Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Earl Boykins Provides Spark In Bucks Win Over Lakers


Cleveland's own Earl Boykins has bounced all over the NBA and beyond.  Playing professionally in the CBA, Italy and the NBA for 10 different teams, Boykins has certainly made a name for himself  since starring at Cleveland Central Catholic in the early 90's.  Boykins is now playing for the Milwaukee Bucks

Last night, Boykins played a huge part in beating Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center.  Boykins scored 22 points in 26 minutes to lead the Bucks to a 98-79 win.  It was easily Boykins' best game this season.  Known as a streaky shooter, Boykins had played in just 3 of the previous 10 games for Milwaukee.

The Bucks were playing without Brandon Jennings, and had just nine players dressed but because of Boykins were able to finish off the Lakers with a 21-7 run.  In case you are wondering, Boykins did spend one season with his hometown team - 1999 - when he played in 25 games for Cleveland, averaging 5.3 points per game.

It's always nice to see a local boy do well, especially one that is not named LeBron James!

 
 

2010 Team Rankings: Hendrick Motorsports Leads Way

Just days after Jimmie Johnson secured his record-extending fifth NASCAR Sprint Cup title, Hendrick Motorsports experienced quite possibly the largest shift within its organization, ever.

With the exception of Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus, crew chiefs changed teams and drivers switched shops. All of it, goofy enough, in a bid to become as good or better than Johnson & Knaus in 2011.

But before they get there, it's worth noting what Hendrick Motorsports did in 2010 that earned them the distinction of FanHouse's top NASCAR team of the past season:


1st - Jimmie Johnson [6 wins, 17 Top-5s, 23 Top-10s, 4 DNFs, 12.2 Avg Finish]

Johnson obviously carried the Hendrick load most impressively this season by the sheer fact that he won, yet again, the Sprint Cup title. However, it was Johnson's first season in which he looked terrifically vulnerable down the stretch -- even needed to outrace Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick in the season finale to lay claim to his fifth title.
 
 

Richard Childress grandsons Austin and Ty Dillon are shooting for Nascar

 
 

Sent to you by Wida via Google Reader:


Want to see some explosive competition? Just put the Dillon brothers – Austin, 20, and Ty, 18 – in the same room. Throw in a few shotguns, a closet full of ammunition and their grandfather Richard Childress' months-old skeet shooting barn and it's: light the fuse and get away. There are going to be fireworks.
 
 

Pedrosa launches book in Barcelona

On Tuesday afternoon Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa launched his new children's book 'Two elves for Dani Pedrosa'. The Spaniard will donate six percent of its sales profiters to the NGO SOS Aldeas Infantiles – a children's charity in Spain.

The Vehicles of Tron: Legacy – Feature


Tron: Legacy

Tron: Legacy throws new vehicles into digital combat, and we talk to the lead vehicle designer about creating the film's signature rides.

Those who remember Disney's original Tron from 1982 know that even in the parallel universe of the computer world known as the Grid, you still need a cool vehicle to get around. Hollywood is the ultimate recycling machine, and the Tron franchise finally got a reboot in 2010 with Tron: Legacy (in 3D, of course).

 
 

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Ravens Scouting Report: Their Identity Changes, Results Remain The Same


BALTIMORE MD - DECEMBER 19:  Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates the Ravens victory as he walks off the field after the game against the New Orleans Saints  at M&T Bank Stadium on December 19 2010 in Baltimore Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Saints 30-24. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Larry French - Getty Images

2 days ago: BALTIMORE MD - DECEMBER 19: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates the Ravens victory as he walks off the field after the game against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on December 19 2010 in Baltimore Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Saints 30-24. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

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Dirty Birds flying high with defense and offensive fire power

When the compound proper noun "Baltimore Ravens" comes to mind, one is instinctively expected to think all things defense. Tackling, run stuffing, quarterback pressuring, pass defending, and intercepting would all adequately complement the seven letter word. The Ravens as a team have made their living that way for the past ten years or so, but now, their persona has made them more of a twentieth century gridiron offensively oriented organization.

Don't misinterpret me; the Ravens have still been at, or near the top in total defense all year, with a rank of tenth in total defense, but their bread and butter, the strengths of their team, are becoming more varied.

Their supposed high powered aerial attack thus far has not been as prolific as most experts expected at 15th overall, but chemistry between the receiving core, and third year gunslinger Joe Flacco. The top receiver on the Ravens depth chart, Anquan Boldin, is still searching for his comfort zone that he quickly sat into in Arizona. And yet he still second on the team in receptions, trailing only Ray Rice, with 60, and is first on the team in yards with 813, and has seven touchdowns, also a team high.

Boldin is not Flacco's only option. Veterans Derrick Mason, ex-Cleveland Brown Donte Stallworth and T.J. Houshmandzadeh make for reliable targets. Tight end Ed Dickson will need to add more to his run-blocking repertoire with Pro-Bowl caliber end Todd Heap out, though a Sunday return is not impossible. Running back Ray Rice leads the team with around 1,600 total yards, rendering him one of the NFL's most complete tailbacks in just his third season.

Back on the defensive side of the ball, they are still among the leaders in stopping the run at fifth overall, but the secondary is exposing some weaknesses. Cornerback Fabian Washington has missed significant time with a blow to his thigh, and is due to return to the team in the very near future. He was listed as probable for last week's game, but did not play. Taking a larger role in his, and for a while, Ed Reed's absence, is newly acquired Josh Wilson from Seattle. His three interceptions have not been numerous, but timely; sealing a win in Houston and putting other games out of reach. He has been everything the Ravens aspired for him to be. Now that Ed Reed has returned, this defensive back core is becoming stronger by the week, gearing up for a strong post season run. We need not say much about feared linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs; they cause enough headaches for opposing offenses as it is. Haloti Ngata, since switching from nose tackle to defensive end, has proved to be just as effective in his penetration.

The offensive line consists of high quality center Matt Birk and improving left tackle Michael Oher. Right guard Chester Taylor has also been pretty reliable at his respective position. Full back Le'Ron McClain has been an excellent run blocker for Rice.

Baltimore does have something to prove in this game: whether they can win in their division or not. We know they can, they've just been a mediocre two-and-two thus far. These next two, more than winnable games might display how for they go in the AFC playoffs.

The Browns will have their work cut out for them. Look for the dirty birds to put seven or eight men in the box to stop Peyton Hillis and constant pressure being applied to Colt McCoy. How to counter this? Ben Watson will have to be more of a blocker than a receiver, so Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi need to get involved in the passing game. Defensively, Cleveland needs to be physical in the five yard box with Boldin, Mason, and Houshmandzadeh, and need to overwhelm the Raven's offensive line. The multi-dimensional Ravens offense will be tough to stop, but even though Cleveland is the heavy under dog in this on, coach Eric Mangini will squeeze every ounce of life out of his players; fighting for his job.

Poll
What will the Brown's final record for 2010 be?
  • 7-9
  • 6-10
  • 5-11

 
 

Miller practices, Polamalu does not


Heath Miller returned to practice today as the Steelers held their first and only full workout in preparation for Thursday's game against Carolina – though today was more of a glorified walkthrough than anything.

The Steelers will have another walkthrough Wednesday.

Troy Polamalu did not practice, leaving him unlikely to play against the Panthers.

Aaron Smith said that he has one more test to undergo - early next - week before he can be cleared to return to full action.

Jonathan Scott was back at practice today and took the majority of the reps at left tackle.

After re-watching Sunday's game against the Jets Monday night, Scott was actually solid in that game, outside of the missed block on Jason Taylor that led to a safety. But that play can be blamed more on the call itself than the execution.

Ben Roethlisberger said today that he will continue to wear a visor to protect his broken nose for the remainder of this season.
 
 

Yao Ming, an ascetic life is the best safe and secure return


Yao Ming of Shanghai in 2002, the United States, on the plane and my phone just two people talking about the end of the game shortly before the hated child itching straight teeth. Blood in the hands of the hero sword feeling very well connected to gas. Solutions that time I had just finished his first and only time men's basketball at the Asian Games may be the final stage of the Chinese men's basketball in Busan South Korea to reverse the boat, which was a lot of races people play a crucial time, as field after the game, started a new life, the NBA has become his life can not avoid an integral part of the United States each year traveling between the two countries, and that game also began to enter the new life: NBA and CBA has become the league's interpretation of my life an integral part can not be avoided, although most of my time is explained in the study, but I'm worried about the basketball side, in fact, because Yao Ming in the NBA began its new journey and a new life began to rise. We must recognize that the year began, the trajectory of our lives have changed. Despite the different levels, but enough to become a historical memory.

Now, eight years later, our life has to happen again milestone changed?

Thanks, good luck, take care

2002 to 2008, considered the most beautiful 6 Yao Ming, and most of his body fatigue for 6 years. Others regarded him as a spokesman for the company image appeared on a representative picture of the situation in China, and continue to accept a challenge, follow the harvest of hope. So he began to fatigue and memorable selectively by the public, can only remember his glorious image, the tall trunk, and represent business value.

In 6 years, Yao Ming difficult to overcome cultural differences, racial barriers and the distance between countries, continue to adapt to the scale. The Shanghai team player has no privilege, no, the reality of both the Rockets. personal life of almost ascetic, in general, within six years: the game, training, business … … to relax in other ways to eat and sleep, almost the rest of the play Warcraft and reading, Yong Jin and family rate is almost the same name, the Rockets, the team of Shanghai and the national team, not least and his NBA-level players with ten live thousands of times than a day, just had to ensure high strength and high density operations of two lanes. In the U.S., strategies of Olympic team mate just do not understand why the matter, he kept his head coach with the action and even behind the ACB when he was director of the Chinese basketball head in the face of public will always be necessary to beat standing on high ground on the front, there can be problems are not allowed to go wrong.

Went to the United States when the first, Gesanchawu to be called, is something less time playing, excited and curious about most. See example Olajuwon, took a picture, he was satisfied from ear to ear, the first time All-Star, was elected to head the Chinese fans, he could hear the microphone on the anxiety and agitation, "said that he let out a position O'Neal ah? to say how long I can play … ah … "The speech, Jordan was standing before him, saying that replacing the old, deflating the lips, raising question as to find that feeling, Jordan shook his hand, he thought for a long time said:" Thank you, good luck, take care of yourself "and later a trial of strength do not like to say a few words. Saw a household name, playing against an opponent who is far away, there's a lot of questions, an interest group, which based on their own understanding of the NBA a bit to respond, to the right when the task is, the old Cat Mobley is an SUV in second place, listened in surprise, Maurice Taylor, then how in the scene of the boat, not heard to believe, Rice how to become a Dinghaishenzhen Hornets, I listened fascinated paused; Mark Jackson and Miller, then with the Pacers swept the east, he heard the happy Hot, Olajuwon said in one breath to escape from Seattle, Toronto, Orlando, Ewing was removed, he heard a sigh, said: "Nowhere is this sad? "Big Yao, today, do not suffer?

Yao, we are very happy

It can be such a good mood will not be too frequent or too long, the state of the body appear again and again repeated.

2002-2005, he missed only two games, starting in 2005, almost a farm field in my heart to see him play to grab his audience: the summer of 2005 Summary of the left ankle, bone spurs, in December 2005 left a lesion foot, 2006 turns left foot injury after his right leg in December 2006 fractures of the tibia; 2008 stress fracture in his left foot, and then forced to return to the Olympics. The summer of 2009, when the Lakers fractured left foot, and then the summer for major surgery, rest for one year, until the stress fracture, the same parts of the second fracture.

In such circumstances, rarely complained, or the attitude of not wasting every second training was to restore the file.

Over the years, rarely seeing him do a waste of time, fewer meetings and greetings, and more training hard and bloody sweat, the NBA and the operations team from two lanes to long term, I think, perhaps the main factor in overwork. Maybe someone will use the 2006 and 2008, Manu Ginobili Pau Gasol to make counter-examples, in fact, I have this problem were discussed with both parties, a mention of them put his hand on this, the word and the line: "Yao We do not know how many times to be happy!"

Talk to the facts: after quarter of 2004 Olympics Gasol played only 56 games, the 2006 World Championships after an injury to play 59 games next season. After the 2008 Olympic Games, Ginobili played 44 games this season, but Yao Ming: Bone spurs in the 2005 Asia Championship after surgery did not break the summer of 2006, surgery has been injured left toe after the World Championships did not break the summer of 2008, the return of the tension of the Olympic Games less than six months after the fracture.

I also used to say something?

Only one of his listeners, I hope I can continue apace, with an average of 20 + 10, All-Star every year until the championship. As a commentator, told me the years many of his games with him and even explain the 2008 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans, their strengths and weaknesses, I have been honest, even though many people do not listen to the contents Me said he would only say good words, but as a friend of his, I only hope, however, was able to avoid the damage possible to your body, the sooner the better, better, the more active the better. Performance of clouds in general health and safety is the best return of the day.

National Cheng Kung University thing that makes you suffer

I have always believed that professional players in the dark is very cruel, brilliant than was feeding the package, if not the best players like Michael Jordan, then a nerve regeneration capacity bulk of the powerful will also be a wide gap between total defeat, the total air flow was rain and wind to the feeling, do not want to accept that they must accept, is willing to face to face. And with age, the invasion of the lesion, the natural law is that nobody can escape. Like the trees, and then dry stout is a day lost, and fallen leaves, do not risk the tree is?

He broke into the eyes were beginning to understand this giant of their experiences before and after all, to be experienced, but a drop in the ocean. Were in the ACB and the national team, who learned from there, Zhang Jinsong Titans defense of "basic equality in life in the face," the last word, how difficult is strong in the paint with his mouth open and teeth of efforts to fight opponents, playing NBA legend and star of the party of preparing a team, you can sink Buck Williams, the chin, which was in 2000, I asked him how he does not hide, Yao eyebrow a notch, "He did not succeed in hiding it! disfigurement does not matter who originally did not look handsome," and never see how much they care, not expecting to enter the NBA million , the distortion of the things that do not meet several times, the painful dilemma that he was proud of his legs and feet.

Yao Ming to the NBA before, when the experts agreed, said: The advantage of Yao Ming is the largest horse-drawn carriage, thick, powerful legs, long although there is no strong attachment of the Achilles tendon, but not as many of his admired predecessors NBA diseases knee problems. Not really, but it seems that everyone forgot Asians are physically different with the black-Tahan, once the density of the large muscles, bones and joints are also subject to a different question, not to mention that this is not a bodybuilding competition, the struggle of muscle control lines parts more clearly indicate the preference could not stop big game against the high court will make players kill the affordability of the lower extremity joints are extremely vulnerable .

So the original prediction and optimistic, and is now a sad reading.

Again and again, Yao Ming fell to the explosion of the ground, rolling in pain. Tim Thomas was the knee pads, your feet stepped on so many people have volunteered in many people, is suspected of osteomyelitis and had a career crisis, but again and again, he turned abruptly against a lot of people puzzled eyes, as his unit was delivered in 2009 the first round of the playoffs this difficult period, the first semi-final against the Lakers, the last minute was more pain in the knee, team doctor, Keith Jones allowed return to his dressing room confused finger firmly pointing the same direction that the site was no turning back again, come back in Top Gun.

But it came down to hurt is still the largest of its body, which is also unchanged.

Since 2004, fewer calls to the issues, I have to admit, living in this league of the NBA, is definitely more of what I know, you do not give me the opportunity to study books package. occasional exchanges, mostly concentrated in the new line coach Jeff Van Gundy of the devil, when Van Gundy, Yao Ming, with an indescribable respect. Training for your eyes only, under the command of Van Gundy has always been a model and example, while Francis and Van Gundy head cat isolation Mobulila it, shake it like a rattle. Van Gundy and his assistants Xi Yao Ming proud Bodu very vigilant in the market can reduce the "20 +10″ the monster, but also whether it has become increasingly tired. They saw Yao Ming is sweeping the year as Patrick Ewing in New York as the Quartet, which can never mind his injury, only that he feels comfortable on the court. A classic joke: Yao Ming to play in New Jersey is home to the referee blew the whistle, but not yet urgent, Van Gundy on anxiety, true to his lower body to criticize the referee, the referee said he was anxious I Zaim criticize you let your appearance, ah! Van Gundy said that sort of type of harassment will not listen to my heart, I called you? I tell you to call, not only now, was sent to the room to call you, the end of the game they call me, call me Zaim enough for you! Swept away in the next Yao Ming was fined hear the music of blues spray, said: "Why did you phone numbers to call to listen ah"

Over the rivers and lakes

The two always joke: "do his thing Rights National Cheng Kung University, you will suffer." Words 8 years, and now sounds a bit harsh. Even if a year away from the basketball court, but one year has nothing to do with the games, as smart as you may know that his life and basketball can not be separated, no matter now rampant in the "retired said, "it is true. Take the simplest example: It was decided to buy when the Shanghai team, the entire brokerage team of people raised their hands in opposition, and even family members disagree, thinking that shot several times, eventually decided to your choice. In his own words: No matter what past experience, whatever happens next, I will not forget his team in Shanghai years, from nothing to become the national champion.

Last year, the season, he looked every day in Shanghai and Beijing are economics and management books, as seen before Lao She's "my life", because without haste, and several times to reflect . I think that their families as a team to treat people who can not speak. No matter where you work, or those who care about things.

He remembered an old friend of former coach of Shanghai, the process of the championship flag at home liter as Li Qiuping go directly to cancel, she said "no Qiuping, the thing is not fair", I thought League play Yi Jianlian first time I played in Shanghai, Yao Ming's jersey ceremony retirement destination, always realistic to let you off guard, always lost Hua Germany, I listen to the players to win the Asian Games Hua Germany launched across the Atlantic in his happy to say: "Although I have nothing but how to say is that what led to the ACB, of course, I wish you success! "The great Zhi has been thinking, talking about the past inevitably slow fascinating duels, I told Big Zhi is also very affectionate, he said he was concerned about his injuries, he sighed and said:" We were only in rivers and the sea lakes, right? "

The sea in rivers and lakes? Or are forgotten in the sand? At any time, forget themselves in the rivers and lakes exist only in our ideal of at Stankovic Cup in 2008, when he was comfortable driving tour of the West Lake is not too realistic, as the whole world Liu Wei wedding slapstick joke operators happy is not easy too realistic, it is possible, just to look for basketball, though difficult, despite the fatigue, just to find the most real and practical sense. 8 years in the past that has traces to prove it true. In these 8 years, so if you're friends or the interviewer and interviewee, and irrespective of our way of life changed was the amount, but little by little before 8 years and will get people through the years , small streams in silence.

Yao Ming, I really can not call, how long you can fight, I know, I do not know. The fact that we all know the time in your account, without waiting anxiously. What's more, I want to know the bad news. In these 8 years, basketball that brought him? He told a conference in an interview saying, "I'm not dead yet, now I drink beer to eat fried chicken, you want to see buried? "So even though our life may be the need to track changes in a place, I have no feelings of sadness, because we also have youth basketball gives us the lofty sentiments and aspirations, has been strongly marked as tattoos in general , down, penetrate the skin and blood, at a place called the heart to stay.

 
 

Rockets lead the league in a third of the data unexpectedly


The NBA regular season to continue, today, away from the Rockets Warriors finally beat his opponent by 121-112. Welcomes the three-game winning streak while the rockets third of the game shooting 46%, beat the first covenant, the sun beat the Spurs, Warriors and other teams are good at one third of the projected.

After the game, the Rockets averaged 8.18 three-point concerned whether the station can maintain the data, and their season hit, with an average of one third of the ranks third in team history. He is currently first in the 2006-07 season, the Rockets, when dropped into the game in the 82 705 three-pointers, averaging 8.6.

And the game of the Warriors, the performance of the rocket in the beyond the arc 11 of 24 shots, shooting 45.8%, continuing the first half of December, by the hand. To contribute to 5 players out, Shane Battier shot 4-6, Martin 4 vote 3, Lori was 2-3, Miller 2, 1 vote, the vote of Bush 5 1. Two thirds of the votes tactical rocket attack system has become a very important part, just look at this ball, play 10 players, eight people were shot beyond the arc, not only attempts to Luis Scola and Chuck Hayes have done.

Rockets hit rate of more than one third the current 40% of 4 players, 44.0% Martin, Brad – Miller 45.7%, Courtney – Lee 50.0%, 41.2% Brooks, one third of Shane and Lori hit rate is not bad, Shane Battier 37.2%, Lowry is a clear progress, perimeter shooting this season to 39.7%.

According to other statistics, the Rockets this season, the number of three-point shot of one party to make 10 or 10, the team was 9 wins 0 losses. Rockets in the last 6 games, 5 games have been one third meet this requirement, apparently the result of the rocket and the third hit rate has been closely related.

More alarming is the third strike rate has reached 39.7%, maintaining the shooting, which will become the third team in the history of the Rockets for the most accurate.

 
 

Kenny Wallace to drive for RAB Racing in 2011

NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace will team with RAB Racing to compete fulltime in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2011, according to a news release from the team. Wallace, who has over 20 years of experience in stock car racing, is scheduled to make his debut in the team's No. 09 Toyota Feb. 19 at Daytona International Speedway.

Monday, December 20, 2010

2011 NFL Draft Order: Browns Sitting At #11 With Two Weeks To Go


MIAMI - DECEMBER 05:  Defensive back Joe Haden #23 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates intercepting the ball against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on December 5 2010 in Miami Florida.  Cleveland defeated Miami 13-10. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Marc Serota - Getty Images

15 days ago: MIAMI - DECEMBER 05: Defensive back Joe Haden #23 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates intercepting the ball against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on December 5 2010 in Miami Florida. Cleveland defeated Miami 13-10. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

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A quick look at where the Browns fall in the 2011 NFL Draft order.

The Cleveland Browns have played 14 games this season and are on the cusp of a Top-10 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.  At 5-9, the Browns are in a 5-way tie with San Francisco, Washington, Dallas and Houston.  Much will need to be determined between now and the end of the season, but the Browns - with losses in their final two games - could be looking at the #7 pick in the Draft.  

Here is a look at the 2011 NFL Draft Order as it stands right now:

 

  1.  Carolina (2-12)
  2. Denver (3-11)
  3. Cincinnati (3-11)
  4. Arizona (4-10)
  5. Detroit (4-10)
  6. Buffalo (4-10)
  7. San Francisco (5-9)
  8. Washington (5-9)
  9. Dallas (5-9)
  10. Houston (5-9)
  11. Cleveland (5-9)
  12. Seattle (6-8)
  13. Tennessee (6-8)
  14. Minnesota (5-8)**
  15. New England - from Oakland (7-7)
  16. Miami (7-7)
  17. San Diego (8-6)
  18. Jacksonville (8-6)
  19. Tampa Bay (8-6)
  20. Green Bay (8-6)
  21. St. Louis* (6-8)
  22. Indianapolis* (8-6)
  23. Kansas City* (9-5)
  24. Chicago* (9-4)**
  25. New York Giants* (10-4)
  26. New York Jets* (10-4)
  27. Baltimore* (10-4)
  28. New Orleans* (10-4)
  29. Philadelphia* (10-4)
  30. Pittsburgh* (10-4)
  31. Atlanta* (12-2)
  32. New England* (12-2)

One asterisk denotes a team currently in the playoffs. The draft order for those teams will depend on how they do in the postseason. Two asterisks means the team is yet to play its Week 15 game. 

 
 

Good news from Tomlin


Mike Tomlin was the bearer of good tidings today as he said defensive end Aaron Smith, strong safety Troy Polamalu and tight end Heath Miller could all be available for Thursday night's game against Carolina.

I don't expect any of them to play - with the possible exception of Miller - but it's positive that the team is even considering it at this point.

Smith will be fitted with a shoulder sling to help protect his surgically repaired triceps. But with just one full day of practice and a walkthrough on Wednesday, it's unlikely the Steelers will rush him back.

Polamalu said he was feeling better after Sunday's 22-17 loss to New York, but is kind of in the same situation as Smith after not practicing last week. Plus, as Tomlin noted, backup Ryan Mundy played well in Polamalu's absence.

Miller practiced on Wednesday and Friday last week. If he can get through practice Tuesday without his recurring headache problems as a result of a concussion three weeks ago, he could play against Carolina.

Tomlin also did not rule out a switch to Trai Essex at left tackle - though he said it was too early for him to commit to such a move.
 
 

Tony Kanaan Signs With DeFerran Dragon Racing for 2011 IndyCar Season



In the second major IZOD IndyCar Series team announcement in the last week, de Ferran Dragon Racing named 2004 series champ Tony Kanaan to drive its No. 2 car for the 2011 season.

Kanaan, one of the most popular drivers in the series (shown above with his three-year-old son, Leonardo), parted ways with Andretti Autosport at the end of the season when his car's primary sponsor, 7-Eleven, withdrew its funding of the car.

The new job unites Kanaan, 35, with fellow Brazilian and longtime friend, team co-owner Gil de Ferran, a two-time former CART champion and the 2003 Indy 500 winner. Legendary owner Roger Penske's son, Jay Penske, and Steve Luczo are also owners of the three-year-old team, which is still looking for its first IndyCar victory.

"We are still young and developing and Tony is a big addition,'' said de Ferran, who joined Kanaan in their native Brazil for the announcement on Monday. "I have no doubt he will bring speed and determination but he'll also help us shortcut a lot of the development process.

"This news certainly clarifies that we are serious in our intention to become a major force in series.''
 
 

Dodge Launches Free Maintenance Program for Priciest Durango and Journey Models


Dodge has announced a new three-year/36,000-mile free maintenance program for two model-year 2011 vehicles. It's only included on the top-of-the-line 2011 Dodge Durango Citadel, which starts at $42,645, and the Dodge Journey Lux, which costs a minimum of $33,490.

The "No-cost Maintenance Plus" program means owners won't pay for oil changes or any scheduled or recommended vehicle maintenance during the coverage period. Additionally, the plan covers the first $100 of any roadside assistance fees, and provides trip interruption protection should the vehicle break down more than 100 miles from the owner's home. If the failure was caused by something covered under the vehicle warranty, owners can receive up to $1000 to cover the cost of food, hotels, or car rentals due to the delay.

Other manufacturers offering free maintenance programs with new vehicles include Cadillac, BMW, Jaguar, Lincoln, Toyota and Scion, Volvo, and Volkswagen.

 
 

Di Montezemolo’s breakaway talk nonsense, says Ecclestone

Bernie Ecclestone, head of sporting commercial rights holding firm Formula One Group, has moved to rubbish talk from Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo who last week refreshed gossip of a possible breakaway series from the World Championship by certain teams for 2013.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Another Bitter Loss, But It Could Be Worse...Imagine Being A Giants' Fan Rig...


Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) – Cedric Benson rushed for 150 yards and one touchdown, as the Cincinnati Bengals snapped a franchise-long 10 game losing streak after edging the Cleveland Browns, 19-17, at Paul Brown Stadium.

Carson Palmer threw for 209 yards on 14-of-23 completions for Cincinnati (3-11), which hadn't won since a 20-7 decision at Carolina on September 26. Clint Stitser kicked four field goals and Andre Caldwell caught four passes for 89 yards in the victory.

Colt McCoy completed 19-of-25 throws for 243 yards with two touchdowns for the Browns (5-9), who have dropped four of their last six contests. Brian Robiskie and Robert Royal each caught TD passes in defeat.

Trailing 19-10 late in the fourth quarter, McCoy hit Robiskie with a 46-yard touchdown to draw Cleveland within two with 2:13 remaining.

However, Cincinnati recovered the ensuing on-side kick and behind Benson and three kneel downs by Palmer, the Bengals were able to run out the clock hold on for the win.

Cleveland went 75 yards on six plays on its opening drive and grabbed a 7-0 lead when Royal made a diving catch on a 20-yard scoring pass from McCoy.

Benson's 18-yard touchdown run around left tackle early in the second quarter finished off a 10-play, 91-yard drive that tied things at 7-7. Palmer was a perfect 5-for-5 passing during the set.

Stitser's 25-yard field goal with 4:19 left in the half capped a lengthy 13- play drive that put Cincinnati ahead 10-7. An array of short passes by Palmer and hard running by Benson got the Bengals down to the Cleveland seven-yard line.

However, on 3rd-and-5 Jermaine Gresham was whistled for offensive pass interference in the end zone and the hosts had to settle for three. It remained a 10-7 game at the intermission.

Stitser split the uprights from 39 yards away on the Bengals' first offensive possession of the second half, then after getting the ball back, Cincinnati tacked on another three.

Starting at the Cincinnati 47, eight straight runs from Benson moved the ball to the Cleveland 16, but the drive stalled and Stitser booted a 34-yarder for a 16-3 game with 3:33 left in the third. Phil Dawson answered with a 23-yard chip shot early in the fourth for Cleveland to make it a one-possession game.

The Bengals got the three back on Stitser's 20-yard make to restore the nine- point lead with 9:58 remaining.

The Bengals improved to 39-36 edge in their all-time series with the Browns… Benjamin Watson caught seven passes for 92 yards, while Robiskie had five grabs for 82 yards…Peyton Hillis rushed for 59 yards on 14 carries for Cleveland.

 
 

Yao Ming has no regret if the rockets had been retired assistant also its own


Yao went down, have not fallen over time.

Without any signs and symptoms of a sudden the rocket came the official news: Our large center to accept the situation very optimistic after the MRI test, another stress fracture, lack of jurisdiction to continue indefinitely.

Everyone knows, this message of what it means to Yao Ming. This season he played in only five games, and November 11 Derby China, Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian most likely scenario is that the meeting of the NBA for the last time a short period of 6 minutes, may have become the NBA Yao Ming's farewell.

Review of Yao's career is the degree of motivation is a player. Since "0 points 2 rebounds" to "Buckley lives in the U.S. ass kiss my ass "of" the offensive third and fourth items of equipment "to" MM dual-core ", then" the absolute core of the team, "of" playoff team the edge "a" second round ", Yao Ming and his team are always a step ahead, even walking very slowly. At that time the Rockets and Yao Ming, is happier than the fans of time, but with them, happy.

Happiness never comes to the Rockets head suddenly replaced by a "disaster" word. It's a disaster looming soon, was a little off guard.

Yao Ming and his salary level, is the team more rockets. But the Rockets last season, rejected a contract extension from the year of his contract will become. year of the contract, data should be Yao Ming tried to fish for the year to win the renewal of the contract, Yao Ming, should be proud of the original proof of the renewal of the contract regret that its value in the year, the repayment of principal is the return of Yao Ming back after injury to win in the core team of the year, but this once again the ruthless destruction of the fracture.

Tianduyingcai. Thrive in Ogden, wind and water season the last play, who knows next to the most recent injury claims two consecutive seasons. There is a large Z, and Yao Ming as the injury, but after his return after reaching the standard. And then forward said there are years of powerful Sabonis – Favorites Yao Ming, also destroyed his wounds. So now the turn of Yao Ming, no matter how difficult, how difficult the training, such as playing, yet there is no way to stop the invasion of the lesion. NBA Injuries are part of the game, put the idea of the injury.

Yao is too strong, how is the optimism, you can even say, "I'm not dead, I'm home drinking beer while eating turkey." But fans are incredibly heavy heart, without Yao, who has much less to look forward to the NBA. To know how many people know the NBA Yao Ming, the number of people like Yao Ming and the NBA, how many people watch just to see the NBA Yao Ming. No Yao, for many people no longer have the NBA.

On the one hand, Yao desperate to continue his playing career; side of the car, ending injuries mercilessly tortured his body, tearing up the body of Yao Ming. Ah yes, Yao Ming, at the end how to do it?

Yao Ming, no one knows exactly how to select, but Yao Ming fans, but also want to see Yao retire. Because of this, Yao Ming can spend more time with his wife and daughter, a good father. Moreover, after the basketball out of it for a relatively healthy body, which is the true love of his fans like seeing things.

light point, basketball is their job. Say goodbye to basketball, you just change a single job.

 
 

The Generals-Nyets game


nene face
Welcome to Nene's poster, Timmy. Sad Duncan Face.

The Generals-Nyets game: In THIS COR-NAH, coming in with AN 0-12 ROAD RECORD: The WASHINGTON...GEN-UH-RALS! And in the OTHER COR-NAH, weighing in with AN EIGHT-GAME LOSING STREAK: The hometown NEW...JERSEY...NYETS!

Okay, okay. It wasn't exactly a heavyweight slugfest. It was more like two eight-year-old girls slap-fighting over a Bratz doll. Actually, no. That would be far more entertaining than what went on in the Prudential Center last night.

New Jersey's basketball incompetence (40 percent shooting -- including 2-for-8 from downtown -- plus 21 turnovers) was narrowly outmatched Washington's spectacular suckitude (39 percent shooting with 21 turnovers).

In the end, this monstrosity was decided at the charity stripe, where the home team had a 47-28 advantage in free throw attempts. And it's a good thing, too, considering they bricked 12 of 'em.

Of course, the Generals were minus John Wall and Andray Blatche. And Devin Harris showed off his mad leadership skillz by calling a team meeting to let his fellow Nyet know that, if they lost this game, they might not win a game this month.

Said Devin Harris: "This was one we had to have. If I'm going to be the guy here, then it's all about being aggressive and making things happen. ... It's not the way we wanted to win. We had to scratch and claw for everything. We have to be able to get it any way we can. This is the way we have to play."

Again: 40 percent shooting and 21 turnovers. And this is the way you guys have to play, Devin?No wonder your team is now 52-129 -- almost a full NBA season below .500 -- since you said "We knew we were going to be a playoff team" back in December of 2008.

Screamed Nyets coach Avery Johnson: "HE HAD A LITTLE TEAM MEETING WITH THE GUYS AND THE GUYS RESPONDED. DEVIN TOOK CHARGE ON BOTH ENDS OF THE FLOOR FOR US. WE NEED DEVIN TO PLAY LIKE THIS. WE NEED DEVIN TO TAKE SHOTS."

Let's see now. Devin finished 7-for-25 from the field, 1-for-5 from downtown and 14-for-17 from the line. Oh, don't worry, Avery. He'll take shots. He'll definitely take shots.

The Atlanta Hawks: As I like to say, NBA teams don't get many breaks, but the Dirty Birds got a poopload of them last night. The Celtics had an entire lineup of dudes sitting this one out -- Rajon Rondo (sprained ankle), Shaq (sore right calf), Jermaine O'Neal (sore left knee), Delonte West (right wrist surgery) -- plus Von Wafer left the game after only two minutes of PT due to a sore back.

Not only that, the Celtics were coming off a last-second win against the Knicks in New York the night before. Injured, using a lineup filled with old guys, and starting Turkish Semih Erden who finished with zero rebounds in 24 minutes. Doc Rivers had to dust off Avery Bradley and Luke Harangody for some first half action. Luke Harangody.

luke
Uhm, that's now how you do it, Luke.

Hell, the Hawks even had a 24-11 advantage in free throw attempts. In Boston.

No matter. The Celts ran away with it in the fourth and won 102-90. It was their 12th straight win. And looking at their next two games -- at home against the Pacers and Sixers -- that streak could make it to 14. And by the way, if you're wondering why Doc Rivers is resting Shaq, look no further than Boston's Christmas day matchup with the Magic in Orlando. I have a feeling The Big Gimpy will play in that one.

Celtics fans: Celebrate!


Atlanta -- who, in all fairness, had to play without Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford -- couldn't hold onto the ball (18 turnovers) or stop the Celtics from scoring. Boston shot 53 percent as a team. Kevin Garnett continued to proove he ain't dead yet by finishing with 17 points (8-for-10) and 14 rebounds. Not bad on the second night of back-to-backs. Paul Pierce dished out 10 assists in his temporary role as point forward. Ray Allen went 7-for-13 for his 18 points. Big Baby had a double-double (18 points and 10 boards). Even little Nate Robinson chipped in with 14 points. On 15 shots. But still.

Said Josh Smith: "I'm not making excuses, but we still had two of our main scorers out also."

Smith -- who kinda-sorta becomes option numero uno with Johnson and Crawford out -- finished with one point on 0-for-8 shooting. Those numbers are a bit off his season averages of 16 points on 48 percent shooting. Speaking of which...

Josh Smith, worst player of the night: See above.

Kevin Garnett, quote machine: "What are you going to do? Quit? Put your clothes on and go home? That's not what we do here."

The Denver Nuggets: Talk about a rough ending for Denver.


I have a feeling the Nuggets were seeing Manu Ginobili in their dreams last night. And in those dreams, he'll still be moving.

Said Carmelo Anthony: "No, obviously what I think and what they called are two different things. I thought I made a great play. I took advantage of how Richard (Jefferson) was guarding, attacked. I don't think I could've got a better look at it than that. It's tough, you know, just going out there playing as hard as we played out there and to lose the game on something like that."

More angst from the AP recap:

Nuggets coach George Karl was crestfallen over the call.

"It's a play that I think goes either way a lot," Karl said. "It seemed like the referees, they like to hit us with tough calls. It was a tough call. Good play. Good basketball. Melo made a great play. It's close. I've seen it called both ways."

But at the buzzer?

Told that TV analyst Scott Hastings said he hadn't seen that in his nearly three decades watching NBA basketball, Karl said, "I'd probably agree with Scott."
Karl wasn't done there, though. From NBA FanHouse:

"Refereeing is hard to understand sometimes," said Karl, who at least said his injury-riddled team could get big man Kenyon Martin back next week from offseason knee surgery and should have big man Chris Andersen return from a back injury. "There are so many things that, it's just strange. Some of the things, it's just strange sometimes. Nene I think is the probably No. 1 guy in this league (that doesn't get respect from the officials, in Karl's view). He got three touch fouls at the beginning of the third quarter. He had three fouls called on him. One that took away a dunk."

The three fouls all were called between the 10:19 and the 9:56 mark of the third quarter.

"If we show them on film, they don't exist," Karl said. "We have films that we send into the league office that (fouls) don't exist. And here's a guy that's close to an All-Star, and he just doesn't get a lot of respect. I think it affects you. We tell them to fight through it, forget it, refereeing will come back and all that stuff. It just sometimes seems that we don't get the whistles sometimes I think we earn by how hard we're playing and how well we're playing."
Look, I understand Karl's frustration. First, NBA superstars usually get the benefit of close calls. Second, officials typically "let the players decide things" at the end of games. So the outcome flies in the face of conventional wisdom.

Haywoode Workman was the official who made the call. Woody is a former NBA player -- a former Pacer thank you very much -- and he was a tough customer back in the day. And as much as I hate to say it, as much as I have (historically speaking) hated Ginobili's flopping ways, I think Workman got it right. Yeah, Manu was still moving a teeny, tiny bit, but he was about as set as most guys are when they take a charge. It was certainly a close call. But probably the right one.

Kenny And Charles: Basketbawful reader JR e-mailed me the following passionate rant:

After Spurs-Nuggets last night, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley went completely off the reservation. Manu Ginobili's latest heroics prompted Barkley to question whether Manu is "the best foreign player ever." Kenny then argued that either Dirk Nowitzki or the late Drazen Petrovic should be ranked above Manu.

Before the two really got started, it took Ernie Johnson to bring up the name Hakeem Olajuwon. And Charles and Kenny completely ignored it and went on debating whether Drazen Petrovic was better than Manu. Two former teammates of the Dream. Kenny Smith has two freaking championship rings BECAUSE OF OLAJUWON and they don't even acknowledge him in their little debate. Ernie might as well have nominated Frederic Weis.

As Charles Barkley himself would have said, Hakeem must be rolling over in his grave.
Brandon Roy: ESPN's Chris Broussard provided the full scoop on Roy's feelings about his too-slow backcourt mate Andre Miller:

It's no secret that playing alongside Andre Miller frustrates Brandon Roy. Miller keeps Roy from handling the ball as much as he wants and doesn't spread the floor enough for Roy's liking.

After Monday's loss to Memphis, Roy all but blamed his struggles this season on Miller, saying "I wasn't that slow until you put a guy who is kind of slow next to me. I've always been kind of slow. Not to be controversial at all, but I was slow my rookie year, and now it's ..."

Roy, who's lacked the explosiveness we've seen from him in the past, apologized for his comments two days later, but his frustration remains -- and Wednesday's four-point performance in another L at Dallas certainly didn't improve his mindset.

But is Roy frustrated enough to leave Portland?

Depends on who you ask.

One plugged-in person with knowledge of Portland's inner workings told me Roy spoke with Blazers management less than two weeks ago about the need for Miller and him to part ways. While Roy did not issue a trade demand or request, I'm told he said something to this effect:

This is not going to work, so you should trade one of us. Whether it's him or whether it's me, somebody needs to be traded because this is not going to work.
And Chris Broussard also points out that Roy is in the first-year of a five-year, $82.3 million contract extension...and sources say his knees are not insured.

Shit.

Now, Portland general manager Rich Cho and Roy's agent Bob Myers both denied that Roy demanded some kind of move. But they were going to do that no matter what. Regardless, the Frail Blazers are stuck in an ugly situation. Greg Oden has played a total of 82 games since he was drafted back in 2007. They're stuck with Roy's bum knees and increasingly surly attitude.

 
 

Top 30: Tony Stewart rebounds from slow start, but fails to maintain momemtu...


After winning four times in 2009, Tony Stewart expected to contend for race wins and a third Sprint Cup Series title in 2010. He accomplished the first goal – winning at Atlanta and Auto Club Speedway in the fall – but the Stewart-Haas Racing team never seemed to get on track during the 10-race Chase For The Sprint Cup.

Pedrosa back in February's Sepang test


Dani Pedrosa is currently in the final stages of recovery from the shoulder injury he sustained last October and is excited to return to training in early January. The Spaniard will spend a full month working on his physical condition to ensure that he is in the best possible shape for the first MotoGP test of 2011 at Sepang, Malaysia, from February 1st to 3rd.

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