LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder inflammation) is scheduled to come off the disabled list Wednesday night to make his first start since April 27. Ryu has not allowed a run in 26 innings on the road this season, going 3-0 in four starts. ... Beckett entered with a 1.67 ERA in his previous six outings. Pitching at Citi Field for the first time, he improved to 7-2 in 15 career starts against the Mets. It was the first time he faced them since 2009 with Boston. ... Mets CF Juan Lagares was home in the Dominican Republic because of a death in the family. Wholesale Rockets Jerseys . Browns owner Jimmy Haslam announced the move with Young on Monday during a speech at a Pro Football Hall of Fame luncheon. Rockets Jerseys China . "It was awesome," he said. Coming off an ugly three-game sweep at the hands of the Yankees, Toronto found itself in a deep hole early after the Reds put an eight spot up on starter Liam Hendriks (six runs in 1 2/3 innings pitched) and Todd Redmond in the second.Houston, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - The Houston Dynamo announced on Friday that the club has signed defender Raul Rodriguez from La Liga side Espanyol. Rodriguez had his contract terminated by the Spanish outfit earlier this week after spending nearly six years with the club, and the Dynamo will hope the addition of Rodriguez can bolster a thin back line. Hes a player at a very good stage of his career, and we feel he has a lot of very good soccer ahead of him, Dynamo general manager Matt Jordan told MLSsoccer.ccom. Rockets Jerseys 2020. We think hes going to bring leadership to our team, and whats very good is that hes coming to us at a very good stage in his career with all the right motivations as to what were working for. The 27-year-old appeared in 80 games for Espanyol since he made his debut in 2010, and Rodriguez will be charged with improving a Dynamo defense that yielded a club-worst 58 goals last season. Just one day earlier, Houston acquired midfielder Leonel Miranda on loan from Independiente. ' ' '

KINGSTON, Ont. Portland Trail Blazers Shirts . -- Josh MacDonalds second goal of the game kept his team alive as the Peterborough Petes edged the host Kingston Frontencas 6-5 in overtime on Friday in Ontario Hockey League playoff action. Clark Seymour, Nick Ritchie and Stephen Nosad also scored for the Petes, who trail the series 3-2. Greg Betzold had three assists. Ryan Verbeek, Darcy Greenaway, Conor McGlynn, Sam Bennett and Spencer Watson scored for the Frontenacs. Peterboroughs Andrew DAgostini made 41 saves for the win as Matt Mahalak stopped 35-of-41 shots for Kingston. --- GREYHOUNDS 6 ATTACK 1 SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. -- Michael Bunting had a hat trick and Matt Murray made 30 saves as the Greyhounds toppled Owen Sound to take their Round 1 match up 4-1. Alex Gudbranson, Darnell Nurse and Tyler Gaudet also scored for Sault Ste. Marie, while David Miller and Blake Speers each tacked on three assists. Chris Bigras scored the lone goal for the Attack and Jack Flinn stopped 25-of-31 shots in a losing cause. The Greyhounds will face the Erie Otters in Round 2. --- COLTS 7 WOLVES 0 BARRIE, Ont. -- Kevin Labanc and Andreas Athanasiou each scored twice as the Colts blanked Sudbury to take Game 4 and go ahead 3-1 in their first-round matchup. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 24 shots for Barrie, while Tyson Fawcett, Brendan Lemieux and Jonathan Laser also scored. Lemieux tacked on two assists for a three-point outing and Zach Hall had two assists. Franky Palazzese turned away 29-of-36 shots for the Wolves. --- STORM 8 WHALERS 3 GUELPH, Ont. -- Kerby Rychel scored once and set up three more and Justin Nichols had 30 saves as the Storm defeated Plymouth to take their first round series 4-1. Nick Ebert and Tyler Bertuzzi both scored twice for Guelph while Ryan Horvat, Scott Kosmachuk and Zack Mitchell added single goals. Zach Lorentz had a pair of goals for the Whalers and Connor Chatham scored once. Alex Nedeljkoviv allowed seven goals on 36 shots in 46 minutes of action. Zack Bowman stopped 6-of-7 shots in relief. The Storm will meet the London Knights in Round 2. --- BATTALION 4 ICEDOGS 3 NORTH BAY, Ont. -- Alex Henriksson and Nick Paul each had a pair of goals as the Battalion kept their season alive by winning Game 5 of their first-round series against Niagara. Pauls second goal of the game 3:35 into the third period stood up as the winner for North Bay, which trails the series 3-2, while Brenden Miller and Zach Bratina had two assists apiece. Matt Gillard scored twice for the IceDogs and Blake Siebenaler had the other. Jake Smith only had to make 10 saves for the Battalion as Niagaras Brent Moran kicked out 32-of-36 shots in defeat. Blazers Jerseys China . 1 status and was unable to prevent a late season collapse, James Reimer said he wants to put the past behind him and is looking forward to spending the next two years in a Maple Leaf uniform. Custom Portland Trail Blazers Jerseys . In mens doubles, Vancouvers Vasek Pospisil and American Jack Sock reached the quarter-finals with a 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3), 6-4 win over Croatian Mate Pavic and Andre Sa of Brazil. LOS ANGELES -- Blake Griffin scored 22 of his 37 points in the first quarter and made 14 of 16 shots before fouling out, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Phoenix Suns 112-105 on Monday night for their eighth straight victory. Darren Collison scored 20 points and Chris Paul added 17 points and 11 assists for the Pacific Division leaders, who were 55.1 per cent from the field and improved to 23-1 when shooting at least 50 per cent. Goran Dragic had 23 points and five assists during a foul-plagued 33 minutes for the Suns, who slipped a half-game behind idle Memphis for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot and are 1 1-2 behind Dallas. Phoenix hasnt made the post-season since 2010 under coach Alvin Gentry, now a Clippers associate head coach. Gerald Green, who had a career-high 41 points for the Suns in last Thursdays 128-122 win over Oklahoma City, finished with 16 points after averaging 23.4 over his previous 13 games. Miles Plumlee, playing his second game after missing the previous two because of a sprained right knee, had 12 points and nine rebounds as all five Suns starters scored in double figures. Dragic came in averaging 20.5 points, third in the league among point guards behind Stephen Curry (23.5) and Kyrie Irving (21.5). But he picked up his third foul 2 minutes into the second quarter and wasnt a factor until the fourth, when the Suns rallied from a 19-point deficit with 8:11 remaining and got it down to 109-105 on Dragics layup with 32.5 seconds to play. But that was as close as they got, as Matt Barnes made three of four free throws to close it out. Barnes finished with 13 points, just six days after scoring a season-high 28 -- including six 3-pointers -- and making 12 of his first 13 shots in the Clippers 104-96 win at Phoenix. Things got testy with 5:28 remaining, as Griffin and P.J. Tucker began wrestling on the floor after they jockeyed for position in the paint on a missed 3-point shot by Barnes and Griffin fell on top of Tucker. The two had to be separated, and the game was delayed while referees Bennie Adams, Jason Phillips and Matt Boland examined the video monitor to sort it all out. Tucker was charged with a loose ball foul and then ejected, while Griffin stayed in the game. Blazers Jerseys 2020. But not for long. Griffin picked up his sixth foul on a charge under the basket with 3:23 remaining and the Clippers ahead 105-95. Dragic made a pair of driving layups 28 seconds apart to slice the margin to 105-99 with 2:21 to go. But Paul responded with a 16-foot bank shot and two free throws for an eight-point cushion with 1:21 left. The Suns trailed by as many as 25 after Pauls 17-footer extended the Clippers margin to 77-72 with 7:14 left in the third quarter. Barnes hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give the Clippers a 90-76 lead heading into the fourth. Griffin sat the final 1:03 of the third after picking up his fourth foul, then reported back in with 7:04 remaining and the Los Angeles leading 103-85. The Clippers, who came in averaging a league-best 107.8 points, led 62-45 at halftime by virtue of Griffins 29 points and 11 each by Collison and newly acquired Danny Granger, who had 14 off the bench. They built a 34-23 lead through one quarter after Griffin went 8 for 9 from the field and made all six of his free throws. Griffin came within one point of the franchise record for any quarter, shared by Randy Smith (Oct. 20, 1973 at Boston) and Baron Davis (Jan. 29, 2010 at Minnesota). NOTES: Clippers G Jamal Crawford was on the inactive list for the fourth time in five games because of a left calf strain. He tried to play through it during Saturdays win over Atlanta, but spent only 9 1-2 minutes on the court and attempted two shots -- both of which missed. "I dont know when hes coming back. I just dont know," coach Doc Rivers said. "I didnt think he looked good the other night, just running. I dont get involved very often with that stuff, but he wasnt running natural, so well just wait until hes back to playing 100 per cent." ... The Clippers have scored at 100 or more points in 16 straight home games since their loss to the Suns. Its their longest such streak since the 1983-84 season, their last one in San Diego. ... Griffin posted his 23rd consecutive game with at least 20 points, extending his career-best streak. ' ' '

FALL RIVER, Mass. Blackhawks Jerseys 2020 . - Former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez has been indicted in an alleged jail assault in February and an alleged threat at the jail last November. The Bristol County district attorneys office said Hernandez was indicted Thursday on charges of assault and battery and threats to do bodily harm. The statement said the alleged assault occurred Feb. 25 at the Bristol County House of Correction in Dartmouth, and the alleged threat occurred there on Nov. 1. Hernandez, who is from Bristol, Connecticut, is being held without bail at the jail after pleading not guilty to murder in the June 2013 death of Odin Lloyd, 27, of Boston. The body of Lloyd, a semi-professional football player dating the sister of Hernandezs girlfriend, was found not far from Hernandezs North Attleborough home. Prosecutors said they would have no further comment on the new charges before his arraignment, which has not been scheduled. His attorney did not return a message seeking comment. The county sheriff has said Hernandez was involved in a Feb. 25 scuffle with another inmate but neither of them required medical attention. Chicago Blackhawks Store . After Andrew Romine served up two monster home runs in the inning, Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said he thought Romine was one of the bright spots on the night, showing just how bad the series opener against the last-place Minnesota Twins went for the Tigers. Wholesale Blackhawks Jerseys .James scored 29 points, including 16 in the first quarter, and the Cleveland Cavaliers broke a four-game losing streak with a 106-74 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday night.MONTREAL -- Alouettes quarterback Jonathan Crompton overcame the loss of a loved one to lead his team to victory. After an abysmal first half, Crompton helped Montreal to a come-from-behind 38-31 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Percival Molson Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Crompton divulged Saturday that his former fiancee, who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer earlier this season, died Friday. Crompton was planning to head home to Tennessee after the game to be with her family. "This was not the best week for myself personally," said the Als quarterback, who had been growing his hair for the Locks for Love charity. "Thats the reason this is a team game. The guys came out and said, We got you. Go out there and be yourself. Emotionally, just let it out. They had my back." Crompton finished 18-of-27 passing for 205 yards with a TD and interception in his second straight start for Montreal, which scored four unanswered touchdowns and outscored Hamilton 31-10 in the second half to secure the victory. "A lot of adversity was thrown young Jonathan Cromptons way, and he dealt with it," said Als coach Tom Higgins. "Sometimes, what people dont know is that (athletes) have lives, and other things happen within their life, and it was a tragic thing that he had to deal with. "We truly feel that he always has the temperament to turn it around, no matter how bad hes playing. Thats a sign of a good quarterback, one that has a short memory." Montreal trailed 24-10 when Billy Parker intercepted a pass from Hamiltons Zach Collaros and returned it 45 yards to the Ticats four-yard line at 9:10 of the third quarter. Four plays and a pass interference penalty later, backup quarterback Tanner Marsh scored on a one-yard run. That seemed to energize the Alouettes as three minutes later, Crompton put together his best drive of the game to make it 24-24. He had a 33-yard completion to Duron Carter and 42-yard toss to Chad Johnson, then finished the five-play, 98-yard drive with a 10-yard scoring strike to Carter. James Rodgers 82-yard punt return for a touchdown broke the deadlock in the fourth quarter before Marsh added his second rushing TD of the game with three minutes remaining. "The turning point was going in at halftime and regrouping," said Higgins. "We knew that we needed to help our offence, and we did. The defence came up. Our special teams helped out too. We played a pretty good football game. "It was really a quiet locker room. We knew we had to come out and do these things in order to give ourselves a chance to win. The athletes have responded. Theres never any yelling or any screaming." The Alouettes (3-7) earned their second straight win to move into a tie with idle Toronto atop the East Division. Hamilton (2-7), meanwhile, fell to third in the East, two points ahead of Otttawa. Blackhawks Jerseys 2021. The Ticats were sitting pretty at the interval, up 14 points and en route to their second consecutive victory. But four second-half turnovers, including two lost fumbles and an interception, cost Hamilton the victory. Montreal scored a total 24 points off turnovers, including seven in the first quarter. "We gave too many points on turnovers," said Ticats head coach Kent Austin. "They killed us. You cant do it. You cant lose a turnover battle on the road and expect to win football games. You just cant do it. "We gave them points, and we gave them momentum in the second half. I told the team that until we learn to be a disciplined football team for four quarters with respect to turnovers in particular -- turnovers are killers -- its tough to win football games. It doesnt matter how well we play otherwise." Collaros finished the game 30-of-43 passing for 345 yards and added 35 rushing yards. "I dont think I can explain it yet," said Collaros, who threw a consolation touchdown pass to Andy Fantuz with 11 seconds remaining. "The defence played a great game, but we put them in some bad situations. Once Montreal got the momentum, it was hard to get anything going. We didnt execute like we should have in the second half." Montreal made the Ticats pay on their first turnover early in the game. Linebacker Winston Venable put the Alouettes in front 7-0 two minutes into the first quarter, returning Mossis Madus fumble 59 yards for the TD. Hamilton responded with a turnover score of its own when cornerback Rico Murray returned a Crompton interception 40 yards for the touchdown. Collaros then had a three-yard touchdown pass to Fantuz with time expiring in the first. It was a disastrous opening quarter for Montreal, which had no first downs and one yard of total offence. Justin Medlock added his second field goal of the game and a 53-yard single late in the second to put Hamilton ahead 21-7 at halftime. The two teams exchanged field goals in the third. "It means so much," said Carter, who finished the game with 56 receiving yards. "Especially in the division, and against Hamilton. We have a big rivalry against them. Late in the game, there was a lot of turmoil. Its a big game for us. We got the crowd going. All the momentum on the field makes us want to go score." Notes: Montreals Marc-Olivier Brouillette left in the second with an undisclosed injury and didnt return. à The attendance was 20,551. à Hamilton and Montreal will meet again at Tim Hortons Field on Nov. 8 in the regular-season finale for both teams. à Montreals Kenny Stafford and Dominique Ellis did not dress for the game, neither did Hamiltons Emanuel Davis and Carson Rockhill. à The Alouettes visit Edmonton on Friday while Hamilton is home to Saskatchewan next Sunday. ' ' '

BOSTON -- Rajon Rondo took a step toward returning to action on Wednesday, working out with members of Bostons NBA Development League team at the Celtics practice facility. Cheap Vapormax China . Celtics spokesman Brian Olive said the closed workout of unknown duration took place in Waltham, Mass. Rondo has been out for nearly a year. He was not available for comment. The Celtics had lost nine in a row going into Wednesday nights game against the Toronto Raptors at the TD Garden, but Rondo was not expected to play. The four-time All-Star hasnt played since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee last Jan. 25, and he has been hinting that he would like to return for Friday nights game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Olive said any decision on Rondos return would be up to him and coach Brad Stevens. The coach said this week that Rondo would be put through some physical workouts to make sure he is ready, but ultimately it would be up to the doctors and trainers and Rondo. One of those workouts was on Wednesday, when the Celtics announced at 12:26 p.m. that he had been assigned to the Maine Red Claws of the Development League and then announced at 2:19 p.m. that he had been recalled. "Rajon is progressing terrifically in his rehab and this is the next step," general manager Danny Ainge said. "This is a brief assignment so that Rajon can participate in a workout this afternoon with the Red Claws and he will be called back up to the Celtics upon the conclusion of the workout." In his last availability, on Friday, Rondo said he hoped to make his season debut before the All-Star break; Bostons last game before the break is Feb. 12. But on Tuesday he sent a tweet saying, "29,233,380 secs" -- an apparent reference to the amount of time between his surgery and Friday nights game against the Lakers. The Celtics had lost 12 of 13 heading into Wednesday nights game. Discount Vapormax . Arsenal had already scored its goals in the third round fixture when the fierce rivalry turned ugly in the final ten minutes as Walcott was being carried off on a stretcher. Discount Shoes China . The moves were the first punitive steps taken by the Dolphins since a report on the NFLs investigation of the case was released last week. Investigators found that guard Richie Incognito and two teammates engaged in persistent harassment directed at tackle Jonathan Martin, another offensive lineman and an assistant trainer.MIAMI -- Christian Yelich was confident he was safe at home even if home plate umpire Ed Hickox called him out. Replay backed him up. Adeiny Hechavarria immediately followed the ruling with a go-ahead sacrifice fly for the Miami Marlins, who held on to beat the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Sunday completing a three-game sweep. "I thought I beat it from the get-go and then I saw him call me out, I kind of started yelling at him a little bit telling him I was safe," Yelich said. "If we didnt have replay right there, its a 2-1 game and we got two outs so it was huge. It was a big win for us." Yelich led off the inning with a double that extended his hitting streak to 14 games. He scored the tying run. Steve Cishek made it interesting in the ninth, allowing a leadoff double to Corey Hart. Hechavarria then made a diving stop at shortstop and a spinning throw to nab Dustin Ackley at first base preventing pinch-runner Brad Miller from scoring. "That was a game-saver," Marlins manager Mike Redmond said. "Thats why I feel that guy is the best shortstop in the league. Im glad hes on our team. That was a huge play." Cishek struck out Nick Franklin and Michael Saunders to end the game for his third save and 32nd consecutive conversion. A crowd of 20,208 took in the first day game this season at Marlins Park with the retractable roof open. It was 78 degrees when the game began and shadows partially covered the infield when the game ended. "Shadows came over the infield, which makes it tough for hitters, but at the same time, too, we mounted our rally with the shadows," Redmond said. "Maybe were shadow-friendly." Mike Dunn (1-2) pitched a scoreless eighth for the Marlins, who have won four of five. Tom Wilhelmsen (0-1) took the loss for the Mariners, which lost their sixth straight. "Things just arent going well right now, but thats okay; well get out of this," Wilhelmsen said. "We have a much better team than what were showing." After Giancarlo Stanton and Casey McGehee were walked by Wilhelmsen to load the bases in the eighth with one out, Garrett Jones hit a groundball to first baseman Justin Smoak, whos throw home was late allowing Yelich to score the tying run. Discount Air Force Ones. "I fielded it and threw it, but (Yelich) just got a heck of a jump," Smoak said. "It was a bang-bang play." Redmond immediately jumped out of the dugout to challenge the call, which was overturned after a delay of 2 minutes, 20 seconds. It was the second time replay was used in the series, which benefitted the Marlins. During Fridays game, replay determined that third baseman Kyle Seeger bobbled the ball during a transfer leaving the Marlins with the based loaded in the ninth before Giancarlo Stanton cleared them with a game-winning grand slam. "Its worked out well for us over the last couple of games, thats for sure," Redmond said. Seattle led 2-0 on a pair of sacrifice flies by Smoak and Ackley. Mariners starter Brandon Maurer held the Marlins without a hit until the fifth inning when Jones reached base on an infield single. Donnavan Solano ended Maurers outing two batters later with an RBI single to pull the Marlins to 2-1. Maurer allowed one run, two hits, and two walks in 4 1-3 innings in his season debut. "He was tired; he was exhausted," Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said. "We knew that was going to be a pitch-count (situation) anyway. He did good in the time he was in there." Miamis Kevin Slowey pitched five innings allowing two runs. NOTES: Stanton was intentionally walked in three consecutive games for the first time in his career and has drawn five intentional free passes on the season after having five all of last season. .... The teams combined to use 12 pitchers in the game. ... It was the first time in 11 games that the Marlins did not hit a home run. ... Miami begins a three-game series at Atlanta on Monday with RHP Tom Koehler (2-1, 1.89) on the mound against RHP Julio Teheran (2-1, 1.93). ... Seattle will host Houston on Monday sending ace RHP Felx Hernandez (3-0, 1.91) to the hill against LHP Dallas Keuchel (1-1, 3.50). ' ' '

ST. Tayshaun Prince Jersey . LOUIS -- When it comes to being a hitter, St. Louis rookie Michael Wacha would rather talk about his pitching. Wacha threw seven innings and drove in two runs with a single, helping the Cardinals to a 5-3 victory Thursday over the Chicago Cubs. The 6-foot-6 Wacha (3-3) had lost his last three decisions since an April 13 win over the Cubs. The 22-year-old right-hander allowed seven hits, including a homer, but did not walk a batter. He struck out five. "I was able to pound the strike zone down in the zone and it was pretty effective," Wacha said. "I kept them off-balance, which means its a pretty good day. Its definitely nice to go deep into a ballgame and get a win. It definitely gets your confidence going in the next start thats for sure." Trevor Rosenthal pitched 1 2-3 innings for his 11th save. Rosenthal, who blew a save Tuesday, inherited a one-out, bases-loaded situation and gave up a sacrifice fly, but closed out the inning and retired the side in the ninth. The Cubs have lost nine of their last 11 and are off to the worst start in 39 games (13-26) since 2002. Jason Hammel (4-2) gave up five runs on five hits and two walks in 5 1-3 innings, raising his ERA to 3.06. Hammel had six strikeouts. St. Louis scored four runs in the second inning on Wachas two-run single in between a run-scoring groundout by Yadier Molina and Matt Carpenters RBI double. It was Wachas first hit and RBIs of the season. "Its nice to finally have a batting average," Wacha said. St. Louis manager Mike Matheny noted it was a timely hit. "Mike was good and obviously getting that hit there to drive in a couple runs it was kind of a huge boost to us at that point," Matheny said. With two outs, Hammel might have escaped with little damage but he had to throw a strike on a 3-2 count to Wacha and the bases loaded. "I got behind Wacha with two wild ones," Hammel said. "I came in with a fastball and he hit it." Chicago got two runs back in the fourth on a home run just inside the left-field foul pole by Starlin Castro. He drove in No. 3 hitter Anthony Rizzo, who beat the St. Louis shift to the right side with his second bunt to the left side in two at-bats. Rizzo has three career bunt singles with the Cubs with one coming in his previous 285 games. "If theyre going to give me that, I might as well take it," Rizzo said. "We were able to cash in once. I almost make them pay twice for it. Wacha is a great pitcher but you get him on the stretch and try to get him off his game a little bit. "You know if teams are going to give me that, for the most part, Im going to take it every time." When Rizzo came to bat in the fifth and seventh, St. Louis did not shift. "Rizzo took advantage of the shift until they changed their defence on him," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said. "That led to our first two runs when Starlin drove the ball out of the ballpark. Hes really looking at the game from a lot of different angles. Think about it, youre down four runs and a solo home run is not going to do a whole lot for you." The Cardinals made it 5-2 when Molina lined a 3-2 pitch just inside the line in left for a one-out RBI single. Junior Lake hit a sacrifice fly for a run in the eighth, but Rosenthal got out the jam. St. Louis lost a challenge in the third when Matt Holliday was called out on a close play at first after hitting a grounder to shortstop. The time of the review was 2 minutes, 54 seconds. NOTES: Missouris new basketball coach Kim Anderson threw out the first pitch. "It was an honour to throw the first ball out," he said. "I was nervous out there, but its something I will never forget." ... The Cardinals announced the time for making up Wednesdays game with the Cubs that was rained out. It will be played at 1:15 p.m. Aug. 30 as part of a split doubleheader. The second game will start at 7:15 p.m. instead of 6:15 p.m. ... The Cardinals recalled 2B Kolten Wong on Wednesday from Triple-A Memphis and optioned infielder Greg Garcia back to the club. Wong was optioned April 27 after hitting .225 in 20 games. He hit .344 in 10 games at Memphis. He was not in the starting lineup as he was still battling the effects of a stomach virus. Mateen Cleaves Jersey ." Bach is in Rome for the European Olympic Committees general assembly and meetings with Pope Francis. He also visited with Italian Premier Enrico Letta. "The prime minister appeared to be interested in a bid from Italy for 24, because he has realized that the games can serve as a catalyst for development for a city and a country," Bach told The Associated Press on Saturday. Detroit Pistons Shirts . JOHNS, N.It had all the makings of a classic heavyweight boxing match - Riddick Bowe vs. Evander Holyfield in the second of what would become three great title bouts. That is, until James Miller grabbed the spotlight. Wearing a parachute with a propeller attached, Miller glided from the sky above and into the ring area at Caesars palace during the second minute of the seventh round. The lines on his paraglider became tangled in the overhead lights, dropping him down at ringside and into the crowd of spectators. With ruly boxing fans and security detail swarming him almost immediately, Miller was knocked unconscious before being sent to hospital where he was charged with dangerous flying. Henceforth, the legend of Fan Man was born - twenty years ago today on Nov. 6, 1993. Tonight, SportsCentre looks back at that infamous moment in sports history with its Top 10 memorable fans - and wants you to vote for your favourite. The Candidates (5): Jeffrey Maier - Game 1 of the 1996 ALCS between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles and the Orioles were up 4-2 at the bottom of the eighth. Maier, 11, caught a Derek Jeter hit over the rails at the left centre field stands at Yankee Stadium. The umpires ruled it to be a home run instead of fan interference and New York would go on to win the game and the series. Steve Bartman - Another eighth inning incident - this time in the 2003 NLCS between the Cubs and Marlins. With Chicago up 3–2 in the series and 3-0 in Game 6, some fans attempted to catch a foul ball off the bat of Marlins second baseman Luis Castillo. Lifelong Cubs fan Steve Bartman reached for the baall, stopping a potential catch and second out by Cubs outfielder Moises Alou. Vinnie Johnson Jersey. The Cubs ended up surrendering eight runs in the inning and lost the game, 8-3. They then lost Game 7, which many Cubs fans say was kickstarted by Bartman. Pummeled Nordiques fan - No controversy here, just an old fashioned beatdown. In a home game against the Quebec Nordiques in 1992, Buffalo Sabres forward Rob Ray beat up a Nordiques fan who had snuck onto the ice and approached the bench. That was one brave (maybe not so bright) guy. Philly fan with Tie Domi - Toronto Maple Leaf Tie Domi wrestled with a spectator who jumped from the second row and landed on the glass separating the box from the crowd during the Leafs games against the Philadelphia Flyers at First Union Center.  Domi, who had just been penalized early in the third period, twice poured water over taunting fans in the front row before the attacking fan, Chris Falcone, jumped in and landed on the glass. Falcone leaned into it while throwing a punch at Domi. He then fell into the box as Domi grabbed him. The Saddledome Streaker - Wearing only a pair of red socks at a game between the Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins, a fan scaled the glass near the penalty box during a stoppage in play and just over five minutes left in the game. He then slipped when his feet touched the ice and landed hard on his back and head, knocking himself unconscious. After a delay of six minutes, he was removed on a stretcher to a huge ovation from the Pengrowth Saddledome crowd. Watch SportsCentre at 6pm et/3pm pt for the Top 10 most memorable fans. ' ' '

Serena Williams likes to make one thing clear: She is never satisfied, no matter how many matches and tournaments she wins. Bobby Portis Jersey . Driven as ever, Williams won plenty this year. She went 78-4 with 11 titles, including at the French Open and U.S. Open, raising her Grand Slam championship total to 17. She compiled a 34-match winning streak. She earned more than $12 million in prize money, a record for womens tennis. In February, she became the oldest No. 1 in WTA rankings history and never left that perch. Thanks to all of that, Williams was honoured Wednesday as The Associated Press 2013 Female Athlete of the Year. Its the third AP award for Williams, following 2002 and 2009. Only two women have been chosen more often as AP Athlete of the Year since the annual awards were first handed out in 1931. "Whenever I lose, I get more determined, and it gives me something more to work toward," Williams told the AP in an interview shortly before the start of the U.S. Open. "I dont get complacent, and I realize I need to work harder and I need to do better and I want to do better — or I wouldnt keep playing this game." The vote by news organizations was about as lopsided as many of Williams matches this season. She received 55 of 96 votes, while Brittney Griner, a two-time AP Player of the Year in college basketball and the No. 1 pick in Aprils WNBA draft, finished second with 14. Swimmer Missy Franklin was next with 10. The Male Athlete of the Year recipient will be announced Thursday. Williams, who grew up in Compton, Calif., and turned 32 in September, produced the finest womens tennis season in years. According to the WTA: — her .951 winning percentage was the best since Steffi Grafs .977 in 1989; — her 11 titles were the most since Martina Hingis 12 in 1997; — her winning streak was the longest since her sister, Venus, had a 35-match run in 2000. "She just continues to be an inspiration to American tennis," said Gordon Smith, the executive director of the U.S. Tennis Association, which runs the U.S. Open. "Her year this year? Unforgettable." By adding a fifth career U.S. Open championship, and a second French Open title, Williams also moved within one Grand Slam trophy of the 18 apiece won by Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. The record is 24 by Margaret Court. Pretty heady company. Evert is one of the only two women with more AP awards than Williams. Evert won four from 1974-80, while Babe Didrikson collected a record six — one for track in 1932, and five for golf from 1945-54. "Serena already has provided significant contributions to taking our sport to the next level. ... She is chasing records and no doubt will break many records before shes finished," WTA Chairman Stacey Allaster said. "That obviously just brings a lot more attention to our sport." Two particular moments in 2013 stuck out to Allaster. One came at Qatar in February, when Williams cried after assuring herself of returning to No. 1 for the first time since 2010, the year the American needed two operations on her right foot and got blood clots in her lungs. "You could see the joy, the tears of joy. It meant so much to her, from everything she had been through, to be able to be back at the top of the sport, a sport that she does truly love," Allaster said. The second moment came during Wimbledon, when Williams joined other women who have been ranked No. 1 at a celebration of the WTAs 40th anniversary. "It was an opportunity to see her in a leadership position. ... She did a remarkable job at speaking on behalf of all those great athletes and speaking to future players," Allaster said. "Theres a little girl, perhaps out there in Compton, who is dreaming of playing on the WTA, and Serena said, Were waiting for you, and we cant wait to meet you." Allan Houston Jersey . As Valanciunas was whistled for a rare technical toward the end of the third quarter - a result of waving his hand at an official after being called for a foul - Lowry pulled the Raptors sophomore aside, corralling him by his jersey and patting him on the back. Damyean Dotson Jersey . -- Thirty years ago, the Detroit Pistons beat the Denver Nuggets 186-184 in triple overtime, a game that remains the highest scoring in NBA history.WASHINGTON REDSKINS Reason for pessimism: There is absolutely no guarantee the RG3 will stay healthy for 16 games. He experienced his second major surgery on the same knee this off-season and if he were to need a third, his career would be threatened. As a quarterback, his greatest asset is his unpredictability. No offence in the NFL had a better run/pass option than the Redskins. And what happens to the read option offence with Alfred Morris? Will the Redskins have to eliminate that to preserve RG3s health? On defence, the Redskins must improve. They were 28th overall and 30th against the pass. Improvement in the secondary is a top priority.         Reason for optimism: The Redskins return 21 of 22 starters on a team that won 10 games and a division title with a rookie quarterback. Having Brian Orakpo back and hopefully Adam Carriker will make a big difference even though the Redskins finished fifth best against the run. And on the opposite side, Morris was the best sixth round draft pick in a long time. Washington had the top rushing offence and no. 5 offence overall. And what offset the defensive inadequacies was a +16 giveaway/takeaway ratio to end the season. Mike Shanahan will adapt and discipline his quarterback. And I am sure Robert Griffin will look at the sidelines as a friend, not a boundary. Also, and this is important, London Fletcher is back for his 16th season. The Redskins are a young team with key veteran players, but the No. 1 leader is Fletcher, To me a very underrated player and a future Hall of Fame candidate. At 510" and 245 pounds he is part Sam Mills and part Ray Lewis. What a career.              Reality: They won the division last year and I think they will win the division again this year. Shanahan is one of the best; he always has good running backs and design. He will have his quarterback play more like a classic pocket QB and I would not be surprised if we saw Kirk Cousins have a package of plays special for him. Prediction: First in the NFC East. DALLAS COWBOYS Reason for pessimism: The Dallas Cowboys were 8-8 last year, 8-8 the year before, and just maybe 8-8 at the end of this year. They set a franchise record for fewest rushing yards in a 16-game schedule and their best running back, DeMarco Murray, has missed nine games due to injury over the last two years. Tony Romo was paid an astronomical amount of money and was overpaid when you think of his limited playoff success. The truth was there was no other quarterback out there so to keep stability along with the recent pay days of Joe Flacco and others, the market was there. So how does he respond? The pressure will be higher than ever before.    Reason for optimism: The Cowboys made some good moves last year. The combination of Monte Kiffin and Rod Marinelli will make a major difference on defence. It will be simple but effective based on the ability to win one-on-one battles consistently. Last year Dallas lost five starters on defence and by mid-season it showed. Sean Lee can be the next Brian Urlacher at middle linebacker; Bruce Carter just needs to stay healthy. Bill Callahan will call plays this year and that is a good move. Key game decisions at critical moments cost the team games over the last two years but now head coach Jason Garrett can anticipate those moments and make better decisions. If Dallas continues to commit to the running game then Romo wont have to put the ball up 648 times like he did last year. Even though he did, Dallas ended the season sixth in total offence, third in pass offence, and fifth in 3rd down efficiency. All they have to do is improve on the 31st run offence.                    Reality: Tough division with three good teams and a possible surprise team in the Eagles. But in the last two years Dallas just needed one more win to make a playoff appearance. I like all the moves they have made and, after much criticism, Travis Frederick as a No. 1 pick at center may bring stability to a position that has had personal problems for years.                                 Prediction: 2nd in the NFC East. NEW YORK GIANTS Reason for pessimism: I think the Giants have a long way to go. After winning the Super Bowl last yeaar they didnt even make the playoffs. Charlie Ward Jersey. The low point came in Weeks 16 and 17 when they lost 34-0 in Atlanta and 33-14 in Baltimore. Offensively the Giants are good but on defence they finished 31st in total defence, 25th against the pass and 28th against the run. The only positive point was the positive takeaway/giveaway ratio but I credit that to Eli Manning. The Cowboys were 8-8 the last two years, the Giants werent much better at 9-7 the last two years. This years Giants team will be younger, but not necessarily better.                  Reason for optimism: Just like other teams that have a disappointing year, it is back to the basics for Giants football and that means being a tough running team and even tougher run defence team. The combination of power back Andre Brown and speed back David Wilson could be effective once Brown is fully recovered from his leg injury. Another combination, Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul, has to be effective. A four-man pass rush has a history of success under head coach Tom Coughlin. Another issue is new three linebackers but those changes could be beneficial with three new attitudes. Manning is still one of the best quarterbacks in football and when it comes to classic quarterback skills he is the best in the division. The organization knows and believes that dominance on both sides of the ball, defensive line and offensive line, brings consistent success. The Giants first three picks were an offensive tackle, a defensive tackle, and a defensive end.               Reality: Tough one as the Giants usually have a good year after an "off" year. But the division has improved. Will the Giants create a pass rush and run defence to support three new linebackers?       Prediction: Third in the NFC East. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES Reason for pessimism: Some college coaches have done well in the Pros, but the majority not so well. How the Eagles run their systems led by Chip Kelly is one of the most interesting stories of the year. At Oregon his offence was fantastic until they met a more physical football team, like Alabama. It is not so much can Kelly run his offence? Its how are defences going to attack it? Any time someone tries something new it seems to have a life span. The "wildcat” offence has come and gone and so will the read option once quarterbacks begin getting hurt. Can the players master all the formations and movement off of formations and still physically execute plays time and time again? Logic says yes because if college kids can do it then it should be easy at the pro level. But the competition at the pro level is much higher. And what is also odd is that Michael Vick and Nick Foles, the best two Eagles quarterbacks, are opposites in primary ability. Vick is spontaneous and athletic with quarterback skills. Foles is structured and stays in a pocket with quarterback skills. Yet they have to run the same offence? Reason for optimism: The Eagles have talent even with the most recent injuries and distractions. The value of Jason Peters at left tackle and potential of Lane Johnson at right tackle is special. LeSean McCoy, Felix Jones, and Bryce Brown fit a movement offence compared to a power offence of other teams. DeSean Jackson fits, James Casey at tight end fits too. A lot of players are such good athletes that they fit this offence. On defence, the two most important players are two grinders. Fletcher Cox the teams top draft pick from last year, and Isaac Sopoaga have to be good run defenders all season. Both the Giants and Cowboys have "recommitted" to the run game and Washington has Alfred Morris. The NFC East is a tough, physical conference and as much as Philadelphia want speed football you still have to win at the line of scrimmage.                            Reality: Cant see Kelly out-preparing Mike Shanahan, Tom Coughlin or Jason Garrett. This is an experimental year for the Eagles that will be very interesting and entertaining to watch. But when times get tough, and they will, do the Eagles stick to the plan to master the system or change to adapt to the circumstances?            Prediction: Fourth in the NFC East.  ' ' '

SOUTHAMPTON, England - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says striker Lukas Podolski could leave the club for Inter Milan in the transfer window this month. Chuck Share Jersey .Speaking after his side lost 2-0 at Southampton on Thursday in the English Premier League, Wenger said Inter had a farcical opening offer for Podolski rejected, but after, they came back a bit more serious.The 29-year-old Podolski, a World Cup winner with Germany in Brazil, last played for Arsenal in its 4-1 win over Newcastle on Dec. 13.He was not in the squad against Southampton because of a tight groin, with fellow strikers Danny Welbeck and Yaya Sanogo also absent through injury.Wenger says Podolski would have had a big chance to start had he been fit. Dikembe Mutombo Jersey . - Urijah (The California Kid) Faber finds himself in an unaccustomed position Saturday night at UFC 175 — on the preliminary card. Tyrone Wallace Jersey . Moors, from Cambridge Ont., landed a double-twisting, double somersault in the layout position, en route to a score of 14.600 points in the womens floor exercise, more than a full point ahead of runner-up Pia Tolle of Germany.MONTREAL - The Montreal Impacts MLS home opening game against the Seattle Sounders has been postponed until Sunday because of the fear of snow accumulation on Olympic Stadium roof. The game scheduled for Saturday afternoon is to be played Sunday at 4 p.m. ET. Forecasts predict 15 centimetres of snow to fall on Saturday. Due to the instability of stadium dome, which is in need of replacement or repair, events cannot be heldd there if more than three centimetres of snow is forecast. Walt Hazzard Jersey. The decision on whether it can go ahead is made 24 hours in advance. The Impacts first three regular season games are to be played at the Big O, including matches April 5 against the New York Red Bulls and April 12 against the Chicago Fire. There are also two Toronto Blue Jays pre-season baseball games slated for the stadium next week. ' ' '

A young disabled golfer was given a special responsibility at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. Chicago Blackhawks Shirts . Five-year-old Tommy Morrissey, a patient at one of the Shriners Hospitals, was given the chance to hit the ceremonial first tee shot in Las Vegas. Watch NOW TV Watch Sky Sports for just ￡6.99. No contract. Morrissey, who was born without the portion of his right arm below his elbow, received plenty of applause from the large crowds at the first as he ripped his opening blow down the middle of the fairway. Rod Pampling claimed the first round lead in Las Vegas The youngsters skills didnt go unnoticed by a number of the PGA Tour players in action, with Graeme McDowell, Billy Horschel and James Hahn all struggling to replicate his one-handed swing in a separate contest.Morrissey also demonstrated his handy putting ability, pushing home putts from four feet and 12 feet to upstage the professionals.  Click on the video above to see Morrissey start the tournament!Watch the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open live throughout the week on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf. Live coverage begins on Friday from 8.30pm.  Live PGA Tour Golf November 5, 2016, 8:30pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass Also See: Pampling goes low in Vegas Latest leaderboard PGA Tour nearly ment Golf live on Sky Sports Blackhawks Jerseys 2020 . He is nigh unstoppable against the leagues worst. The 31-year-old dangerman set up two goals and scored two himself as Toronto FC rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the slumping Houston Dynamo 4-2 on Saturday night. Chicago Blackhawks Gear .3 seconds remaining, and No. 7 North Carolina held off a resilient No. 25 Virginia team, 54-51, on Saturday. John Henson contributed a double-double with 15 points to go with 11 rebounds for the Tar Heels (25-4, 12-2 ACC), who have won five straight and 10 of 11.DETROIT -- For the first time in more than three months, the Red Wings have a winning streak at home. Henrik Zetterberg, Nicklas Kronwall and Gustav Nyquist each had a goal and an assist to lead Detroit past the Montreal Canadiens 4-1 on Friday night for its second consecutive victory at Joe Louis Arena. The last time the Red Wings won two in a row at home was Oct. 12-15. They beat the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks 5-4 in a shootout Wednesday night. "Obviously, real important. Its like anything, some years you win lots of games at home and some years you dont," Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. "Some years youre good on the road and some years youre not and you never really figure out why. But we have an opportunity here on Sunday to keep things going and wed like to." Detroit is 3-1 on a five-game homestand that ends Sunday against Florida. "Try to get a template that we can hang our hat on and play every night. Its hard because we were playing pretty solid and we lose those back-to-back games 1-0," defenceman Kyle Quincey said. "Its hard to tell the boys to keep going and itll come, but then you play Chicago and we end up scoring (four) goals and winning and now youre saying, Keep playing like that. Again we scored four goals tonight and I think we believe if we keep playing like that well be OK." Riley Sheahan also scored for Detroit, and Jonas Gustavsson made 30 saves. Brendan Gallagher had the goal for Montreal, and Carey Price stopped 22 shots. "Just little, unfortunate breakdowns that we know better. Just little things cost us," Gallagher said. Kronwall gave the Red Wings a 3-1 lead with 3:31 left in the second period. He scored his sixth goal of the season on a one-timer from the slot after Nyquists pass went off Gallagghers stick. Stitched Blackhawks Jerseys. "I read the play, I was where I wanted to be. I was ready but I got ahead of myself," Gallagher said. Nyquist added his eighth goal with 1:19 remaining in the game. Gallagher put the Canadiens on the board with a power-play goal with 7:24 left in the second period. He jammed one past Gustavsson after carrying the puck from the side of the net to the crease for his 13th goal. Sheahan made it 2-0 Detroit with 8:12 remaining in the second. He beat Price with a snap shot from the top of the left circle for his second goal. Gustavsson made a nice save on Louis Leblancs backhand from the bottom of the left circle with 3:07 remaining in the first. Zetterberg opened the scoring with 7:33 left in the first period. With the Red Wings on a 5-on-3 power play, he put in a one-time slap shot from the high slot for his 16th goal. Gustavsson stopped the Tomas Plekanec on a short-handed breakaway with about 8:50 left in the opening period. NOTES: Detroit RW Daniel Alfredsson returned after missing six games with back spasms. ... The teams last met two years ago, when Montreal won 7-2 at the Bell Centre. The Canadiens last visit to Detroit was Dec. 10, 2010, and the Red Wings won 4-2. ... Detroit was without C Pavel Datsyuk (lower body), G Jimmy Howard (knee), RW Johan Franzen (post-concussion syndrome), C Joakim Andersson (lower body), C Steven Weiss (groin) and C Cory Emmerton (finger). ... Montreal LW Max Pacioretty played college hockey at Michigan. ... Canadiens assistant coach Gerard Gallant played nine of his 11 NHL seasons with Detroit. ... Montreal defenceman Alexei Emelin was helped off the ice with 7:08 left in the third period after taking Kronwalls shot off his knee. Canadiens coach Michel Therrien said Emelin was fine after the game. ' ' '