Devin Harris | Small Talk | Simon Burnton

The New Jersey Nets star on the NBA coming to London, reading Harry Potter and his favourite pasta shape

Welcome to London, Devin ... It's a pleasure to be here.

Yeah, maybe for you. Have you had a good look around? Not so much. I saw Big Ben, and I think we drove past Buckingham Palace yesterday, but that was as much as I've got to see. I've had a good look around my hotel.

But the good news is you'll be back in March, and actually playing some basketball ... Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it. The crowds here are great. We played here two years ago against Miami and the crowd was amazing then. I watch a little bit of football on TV so I know a little bit what to expect from you guys.

Do you think Britain is ready to become a nation of basketballaholics? I do think it could take off. People are curious enough, and I think it's popular enough already.

Are we more likely to fall for basketball than you are to take up football? I think it's even. America already loves soccer. A lot of my friends played it when they were kids.

So you'll be back here regularly from now on? I think that's the trend they're trying to start ? to follow in the NFL's footsteps, have two different teams play here every year, try to globalise the game. When you see it up close and personal as opposed to on TV, it's got more of an effect.

Will the rest of Europe/the world get a visit too, or is it a special treat just for us? I think the goal is for it to go to other European cities. It's sort of a test run here and then it can expand. I think pretty soon you'll see every NBA team play at least two games a season overseas.

Won't they miss you back in wherever-it-is-you-play? I don't think so. We're moving to a new building and a new city ? they haven't had us for that long so I don't think they'll miss us for a couple of days.

The last time you were here, some English bloke took the mickey out of you on a practise court and the video went viral. Some people thought it was all a set-up arranged by Adidas. What's the truth? I believe it was arranged. Still, I let him get past me too easily and the video was a bit embarrassing. I learned a valuable lesson. Actually I ran into his brother yesterday ? he did an interview with me. We're trying to set up a rematch right now ? I think I'll take that one a little bit more seriously.

And what ? other than revenge ? are your goals for the season? For the team, the target's always to get into the play-offs. Me, I'm trying to get into my all-star form that I had two years ago.

Your other famous moment was a 47-foot buzzer-beater last year that is now known as "the Harris Heave". Do you practise that kind of stuff? Not really, that's just down to instinct.

So if you tried that shot 10 times, how many would go in? I'd say out of 10 I'd hit at least three.

That's pretty good going. Who'd get more, though? Who's the best basketball player in the entire world? Got to be Kobe Bryant. He's been up there a while now.

Enough about basketball, what was the last concert you went to? I believe the last one I went to was Alicia Keys, but I go to a fair amount. I'm going to see Eminem and Jay-Z play together at Yankee Stadium next week.

And what was the last thing you saw at the cinema? I just went to see Inception the other day. It was pretty good, but I hear it's better the second time around so I might have to see it again.

Do you read much? Is there a book you could recommend to Small Talk's avid readership? The last book I read was the last Harry Potter. I think you guys have all read it already.

You've got a pretty intricate tattoo going on down your arm. What's that of exactly? That's kind of my conscience. It's just there with me, all the time. I wouldn't say I designed it but I had a hand in it, me and the tattoo artist himself.

Cheese or chocolate? Well, I'm from Wisconsin so I've got to say cheese.

Why's that? Because Wisconsin is pretty famous for its cheese.

No it isn't. Small Talk has never heard of cheese from Wisconsin? It's true. I think Wisconsin cheddar's the big one.

What's your favourite pasta shape? I like Fettucini Alfredo, so it's fettucini, right?

Fettucini, you say. An intriguing choice. And who would win a fight between a lion and a tiger? A lion ? he's the king of the jungle.

A popular yet considered answer. I'd better give you a little time for souvenir shopping before you head home. Thanks Small Talk. I'll get a souvenir if I can find one.

Good luck Devin, bye! Bye!

NBA Games ? London 2011 will see the New Jersey Nets take on the Toronto Raptors at The O2 on March 4 and 5, 2011 in the first ever NBA Regular Season Games in Europe. Tickets are now on sale at www.theo2.co.uk.

• NBA

Simon Burnton

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/sep/03/devin-harris-small-talk-interview

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LeBron James announces his move to Miami Heat: in pictures

NBA star LeBron James has announced he will move to Miami Heat in a deal that could earn him over $100m

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/gallery/2010/jul/09/lebron-james-nba

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Could Vince Young turn into Daunte Culpepper, circa 2001?

So Randy Moss is heading south to become a Tennessee Titan. It's a gigantic headline, but will the impact match? What's realistic to expect here? Does Moss shift the balance of power in the AFC South?

Moss' stints in Minnesota (the second one, brief as it may have been) and Oakland prove that it's not as simple as just "Plug in Randy Moss, enjoy instant offense." The offensive system has got to be right, and maybe more importantly, Moss' emotional state has to be right. He's a hard guy to build around, for reasons having to do with X's and O's as well as chemistry. It's the Allen Iverson problem.

But Moss' early years in Minnesota and his years with the Patriots also prove that if a team can get those things right, the results can be spectacular.

Which way will it go in Tennessee?

Here's the ceiling: Daunte Culpepper's peak years in Minnesota. The ones that got him on the cover of Madden. Vince Young is a good quarterback, not a great one, and despite those early years, I think we'd all agree that Daunte Culpepper isn't a great quarterback either. But they both have tremendous physical gifts, they both throw a great deep ball, and if all goes well, Young will develop the same reliance and trust in Moss.

It's hard to say how it will work out. Vince Young's never played with a receiver like Moss (mostly because there are few people like Moss on the planet). But before his injury, Young was getting into a groove with Kenny Britt, who is in some ways similar to Moss: Britt goes 6-3, 215 and can stretch the field and leap over defenders for impossible catches. Moss is 6-4, 210, and practically invented those things.

Of course, Moss isn't 23 years old anymore, either. He's pushing 35, and it's entirely possible that his decline in production isn't entirely about system and attitude, but also old legs and Mother Nature. But we're not that far removed from his 23-touchdown season in 2007, either.

I like Moss and I like Vince Young, so I want to believe the most optimistic projection. It seems way more likely that they'll come up significantly short of Culpepper/Moss-like production, but it's not out of the question that they'll blow minds, either. So much of what happens with Randy Moss seems to be dependent on his mood and how he feels about the players around him. Only time can tell on that one.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Could-Vince-Young-turn-into-Daunte-Culpepper-ci?urn=nfl-282506

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Changes at CBS's 'The Early Show': Smith, Rodriguez, Price Out

Filed under: TV News

CBS's morning program, 'The Early Show,' is getting a major facelift in the new year.

According to an AP report that has since been confirmed by a CBS press release, anchor Harry Smith, anchor Maggie Rodriguez have gotten the boot in favor of new co-anchors Chris Wragge and Erica Hill. Weather forecaster Dave Price is also out, with former 'Good Morning America' weekend weather forecaster Marysol Castro taking his place.

Since Hill used to be the news reader on the show, 'Early Show' reporter and Saturday 'CBS Evening News' anchor Jeff Glor will take over the job. Hill and Wragge have previously worked together anchoring the show on Saturday mornings.

 

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Source: http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/11/30/changes-at-cbss-the-early-show-smith-rodriguez-price-out/

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2010 MLB Totals Contest: Final Standings

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VegasWatch/~3/j4hC3hr0_14/2010-mlb-totals-contest-final-standings.html

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West Point grad denied NFL chance in '08 makes NFL debut

West Point graduate Caleb Campbell made his NFL debut on Sunday with the Detroit Lions, becoming the first Army player to appear in a game in over a decade (and only the second in the past 30 years).

If you watched the second day of the 2008 NFL draft, you may remember Campbell, whose selection became one of the biggest stories of the day. When he was selected in the seventh-round by the Detroit Lions, ESPN brought him on set, set up a videoconference with him and then-Lions coach Rod Marinelli, a Vietnam veteran, and celebrated the fact that an undersized player from West Point would have a shot to play professionally. He was the first Army player to be drafted in 11 years.

The safety (who would be converted to linebacker by the Lions) was poised to became the first football player to take advantage of a new rule that would allow service academy graduates to play sports instead of serving their five-year military commitment. In this case, Campbell still would have been a member of the Army, but his duty would have been to play football and serve as a recruiter for the armed forces. The thinking behind the rule was that an individual like Campbell could draw positive attention to West Point by playing football on a national stage.

[Rewind: Another Navy athlete denied NFL opportunity]

But then, one day before Campbell was set to take the field for his first training camp, he was informed that the Army revised the Department of Defense rule. Now, he'd have to complete two years of active duty before he could be allowed to play football. It was a poorly timed and illogical move; Campbell stayed at West Point in good faith with the belief that he'd be able to take advantage of the rule and move on to the NFL if a team wanted him. Plus, as was noted at the time, the two greatest recruiters the Navy ever had were famous athletes: Roger Staubach and David Robinson. Campbell wouldn't be a Hall of Famer like those Naval Academy grads, but couldn't he have served the Army better by showing its virtues on the football field?

Though he was "a little bitter" about the decision at first, Campbell handled himself with the class you'd expect from a West Point graduate and completed his active duty in Fort Sill, Okla., as a First Lieutenant. Upon his completion of the two years (and the myriad paperwork that accompanied the early release), Campbell was signed to the team's practice squad earlier this year.

[Rewind: Super Bowl star rejected for work release from prison] 

He remained there until last week when he was signed to the team's active roster. On Sunday, Campbell made his NFL debut, playing on special teams. He still has military commitments as a member of the Michigan National Guard, but for now, he's mainly focused on the football field.

The military is never far from his mind though. In September, when Campbell was still toiling on the practice squad, he received a call from his best friend's wife. She told Campbell that, Jake Watson, his best friend since they had met at West Point's prep school in 2003 had been hit by an IED in Afghanistan. (Watson has recovered from the injuries.)

[Related: Stay-at-home dad turns NFL athlete]

After receiving the news, Campbell told The Detroit News that he struggled with his decision to choose football over the military:

"He's my best friend; God bless him. [...] They are over there putting their lives in harm's way and I'm here playing football. We all serve in our way, but that's where I initially had my battles.

"I wondered if I was doing the right thing (playing football). But I talked to all my boys and they reaffirmed that I was doing the right thing."

Campbell wears No. 53 for the Lions. Keep an eye out for him on Thanksgiving.

Other popular Sports stories on Yahoo!:
• Kobe Bryant's King of Pop inspiration
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• Most outrageously expensive sports tickets

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/West-Point-grad-denied-NFL-chance-in-08-makes-N?urn=nfl-288484

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Monday Night Live Blog: Texans @ Colts

Good one tonight: Colts try to get even with the Texans. If you're planning to watch, we'd be thrilled if you chose to do so right here with us.

We'll be here throughout the game with running commentary, observations, insights, polls, blatant lies and a high level of interactivity with you, our well-loved and appreciated reader.

We'll get it started a few minutes before kickoff. See you then.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Monday-Night-Live-Blog-Texans-Colts?urn=nfl-281719

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LeBron James and NBA player power | Nicolaus Mills

James's move to the Miami Heat with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade heralds a new era. Now sport stars create their own teams

As someone who grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, I understand the anger of Cleveland fans over the decision of the city's superstar basketball player, LeBron James, to leave Ohio in order to join the Miami Heat. Cleveland's great institutions ? the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Art Museum, the Cleveland Clinic ? evoke pride but not much joy. Pro-sports are what make the news and unite Clevelanders.

When I was in junior high school, students were allowed to skip class and go to the opening day baseball game of the Cleveland Indians. All we had to do was show our teacher that our parents had bought us a ticket. Supporting the team, like paying local sales taxes, was looked on as a civic duty.

What is hard to understand in the case of LeBron James is the rage of Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert. "As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier," Gilbert wrote in an open letter to Cleveland fans. "This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown 'chosen one' sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn."

All this rage is coming from a man who regularly buys and sells players. On the surface, it seems little more than the hypocrisy of a businessman who had a deal fall through. But behind Gilbert's rage is more than hypocrisy. What infuriated Gilbert was that his money wasn't enough to retain the services of LeBron James. James and two other friends from the American Olympic basketball team, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, decided that they wanted to become the nucleus of the best team in professional basketball.

Driving the three players was a perfectionist's view of the game itself. Their combined salaries ? each will receive more than $100m over the next six years ? were actually $15m less than they might have got through maximum deals with separate teams.

In basketball, as in most professional sports, it is owners working with general managers who are traditionally responsible for assembling a team. James, Bosh and Wade, in remaking the Miami Heat, were, in effect, saying that idea is old hat. Owners are not the only ones who can put together a great team. Talented players can do the same job just as well.

In one of the few businesses in America in which workers have greater name recognition than the executives who pay them, the result has been a sports revolution. Owners such as Dan Gilbert have now been warned: the old formula for making a profit based on fielding mediocre teams and charging high ticket prices is in jeopardy. Players who want to see their sport played at the highest level can create their own teams. The example set by James, Bosh and Wade can be duplicated by others.

• US sport
• NBA
• LeBron James
• United States

Nicolaus Mills

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2010/jul/12/lebron-james-nba-player-power

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Chicago Blackhawks: Seven Things To Remember for December

After a shaky first twenty games, the Chicago Blackhawks appears to have started to find their groove.  Coming off a 4-2 swing out west, ESPN.com has them fourth in the league in their latest power rankings.

Now it's time to justify that ranking on the ice.

Starting Tuesday, the Hawks have ten out of their next thirteen games at United Center.  From now until the end of 2010, every opponent is a conference foe.  Five are divisional games.  All are of the utmost importance for a team looking to prove that they are better than their current record of 13-11-2.

Simply put, it's time to go on a run.

This is prime time to make up ground in the Western Conference, where our positioning is a bit misleading.  Yes, Chicago is fifth in points right now.  In reality, the Hawks are probably toward the bottom of the conference once everyone else equals our number of games played.

Treading water during this home-friendly December schedule is not acceptable.  The Blackhawks need nine or ten victories to climb back into conference contention.

“You have to remember what you did in those wins,” defenseman Brian Campbell said about continuing the current trend.

Consider these post-it notes for the Blackhawks' locker room.  Here's how to get those nine or ten wins.

1. Remember To Reclaim The Madhouse

The Blackhawks have four and five-game home stands sandwiched around a two game jaunt to San Jose and Colorado.  No back to backs, providing time for healing and rest.  Every game is an opportunity to make up ground.

The book on Chicago is that the players get in front of the home crowd and try to impress them with fancy play.  This team should know by now that we will take wins over style any day.  Keep it simple.  Stick to what worked on the road.  Shooting the puck, crashing the net, puck control. 

Despite the troubles at home, the Blackhawks' special teams are actually better at home.  Let's hope that continues.

The Blackhawks have four return engagements with Circus Trip opponents.  Remember what worked so well in the victories at Vancouver and Los Angeles.  Remember to take care of the puck to avoid another loss to the Sharks.

It also might be a good idea to remember to show up for the Calgary rematch.  It's the lone blemish on the last two weeks.  Put our fears to rest and send the Flames out of town with a loss.

Chicago is currently 5-7 at home.  It's time to re-establish home ice. 

2. Remember Your Division Opponents

Again, considering the difference in games played, we're better off approaching the next month as if we are looking up at each of our Central Division counterparts.

Keeping our current streak going against the Blues tonight would be a nice way to start this home stand.  We then get each team in the division once, with just road game, a December 28th trip to St. Louis.

Detroit looms large when they come to town on the 17th.  They currently sit atop the conference.  A home win is essential if we want to close the gap.

3. Remember The Rockford Pipeline

Add a practice collision between Nick Boynton and Marian Hossa to Fernando Pisani's upper body injury.  This equates to a health concern.  Hossa and Pisani are day to day at this point, but Pisani didn't play Saturday in L.A.  Hossa was helped from the ice Monday after colliding with Boynton and his status for Tuesday is still unknown.

The Icehogs have had their own problems in AHL play this season, but have had several players come up and fill out the roster this year with the Hawks.

If both Pisani and Hossa are out Tuesday, look for Ryan Potulny, Jeremy Morin, or Jeff Taffe to fill in for a few days. 

Here's how I'd see the lines if Pisani and Hossa are out:

Stalberg-Toews-Kane

Morin-Sharp-Brouwer

Kopecky-Bolland-Bickell

Skille-Dowell-Potulny

4. Remember The Circus Trip

There was a lot of growth and a lot of lessons learned on the two week road trip.  Time to show the home fans the improved product on the ice.

A lot of us have been calling out Troy Brouwer to step up his game, and he has been more physical lately.  His two goals against the Canucks and Kings were pure highlight material.  Brouwer had three of his four goals this year on the circus trip.  If we start a man or two down this week, Brouwer has a chance to pick up the slack.  Time to shine, Troy.

Corey Crawford turned in a great back to back performance, getting two wins to close the road trip.  He is set to start in goal against the Blues.  Don't be surprised if Quenneville gives him six or more starts this month.

While I'm handing out praise, I have to give some props to John Scott.  If Scott can pin someone to the boards and wail on him in front of the guys' home crowd just once a week, well...he still can't skate, but he does what he does well.

If these guys can remember the feeling (and I'll bet Kevin Westgarth does), and Stalberg remembers the feeling of putting the puck in the net (he was pointless on the road trip),  the Blackhawks can start collecting wins in bunches.

5. Remember That Defense Changes Everything For Us

Team defense has started to come around, but everyone needs to continue to pitch in.  I like that Coach Joel Quenneville reunited his top four blue liners over the weekend.  The defensive effort is beginning to pay off at the other end of the ice.

Boynton and Jassen Cullimore have performed well for what they are, which are minimum-salary veterans.  They are going to have moments where their limitations are exposed.  Consider the following:

1.  Apparently, the coaching staff has no confidence in Jordan Hendry. (On a side note, Hendry has played in just 11 of 26 games.  Why did we resign him if we had no intention of playing him?  Couldn't that salary have been used to bring in a guy who plays?)

2.  Nick Leddy is probably not going to be brought up this season because I think it's apparent that management wants to pick up an extra year on his contract.

3.  Aside from Leddy, the Rockford options are Garnet Exelby (another minimum-salary vet), Brian Connelly (1G, 13 A, -2, moves the puck pretty well but lacks size), and Shawn LaLonde (not ready).  Boynton and Cullimore would be Rockford's top defensive pairing.

4.  The most we could trade for (if we could even swing a deal), would be another minimum salary player.

As much as some would like to see a change on the third line defense (personally, I'd like to see them give Connelly a shot and see how he handles big NHL forwards), I don't see the Hawks willing or able to make a move in that area.

For now, cross your fingers and hope Boynton remembers to pass to team mates instead of opponents.

6. Remember Jack And Jake, Please

Jack Skille and Jake Dowell have been playing real well on the fourth line this season, despite being saddled with Scott Saturday.

If Fernando Pisani and/or Hossa are going to miss any length of time with injury, please bring up some forwards who can skate (Potulny, Morin, Taffe, Igor Makarov) and put one of them with these guys.  This would be a great time to give this line an extra three or four minutes a game.

7. Remember What's At Stake This Month

The Hawks can't win a playoff spot in December, but they sure could lose one.

This is a key stretch of the season for Chicago.  It's all right to walk a little taller after winning five of the last seven games.  Most of us are off the ledge, but we haven't shut the window just yet.

Just remember what's riding on your performance this month.

Another run at home like last month puts our playoff chances in severe jeopardy.  The next thirteen games are where the season turns.  After the new year, we'll either be in the thick of the race, or out of contention.

This is what the Blackhawks need to remember in December.  Let's hope Chicago makes it a December to remember.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/528928-chicago-blackhawks-seven-things-to-remember-for-december

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Monday Night Football Live Blog: Cowboys @ Giants

Despite the disparity in their records, we've got a solid matchup this week between the 4-2 Giants of New York and the 1-4 Cowboys of Dallas. Vegas even has the Cowboys listed as 3-point favorites. It should be a peach of a game, even if we go the whole night without seeing Miles Austin shirtless.

If you're planning to watch, we'd be thrilled if you chose to do so right here with us.

We'll be here throughout the game with running commentary, observations, insights, polls, blatant lies and a high level of interactivity with you, our well-loved and appreciated reader.

We'll get it started a few minutes before kickoff. See you then.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Monday-Night-Football-Live-Blog-Cowboys-Giant?urn=nfl-279783

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Week 11's five least valuable players

Glover Quin, DB, Houston Texans. There's good news and bad news for Glover Quin. The good news is that he's no longer solely known as the guy who attempted and failed to bat down the Jaguars' Hail Mary last week. The bad news is that he's now the guy who gave up last-second game-winning touchdown passes in consecutive weeks. Santonio Holmes did this yesterday. Quin is the guy feebly chasing him. Glover Quin is probably a lot more famous than he'd like to be right now. I am rooting hard for a Glover Quin comeback.

The rest of the Houston Texans defense. The Jets were 72 yards away, had less than a minute on the clock, no timeouts and needed a touchdown. No one's asking you to be the '85 Bears here, fellas. Just be something a little better than completely ineffectual, and you get to walk away with a road win over the Jets. That's it. That's all we needed. Too much to ask, I guess.

Vince Young, QB, Tennessee Titans. This spot was originally reserved for Rusty Smith, because Rusty Smith was atrocious in relief of Vince Young. But now, because Vince Young can't act like an adult, Rusty Smith has to start an NFL game. Rusty Smith! When Rusty Smith is in a game, it's bad news for all of us. I want so badly to like you, Vince Young. Why do you have to make it so damn hard? Rusty Smith. For shame.

Richard Seymour, DT, Oakland Raiders. I don't know what made Richard Seymour want to punch Ben Roethlisberger in the face, and I really don't care -- somewhere along the way, I'm sure Benjamin's done something to deserve a punch in the face, so I'm not losing any sleep over it. But Seymour, who's playing fantastic ball this year, was willing to take a 15-yard-penalty, earn what will certainly be a huge fine ($100,000 seems about right), and take himself out of a game ... because he wanted to punch a man who's wearing a helmet? You know those things have facemasks, right? If you wanted to beat up Robert Downey Jr., would you wait until he put on the Iron Man suit? Come on, my man, think it through.

Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings. The following is a complete list of quarterbacks who Brett Favre outperformed in Week 11, measured by quarterback rating: Brian St. Pierre, Bruce Gradkowski, Jason Campbell, Rusty Smith. That's it. And none of them got in an argument with their offensive coordinator. Stop, Brett. Just stop.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Week-11-s-five-least-valuable-players?urn=nfl-287949

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Kyle Brotzman, Steve Johnson and Failure

Source: http://www.danshanoff.com/2010/11/kyle-brotzman-steve-johnson-and-failure.html

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Chargers Come to Vincent Jackson's Defense After WR's Latest Injury

Filed under: Chargers, AFC West, NFL Injuries, NFL Rumors

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- One of these days, Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson may actually catch a pass for the Chargers.

This year, all he's caught is flak.

The latest brouhaha came Sunday night, when Jackson's season debut ended after only three plays.

The Chargers announced that Jackson suffered a right calf injury. Skeptics on the Internet and San Diego's radio stations, meanwhile, questioned whether Jackson was actually hurt.

Call it fallout from a lengthy salary squabble between the player's agent and the club.

Monday afternoon brought another twist courtesy of Chargers running back Mike Tolbert, who told reporters that Jackson had suffered a left calf injury leading up to Sunday night's 36-14 rout of the Colts in Indianapolis.

"I saw him when he did it in practice a couple of days ago, and it didn't look good," Tolbert said. "But he was still out there trying to fight through it. And actually some of the coaches had to tell him to calm down."

Pouring ice water on talk that Jackson wasn't hurt, coach Norv Turner said Jackson had an MRI exam on Monday.

"There is considerable swelling in his calf," Turner said, after noting that he seldom discloses when a player has an MRI exam, let alone the results. "There is a lot of soreness. I would think it would be hard for him to play this week."

---

More: Jackson Likely to Miss Chargers' Next Game

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/29/chargers-come-to-vincent-jacksons-defense-after-wrs-latest-inj/

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Monday Night Live Blog: Broncos @ Chargers

The Broncos, fresh off showing signs of life last week against the Chiefs, roll into San Diego tonight to take on the Chargers. Lots of people are predicting big-time points and an aerial show this evening. Me, I'm rooting for the Chargers, of course, but also for a total number of points below 50. Just because I hate the number 50.

We'll be here throughout the game with running commentary, observations, insights, polls, blatant lies and a high level of interactivity with you, our beloved reader.

We'll get it started a few minutes before kickoff. See you then.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Monday-Night-Live-Blog-Broncos-Chargers?urn=nfl-288238

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Could Bud Adams' insistence lead to Jeff Fisher's departure?

After all the drama that took place between Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher and quarterback Vince Young in Sunday evening, it would seem that the smartest thing for team owner Bud Adams to do would be to circle the wagons, put his support behind his head coach, and let his young quarterback know that if he wants to make it in the NFL, he can't go stomping off every time circumstances don't fit his version of reality.

Just because that would be the smartest thing to do, however, doesn't mean that it's what Bud Adams actually did. The same guy who was fined $250,000 by the NFL for flipping off the fans of the Buffalo Bills during a game, and who is known for speaking his mind about what should happen with his team, came out today and said that coach and quarterback were going to have to adopt, adapt, and improve.

"They are going to have to work together. I haven't given up on Vince, and I am sure Fisher hasn't either," Adams told Jim Wyatt of the Nashville Tennesseean from his office in Houston. "Vince was upset and said some things he regretted after doing it, but you have to get to the bottom of it, straighten it out and move on.

"It is one of those things that happened. It has happened, it is all over with and we want to get Vince back and playing again for us. ... These things happen. I have been at this thing for a long time, about 51 years now. I have seen a lot of things happen and I don't want to go jumping off the building over something happening one time.''

Fisher said in his Monday press confrence that the injury to the flexor tendon of Young's thumb would require surgery, and would therefore end Young's season. Fisher said that Chris Simms would come in and most likely be signed this week. That was per Fisher through the team doctors. What happens with that injury, and Young's situation going forward, and Fisher's overall authority, is a larger matter.

Adams has the tenure advantage - as the original owner of the Houston Oilers, he's one of the "Foolish Club", the set of American Football League originators who founded the only league ever to take the NFL to school. Fisher's been Adams' coach since 1994, but that may not mean much in the grand scheme of things. It's worth remembering that when the Titans started their 2009 season with an 0-6 record, Adams came out and basically insisted that Fisher start Young over Kerry Collins.

I have been wanting (Fisher) to play Vince Young more because (Kerry) Collins has been having his problems out there. I just think we need to find out how well (Young) can do. If you don't play the guy and lose all your games, it is hard for you to see what he can do for you. Vince has won a lot of games for us.

Fair enough, but there is an sometimes-unspoken, and sometimes contractually-regimented, agreement between owners and coaches that the coach must be able to swap players in and out as he sees fit. Communication between owner and coach must be frequent and transparent - that's part of the reason that Brad Childress doesn't have a job anymore - but Bill Parcells obviously said it best with his classic, "If they want you to cook the dinner, at least they ought to let you shop for some of the groceries" quote. This most recent quote from Adams sounds like a bit of an ultimatum, and circumstances around the league leave Fisher in an advantageous position if he's had enough.

There are currently two teams - the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings - with major presences in the league and interim coaches that may not last beyond the season. Both teams are in need of fairly major rebuilding projects, and that's something Fisher has overseen before. Fisher could very well see himself right at the top of the list of prospective coaches; up there with Bill Cowher and Jon Gruden, should he decide that this kind of interference is more than he's willing to put up with.

Right now, Fisher is in the uncomfortable position of trying to maintain leadership and credibility while his team's owner is seemingly guiding the ship in a different direction. It wouldn't be too surprising if Fisher started to think of greener pastures.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Could-Bud-Adams-insistence-lead-to-Jeff-Fisher-?urn=nfl-288213

Rose Byrne Rose McGowan Roselyn Sanchez Rozonda Thomas Saira Mohan

Steve Johnson celebrates TD with a Joker quote on his shirt

With the self-proclaimed tandem of Batman and Robin (Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco) on the other side of the field from Steve Johnson on Sunday, the Buffalo Bills' third-year receiver said he was going to play the role of The Joker.

To hammer home the point, Johnson wrote the most famous quote from Heath Ledger's character in "The Dark Knight" on his T-shirt before taking the field, with plans to display it after his first touchdown. Good thing for Johnson that he scored three on the day:

In case you're unfamiliar with Christopher Nolan's film, that says "why so serious?"

Johnson raised his shirt after his first touchdown. At the time, such a demonstrative act appeared to be a bit bold, seeing as how the Bills were still down 10 points. But Johnson backed up his bravado by catching two more TDs en route to a Buffalo comeback victory. In the team's 49-31 win, Johnson finished with eight catches for 137 yards and those three scores.

[Related: Football star with name misspelled on jersey] 

Johnson will likely get a fine for his homage to the villain from "The Dark Knight," but at least he wrote only three words on a T-shirt. Imagine the fine Roger Goodell would have handed out if Johnson painted his face, put a pencil through a bad guy's eye or began his postgame interview with "do you want to know how I got these scars?"

[Rewind: After big hits, athlete breaks out 'Anchorman' quote] 

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Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Steve-Johnson-celebrates-TD-with-a-Joker-quote-o?urn=nfl-287840

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Benny Is Back: D.C. United Sign Ben Olsen as Head Coach

Until an earlier announcement from the local media, there was much conversation across MLS as to whom would become the head coach for D.C. United next year.

Given the fact that Kevin Payne even said that Ben Olsen, the interim head coach at the time, was not going to be taking the full reins next year, there was even more question as to who would become the Black-and-Red's seventh head coach.

When the news broke that Olsen was going to be the new coach, it even surprised Olsen, himself.

“I was surprised; I was,” he said. “I had my mind fully prepared to go back into an assistant coach role and resume learning the trade."

That all changed when the United not only announced that Olsen signed a three-year contract as head coach, but when Payne said that he was the best fit for the job based on their knowledge of not only the game, but of the D.C. community in general.

“It just became more and more apparent to us that Ben Olsen fit that bill better than any of the other candidates with whom we were speaking,” Payne said when describing why the United hired Olsen. 

Ready or not, the United will begin their rebuilding season with Olsen on the bench leading the team. 

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/529897-benny-is-back-dc-united-sign-ben-olsen-as-head-coach

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The absurdly premature 2010 playoff picture: Week 8

• I had already decided going into the Steelers-Saints Sunday nighter that if the Steelers lost in prime time, on Halloween, in New Orleans, that I wasn't going to hold it against them. So I won't, but I do want to note that offensively, the Steelers were a big pile of ick. Again, I'll chalk it up to the Dome and the crazy atmosphere, but I'm looking for them to rebound this week against the Bengals.

• The Patriots have jumped back atop the AFC East, and I'd like to offer a heartfelt thanks to all the New England fans who emailed to express confidence in their team, which none of them did in a whiny, insulting, petulant, annoying way. Thanks! For me, it came down to a decision of which I hate the least: the Patriots passing defense or the Jets passing offense. For now, the Pats have the slightest of edges.

• The Jets did come in as a wild card, though, bumping Tennessee. I'm not down on Tennessee, and I thought Vince Young looked sharp for most of Sunday. It's their inconsistency and up-and-down nature that bugs me, and the Jets have more "should win" games left on the schedule than do the Titans.

• Kansas City remains atop the AFC West, but I feel like Oakland warrants a mention. Seriously. The Raiders are just one game back, and they're riding consecutive blowouts, which is not something that happens often at the professional level. And I'm not writing off the Chargers, either, as I still think they're the best football team in this division. But their schedule doesn't do them any favors, and I don't believe Kansas City is going to fold.

• Green Bay gets back the top spot in the NFC with their road shutout against one of the AFC's better teams. The Giants were off, and I sort of hate everyone else in the NFC right now.

• The Saints bumped the Bucs out of a wild-card spot. It's a similar situation to the Titans in the AFC. I'm not down on the Bucs, but if the Saints are finally going to get their act together, you have to take the Saints over the Bucs, right? Even if I think the Bucs are legit and that Josh Freeman is a good quarterback, and that their defense is sound, and that they're not going away, talent and experience still has to steer me toward the Saints. It was a close call this week. I expect it will be next week, too. Three playoff teams from the NFC South isn't something I'd rule out.

• The Rams are once again the choice in the NFC West, and they even got an unofficial "solidly in place, can afford to look bad for a week or two, and they'll still be there" status. I have zero faith in anyone else in the West to do anything other than embarrass the entire league on a weekly basis.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/The-absurdly-premature-2010-playoff-picture-Wee?urn=nfl-282285

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Carlos Arroyo Reaping Benefits of Playing Alongside 'Big Three'

Filed under: 76ers, Heat

MIAMI -- It's not hard to hit shots when there is no one within 10 miles of where you are shooting.

Carlos Arroyo just smiles at the thought. It's how it feels every night now, like taking target practice at the shooting range.

Arroyo , now in his ninth NBA season, is reaping the benefits of playing alongside the NBA's Big Three in Miami, leaving him to play the game like he is playing in a vacuum, all alone in the gym.

The Miami Heat might be the most scrutinized team in NBA history, but Arroyo never has never had so much room to move on the court.

"This is a fun way to play. It's different. It's new for me, but I'm taking advantage of it,'' he said Friday after helping the Heat beat Philadelphia 99-90, snapping their much-chronicled, three-game losing streak. "This is a different way to play. ''

Arroyo has gone from being viewed as a high-risk, turnover-prone point guard to the hottest spot-up shooter in the NBA.

 

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/11/26/carlos-arroyo-reaping-benefits-of-playing-alongside-big-three/

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11/29 Quickie: NFL Week 12, BCS, Nielsen

Source: http://www.danshanoff.com/2010/11/1129-quickie-nfl-week-12-bcs-nielsen.html

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The Shutdown Five: The league's most befuddling teams

Five weeks into the season, we have some idea of what to make of most teams. Some, though, have been so erratic and inconsistent that they remain a mystery. A mystery, wrapped in an enigma, smothered in secret sauce. The following are the five most befuddling teams in the league to this point.

5. Houston Texans (3-2)

Inconsistency is a pretty reliable byproduct of poor pass defense. Through five weeks, the Texans have given up more than 400 yards passing in 40 percent of their games, which is not good. The best performance they've had against the pass this year was when they gave up 278 yards to the very much non-legendary Bruce Gradkowski. As a result, they've lost two of their last three, and were destroyed this week by the Giants. I don't think that's what Texans fans had in mind after they opened the season with a win at Indianapolis.

4. San Diego Chargers (2-3)

If a team's good enough to have two blowouts in their favor already, you'd think it unlikely that they were 0-3 in the rest of their games, especially if two of them were against the Seahawks and the Raiders. The Chargers ran through the Jags and Cardinals by a combined score of 79-23, but in their three losses, they've given up an amazing six special teams scores, and have lost seven fumbles. Can they get past this, or are these fundamental breakdowns an indelible part of the team's personality?

3. Arizona Cardinals (3-2)

The Cardinals are here mostly because of their bizarre win this week over the Saints. Where the hell did that come from? Everything else seems pretty much in line for the Cards: beaten down by the Chargers and Falcons, and closely contested pillow fights against the Rams and Raiders. Then, all the sudden, they can take down the Saints? How does a team with a combined quarterback rating of 59.0 have a winning record? "Befuddling" is the kind adjective. "Fluky" might be the more accurate one.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2)

This isn't a new phenomenon for the Jaguars, either. It seems like they're in this position every year, where nothing would surprise you from them in any given week. They've got a win against Indy, but have been mauled by both the Eagles and the Chargers. The other two wins, for whatever they're worth, have come against Denver and Buffalo. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for anything that happens with the Jags.

1. New York Giants (3-2)

The Giants opened the season by handling Carolina -- right on track. Then they get dismantled in consecutive weeks by the Colts and Titans, and it looks like it might be a disappointing year for Big Blue. But then they follow up the blowouts with maybe the most dominant defensive performance of the year against Chicago. This week, they come out and put a thumping on the Texans. Up, Down, Up. Pick a direction, Giants.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/The-Shutdown-Five-The-league-s-most-befuddling-?urn=nfl-276154

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As MLS Expansion Draft Nears, FanHouse Unveils the Unprotected Best XI

Filed under: MLS, Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas, New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union, Seattle Sounders FC, Toronto FC, Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps FC

The Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps will look to find that diamond in the rough (like 2010 Best XI honoree Sébastien Le Toux, selected by the Philadelphia Union one year ago) when the MLS expansion draft kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

The league's existing sixteen teams each were required to submit a roster of eleven protected players on Monday -- names that the Whitecaps and Timbers can't touch. While the top talent is off limits, there still are a number of high-quality players left available for the two expansion clubs.

With that in mind, FanHouse presents its Expansion Draft Best XI:

 

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Source: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2010/11/23/as-mls-expansion-draft-nears-fanhouse-unveils-the-unprotected-b/

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Colts agree: The hit on Austin Collie wasn't illegal

There's another look at the hit that concussed Austin Collie and necessitated his exit of the field on a stretcher. It's disturbing and off-putting to watch, and obviously, we all hope the best for Collie (head coach Jim Caldwell seemed pretty optimistic that Collie would be fine).

At the risk of being insensitive, though, the fact that the hit injured someone doesn't necessarily mean that it was flag-worthy or fine-worthy.

This one wasn't, and that opinion comes from two teammates of Austin Collie. Via Paul Kuharsky at ESPN, two Colts defensive backs, Aaron Francisco and Jacob Lacey, both thought the hit on Collie was clean. First, Francisco:

“No, it didn’t look like intent. When a player gets hit by two guys, not really simultaneously but one after another, it’s kind of hard as a defensive back to keep your head out of the way. That guy is getting hit towards you, you don’t know where his head is going to be or whatever."

And Lacey:

“It was a football play, it looked like a clean hit. You don’t wish that on anybody, or want anybody to be hurt or anything like that. But it looked like a clean hit. The first guy kind of gave him that momentum to swing into the other guy.”

I'm 100% in favor of the NFL's crackdown on helmet-to-helmet hits and contact to the head. I'm in favor of the suspensions, and I'd even be in support of taking it to the next level: immediate ejections for guys that target heads.

But I think we have to be careful about flagging and fining based on the plays made on the field and their intent, as opposed to their results. If you could click your heels three times and magically make all helmet-to-helmet contact go away, you're still going to have head injuries in the NFL. We can't start fining guys $25,000 every time someone gets a concussion.

It'll be interesting to see what happens when Friday fine day rolls around, and Quintin Mikell and Kurt Coleman open up their mail.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Colts-agree-The-hit-on-Austin-Collie-wasn-t-ill?urn=nfl-283392

Mary Elizabeth Winstead Megan Ewing Megan Fox Melania Trump Melissa George

Sponsored Post: Going The Wrong Way

Source: http://www.danshanoff.com/2010/11/sponsored-post-going-wrong-way.html

Tatiana Zavialova Taylor Swift Teri Hatcher Teri Polo Tessie Santiago

Seventy-seven reasons I'm thankful for the NFL

In no particular order ...

77. Receivers who block like their paycheck depended on it.
76. Sports bars that have multiple games on, in HD.
75. Jaxson De Ville.
74. That Terrell Owens, for all the (self-created) distractions in his career, is still killing it at the age of 36.
73. Whoever decided that buffalo wings were the food to be served on Sundays at sports bars.
72. Teams that have resisted the urge to put black on their uniforms.
71. That instant when Chris Johnson senses daylight.
70. Coaches who actually say what's on their mind, like Rex Ryan or Mike Singletary. 
69. Miles Austin.
68. That Tom Brady's hair has outgrown the Bieber phase.
67. Dwight Freeney's longevity.
66. Jerseys. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you're too old to wear a jersey on gameday.
65. "Playoffs?!"
64. That fantasy football can help keep far away people a little closer together.
63. That there's no one out there who can cover Andre Johnson by themselves.
62. The magical yellow first-down line.
61. Offensive Linemen catching touchdown passes.
60. James Harrison's ferocity.
59. Joe Buck. Because there's a place for loud and excitable, but there's also a place for letting the action speak for itself.
58. That Seattle's Mike Williams, against overwhelming odds, swallowed his pride, put in the work, and made himself a fine NFL receiver.
57. Players wearing microphones.
56. The insane flood of information surrounding the NFL Draft, 90% of which is worthless, and that we still keep doing it, year after year.
55. Forty-yard frozen ropes.
54. Ndamukong Suh's quarterback-killing future.
53. Madden.
52. Michael Irvin, the best studio analyst in the business.
51. During kickoffs on windy days, someone still has to hold the football with their finger; and I always wonder what would happen if that person pulled it away, Lucy and Charlie Brown-style.
50. Clay Matthews' tenacity.

49. That people still reference Willie Beamen whenever someone throws up.
48. That the Super Bowl, in our lifetimes, has an outside chance of becoming a national holiday.
47. "You PLAY to win the GAME."
46. Drew Brees' sincerity.
45. Striking up NFL conversations with random strangers.
44. Pink accessories for Breast Cancer Awareness.
43. The UFL. I don't ever watch it, but it's comforting to know that it's there.
42. Adrian Peterson's rare combination of speed and power.
41. When a long-downtrodden team finally starts to see signs of life, i.e. the 2010 Cleveland Browns.
40. Troy Polamalu's energy.
39. The NFL Network putting Joe Theismann and Matt Millen together in a broadcast booth, which has to be an elaborate prank on all of us.
38. That Michael Vick, no matter how circuitous the route, is finally reaching his potential.
37. That there are ways to maintain an interest in otherwise uninteresting football games, like fantasy football or other things.
36. Coors Light fake press conferences.
35. Ed Hochuli's pipes.
34. That it's perfectly acceptable to wear a stupid plastic gladiator costume to an NFL game. If you're a Raiders fan.
33. That no one ever changed Philip Rivers' bizarre throwing motion.
32. NFL Films.
31. The music in old NFL Films clips.
30. That Buffalo is so excited about Ryan Fitzpatrick. It's cute.
29. That marching bands are not a major part of NFL entertainment. Sorry, I've just never been into marching bands.
28. Jeff Fisher's mustache.
27. The rules to protect quarterbacks. I know a lot of you disagree, but I prefer seeing Peyton Manning to seeing Curtis Painter. That's just me.
26. Maurice Jones-Drew's powder keg body.
25. Zubaz. Long out of style, yes, but spotting the occasional pair never fails to brighten a day.
24. Kickers and punters trying to make tackles.
23. Sam Bradford's potential.
22. Mike Mayock.
21. That someone out there drafted Kyle Orton, Arian Foster and Brandon Lloyd in the mid-to-late rounds of their fantasy draft.
20. Tom Brady, whose only apparent flaw is that he doesn't play for your team.
19. In-person fantasy football drafts. Tell me it isn't one of your ten favorite days of the year.
18. Bill Belichick's fierce emphasis on comfort over fashion.
17. If the commissioners of all major American sports were to fight, I think ours would win.
16. That Mike Tolbert runs like the Kool-Aid Man.
15. That every second of the NFL Combine is televised.
14. Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback.
13. Wondering what Peyton Manning saw that made him call that fourth audible.
12. Championship Sunday, the most underrated sports day of the year.
11. The countless charitable things done by NFL players.
10. Movin' the Chains with Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan.
9. Twitter, which is invaluable if you can't (or even if you can) be in front of multiple TVs on Sundays.
8. Football Follies.
7. Rich Eisen's high level of likeability. I don't know how he does it, but I just want to hug that guy.
6. The uniqueness of Antonio Gates.
5. Throwback uniforms.
4. That it's roughly as difficult to sack Ben Roethlisberger as it is to sack the Washington Monument.
3. Hard Knocks on HBO.
2. Dez Bryant. So polished, so early. I see no ceiling to his potential.
1. That it's socially acceptable to spend all day on Thanksgiving watching professional football.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Seventy-seven-reasons-I-m-thankful-for-the-NFL?urn=nfl-289174

Vanessa Simmons Veronica Kay Veronika Vaeková Victoria Beckham Victoria Pratt

Three Things to Watch For as the US National Team Faces South Africa

Filed under: International Soccer, English Premier League, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team, Chivas USA, New York Red Bulls

The U.S. national team's last game of 2010, against South Africa on Wednesday afternoon, is a beginning of sorts.

A new four-year cycle has started, and coach Bob Bradley, signed to guide the program toward another World Cup, has begun the long process of building his new team.

The South Africa game (2 p.m. ET, ESPN2) comes at an intriguing time. With the MLS season nearing its climax and the national team's European regulars in the meat of their club campaigns, Bradley had the chance to experiment with some untested talent.

And he's taken that chance, calling in several players who could make significant contributions in 2014 and beyond.

The beautiful Cape Town Stadium, which hosted several games during the World Cup, including Holland's semifinal victory over Uruguay, is sold out for Wednesday's Nelson Mandela Challenge. Those in attendance will be watching Bafana Bafana. Here's what FanHouse would like to see happen, from an American perspective:

 

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Source: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2010/11/16/three-things-to-watch-for-as-the-us-national-team-faces-south-af/

Joanna Krupa Joanne Montanez Jodi Lyn OKeefe Jolene Blalock Jordana Brewster

Barcelona Vs Real Madrid: E Clasico Preview Nov. 29, 2010

Barcelona have a very impressive record in this fixture recently—if they win here they’ll be making it five in a row, a feat which not many teams could hope to achieve against Real Madrid. The fact is that it is not as if they are a significantly better side than Real are, as the league table demonstrates for us, with Real sitting just above the Catalans.

"El Clasico" is always an entertaining match and the competition is often more fierce than the most spirited of local derbies. These meetings could very well decide who takes the title this season and with a measly amount of points in it last year, Real will be eager not to repeat the mistakes which cost them the Championship.

Barcelona favourite Pique has been quoted as saying that “El Clasico is such that being the home side makes us the favourites”. He was also worried that there may be some repeat of the issues which surrounded Figo’s return to the stadium in 2000 and said that “nobody wants to see another pig's head”. He fears that the antagonistic behaviour of Mourinho could cause this sort of behaviour from the Barcelona fans. Mourinho was the assistant at the Nou Camp under Bobby Robson and Van Gaal and returning whilst managing the home side's arch rivals could cause even more conflict.

Barcelona will be without Milito, but other than that, there should be a full strength side to choose from, which will of course come as some good news. Again, the lack of players is not something that Real have been suffering with and some big names have been sitting on the bench in recent games.

This match could go either way and this could be the most even that "El Clasico" has been in the last few years and whilst Barcelona may be the slight favourites, the smart money might just be on Real Madrid to break the jinx they’ve had in the last few games.

Watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid live in HD on Al Jazeera Sport HD2, C+ Liga HD, DigitAlb HD4, Sky Calcio HD1, Sky Sport HD1 (Italy), Sky Sports HD1 (uk) and in 3D on C+ Spain 3D, NTV+ 3D and Sky 3DTV.

Joe - livescoredaily.com - live scores

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/528654-barcelona-vs-real-madrid-e-clasico-preview-nov-29-2010

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11/24 Quickie: Thanks, NFL Week 12,Jeter, P-Jax, UConn, CFB, JoePa, More

Source: http://www.danshanoff.com/2010/11/1124-quickie-thanks-nfl-week-12-jeter-p.html

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Shawne Merriman to Miss Rest of Season

Filed under: Bills, NFL Injuries

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Shawne Merriman's first season with the Buffalo Bills ended before it even began.

Merriman was placed on injured reserve Saturday because of a nagging Achilles tendon injury, culminating a tumultuous year for the once-feared pass rusher.

The Bills claimed Merriman off waivers earlier this month, three weeks after he was placed on injured reserve by the San Diego Chargers because of a calf injury.

At the time, he was also nursing a strained Achilles tendon. In his first practice with Buffalo on Nov. 10, he lasted just 15 minutes before re-injuring it.

The 2005 first-round pick and three-time Pro Bowl selection also sat out most of the Chargers' offseason workouts and part of training camp to protest his contract, which expires following this season. He finishes the year with six tackles in three games for the Chargers.

Merriman expressed his eagerness to get a fresh start when he made his first public appearance in Buffalo a day before the Bills' 22-19 loss to Chicago in Toronto in Week 9.

The following Wednesday, he walked onto the practice field for the first time with his new team, but that's when things went awry.

During a harmless-looking individual drill, he backpedaled and then pivoted to his left before pulling up and hopping on one leg.

Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/27/shawne-merriman-to-miss-rest-of-season/

Mariah Carey Mariah OBrien Marika Dominczyk Marisa Coughlan Marisa Miller