NEW YORK -- Jay-Zs sports agency says it has signed New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia to join former teammate Robinson Cano in its emerging client base. Roc Nation Sports says the 33-year-old left-hander agreed to a representation deal Thursday. The ace had been represented by Legacy Agencys group, which includes Brian Peters, Greg Genske and Scott Parker. Sabathia is signed through 2016 at salaries of $23 million in each of the next two seasons and $25 million in 2016. The Yankees hold a $25 million option for 2017 with a $5 million buyout. He was 14-13 last year with a career-worst 4.78 ERA. Cano left Scott Boras last year for the new agency and agreed to a $240 million, 10-year deal with Seattle. Magic Johnson Jersey . Team officials travelled to Los Angeles on Thursday night to meet with the free agent, a person with knowledge of the plans said. O. J. Simpson Jersey . Bayern winger Franck Ribery marked his league return after recovering from a cracked rib by scoring two goals and setting up two more as the league leaders inflicted the heaviest home defeat on Bremen in the Bundesliga. https://www.sportsstarsjerseys.com/aaron-judge-jersey/. -- Jerry Rice Jr. Khalil Mack Jersey . LOUIS -- Julius Randle had 19 points and 15 rebounds, Aaron Harrison finished with 18 points and No. Tim Duncan Jersey . The 25-year-old Brazilian player has only made four Premier League appearances for United this season and underwent a medical test in Italy on Friday.BILBAO, Spain - Markel Susaeta scored one goal and made another as Athletic Bilbao beat BATE Borisov 2-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday to secure a place in the Europa League.Neither side could advance to the Champions League knockout stages, but Bilbaos victory was enough to seal third place in Group H and a slot in Europes second-tier competition.Mikel San Jose buried a corner sent over by Susaeta in the 47th minute.dddddddddddd.Substitute Borja Viguera found space in BATEs penalty area and his pinpoint pass to Susaeta allowed the winger to fire home in the 88th.With the defeat, BATE conceded 24 goals in the group stage — the worst defensive record in the Champions League. The previous record of 22 goals was set by Dinamo Zagreb in 2011-12. ' ' '

ARLINGTON, Texas -- With the way Bartolo Colon was dominating on the mound, all the Oakland Athletics needed was the early run they scored off Yu Darvish. Now they just about have a stranglehold on the AL West after beating the Texas Rangers twice in less than 24 hours. Colon scattered seven hits over eight scoreless innings and the division-leading As won 1-0 Saturday, stretching their division lead over Texas to 5 1/2 games with two weeks left in the regular season. "I dont think its much difference because last year we wanted to win every game, and right now we feel like we want to win every game still," said Josh Donaldson, who drew a walk in the first and scored the games only run. "If anything, it might be a little bit different for them. ... Now theyre looking up at us and trying to catch us." Oakland overcame a five-game deficit against the Rangers in the final nine games last year, including a season-ending three-game sweep at home to clinch the division. Texas has 15 games left -- but only one against the As in Sundays series finale. The As won for the seventh time in eight games and have already clinched the key division series. They built a 9-2 lead in Friday nights opener and held on to win 9-8 after Texas had a six-run eighth. "Its big for us to be able to pull these victories off," As centre fielder Coco Crisp said. "One was weird, the other one today was just a pitchers duel." Colon (16-6) struck out seven and lowered what is already his career-best ERA to 2.73. The 40-year-old right-hander became the first to reach 20 victories against Texas, his most wins in his career against any team and the most by any pitcher against Texas -- breaking what had been a tie with Bert Blyleven, Dennis Leonard and Jack Morris. "Bartolo was just absolutely phenomenal today and didnt really give them that much of a chance," Donaldson said. Darvish (12-9) struck out 10 over seven innings in his fourth 1-0 loss of the season. The right-hander from Japan has lost his last four starts, the last two by 1-0 scores, and is winless his last six. Texas scored two runs or less for Darvish his last seven starts. That includes his 2-1 win at Houston on Aug. 12 when he took a no-hitter into the eighth inning. "I cant control it. I cant do anything about it. The only thing I can do is concentrate on the batter in front of me," Darvish said through an interpreter, insisting that he is not frustrated. "As a pitcher, you cant control how many runs are scored. Am I going to go into the lineup and help the lineup? I cant." Darvish struck out the side in the first, but Donaldson walked and scored on a two-out double by Brandon Moss into the right-field corner. Second baseman Ian Kinslers relay throw to the plate was a bit up the line. Colon walked one before Grant Balfour worked the ninth for his 38th save in 40 chances. Texas has lost all five games on this homestand, and is 2-10 in September. "It put us in second place. Thats about it," manager Ron Washington said. "Weve still got games left to play. Were going to continue to play." Other than the As last season, only two other teams have overcome deficits of five games or more with 15 or fewer games left since 1969, according to STATS. In 2007, Philadelphia had a 5 1/2-game deficit against the New York Mets with 15 games left, the same the Rangers face now. The St. Louis Cardinals were 5 1/2 games behind Houston with 11 games remaining in 2001. Darvish had his majors-best 12th game of at least 10 strikeouts this season, and the 20th in his 58 career games. He also surpassed 250 strikeouts, becoming only the fourth pitcher to accomplish that within his first two MLB seasons. The others were Tim Lincecum, Dwight Gooden and Herb Score. NOTES: The 12:06 p.m. start was the earliest ever at Rangers Ballpark, which is in its 20th season. And it came after a 4-hour, 9-minute game Friday night that matched the fourth-longest nine-inning game in park history. That game ended at 11:16 p.m. ... The last MLB pitcher with four 1-0 losses in the same season was Orel Hershiser in 1989. ... Balfour had allowed seven runs over his previous seven games, but converted five of six saves in that span. Cheap Jazz Jerseys . By then it was clear: The 76ers were going to win for the first time in two months, and they were going to do it with ease. The 76ers snapped their NBA record-tying, 26-game losing streak, routing the Detroit Pistons 123-98 on Saturday night to avoid establishing the longest skid in U. Fake Jazz Jerseys . The Padres made the moves before Fridays game at Washington. They promoted infielder Jace Peterson from Double-A San Antonio and right-hander Kevin Quackenbush from Triple-A El Paso. https://www.cheapjazzonline.com/. Atletico Madrid made it three wins from three thanks to a double from in-form striker Diego Costa in a 3-0 victory at Austria Vienna, leaving the Spanish side on the brink of the last 16 already to continue its brilliant start to the season. Utah Jazz Store .J. - The New York Jets have signed former Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Graham Harrell, giving them some added depth at the position. Custom Utah Jazz Jerseys . -- Its been 21 years since Joe Gibbs Racing celebrated its only Daytona 500 victory.HULL, England -- Hull beat Liverpool 3-1 in the Premier League on Sunday for its first ever victory against the Merseyside club. Hull went ahead after Jake Livermores shot from outside the area took a deflection off Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel and looped over goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in the 20th minute at the KC Stadium. Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge could be sidelined for up to eight weeks after spraining his ankle during training earlier this week. The England forward has scored 11 goals in 14 matches for the Reds this season and his partnership with Luis Suarez has proved decisive in many occasions. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said before Sundays 3-1 loss at Hull that "Daniel is probably going to be out six to eight weeks. Its a big blow for us because hes been brilliant since hes come in." Steven Gerrard equalized seven minutes later with a well-placed free kick through a sudden hole in the wall created by Skrtel. David Meyler put Hull ahead again in the 72nd with a left-footed shot and Skrtel finished a miserable afternoon for Liverpool with a spectacular own-goal header in the 87th. Liverpool trails league leaders Arsenal by seven points. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had recalled Victor Moses and Raheem Sterling, the latter making his first start since Oct. 5, but they proved inadequate replacements for Sturridge. For Hull, it was a memorable afternoon and a seasons best performance -- just the boost required after last weeks defeat to lowly Crystal Palace. The match quickly settled into a pattern of Liverpool going forward and Hull clearing its lines. The Reds forced three corners in the first six minutes, buut the hosts stood up well to Gerrards delivery.dddddddddddd There were hints that Hull was not going to be completely passive, though, with Yannick Sagbo and Livermore creating a promising counter-attack in the 14th minute only for Robert Koren to linger too long over a final ball. Nevertheless, it was still a major surprise when Hull went ahead six minutes later. Moses was culpable, giving the ball away to Ahmed Elmohamady when trying to attack from the back and bringing Livermore into the game. He exchanged a quick one-two with Meyler, advanced on goal and saw his 20-yard strike loop past Mignolet via a heavy deflection off Skrtel for Livermores first goal of the season. With 26 minutes gone Curtis Davies felled the advancing Jordan Henderson and offered Liverpool the most inviting of free kicks. Luis Suarez appeared interested but Gerrard pulled rank and bent the ball brilliantly past Allan McGregor after Skrtel pulled away from the wall to create a gap. The leveler settled Liverpool and both Gerrard and Suarez began to play with greater freedom as they probed Hull for further openings. Yet they did not have a shot of note between them until the stroke of half time when Suarez hit an unusually tame effort from Sterlings clever through ball. Liverpool started the second period shakily with Moses and Sterling offering little cutting edge in support of Suarez. Meyler grabbed the second, driving into the bottom corner after his initial strike was blocked by Kolo Toure. With Liverpool throwing numbers forward, a third goal seemed inevitable and came when Tom Huddlestones shot looked to be heading well wide until Skrtels deflection. ' ' '

LONDON - Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarvers second bid to take over financially troubled Scottish soccer team Rangers was rejected on Monday, prompting him to curtail his interest in buying the club.Rangers announced to the London Stock Exchange that Sarvers offer of 20 million pounds ($30 million), including an emergency loan of 6.5 million pounds ($10 million) to ease its immediate financial concerns, was rebuffed as the board did not believe the offer would have the approval of shareholders.In his own statement to the Stock Exchange, Sarver did not rule out returning to talks.I wish the club and fans the best of luck. If they want my support in the future, then they only have to ask, Sarver said. Im disappointed the Rangers board has rejected my revised offer, which addressed the clubs immediate and long-term needs. Clearly the current directors have a different path they want to go down. I hope for the sake of the club and the fans, whove been very warm and supportive towards me, that it works out.Sarvers opening bid of 18 million pounds ($27.4 million) was turned down last Tuesday by Rangers but he was encouraged to return with an improved offer.The 54-time Scottish champions were demoted to the bottom tier of Scottish soccer in 2012 after a financial meltdown. They now play in Scotlands second division. Clarence Weatherspoon Jersey . New York (16-9-8) took over first place in the Eastern Conference and has the best record in the league with one game remaining. Houstons five-game unbeaten streak was snapped, and the Dynamo (13-11-9) are sixth in the East with one game remaining. Raul Neto Jersey . Saltalamacchia drove in the go-ahead run in the ninth inning, Henderson Alvarez won for the first time in three starts and the Miami Marlins beat the Braves 3-2 on Thursday night. https://www.cheap76ers.com/476e-jerryd-b...ey-76ers.html.C. United have acquired midfielder Alex Caskey from the Seattle Sounders for a third-round pick in the 2016 MLS draft. Philadelphia 76ers Shirts . Carreno Busta broke his opponent five times in the match, but also lost his serve three times in the second set before prevailing in the tiebreaker. Both players struggled with their first serve, as Carreno Busta landed just 51 per cent of his to 47 per cent for Kukushkin. Clemon Johnson Jersey . While Minnesota takes aim at its eighth win of November, the Canadiens will try to post just their third victory in nine games this month.CALGARY - The Canadian freestyle skiing program is getting a significant bump in Own The Podium funding this winter, while money for skeleton has been slashed almost to the bone.Own The Podium doles out federal government money based on a sport federations ability to produce Olympic medallists.Freestyle skiers led Canadas medal haul at this years Winter Olympics with seven, including three gold.Out of OTPs budget of $21,605,000 for the 2014-15 winter season, freestyle skiing will have $3.78 million at its disposal. Thats a significant raise on the average of $2.58 million annually in the four years between the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.Skeleton, by contrast, will receive just $20,000 this winter and far less than the average of $876,250 in the previous quadrennial.OTP meets with each sport federation to identify athletes with medal potential and come up with a training and competition plan to get them on the podium. Chief executive officer Anne Merklinger emphasizes the financial allotments for 2014-15 were not rewards for results in Sochi in February.Where the money went reflected a sports ability to not only win medals in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in 2018, but also in 2022, she said.It is very much about investing in future podium potential athletes and teams, Merklinger said in an interview. Sure, the past result is important because it indicates an organization has been successful in getting athletes on the podium, so its embedded in their culture. Thats important, but at the same time, if theres no athletes in the pipeline particularly for zero to four years out for the upcoming set of Games, then thats OTPs mandate, to help Canadian athletes and coaches win more medals.No athletes, no money.OTP is the organization established five years out from the 2010 Vancouver Olympics to get the home team on the podium.The majority of its money comes from taxpayers via Sport Canada, although the Canadian Olympic Committee contributes to OTPs budget from its own corporate sponsorship campaign.Canada topped the gold-medal count in 2010 with 14, which is a Winter Games record, and ranked third in the overall medal count with 26. In Sochi, Canada was third in the gold-medal count with 10 and fourth overall with 25.Canada achieved the goal of a top-three ranking in gold medals won at both Paralympic Winter Games with 10 in 2010 and seven in Sochi.But a troubling stat for Merklinger is the number of Canadians who finished in the top eight at the Winter Games fell from 72 in 2010 to 57 in Sochi. That decline is one indicator of a shrinking pool of athletes with medal potential, which would impact Canadas performance at future Games.Canada needs to widen and deepen that pool and not just for Pyeongchang, Merklinger said.Going into Sochi, going into Vancouver, the lens from OTP was pretty narrow, she explained. It was about podium performance in the upcoming set of Games.We made a very deliberate decision to look at the top sports that have multiple medal potential and invest a little bit deeper in the pathway, so looking at athletes who are eight to five years away from a podium performance in addition to those sports that have athletes who are four to zero years away.So the Canadian Freestyle Association is using its increased funding to hire staff and operate projects for athletes who are competing at a level between the provincial and national teams.The most visible sign of the increased money will be seen this winter at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary.The CFSA has hired the best half-pipe course designer in the world, according to chief executive officer Bruce Robinson, to construct and maintain this years edition of the half-pipe.In half-pipe skiing, the quality of the pipe is incredibly important, Robinson said.It allows our team to have the best training possible in their home country and not always having to go to the United States or overseas. Thats a huge benefit for us.The CFSA also hired a staff to work with developmental athletes across the four freestyle disciplines of moguls, aerials, half-pipe and freestyle.A moguls program of 10 to 15 athletes who race on the NorAm circuit, one level below the World Cup, was also established in Whistler, B.C.Canada won gold and silver in Sochi in skicross, which falls under the freestyle umbrella internationally. OTP funds it separately from freestyle, however, as it is administered domestically by Alpine Canada.After skeleton made its Olympic debut in 2002, Canadians won World Cups, world titles and Olympic medals over the next decade. But Canada has been overtaken by Europeans and Americans. OTP has determined there isnt another Duff Gibson or Jon Montgomery on the near hoorizon.ddddddddddddOur analysis was skeleton does not at this point does not have medal potential for 2018, Merklinger said.The head of Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton disagrees with that assessment.I believe and I think the organization believes that OTP underestimated the talent we have and their prospects of medalling in 2018 and 2022, Sarah Storey said. That being said, we need to demonstrate that to a degree.Im confident well be able to show OTP these athletes are worth OTP investing in because they do have the talent and the potential and we do have a plan to get them there.Skeletons coaching staff has been reduced to one, Ivo Pakalns, who oversees all athletes in the program. Gibson, the 2006 Olympic gold medallist who coached the Canadian team in Sochi, says he returned to his job as a firefighter for family, not funding, reasons. BCS will provide financial support for Canadian skeleton athletes who qualify to race World Cups this winter, Storey said.It is still our responsibility and mandate to develop world-class athletes to get medals, she said.Its a major setback, but were not going to let it affect these athletes and the next athletes coming through. Its very important we restore funding next year and were working on that.The majority of winter sports saw more modest gains or drops in funding ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands.But long-track speed skatings piece of the OTP pie shrunk to $1.35 million from an average of $1.75 million in the previous quadrennial. The athletes are feeling the pinch.Ottawas Ivanie Blondin says she and her teammates were told earlier this month they must pay $1,500 in team fees out of their own pocket to race on the national team this winter. I just finished paying off my tuition, Blondin said.We kind of saw it coming, but moving forward I will have to look for sponsorship somewhere for myself. I do have a spot available on my racing skinsuit that I can fill, but its trying to find that one company or one supporter that would will be willing to give me that per season is really hard right now with the economy.After winning a combined 13 medals in 2006 and 2010, the long-track team produced two in Sochi. The national team is smaller this winter with just 11 skaters named to the senior team, but there are 20 on the developmental squad.Long track was cut significantly from every year of the quad previously, Merklinger acknowledged. We certainly cant abandon the podium potential athletes that are there now and we need to work closely with long track to strengthen the program.For Canada to continue to be a strong winter sport nation, we need long track to get back to where they were.Ski jumping and its cousin Nordic combined will receive no funding this winter. Ski jumpings OTP funding in 2013-14 was just $54,000. Even with the introduction of womens ski jumping to the Olympics, OTP determined Canada is not close to having a medal threat.___WINNERS AND LOSERS: A QUICK LOOK AT SPORTS IMPACTED MOST BY NEW OTP FUNDINGWINNERSFreestyle skiing, $3.78 million — Freestyle is one of the few winter sports where Canada has the depth to get more than one athlete on the podium in moguls, half-pipe and slopestyle. Moguls skier Mikael Kingsbury, half-pipe skiers Mike Riddle, Noah Bowman and Matt Margetts and womens slopestyle specialists Dara Howell, Kim Lamarre and Kaya Turski are among them.Luge, $1.020 million — A trio of fourth-place finishes and two women in the top five in Sochi indicates the lugers are on track to claim Canadas first Olympic medal in the sport. Keep your eye on Kimberley McRae, who was fifth in Sochi, en route to 2018.Figure Skating, $1.1 million — Canada must keep its world-class talent across singles, pairs and ice dance to remain a medal threat in the team event, as well as contend for individual medals. Nam Nguyen in mens singles and the ice dance team of Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje are the ones to watch for the next four years.LOSERSSki jumping/Nordic combined, $0 — The introduction of womens ski jumping in Sochi was four years too late for Canada, whose best medal prospects were competing prior to 2010. There are just two ski jump venues in the country and few people who participate, so the talent pool is very shallow.Skeleton, $20,000 — It was a glorious decade of Canadian World Cup, world and Olympic champions after the sport made its Olympic debut in 2002, but OTP has determined no slider is currently tracking to get there again.Long-track speedskating, $1.35 million — Looks like a lot of money, but down significantly from previous years because of fewer potential medallists.---Follow Donna Spencer on Twitter at @DLSpencer10 ' ' '

MIAMI -- Jordan Pacheco and the Colorado Rockies finally broke out the bats. Pacheco had three hits and drove in a run for the Rockies, who beat the Miami Marlins 6-5 on Wednesday night. Charlie Blackmon and Michael Cuddyer each had two hits for Colorado as all eight position players in the starting lineup recorded at least one hit. "I think we were saving them," Pacheco said of the hits. "We faced two tough guys (Jose Fernandez and Nathan Eovaldi) at the beginning of the series and its bound to happen with this lineup. We have a bunch of guys who can hit." Rockies two-time All-Star outfielder Carlos Gonzalez left the game in the bottom of the sixth inning as a precaution due to dizziness, which began during the game without a particular incident. "Hes OK, he wasnt feeling too good and was a little dizzy," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "I think hes fine, but he wasnt feeling too good." Giancarlo Stanton homered and drove in two three for the Marlins, who trailed 6-1 in the sixth. "Thats the difference from last year," Stanton said. "That happened frequently, a sense of looking to tomorrow, we already lost. Its good to keep going every game to the last out." The Marlins trailed 6-4 in the bottom of the ninth with LaTroy Hawkins on the mound. Hawkins allowed a leadoff single to Adeiny Hechavarria and walked Derek Dietrich with two outs bringing Stanton to the plate. "You never want to see him walking to the plate to win the game, hes a dangerous hitter, its well-documented," Weiss said. "It was very uncomfortable with Stanton at the plate." Stanton nearly ended the game when he hit a long foul ball down the left field line, which would have won the game if it had stayed fair. "(The pitch) was in so I wasnt worried that it was going to be fair," Pacheco said. "Ive heard that sound before, I heard it a couple innings prior to that, but it worked out for us." Stanton said: "I should have got it a little deeper. It landed a lot further (foul) than when it went past the pole. It was pretty close." Two pitches later Stanton delivered an RBI single on a full-count pitch scoring Hechavarria and pulling Miami within a run. Garrett Jones popped out to third base to end the game with Hawkins earning the save. "Hawk grinded through the inning and got it done," Weiss said. Jordan Lyles (1-0) won his debut with the Rockies after being acquired in an off-season trade with the Houston Astros for Dexter Fowler. Lyles allowed four runs and five hits in five innings while striking out five and walking one. "It was stressful, Hawk got his work in tonight, but our first win maybe we can get it going tomorrow and have a good homestand," Lyles said. "Hopefully were heading in the right direction and put those first two games behind us." Colorado led 6-1 heading into the sixth inning before Stanton cut the deficit to 6-3 with a two-run home run to right field off Lyles. "Everyone knows not to go away, I wanted to show him away one time and I shouldnt have," Lyles said. "Hes a strong guy." Reliever Adam Ottovinos wild pitch brought Miami 6-4 later in the sixth. Henderson Alvarez (0-1) pitched a no-hitter on the final day of the 2013 season against the Detroit Tigers, but struggled in his 2014 debut. Alvarez allowed five consecutive hits in the first inning including a RBI double by Gonzalez and run-scoring singles by Justin Morneau and Pacheco giving the Rockies a 3-0 lead. The Rockies stretched their lead to 6-1 in the fourth sparked by two errors and a wild pitch by Alvarez, which scored a run. Kevin Slowey relieved Alvarez and immediately walked in a run. Cuddyer also drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. "We gave them some extra outs and that probably was the difference in the game," Marlins manager Mike Redmond said. Alvarez allowed six runs -- three earned -- and seven hits in three innings. "What got me in trouble was leaving the ball up," Alvarez said. Slowey struck out five in four scoreless innings. NOTES: Gold Glove Award winner Nolan Arenado flashed his ability at third base in the fifth inning when he barehanded a slow-roller and threw out Hechavarria at first base. . Miamis first replay challenge of the season was upheld when Redmond question a play at second base in the top of the fourth. . Marlins 3B Ed Lucas had left hand surgery on Wednesday and is expected to be out four to six weeks. . Miami RHP Jacob Turner will face Colorado LHP Franklin Morales on Thursday in the series finale. Yeezy 350 Sale . - Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis said Wednesday hes "nodded off" during meetings, but he said its something every player does. Yeezy 350 On Sale . - Jason Day and Cameron Tringale shot an 8-under 64 on Friday in modified alternate-shot play to increase their lead to three strokes in the Franklin Templeton Shootout. https://www.cheapyeezy350outlet.com/. Or maybe he already did. Clark hit his first homer, Wily Peralta pitched into the seventh inning, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Miami Marlins 4-1 Wednesday night. Yeezy 350 Replica .com) - The Toronto Blue Jays will look to snap a three-game skid Friday night when they continue their road trip in the opener of a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Yeezy 350 Store .com) - St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko, Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk and Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury have been selected as the NHLs top players for last week.REGINA - Olympic gold-medal favourite Mark McMorris is in "great spirits," despite a fall that fractured a rib and nearly derailed his dream. Don McMorris, the snowboarders father, says Mark is moving around quite well after the incident during Saturdays slopestyle event at the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colo. "When we left him (Sunday), he could bend over and touch his toes because of where (the injury) is at," Don McMorris told The Canadian Press on Monday. "You know a cracked rib in the front, you couldnt do that, but where its at (around the back), he could bend to his toes and could raise his knees up to kind of his chest. "He was really doing better than we all thought. Hes got five or six days before he has to worry about riding and hes got the best people around him." Mark McMorris caught his snowboard on the lip of a rail and went sliding down the bar on his right side before landing hard on the snow during the final. He stayed on the ground for a few minutes before riding down the hill under his own power. It seems the 20-year-old Regina native lost focus. "He probably hit that rail through the week, I dont know 50 times, and never had a problem with it or any of the rails because thats, I think, one of the strongest parts of his riding," said Don McMorris, who was in Aspen when his son fell. "But obviously he was focused on what he was going to do on the jump line because he was going to try something pretty major." Don McMorris says his son didnt hurt much at first, but the pain got worse as the afternoon wore on. Mark McMorrris finished with a silver medal at the event, but was "pretty down," said his father.dddddddddddd Mark McMorris had said being an Olympian is a dream come true. He was the two-time defending Winter X Games champion in slopestyle. When he was named to the Olympic team earlier this month, McMorris said hes been "preparing like a mad man." The fall raised questions as to whether he could compete in Sochi. "He was really scared, not necessarily about his own well-being, I dont think, but that he wouldnt get to go to the Olympics," said Don McMorris. "That was really playing on his mind and when he does that, he just gets really quiet and doesnt really talk or say much to anybody. "And you could just tell that he was really scared and worried about not getting to fulfil his dream." The elder McMorris says the tough part was waiting to hear what the team doctors had to say. He describes it as an agonizing wait of about three hours. They eventually decided Mark would go to Sochi, as planned. "I cant tell you what he said because that would not be printable," joked Don McMorris. "He was really relieved." A fractured rib usually takes six weeks to heal, so Mark McMorris wont have time to fully recover before the Games start Feb. 7. But his father is cautiously optimistic. "Yes, Im optimistic, (I) have to be," he said. "I mean maybe too optimistic because theres going to be a lot of pain and . . . you dont know how the body will react, but compared to what it could have been, were pretty happy." ' ' '

MELBOURNE, Australia - Eugenie Bouchard — the unwitting protagonist of an Australian Open saga that has been dubbed Twirlgate — would prefer if people just focused on her tennis.For the record, Bouchard said Friday she was not offended by the male interviewer who asked her to twirl for the crowd earlier in the week.I think it was just kind of funny, the Wimbledon runner-up said after advancing to the fourth round in Melbourne. Im fine with being asked to twirl if they ask the guys to flex their muscles.This is not the first time the Australian Open has offered up a headline-grabbing sideshow that has nothing to do with tennis.In previous years, two-time champion Victoria Azarenkas former boyfriend, the rap star Redfoo who was a regular front-row fixture, got as much press as she did. In 2011, former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki told a colorful tale about getting into a fight with a kangaroo and showed a scratch to prove it. She later retracted the story, saying she had bumped into a treadmill but wanted to spice up a dull news conference.This year, the seasons opening Grand Slam tournament has Twirlgate, a term being used by Australian media and as a hashtag on Twitter.It started Wednesday when Bouchard, one of the rising stars of womens tennis, was asked by a male interviewer to give us a twirl and show off her tennis dress after winning her second-round match. Noticeably embarrassed, Bouchard complied with a laugh and later said, it was very unexpected.Social media erupted with chatter. Some called it sexist, some questioned whether a male player would be asked to twirl after winning a match, and some dismissed the debate, saying they didnt feel sorry for a highly-paid athlete being asked to twirl.Billie Jean King added to the chorus of criticism.This is truly sexist, tweeted King, an 11-time Grand Slam winner and a longtime campaigner for equal rights in tennis. Lets focus on competition and accomplishments of both genders, and not our looks.The 20-year-old Bouchard, a 1.78-meter (5 foot-10) photogenic blonde, has become one of tennis newest cover girls. She won the Wimbledon juniors title in 2012 and has made rapid progress ever since. She reached the semifinals at last years Australian and French Opens followed by the Wimbledon final which ushered her into the No. 7-ranking — the highest ever for a Canadian player.Bouchard won her third-round match Friday, beating Caroline Garcia of France 7-5, 6-0. After a few questions on tennis, her post-match news conference turned to the twirl.I was waiting for this one, Bouchard said, smiling.Players typically say that during big tournaments they try to stay away from newspapers and limit their time on social media to keep their minds on the game. But Bouchard said she was aware that the incident had caused a stir.My friends are texting me, saying I dance and twirl well and stuff, as jokes, she said. Its just funny how its taken a life of its own. Im just going to try to focus on my tennis.She raised her eyebrows when asked if this was a deja vu of an embarrassing question she faced last year, when an on-court interviewer asked her which celebrity shed most like to date.You mean the Bieber question? she said. Her answer at the time had been fellow Canadian Justin Bieber. I dont know. They try to ask funny questions. Its entertaining, I guess. I dont mind it.But she added that it would be nice to move on.Im happy that Ive played three solid matches here, Bouchard said, and we could definitely be a little bit more focused on that. Yeezy 700 Saldi . - Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II says the NFL has told the team it will not be docked a pick in this years draft for coach Mike Tomlins foray onto the field against Baltimore last November. Air Max 97 Saldi . Funny, they looked like longtime friends during Pittsburghs 5-1 demolition of Dallas on Tuesday night. Quick to the puck and even quicker to the net, the Penguins top line overwhelmed the suddenly struggling Stars as Pittsburgh bounced back from a dismal weekend sweep at the hands of Philadelphia by jumping on Dallas early. http://www.scontatescarpenikeoutlet.it/i...fferte.html.com) - Manu Ginobili capped off a 26-point night with a go-ahead layup with 24 seconds left in overtime, with the basket giving the San Antonio Spurs a much-needed 95-93 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Balenciaga Italia . Although the deal cannot be made official until the free agent moratorium period is lifted on July 10, Patterson has agreed to a three-year, $18 million extension to remain in Toronto, sources confirm to TSN. Scarpe Nike Outlet Italia .J. -- Travis Zajac of the New Jersey Devils took a lot of grief considering his scored the first of his career-best three goals just 12 seconds into a crucial game against the Florida Panthers.ORLANDO, Fla. - As further proof the NFL never is far from the headlines, owners could make plenty of news this week at their spring meetings. They will consider 13 playing rules proposals and seven bylaws. They will discuss expanding the playoff field from 12 to 14 teams, although a vote on such a move is uncertain. Some changes would seem to be slam dunks: extending the height of the goal posts 5 feet to help determine if kicks are good; eliminating overtime in preseason games; placing fixed TV cameras on the goal lines, end lines and sidelines to help with replay reviews. Others seem almost sidebars to the real action, such as from where to enforce defensive penalties when they occur behind the line of scrimmage, or extending pass interference calls to within a yard of the line. Perhaps the juiciest suggestions came from the Patriots. They want to move the line of scrimmage to the 25 for extra points, and to allow coaches to challenge any calls except on scoring plays, which are automatically reviewed. Passing those proposals would make for a major change in how NFL games are played. "We discussed a lot of different scenarios that have been raised," Rams coach Jeff Fisher, co-chairman of the influential competition committee, said of longer extra-point kicks. "I will point out ... last year we had five tries missed (out of 1,267). I think four were blocked, one was missed. Its still a competitive play. "We are going to propose ... to the membership during one of the preseason weeks that we move the extra point back to the 20-yard line and see how that goes. Its on our radar." New Englands idea on coaches challenges in some ways echoes college football, in which every play can be reviewed. Falcons President Rich McKay, the other co-chairman of the competition committee, said reviews or challenges on defensive pass interference calls have been considered before. "Weve always shied away, as a committee, from penalties and the review of penalties for thee most basic reason," McKay said.dddddddddddd "We didnt want to put the referee in the position of using his subjective judgment on a play in place of the on-field official. We always thought the intent of replay, when it was put back in in 1998, was to deal with plays where there was an objective standard." Washington has proposed making personal foul penalties reviewable. How replay reviews are conducted overall will be discussed after the committee has proposed allowing the referee to consult with members of the NFL officiating department. The process wont change, but the command centre in New York headed by director of officiating Dean Blandino will already be reviewing the play when the referee gets to the replay monitor. "At the end of the day, whats going to happen is were going to make sure that every single review is correct and we feel like this will speed up the instant replay process and timing," Fisher said. The Redskins want kickoffs moved to the 40 yard-line for "safety and historic consistency," although doing so might totally eliminate returns. But some coaches hint it could lead to more pooch kicks, which wouldnt make the kickoff any safer. Another suggestion is to eliminate stopping the clock on a sack. That no longer is done in the final two minutes of each half, and if passed it will be totally eliminated. The Redskins also proposed raising the number of active players on game day from 46 to 49 for games on any day but Sunday or Monday — not including opening weekend. Washington seeks an increase in the practice squad limit from eight to 10 players; allowing trades after the Super Bowl until when the league year begins in March; eliminating the first preseason roster cut to 75 and having just one cut to 53 at the end of the preseason; and allowing more than one player to return from injured reserve during the season after six weeks on the list. ___ AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '

The agent for Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Callahan, Scott Bartlett, tweeted on Tuesday night that the player and the team were making positive progress on a new deal ahead of July 1 when the former New York Rangers captain is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent. Callahan was traded to the Lightning at the trade deadline on March 5 for Martin St. Louis. In 20 games with the Lightning, Callahan amassed six goals and five assists, but was kept off of the scoresheet in the playoffs where the Lightning were swept in the first round by the Montreal Canadiens. Callahan, 29, just finished the final season of a three-year pact worth $12.85 million. The native of Rochester, New York was reportedly seeking a seven-year, $49 million deal from the Rangers prior to the trade. Cheap Nike Shoes Free Shipping . Kelli Stack and Alex Carpenter also scored for the Americans, who avoided a repeat of Finlands upset at the Four Nations Cup in Lake Placid, N.Y., in November. Finnish goalie Noora Raty made 58 saves in that one, but the three-time Olympian could stop just 40 of 43 U. Wholesale Nike Shoes . -- Miami Dolphins defensive co-ordinator Kevin Coyle defended the management style of coach Joe Philbin in the wake of the teams bullying scandal. https://www.wholesalenikeshoesauthentic.com/. -- Joe Thornton scored the tiebreaking goal with 5:39 left in regulation to help the San Jose Sharks overcome a two-goal deficit to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-3 on Thursday night. Cheap Nike Shoes From China . The government says top golfers are expected to compete in the PGA Tour event at the Ashburn Golf Club in the suburb of Fall River from July 3-6 and again next year. Discount Nike Shoes . Terms of the contract were not disclosed by the club. Clemons spent his first five NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2009 draft out of Clemson.England kick off their Euro 2016 campaign on Saturday as Roy Hodgsons side face Group B opponents Russia in Marseille. The Three Lions arrive into the tournament as the only team to have won all of their qualifying fixtures, and have since claimed victories over Turkey, Australia and Portugal in their warm-up games.Despite concerns over their performances in the recent friendlies, England are the in-form nation heading into the tournament - but questions over Hodgsons team selection continue to dominate the pre-match build-up, as England look to claim their first win in an opening game at the European Championships. Roy Hodgson has attacking options in Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy Wayne Rooneys role in the starting XI has been up for discussion, with Russia coach Leonid Slutsky claiming the England captain is not the player that he was, but the Manchester United striker insists he is fully focused on the task ahead.You can sense the excitement around the team and around the team hotel, and I think you sense that excitement around the country, he told FATV. YOUR England XI against Russia We reveal the England XI which should face Russia, according to Sky Sports readers... Certainly the fans are doing that but the players are doing exactly the same. Were the ones going out on the pitch and were the ones who have to go and do it, so hopefully we can and well give everyone good memories.Russias 6ft 5in striker Artem Dzyuba has been touted as a potential dangerman, having netted nine times in 18 international appearances, but England defender Chris Smalling says he is relishing the challenge. Beware of the giant Sky Sports profiles Russia striker Artem Dzyuba We have been watching videos this week. He [Dzyuba] is a big guy and it will be a physical battle, Smalling said.Thats something in the Premier League we face week in week out so I enjoy it. Russias Igor Denisov will miss Euro 2016 Russias preparations have been hampered by numerous injury problems, with midfielder Igor Denisov one of five notable absentees from their squad, joining Alan Dzagoev, Denis Cheryshev, Yuri Zhirkov and Oleg Kuzmin on the sidelines.Slutsky, who took over from former England coach Fabio Capello last August, has opted to replace the injured Denisov with Zenits Artur Yusupov - who was on holiday in the same Monaco hotel as the Russian side when he received his call-up. Englands best stats-based XI Heres Englands best XI to face Russia, according to the stats... I was planning to fly back to Moscow (on Monday), Yusupov told UEFA.com. I didnt even have my football boots with me and none of my kit. I had to borrow from [Russia midfielder] Roman Neustadter.After being on holiday for 14 days, of course it is difficult to get down to work. I dont really know myself what state I will be in.Team newsEngland defenders Smalling and Ryan Bertrand suffered minor knocks during training earlier in the week, but both players are expected to be available for the clash at the Stade Velodrome. Ryan Bertrand missed England training on Wednesday, but is expected to be fit Up front, Hodgson has a selection dilemma as forwards Harry Kane, Rooney and Jamie Vardy will all be vying for a starting spot - with the latter likely to start on the bench on Saturday evening, according to newspaper reports.Spartak Moscows Denis Glushakov is a doubt for the game and will likely face a late fitness test, while Krasnodars Dmitri Torbinski did not train this week and could miss out in Marseille.ddddddddddddPaval Mamaev is in contention to replace the injured Denisov, but the Krasnodar midfielder says coach Slutsky has not detailed for certain anything about central midfield.Opta statsSince the breakup of the Soviet Union, Russia and England have met twice - in the Euro 2008 qualifiers. England won at Wembley (3-0) whilst Russia won in Moscow (2-1).Englands last game against Russia/USSR at the Euros was in 1988. The Soviets were victors in the group stages (3-1). Their only previous encounter in the tournament was in 1968, which England won 2-0 (third-place final). Watch Englands football team train for the last time before their Euro 2016 opener against Russia Meanwhile, England are taking part in their ninth European Championship finals. They didnt qualify the last time the tournament was held in France (1984).The Three Lions have never made it past the semi-finals at the Euros. They finished third in 1968 and were knocked out in the semis by Germany in 1996. England have been knocked out on penalties in three of their last four Euros (1996, 2004, 2012). Euro 2016 predictor Plot how the tournament will pan out with the Sky Sports Euro 2016 predictor… USSR included, this is Russias 11th European Championship finals, the second most after Germany (12).As the Soviet Union, they won the first ever European Championships in 1960. They beat Yugoslavia 2-1 after extra-time in the final. They have lost their subsequent three Euro finals: 1964, 1972 and 1988. Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring against Russia in 2007 Russia have only kept two clean sheets in their last 15 games at the European Championships (v Greece & Sweden in June 2008).Dzyuba was directly involved in 50% of Russias goals in the qualifying campaign, scoring eight and assisting one of Russias 18 goals. Only Gareth Bale (82%) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (58%) had a bigger impact on their teams goals among the 24 qualified nations.Paul Mersons predictionWhich England team are going to turn up? The one that played against Portugal? That was a shockingly terrible performance. Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane played full-backs, England never kept the ball and they were set up all wrong. It was unreal. Im going to be patriotic and back England to win, but theyve got to improve. Mersons Euro predictions Paul Merson tips England to beat Russia in their opening game.... PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0 to England (Sky Bet odds 9/2)BettingEngland are odds-on at 10/11 with Sky Bet to make a winning start to their Euro 2016 campaign against 100/30 shots Russia with the draw trading at 23/10. Roy Hodgsons men are 4/5 to top Group B and 9/1 fourth favourites to win their first major trophy in 60 years. Harry Kane to score in a win for the Three Lions is 3/1 (from 2/1), one of eight big match Price Boosts. Check out the match odds here. Follow England v Russia - and every game at Euro 2016 - with our live blog on skysports.com and the Sky Sports apps. ' ' '

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks avoided arbitration with reliever Joe Thatcher on Friday, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $2,375,000. The 32-year-old left-hander was 3-2 with a 3.20 ERA in 72 appearances with the Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres last season. Arizona also swapped arbitration figures with outfielders Mark Trumbo and Gerardo Parra. Trumbo asked for $5.85 million, while the Diamondbacks were at $3.4 million. Parra asked for $5.2 million, compared to a $4.3 million proposal by the team. Arizona acquired Trumbo from the Los Angeles Angels in a three-team trade in December. The slugger hit .234 with 34 home runs and 100 RBIs last year. Thatcher came to Arizona as part of the July 31 trade that sent right-hander Ian Kennedy to the Padres. Since 2007, Thatcher ranks third among major leaguers in the percentage of inherited runners to score at 19 per cent. He has a career record of 8-12 with a 3.34 ERA in 309 games over seven seasons with San Diego and Arizona. Milwaukee Bucks Pro Shop . Colton Sissons also scored for Milwaukee (19-12-8), which went ahead with a two-goal third period. Wade MacLeod and Greg McKegg replied for Toronto (23-12-4). Eric Bledsoe Jersey . -- Jack Del Rio only wanted to talk about the Cowboys, not the Trojans. https://www.cheapbucksonline.com/576t-gu...-bucks.html.com) - Klay Thompson is quickly proving he is worth every penny of his recently signed four-year contract extension. Bucks Jerseys 2019 . The Americans, skipped by John Shuster, seized the advantage in the eighth end by scoring five points for a 7-3 lead. The Czechs pulled two back in the ninth, but Shusters team of third Jeff Isaacson, second Jared Zezel and lead John Landsteiner ended with another point to secure the last Olympic berth on offer. Thanasis Antetokounmpo Jersey . The club announced Friday that Mauro Biello will be kept on as an assistant to coach Jesse Marsch when the Impact join the MLS in 2012.The Houston Texans made the inevitable official on Thursday, exercising the fifth-year option on defensive end J.J. Watt. The 2012 Defensive Player of the Year has 36.5 sacks in his three years with the Texans. According to a report from ESPN, Watt is one of five players to have their fifth-year option exercised by their team, joining San Diego Chargers defensive lineman Corey Liuget, Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Tyron Smith, Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith, and New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson. Teams have until May 3 to decide whether or nott to pick up the fifth-year option on players, with the Carolina Panthers expected to do so with Cam Newtons contract.dddddddddddd One player that may not see his option picked up is San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith, who was arrested this week on charges of a false bomb threat at an airport, the latest of Smiths legal troubles. The value of the fifth-year option is worth the same as a transition tag for the position for players drafted in the top 10 and worth the average of the 25 highest-paid players at the position for first-rounders outside of the top 10. ' ' '

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has pulled his support from a deal to sell the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and will pursue his $1 billion federal lawsuit against the NBA, his attorney said Monday. "We have been instructed to prosecute the lawsuit," said attorney Maxwell Blecher. He said co-owner Donald Sterling would not be signing off on the deal to sell. Donald Sterling issued a one-page statement dated Monday titled "The Team is not for Sale" and said that "from the onset, I did not want to sell the Los Angeles Clippers." The $2 billion sale was negotiated by his wife Shelly Sterling after Donald Sterlings racist remarks to a girlfriend were publicized and the NBA moved to oust him as owner. The lawsuit alleges the league violated his constitutional rights by relying on information from an "illegal" recording that publicized racist remarks he made to a girlfriend. It also said the league committed a breach of contract by fining Sterling $2.5 million and that it violated antitrust laws by trying to force a sale. "I have decided that I must fight to protect my rights," Donald Sterling said. "While my position may not be popular, I believe that my rights to privacy and the preservation of my rights to due process should not be trampled. I love the team and have dedicated 33 years of my life to the organization. I intend to fight to keep the team." Donald Sterling had agreed to ink the deal and drop the suit last week assuming "all their differences had been resolved," his attorneys said. But individuals close to the negotiations who werent authorized to speak publicly said he decided to not sign the papers after learning the NBA wont revoke its lifetime ban and fine. "There was never a discussion involving the NBA in which we would modify Mr. Sterlings penalty in any way whatsoever. Any suggestion otherwise is complete fabrication," NBA spokesman Mike Bass said. Shelly Sterling and her attorney Pierce ODonnell declined to comment through representatives. Shelly Sterling utilized her authority as sole trustee of The Sterling Family Trust, which owns the Clippers, to take bids for the team and ultimately negotiate a deal with Ballmer. The deal would be record-breaking if approved by the NBAs owners. An individual familiar with the negotiations who wasnt authorized to speak publicly said Monday that there were two options for Donald Sterling -- to either sign or go to court. But even if he wins in court, hes ultimately winning a judgment against himself because his wife Shelly Sterling has agreed to indemnify the NBA against all lawsuits, including by her husband, the individual said. Donald Sterlings comments to V. Stiviano included telling her to not bring black people to Clippers games, specifically mentioning Hall of Famer Magic Johnson. They resulted in a storm of outrage from the public and players and even prompted President Barack Obama to comment on what he called Sterlings "incredibly offensive racist statements." Donald Sterling said in his statement that he was "extremely sorry for the hurtful statements" he made privately but said them out of anger and jealousy and didnt intend for them to be public. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver ultimately decided to ban Donald Sterling for life, fine him millions, and began efforts to force Sterling to sell the team. Those efforts ended with Shelly Sterlings deal with Ballmer. If this deal ultimately goes through, its terms allow Shelly Sterling to remain close to the organization by allowing for up to 10 per cent of the team -- or $200 million -- to be spun off into a charitable foundation that she would essentially run. Shelly Sterling and Ballmer would be co-chairs of the foundation, which would target underprivileged families, battered women, minorities and inner city youths. Under the deal Shelly Sterling would also get the title of "owner emeritus" and be entitled to continuing perks such as floor seats, additional seats at games and parking. One of the individuals said the deal also includes conditions that allow Ballmer to buy back the 10 per cent portion of the team for a pre-designated price upon Shelly Sterlings death. Air Force 1 Clearance . "I love the game, its the best job you can have," he explained Tuesday as the players left Joe Louis Arena for the summer. "Ill sit down with my wife and well go from there. Air Force 1 Wholesale . Niese pitched seven steady innings on a rainy Tuesday night and Daniel Murphy had three hits to lead New York to a 6-1 victory over the Phillies. https://www.cheapairforce1outlet.com/. Hes coming back to fulfil them. One of Europes top coaches, Blatt was hired Friday by the Cavaliers, who ended a sweeping, 39-day search with an out-of-the-box selection they hope changes their fortunes. Air Force 1 2020 .Y. - The NFL has fined Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch $20,000 for making an obscene gesture during last Sundays NFC championship game, a person with knowledge of the fine told The Associated Press on Thursday. Air Force 1 Outlet . Julien coached the Bruins to the Stanley Cup championship in 2010-11 and is the longest serving coach in consecutive seasons in the teams history. Claude is one of the top coaches in the NHL and has consistently shown a passion for winning, general manager Peter Chiarelli said Sunday in announcing the signing.WASHINGTON -- Doug Fister pitched eight shutout innings, and Anthony Rendon had three hits and two RBI for the Washington Nationals, who beat the Atlanta Braves 3-0 victory on Saturday night. Washington took a half-game lead over Atlanta in the NL East after dropping the first two games in the series. Ryan Zimmerman also drove in a run for the Nationals. Coming off his second loss of the season, Fister (6-2) allowed five hits -- three over his final seven innings -- with three strikeouts and one walk. Rafael Soriano pitched the ninth for his 16th save. Rendons RBI single in the third gave Washington its first lead of the series and his run-scoring double in the seventh made it 3-0. Braves starter Julio Teheran (6-5) struck out a season-high 10 batters. He allowed three runs and seven hits in seven innings. Atlanta had won five straight against the Nationals, seven of eight this season, and was 20-7 since the start of the 2013 campaign. Braves catcher Evan Gattis extended his major-league leading hitting streak to 20 games with a sixth-inning single. Fister and Teheran lived up to the hype and locked up in a pitchers duel.dddddddddddd Fister, who has won six of seven starts, has allowed two runs or fewer in seven of nine starts this season. Atlanta had back-to-back one-out singles in the first inning, but Fister fought back. He got out of the jam and started a streak of nine straight batters retired. He didnt allow another hit until the fifth inning in front of a sellout crowd. Teheran, who frequently stepped off the mound during his outing, struck out the side in the fifth inning. After walking Adam LaRoche in the sixth, and with a 1-0 count on Zimmerman, Teheran again shuffled around on the mound, and was called for a balk. Two pitches later, Zimmermans single drove home LaRoche. NOTES: Justin Upton went 0 for 3 in his return to Atlantas starting lineup. The left fielder missed three games due to dizziness caused by "a real bad case of allergies," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. ... Zimmerman entered Saturday batting .197 since returning from the disabled list on June 3. ... RHP Ervin Santana (5-4, 4.12) will pitch the series finale for Atlanta on Sunday against RHP Tanner Roark (6-4, 2.85). ' ' '

EDMONTON -- Simeon Rottier spent the CFL off-season working relentlessly on improving his football skills, determined to prove that 2013 is a season best forgotten. The six-foot-six, 295-pound guard became the focal point of much that was wrong with last years Edmonton Eskimos when general manager Ed Hervey publicly chastised him after a Labour Day loss to Calgary, saying it wouldnt bother him if Rottier "didnt play another down this year." The native of Westlock, Alta., was back in the lineup a week later after the CFL Players Association complained Hervey was offside with his comments. When the Eskimos play their second and final pre-season game in Regina Friday, Rottier will again be the starting left guard. "This off-season I worked as hard as I could to come in ready and put last year behind me," Rottier said after the teams walk-through Thursday. "I was just happy to come back here and start a fresh year. Thats the bottom line and thank God for a second chance." Every returning Eskimo is getting another chance this season after the team turned over its entire coaching staff. Former Toronto defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones was hired as head coach and he brought in eight new assistants and handed the responsibility for shoring up the much-maligned offensive line to Johathan Himebauch. Although the coaches and returning players would rather forget last year, Himebauch, a veteran CFL coach has become acutely aware that wont be easy. "I know theres been a lot more attention. This is the most interviews Ive done in my career," he said with a smile. "Ive been here two weeks and done so many interviews my wife keeps laughing and saying, What are you doing out there?" As training camp winds down, Himebauch says he hasnt detected any "residual feelings from last year. "When Chris came in he told all the coaches, dont bring up last year, dont bring up the past of where this team has been because its not important." Rottier said theres a different feeling around the offensive line, which has five newcomers on the depth chart. Theres no obvious worrying about pressure or thinking about last season. "Last year there was a little too much stressing out about the pressure. We were worried about making mistakes, now were just going to cut it loose." Its a huge offensive line. Guard Andrew Jones, a first-year Eskimo, is the shortest at six-foot-three and third-year guard Matt ODonnell the tallest at six-foot-11. Rottier is the only one listed less than 300 pounds. "When I talk to them at practice I make them take a knee because my knee hurts from staring up at these guys," said Himebauch. "They are big human being and when they understand that they can be very powerful, that they can remove people, that they can create a great pocket for the quarterback, when they gain that confidence they can do special things." Cheap Nike Shoes For Sale . Next years tournament is also within sight for Bosnia-Herzegovina, which has never played in a World Cup, but Cristiano Ronaldo looks destined for the playoffs with Portugal after a night when the qualifying picture in the nine groups became much clearer. Cheap Nike Shoes Free Shipping .C. - The housecleaning continues for the B. https://www.wholesalenikeshoesauthentic.com/. The United States clinched the final berth into the Ford Worlds, March 28-April 6 at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, on Saturday in Blaine, Minn. Cheap Nike Shoes . Certainly not Monday night. George Hill took care of the early work, scoring a season-high 26 points, and Paul George closed it out by scoring 11 of his 26 points during a decisive second-half stretch that finally allowed Indiana to pull away from Minnesota 98-84 for yet another win. Discount Nike Shoes . Hes still nowhere close to throwing yet. The four-time MVP was in good spirits when he made his first public appearance on the field since having neck surgery Sept.TORONTO -- Italian soccer fans in Toronto didnt get to experience the "once in a lifetime" opportunity to see one of soccers greatest talents, Roberto Baggio. They were, however, treated to a 2-0 Italian victory over Portugal in Mondays legends match at BMO Field. Simone Barone scored late in the first half and Marco Del Vecchio scored early in the second securing the victory for Italy. The event was focused around the opportunity to see Baggio, who was relegated to participating in a pre-game ceremonial first kick due to a knee injury. "It was very disappointing because I wouldve liked to play here," Baggio said through a translator. "It has been 10 years since Ive played here, but unfortunately (last) Wednesday I suffered an injury in my knee." Barone got Italy on the board in the 32nd minute as he put his strike in the area up and over Portuguese keeper Paulo Santos. Then in the 52nd minute, Del Vecchio got past a challenging Paulo Santos in the area and put the loose ball into an empty net. Portugal would continue to press in the second half and Meira had an excellent chance in the 61st minute with a header in the area, but a diving Giovanni Galli managed to deflect it wide. "I was very happy to be here," continued Baggio. "The energy and the warm welcome was incredible. Especially in the Italian community, they gave a lot of emotion and the first thanks is going to them. It really was incredible to come here and feel at home." Baggio also addressed the on-going rumour that he will replace out-going Italian national coach, Cesare Prandelli. Baggio said it was just a rumour, but added changes need to be made at the top first. "Its important now to change the head of the federation because as you know, we have to chaange the president, first," he said.dddddddddddd "After, well see what the new lay of the land is." Both sides exchanged numerous chances in the early going, but neither was able to find the back of the net. Portugal had an excellent chance to open the scoring in the eighth minute as Maniche put his strike from the right side of the goal wide right. Del Vecchio had two chances early. In the 10th minute he put his strike off the left side of the goal. Then in the 11th minute, alone in the area, Del Vecchio struggled with a pass before finally putting his shot just wide of the goal. Looking to even the score in the 32nd minute, Italian keeper Giovani Galli managed to stop a Fernando Meira header from just outside the area. "Its a big pleasure any time you get a chance to play for your national team, it was really cool to play in front of so many fans especially with such a big Portuguese community here in Toronto," said Portuguese striker, Pauleta. "The Italians played really well. They always have really good defenders. "For me, I think their goalie was the best player on the field. It wouldve been nice to score of course." Mondays event is part of a weeklong attempt to cure soccer fans World Cup withdrawal. In addition to the Italy-Portugal legends match, on Wednesday Toronto FC will play host to the English Premier Leagues Tottenham Hotspur. Current TFC striker Jermaine Defoe appeared in 274 games for the Spurs on two separate stops with the club. Then to close-out the week, Serie As AC Milan will kick off against Superleague Greeces Olympiacos on Thursday. Despite just returning from World Cup appearances, Italys Mario Balotelli, De Sciglio and Abate, Japans Honda and Ghanas Essien are all expected to participate. ' ' '

SALT LAKE CITY - The Atlanta Hawks are one of the NBAs best shooting teams. They can play a little defence, too.Teague scored 25 points, and the surging Hawks held Utah to 37 per cent shooting in a 98-92 victory on Friday night.Atlanta is one of two NBA teams which rank in the top 10 in field-goal percentage, 3-point shooting percentage and free throw percentage. But its defence played a key role in the road win against the Jazz.We just acted defensively, Teague said. Getting deflections. Getting steals. It led to some easy offensive points for us.The Hawks (24-8) have won three straight and 19 of 22. Coupled with Torontos 126-105 loss at Golden State, Atlanta moved into the top spot in the Eastern Conference.Paul Millsap had 15 points and 11 rebounds, and Al Horford scored 13 points in Atlantas sixth consecutive win over a Western Conference opponent.Gordon Hayward scored 18 points and reserve Dante Exum added 13 points for the Jazz. Utah (11-22) was swept in the season series against Atlanta for a second consecutive year.We did a lot better in the second half, Hayward said. Its another game - weve had many of these before - where we get down in a hole, we fight back, we make it interesting and we fall short.The Jazz put together a 12-1 run to make the game close late in the fourth quarter. Hayward drilled a 3-pointer and drove for a layup on back-to-back possessions to help Utah close to 91-87 with 3:38 remaining.But Carroll and Teague then had back-to-back jumpers to put the Hawks ahead 95-87 less than a minute later.Our focus was to just finish the game out, Horford said. We had been playing so well all game, so we just wanted to come out of here with a win.Atlanta used its stout defence to get off to a fast start. Utah did not make a basket for nearly 6 1/2 minutes in the first quarter, and the Hawks opened a 28-9 lead on Millsaps 3-pointer with 3:41 remaining in the period.But the Jazz battled back. Exums 3-pointer with 2:04 left sparked a 19-3 run that carried over to the second quarter. Seldom-used guard Ian Clark capped the lengthy spurt with a 3-pointer that trimmed Atlantas lead to 31-28.The Hawks had a 46-42 lead when they scored on their final five possessions of the first half - capped by three unanswered baskets from Teague - to take a 57-45 advantage into the locker room.They increased the lead to 76-56 in the third on three free throws from Teague and Millsap after Joe Ingles got called for a shooting foul and technical foul.TIP-INSHawks: Atlanta made 22 consecutive free throws and was 26 for 30 from the line for the game. ... Korver reached 1,600 career 3-pointers late in the second quarter. He ranks 15th in NBA history in that category and also ranks eighth all-time in 3-point shooting percentage (.429).Jazz: Utah got strong production from its second unit. The Jazzs reserves outscored the Hawks backups, 47-25. ... Trey Burke was 2 for 19 from the field, including an 0-for-11 performance from 3-point range. ... The Jazz had a 23-9 advantage in second-chance points.INJURY BUGUtahs depth at shooting guard has quickly vanished in recent weeks. Alec Burks is out for the season with a shoulder injury and two more players at the position joined him on the injured list on Friday. Rodney Hood did not dress because of a sore left heel and could be out for up to two weeks. Patrick Christopher then dislocated his right kneecap in the first quarter and is expected to miss six to eight weeks.GIVE EM AN ASSISTAtlanta is building a reputation for being one of the leagues most unselfish teams. The Hawks entered the game ranked third in the NBA in assists with 25.6 per game. Atlanta had 24 assists on 33 baskets against the Jazz.UP NEXTHawks: Visit Portland on Saturday.Jazz: Visit Minnesota on Saturday. 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It all would have been for naught, however, had it not been for some clutch shooting in the fourth quarter by Kobe Bryant and a couple of equally critical hustle plays by Derek Fisher and Pau Gasol in the final minutes.AUGUSTA, Ga. -- One after another, some of the worlds best players and favourites to win the Masters trudged up the hill on the opening hole to start their practice rounds. Phil Mickelson. Rory McIlroy. Adam Scott. It was typical of any Tuesday at Augusta National, except for the scoreboard to the right of where they were walking. The board has the names of all 97 players in the field, with blank boxes to put their scores when the tournament begins. On the far right side of the board is a list of this years noncompeting invitees. Tommy Aaron. Doug Ford. Tiger Woods. "Its a weird feeling not having him here, isnt it?" said Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion and the chief foil for Woods over the years. "Hes been such a mainstay in professional golf and in the majors. Its awkward to not have him here. I hope he gets back soon. I hope hes back for the other majors. As much as I want to win -- and I know how great he is and tough to beat -- it makes it special when hes in the field and youre able to win." Woods hasnt been the same all year, even before back surgery last week. He is missing the Masters for the first time. His presence looms as large as some of the Georgia pines lining the fairways, though it will be forgotten when the opening shot is in the air Thursday, and a green jacket is awarded Sunday. Even so, Woods brings a buzz to any tournament, even at Augusta National. And this year, his absence has brought talk of the most wide-open Masters in nearly 20 years. Las Vegas has installed Scott and McIlroy as the betting favourites at 10-1, followed by Mickelson, Jason Day and Matt Kuchar at 12-1. McIlroy had his own version of a betting sheet on the table where he sat during his interview -- the tee times for the opening two rounds. Told that 97 players were in the field, the 24-year-old from Northern Ireland figured 70 had a chance to win. "Theres a few past champions that play that might not be able to compete. There might be a few first-timers or a few amateurs that wont compete," McIlroy said. "But then youve got the rest. Im just looking down the list here. Stewart Cink. Tim Clark. Ian Woosnam -- no." The room filled with laughter as McIlroy smiled and said, "Sorry, Woosie," referring to the 56-year-old former champion. "Youve got a lot of guys tthat can win, a lot of guys that have won PGA Tour events," McIlroy said.dddddddddddd "OK, were playing at Augusta. Because its the Masters and because its so big and so hyped up or whatever you want to say, you ought to remember that youre still playing against the same guys you play with week in and week out. "Ive beaten them before," he said. "Theyve beaten me before." The PGA Tour is 21 tournaments into the season, and only one player (Zach Johnson) won while he was in the top 10 in the world. McIlroy and Scott each had comfortable leads going into the final round and lost to players outside the top 100. "I think in the past, certainly thats been easy to go to events and look at a guy who is the guy to beat," Scott said, not naming Woods because he didnt need to. "I think that scope has kind of broadened now. Theres a lot of guys with the talent and the form that arent necessarily standing out above the others. But on their week, theyre going to be tough to beat. "Id like to think my name is one of those guys," Scott said. "And I feel like Im going to be one of the guys who has got a chance if I play well this week." Scott had one more occasion to wear his green jacket Tuesday night as host of the Champions Dinner. Then, he sets out in a bid to join Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Woods as the only players to win back-to-back Masters. For years, the Masters was seen as having the smallest group of contenders, and not just because it had the smallest field of the four majors. Augusta National is a puzzle that can take years to figure out. The roars that reverberate through the trees and from deep in Amen Corner on Sunday can be unsettling. Scott won two years after he was a runner-up. Jason Day has completed two Masters and has yet to finish worse than third. As for Mickelson? Theres no telling what he might accomplish next. Even though he has withdrawn from two tournaments with different injuries this year, Augusta invigorates the 43-year-old Mickelson. All of them would love to be near the top of the leaderboard Sunday afternoon. By then, no one will be thinking about anything except a green jacket. "No matter who is in contention or who is going to win this week, the Masters always provides a great finish," McIlroy said. "Regardless of who is there." ' ' '