Coe: London enters 800-meter Olympic back straight (PA SportsTicker)
Coe: London enters 800-meter Olympic back straight (PA SportsTicker)
By STEPHEN WILSON AP Sports Writer
Create-a-caption: No first down
So close, Tyler Wilkerson. The double-dive was a pretty nice play call on third and short, but Courtney Sims(notes) shed the fullback block pretty easily and made a nice tackle. Oh well. Looks like it’s time for a punt. Best caption wins a football. Good luck. Previously, the new Nets love the number two.Winner, Tony: “Jordan Farmer = The ugly duckling of the nets”Runner-up, Mark M.: “Avery looks like the kid in 5th grade who doesn’t get to play, but holds the ball in the team picture.”Second runner-up, joey: “avery: ok, guys. lets all look at the camera to the left! unity!morrow: our left or their left?”
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Brickyard is a prelude to the championship (Yahoo! Sports)
Brickyard is a prelude to the championship (Yahoo! Sports)
Eight of the last 12 Brickyard 400 winners have gone on to win the championship.
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Danica humbled by struggles in stock cars (AP)
Danica humbled by struggles in stock cars (AP)
JOLIET, Ill. — Those who know Danica Patrick mainly for racy photo shoots and commercials are seeing something decidedly different in her public persona these days: humility.
Agent: Ilgauskas to sign with Heat (AP)
Zydrunas Ilgauskas has dealt Cleveland another blow by planning to follow LeBron James to the Miami Heat. The veteran center, who started playing for Cleveland in 1997 and has never suited up for another NBA team, expects to sign a two-year contract with the Heat later this week, agent Herb Rudoy said Tuesday.
Create-a-caption: These NBA players look a little different
Out of all these people, the person I feel the most sadness for is Cleveland Cavaliers girl. Not only did she not get a jersey because no one wants to have to deal with seeing a LeBron James(notes) wine and gold, but you know she loved LeBron considering she’s wearing his shoes. Tough break, girl who is probably named Shannon. Best caption wins a smile. Good luck. Previously, Adrian Dantley looks down upon LeBron.Winner, Magic32: “Sweet! I love Tool Academy!” Runner-up, SteveA: LBJ: “Big Brother is watching you.”AD: “This is such a joke”LBJ: “Adrian stop leaning against the wall when Big Brother is speaking.”AD: “What? How’d you see me?”LBJ: “Mario and Joel take him away” Second runner-up, VinnyB: “I can’t go with someone watching.”
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Don Coryell was more than just a coach
Don Coryell was more than just a coach
If you like the three-digit numbered route system, H-backs, single-back sets, the modern aerial game, tight ends breaking records out of the slot/flex positions, multi-purpose backs who lead the league in total yards, the route tree, the 1970s Cardinals, 1980s Chargers, 1990s Cowboys, and about half the offenses in the NFL today, you owe the late Don Coryell a hearty handshake and a heartfelt “Thank you”.Coryell, who passed away on July 1 in La Mesa, California, was to the vertical passing game what Mike Holmgren was to the West Coast offense. Perhaps not the ultimate innovator – Sid Gillman was the one who really took the downfield passing game into a new era, just as Bill Walsh cemented the precision passing offense – but the most talented of the second wave of innovators. Coryell coached at San Diego State from 1961 through 1972, and not only did he have have some amazing assistants like John Madden and Joe Gibbs(notes), he was getting cribbed by pro and future pro coaches like Dick Vermeil, who has admitted that the St. Louis Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf” offense was based on Coryell’s concepts, and then-Rams offensive coordinator Mike Martz has called Coryell the father of the modern passing game. When he moved to the NFL in 1973, and turned the St. Louis Cardinals into a consistent winner for the first time in decades. When he then took over the San Diego Chargers in 1978, he put together one of the most dynamic offenses in NFL history, with Dan Fouts putting up insane numbers throwing to mul;tiple receivers and benefitting from a surprisingly robust running game. The Dallas Cowboys teams than won three super Bowls in four years in the 1990s were very much based on the Coryell offense, as former Coryell assistant Ernie Zampese and Coryell advocate Norv Turner were in charge of those Cowboys game plans. And if you want to understand the scope of Coryell’s influence, consider that 25 years after Coryell left San Diego, Turner is coaching his old team and running a variant of his offense. Coryell’s teams never won or even went to a Super Bowl, but he left as defined a mark on the NFL as any coach and innovator in the league. That he passed away without seeing his name in the Hall of Fame is a real shame, and while a posthumous award would be nice, it would be even more important for people to remember Don Coryell for the genius he was. Hopefully, this NFL Films tribute will help that happen. Sign up for Fantasy Football ’10 today! Auction drafts, live scoring, and an iPhone app — all for free!
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Chicago is daring LeBron James to play for the Bulls
Chicago is daring LeBron James to play for the Bulls
Right as the clock struck 12:01 a.m. ET on Thursday morning, officially starting this summer’s free-agency bonanza, LeBron James(notes) received three things — several phone calls from interested teams, a knock on his door and a mysterious package. Since the package was mysterious, no one knew what it contained. But now that we’re a few days past the start of the offseason signing period, someone has to take credit for the move.[Photos: LeBron's recruitment tour]As it turns out, the package James received was from Chicago. And as it turns out, it was the final piece in a week-long marketing initiative by the Chicago-based Leo Burnett Worldwide ad agency. From the Chicago Tribune’s Steve Johnson:”LeBron, the fans of Chicago have a question for you,” reads the two-page ad that ran in Thursday’s Akron Beacon Journal, James’ hometown paper. “Can you cast a shadow this big?”The image is of an outline that looks a lot like Michael Jordan’s, in the iconic, ball-in-one-hand pose, spread out over the Chicago cityscape. Dreamed up by sports-loving ad guys at the city’s Leo Burnett agency and paid for by Burnett, it was the culmination of a four-day campaign featuring a fresh challenge each day. [...]So Monday, they sent to his house the classic red, white and black Air Jordans and asked if he could fill those shoes. Tuesday it was a case featuring seven empty ring boxes, representing one more championship than Jordan won here, and the question, “Can you fill these boxes?”Wednesday was a mock-up of a Chicago Tribune 10 years hence – still going strong, by the way – and the headline “Sweet Throne, Chicago: With Title No. 7, It’s Officially King James’ Court.”Bold. I mean, wowsers, you guys. Flaunting Chicago and Michael Jordan’s legacy in James’ hometown is about as direct as you can be when addressing what many see as James’ biggest hurdle when considering signing with the Bulls. No use beating around the bush, I guess. Readily acknowledging that LeBron would have a lot of work to do to catch Jordan is playing to James’ competitive side, and doing that would be just the kind of thing that would set Jordan off. I think that’s irony, but I’m not a big Alanis Morissette fan.It feels like this move might tell us a little bit about what LeBron is really after and whether or not he’s willing to intentionally position himself against the greatest player of all-time. At the very least, it’s a pretty cool campaign — Don Draper would be proud — and LeBron got a pair of awesome shoes. I think that makes him the big winner in all of this. (h/t Chris Littmann)Other popular stories on Yahoo!: • Former NBA player now homeless • Humble pie for outspoken World Cup coach • Carrie Prejean marries NFL quarterback
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Bjoergen wins third gold of Games
Bjoergen wins third gold of Games
Norway’s Marit Bjoergen becomes the first triple gold medal winner in Vancouver after leading the women’s cross-country relay team to victory.
Hughes steps aside as Silver Stars head coach (AP)
San Antonio Silver Stars coach Dan Hughes is stepping down to become general manager full-time and promoting assistant Sandy Brondello to replace him. Hughes said Thursday the move is designed to keep the Silver Stars staff together, noting that Brondello has attracted interest from other WNBA teams.
Canada outclass US to take gold
Hosts Canada secure their eighth gold medal of the Games with a memorable 2-0 win over the United States in the final of the women’s ice hockey.
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Braylon Edwards tried to drop this 80-yard touchdown pass
Braylon Edwards tried to drop this 80-yard touchdown pass
When Braylon Edwards(notes) was streaking down the sideline toward a perfect Mark Sanchez(notes) pass in the second quarter of the AFC Championship the same thought had to have run through everyone’s mind: don’t drop it. The NFL’s most notorious pass dropper didn’t. But he darn sure tried.The picture above is pretty much a blueprint on how not to catch a football: His eyes are off the ball, his hands are up near his shoulders and the ball is on his fingertips. You could almost feel the anxiety as the ball fell into his arms and he began his 40-yard sprint for the end zone. Braylon Edwards got away with it this time. Maybe that will make next time a little easier.
Pressure Drop: The Cowboys-Vikings divisional round preview
As much as the pregame hype has been about Brett Favre(notes) and the Tony Romo(notes) who grew up idolizing him, the winner of the early Sunday game between the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings will have done one thing better than their opponent — they will have discovered and implemented ways to deflect pressure in pass plays, and out of passing formations. The Vikings may have the greater challenge. Their offensive line, led by tackles Bryant McKinnie(notes) and Phil Loadholt(notes), is vulnerable to quality pass-rushers, and the Cowboys have three in their front five — “endbackers” DeMarcus Ware(notes) and Anthony Spencer(notes), and tackle Jay Ratliff(notes). Dallas improved from 23rd to ninth in Football Outsiders’ Defensive Passing DVOA statistic in the second half of the 2009 season, and one of the main reasons was Spencer’s development. The third-year man had trouble getting to the quarterback in the first half of the season, but racked up seven sacks in his last seven games, including last week’s wild-card win against the Eagles. Spencer’s advent has opened up opportunities for Ware and Ratliff, as well — now, opposing lines can’t just commit to Ware on the edge. The Cowboys made Donovan McNabb’s(notes) life miserable over the last two weeks, but the Favre they’re facing today has less of a problem problem checking down out of pressure — with the line in front of him, it’s a survival mechanism. Making Adrian Peterson more of a factor in this game would be a good idea, but we’ve been saying that for a while. It’s Favre’s show, and the team will rise or fall on his performance.The Cowboys also have different ways of countering pressure, and it starts with an understanding of the importance of their running game. You’ll see them in a lot of two- and three-tight end sets, but it isn’t always about power football. Sometimes, it’s Jason Witten(notes) in the slot or flex, taking a linebacker out of a blitz idea. Dallas runs the draw play better than just about any team with the three-headed running back monster that is Marion Barber(notes), Felix Jones(notes), and Tashard Choice(notes). Defensive end Jared Allen(notes) can be worn down if you run right at him, and no team wants to run straight at the Williams Wall. The trick will be putting Allen and linemate Ray Edwards(notes) (the Spencer to Allen’s Ware) in a box by forcing them to read run keys too often. Then, Romo can set up play action and get the downfield looks he wants. Even if that doesn’t work for Romo, he will also have the ability to get stuff completed underneath Minnesota’s Cover- and Tamps-2 defensive concepts. The Cowboys have a big, bruising offensive line — not really designed for nimble pass-blocking, but certainly not the liability that Minnesota’s line has become. While Favre has played at an incredible level this season, Romo might be the hotter quarterback now. He’s got a great rapport with Witten and receiver Miles Austin(notes), and he’s greatly improved his decision-making and feel in the pocket. That might just be the difference in a win that would take the Cowboys to their first NFC Championship game since 1995.
Crittenton gets unsupervised probation (AP)
Washington Wizards guard Javaris Crittenton pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge Monday, explaining he had a pistol because he feared teammate Gilbert Arenas would shoot him or blow up his car after the two argued over a card game. The hearing marked the first time authorities confirmed Crittenton was the other player involved in the confrontation with Arenas, who pleaded guilty Jan.
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World Golf Glance (AP)
World Golf Glance (AP)
US PGA TOUR Sony Open Site: Honolulu. Schedule: Thursday-Sunday. Course: Waialae Country Club (7,044 yards, 6,441 meters, par 70). Purse: $5.5 million. Winner's share: $990,000. Last year: Zach Johnson won the first of his two 2009 titles, finishing with a 5-under 65 to beat Adam Scott and David Toms by two shots.
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BDL Hump Day Chat!
BDL Hump Day Chat!
You know the drill. Nothing is imminent, of course, but these sorts of subjects are bound to come up. Vinny Del Negro. Is he too hard on the referees? It’s a BDL Hump Day Chat! Trey from the Blowtorch is here, Bernie Bickerstaff won’t be here, and you can click the jump at 3 p.m. Eastern if you want to join in. (Note: If your comment doesn’t appear right away, rest assured, it shouldn’t. Comments are moderated, but because we like you and don’t want to limit contributions to a level that other large sites do, we’ll try to get to it. It might be a few minutes. It might be 20 minutes. Chill out. Eat some papaya.) <a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=2f1eff7dc6" mce_href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=2f1eff7dc6" >BDL Hump Day Chat!</a>
Behind the Box Score, where the glasses aren’t helping, Kiki
New York 106, New Jersey 97 Yes, it was against the hapless Nets, and yes, it came on the heels of an embarrassing first half on that particular side of the ball, but … give it up for New York’s dee-fense! Just 36 points in the second half for New Jersey, as the Knicks stayed in a zone for most of the final 24. The Nets, even a quarter and a half on, still seemed confused by New York’s roaming. They went away from isolations for Devin Harris(notes), they made feeble attempts to get Brook Lopez(notes) the ball, and the small lineups that worked wonders for New Jersey in the first half were rendered useless by a defense that made no concessions for size or speed. David Lee(notes) and Al Harrington(notes) (the latter’s work came mainly in the first half) combined for 50 points in the win, but it was the once-a-fortnight efficient stylings of Larry Hughes(notes) that put New York over the top. 25 points, 20 in the second half, as the Nets seemed to have no clue how to guard him. He mainly pulls up for jumpers off the dribble, New Jersey. Once every 14 days, they go in. Also, I don’t want to pick on the guy, but games like these are why people have to slow down regarding Courtney Lee(notes). He played almost 40 minutes, and had his chances, but scored just four points while taking only five shots. Four turnovers, three assists, and five rebounds. The guy had a 10.7 PER last year at age 23, and was 24 entering this season. He’s old, for a second year player, and hardly setting the world on fire (yes, I’m aware of the injuries). This isn’t to say he won’t be a good rotation player and sometimes starter provided the situation is right, but this isn’t the future borderline All-Star some TV guys would have you believe. The “We want Nate!” chants? At first, I usually fall in favor of not cutting off your nose to spite your face. But if all accounts of Nate’s chirping are true, and he hasn’t gotten it this far into the game (the guy was drafted in 2005, after all), then he needs a little break. Don’t let them tell you that replacing Nate’s minutes with Hughes’ and/or Toney Douglas’(notes) has the Knicks winning three of four (even with Larry’s explosion on Sunday), but Robinson needs to get his head on straight. This is no surprise. Not because Nate-Rob is a punk. I don’t know. He might be. But when your first four years are spent in an organization like this? Where credibility and responsibility in all forms (be they across the board, in Isiah Thomas’ tenure; or defensively or with shot selection, in Mike D’Antoni’s run) are shoved aside? I can see how you might turn out to be sort of a prat. *** Los Angeles 108, Phoenix 88 The offense is improving (up to 12th, now), and while the defense fell a spot over the weekend, geez, the Los Angeles Lakers are third in defensive efficiency right now. Third. And they just held the Phoenix Suns (first in offense entering the game, at around 115 points scored per 100 possessions) only 99 points per 100 possessions on Sunday. That’s less than what the Chicago Bulls average. Concessions need to be made for Phoenix. They’ve had a rough go of it recently, and have been all around the Midwest, the Eastern Seaboard, Canada, back home, and off to El Lay just over the last week and a half. It hasn’t been an easy run, and it hasn’t been a fruitful run. Which is why this team seemed so dogged and perfect to start the season, knowing it would have to build up the wins early. The same, on the opposite tip, goes for the Lakers. They’ve left the home locker room, if memory serves, just once this year. And that was to head to the visitors’ room to play the Clippers. I’m not even sure they know what month it is. They’ve already played, I believe, 40 out of their season-long total of 41 home games. But even with a week’s practice and fewer frequent flyer miles for Alvin Gentry’s crew, who couldn’t see the Lakers doing this to the Suns again? Los Angeles just seemed quicker and longer on Sunday night. Phoenix looked small and slow, mostly small, and the Laker offense was humming. Great ball movement, 20 assists on 38 field goals; and yet no Laker had more than five assists. And the team leader in assists is a new forward who doesn’t fully know the offense, and was criticized incessantly last season (and for a few before that) for acting like a ballhog on two other teams. Kobe Bryant(notes) managed 26 points on only 16 shots. *** (Bobby Jackson(notes) and Pearl Harbor veterans. Pretty cool. Here’s a good read on the subject, if you’re interested.) Miami 115, Sacramento 102 The Heat’s offense established a nice buffer in the first half that Sacramento just couldn’t seem to break into. And while I’d like to give credit to Miami’s D for stopping the Kings from matching the Heat shot for shot in that second quarter, the Kings had some good looks. They just couldn’t finish, and ended the quarter with only 19 points and 10-point deficit. And it was the Miami offense. It really was. 125 points per 100 possessions, 59 percent shooting, 26 made free throws, all sorts of good angles, good patience, and good finishes. On Sacramento’s end, Tyreke Evans(notes) looked every bit as impressive as his 30 points. The kid is finally heading to the rim! He added four rebounds, four assists, and only two turnovers — great for any player that has the ball in his hands that much, terrific for a rookie in any role. Jason Thompson(notes) and Andres Nocioni(notes) combined to miss 16 of 22 shots, however, and the Kings had no answer for Miami’s pinpoint passing (nothing fancy, just running plays), as the Heat finished with 30 assists on 41 field goals. At times, it was a clinic. 34 points on only 16 shots (finally) for Dwyane Wade(notes), who handed out 10 assists. Dorell Wright(notes) had 19 off the bench, along with five assists. *** Detroit 98, Washington 94 Fun towards the end, I suppose (all the intentional fouls and desperate three-pointers kind of slowed things down a bit), but this was an ugly game overall. I didn’t doubt John Kuester and Flip Saunders’ defense acumen entering this season. I just doubted the personnel they had to work with. And while both teams aren’t tearing it up defensively (both are below average), there is a distinct defensive tint to both squads. Only that late game batch of fouls and three-pointers turned this score into something respectable. Otherwise, lots of D, quite a few missed makeable shots for both sides (especially in the third quarter), and lots of free throws. Dull game. For Detroit? Props on making it a dull game. As Woj pointed out, this is not the rotation Kuester and Joe Dumars had in mind. For Washington? You have your guys. Caron Butler(notes) (20 and 10) finally came through with a Caron Butler-type outing, but Gilbert Arenas(notes) is floating, and it’s worth wondering aloud if the insistence on having Earl Boykins(notes) dominate the ball down the stretch is hurting this team. 18 and four assists with no turnovers in 26 minutes for Earl, he’s certainly contributing at an efficient clip, but what does it matter if better players can’t be themselves. Then again, is Gilbert Arenas himself? We guessed it would take at least a month for the real GA to pop back, and it’s been that long. The Pistons hit 24 free throws (though they missed 12), and that was the difference. Literally and figuratively. Rodney Stuckey(notes) finished well, most of the time, hitting for 25 points on 18 shots. Will Bynum(notes) was off from the floor but he got to the line, and while Charlie Villanueva(notes) missed seven of eight three-pointers (Washington had a hand in forcing him to shoot), he did score 18 points overall. Ben Wallace(notes) contributed in every area but making shots. Austin Daye’s(notes) turnaround jumpers held the Wizards at bay in the fourth quarter. Flip Saunders’ offenses, for years, have always been among the best at raking in assists per possession. Tonight? 15 dimes, all night. Not good. *** Cleveland 101, Milwaukee 86 A strange, strange game. The Bucks came out to a raucous crowd reception and proceeded to throw together a quick 10-point lead. They looked quicker, Andrew Bogut(notes) had himself a thunderous follow-dunk, and the Cavs seemed ready to take the afternoon off. Then the Bucks stopped hitting shots. The things you fire at the basket, from various angles and distances, hoping to have the ball go in the goal, subsequently providing points for your team. A 29-0 run for Cleveland. Give Cleveland’s defense credit, they made the Bucks work for absolutely nothing, but a whole lot of this fell on Milwaukee. They took iffy shots, they missed makeable shots, and they couldn’t get to the free throw line. Meanwhile, Delonte West(notes) was doing terrific things in delayed transition with the ball, finding open seams and taking advantage of crossmatches. The Cavaliers reserve guard may have embarrassed himself with his actions over the weekend, and while he didn’t exactly make up for it on Sunday, he did help the Cavs pull out a win. 21 points on nine shots in about 24 minutes. Also, LeBron James(notes) was dancing the entire game. Just making an ass of himself. We’re out of excuses for this guy. If he’s so desperate for attention on a random Sunday afternoon game in Milwaukee, then what hope is there for him to just be a stud on the court and secure with himself one the whistle blows? I’ll try to keep this relatively recent. Damon Jones(notes) danced. Antoine Walker(notes) danced, and Mark Jackson danced. Nick Van Exel danced. These are the players you’re acting like, LeBron. Magic Johnson didn’t dance. Michael Jordan didn’t dance. Kobe Bryant didn’t dance, Larry Bird didn’t dance, and Dr. J didn’t dance. These are the players whose games yours most resembles, LeBron. And it’s your damn fault that we’re walking away from a dominant win like this with me thinking of you more of a Damon Jones sort, than a Magic Johnson sort. Despite those 10 assists. Listen, the game is supposed to be fun. It’s OK to exult. You should be jumping through your skin when your teammates pull off something great. It is fun as hell to knock in a circus shot in Milwaukee, even if you’ve played in the Finals, in the Olympics, and have hit game-winners on national TV in the deep playoffs. The game is a joy. Believe me, I understand. But you have to find a balance. Otherwise, you’re in danger of turning off a couple of different generations of fans, all at once.
Game to pay attention: Magic vs. Suns
Orlando at Phoenix Have I picked the Suns quite a bit in these game previews? Sure. They’re a fun team to watch, they’re a surprising team thus far (on pace for 56 wins after most prognosticators had them around the .500 mark for 2009-10), and they’ve had some pretty worthy and/or just as fun to watch opponents this season. Topping that is the fact that the Suns are playing at home for the first time in a week, and just the second time in 16 days. Adding to that is not only Orlando’s prominence on the national stage, but the team’s continued (from year to year to year) ability to win heaps of road games. Usually more than most other teams of their ilk, whatever their ilk should be that particular year. And the Suns are the only undefeated home team this year. So even though there are 11 games on tonight (comment away!), and even though the Suns have a less-than-stellar percentage when I direct you their way (to watch, mind you, not to wager), you gots to go with this one, righto? It’s on ESPN, as well. So, most can watch. And if Kevin Calabro and/or Hubie Brown are involved, you won’t have to watch with the volume down. Have a great weekend, my lovelies. Orlando Magic: 17-5, 92.4 possessions per game (16th), 110.6 points scored per 100 possessions (fifth), 104 points allowed per 100 possessions (ninth). Phoenix Suns: 15-7, 95.5 possessions per game (fourth), 114.1 points scored per 100 possessions (first), 110.8 points allowed per 100 possessions (26th). All statistics courtesy basketball-reference.com.
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CAS upholds life ban for Brazilian swimmer Gusmao (AP)
CAS upholds life ban for Brazilian swimmer Gusmao (AP)
Brazilian swimmer Rebeca Gusmao has lost her appeal of a lifetime ban for committing three doping offenses. The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on Friday that swimming governing body FINA correctly ended the 25-year-old's career. Gusmao tested positive for elevated testosterone levels in 2006 and also days before the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro while the 2006 case was being…
Rocket files to have McNamee suit tossed (AP)
Lawyers for Roger Clemens filed a motion in Brooklyn federal court to dismiss a defamation lawsuit by the pitcher's former trainer, claiming statements that accused Brian McNamee of trying to shake down Clemens were not serious. Joe Roden, one of the attorneys representing Clemens, said the seven-time Cy Young award winner, lawyer Rusty Hardin and others were not serious when they questioned…
LHP Aroldis Chapman discusses defection (AP)
Aroldis Chapman simply left his room at the Domina Hotel in Rotterdam last July and went down to the lobby. The Cuban pitcher's defection during a tournament in the Netherlands lacked any of the drama a movie script writer would want. “It was pretty straightforward,” he recalled. “I just walked out of the hotel, got in the car and left.” Separated from his parents, sisters,…
