LONDON -- Surprise package Southampton was brought back down to earth by Arsenal as the Gunners extended their Premier League lead to four points with a 2-0 win over the Saints and Liverpool was held to a 3-3 draw at Everton in a pulsating Merseyside derby on Saturday. Arsene Wengers team bounced back from defeat against defending champion Manchester United with a dominant display, capped by two goals from Olivier Giroud -- the first after Southampton goalkeeper Artur Boruc bizarrely lost the ball to the France striker in the box. At Goodison Park, substitute Daniel Sturridge salvaged a deserved draw for the Reds before Chelsea reasserted its title credentials with a 3-0 win at West Ham. Arsenal leads both Liverpool and Chelsea by four points after 12 games, with Liverpool in second place on goals scored. Also, last-place Crystal Palace reacted to the hiring of Tony Pulis as manager by beating Hull 1-0 to climb off the bottom and Fulham lost 2-1 at home against Swansea, dropping into the bottom three. Newcastle beat Norwich 2-1 and Stoke won 2-0 against Sunderland, which replaced Crystal Palace at the foot of the standings. "Im very happy because we were against a good team and they showed why they made good results before," Wenger said after giving Southampton its second league loss this season. "We couldnt take our chances but we took advantage of their mistakes. Its a very good win against a difficult team. They stopped us well from playing." Arsenal was sluggish at the start but then dominated before Boruc lost the ball after trying to dribble past Giroud, who easily won the ball before scoring from close range. "It happens. Players are quick to close down. Maybe he was a bit too confident and Olivier Giroud did very well," Wenger said. Southampton has been praised for its free-flowing football this season but struggled against Arsenal. The Saints played as high on the pitch and pressed as usual but failed to create clear-cut chances. Frank Lampard made life difficult for his former club, scoring twice at Upton Park as Chelsea played with great pace and discipline to move above Southampton into third. Lampard opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 21st minute after West Ham keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen brought down Oscar in the box. The Brazil midfielder then combined well with playmaker Eden Hazard and slotted home with a low shot from the edge of the box for a superb goal in the 34th. Lampard sealed Chelseas win, scoring from a rebound from inside the penalty area in the 82nd. Liverpool had plenty of chances in a thrilling Merseyide derby which they came close to losing for the first time since October 2010. But Sturridge equalized with a glancing header from Steven Gerrards free kick just 10 minutes after coming off the bench to cap an action-packed game. The result left Liverpool four points behind Arsenal with 24 points from 12 games while Everton has 21, one point behind Southampton. Romelu Lukaku scored twice in the second half as Everton took a 3-2 lead. The Belgian forward thought he had given the three points to his team when he headed home in the 82nd minute, just 10 minutes after taking advantage of some confusion in the Liverpool box to slide the ball past goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring in the fifth minute before Kevin Mirallas equalized for Everton three minutes later in a thrilling start. Luis Suarez put the Reds in front with a free kick in the 19th minute. "That is the best experience Ive ever had in club football. Its a pity we didnt win but hopefully we will next time," Lukaku said. Mirallas was lucky to escape a straight red card in the 33rd minute after an ugly foul on Suarez, with the Belgium forward stamping his studs on the strikers thigh. Suarez screamed in pain and stayed down on the pitch for several minutes but was able to return to the game. "It was a terrific game, Ive been involved in a few and they are real heart-stoppers," Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers said. "We again showed our resilience and ability to fight back. This is a difficult place to come and they havent lost at Goodison Park this year." Stoke ended an eight-match winless streak against Sunderland, which had Wes Brown sent off in controversial circumstances. The hosts scored either side of the interval at the Britannia stadium with goals from Charlie Adam and Steven Nzonzi. Sunderland players were furious after referee Kevin Friend deemed a sliding tackle from Brown on Adam -- that appeared to win the ball fairly for the defender -- to merit a straight red card in the 36th minute. Substitute Jonjo Shelvey scored a late winner to give Swansea a 2-1 victory over Fulham, leaving the London club struggling in the relegation zone. At Hull, Palace overcame the 78th-minute sending-off of Yannick Bolasie to score the only goal three minutes later, with Barry Bannan netting from close range following Cameron Jeromes cross. Caretaker manager Keith Millen hands over to Pulis with Palace now above Sunderland on goal difference, and the new coachs record of never having been relegated will give the Londoners renewed hope of staying up. Nike Air Max Thea Baratas . The Argentina striker has not played for the Premier League leaders since September when he refused to warm up during a Champions League match and only returned last week from a three-month unauthorized absence at home. City coach Roberto Mancini had initially told Tevez he would never play for City again after his act of public insubordination, but later softened his stance and only asked for an apology. Zapatillas Nike Just Do It Mujer . - The fiancee of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez is set to ask a judge to throw out allegations that she lied to a grand jury. http://www.tiendasairmaxbaratas.com/zapatillas-air-max-plus.html . Therrien would not confirm his lineup for the game, but he did have the same line combinations practicing together for the third straight day which is usually a pretty good indication of what the lineup will be. Air Max 200 Mujer . Louis Blues, having added Ryan Miller and Steve Ott from Buffalo, remain the No. Nike Air Max Hombre Baratas . Watch all the action unfold live on TSN and TSN Mobile TV at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt. You can also watch the game live with the debut of Wednesday Night Hockey on TSN.ca and chat throughout the game with TSN.Canadian medal hopeful Alex Gough is in fifth place after the first run of the womens luge event at the Sanki Sliding Center in Sochi on Monday. The 26-year-old slider from Calgary posted a time of 50.464 seconds, 0.573 seconds back of leader Natalie Geisenberger. The German led the overall World Cup womens standings this season and continued her dominance by putting down a track record time of 49.891, ahead of second-place Erin Hamlin of the United States (50.356) andd teammate Tajana Huefner (50.dddddddddddd393). Gough finished second overall in the World Cup this season and is aiming to win Canadas first-ever Olympic medal in womens luge. Calgarys Kimberly McRae was impressive in her first Olympic appearance, finishing her first trip down the track in sixth spot, trailing Gough by only 0.001 seconds. Arianne Jones, also of Calgary, sits 13th with a time of 50.993. The second of four runs is scheduled to begin at 11:45 a.m. ET. ' ' '

CLEVELAND -- Browns CEO Joe Banner once found a young head coach not far from the frozen tundra of Green Bays Lambeau Field. Hes looking there again. A person familiar with the matter says Cleveland will interview Green Bay quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo about itsr head coaching job. McAdoo, who spent the past two seasons working with star QB Aaron Rodgers, will meet with Banner and Browns owner Jimmy Haslam this week, said the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team is not publicizing information about the search. The interview was also reported by the NFL Network and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In 1999, Banner, then an executive with Philadelphia, plucked a young Andy Reid off Green Bays staff and hired him as the Eagles coach. Banner was the only one to interview Reid, and the Eagles went on to make five NFC title games and a Super Bowl under the mustachioed coach, now with Kansas City. Like Reid, the 36-year-old McAdoo served as Packers tight ends coach before taking over the teams quarterbacks. Hes expected to draw interest from other teams with head coaching vacancies. McAdoo will be the fourth known candidate to interview with the Browns, who are looking for their seventh full-time coach since 1999 -- and fourth in six years. The team has interviewed New England offensive co-ordinator Josh McDaniels, Seattle defensive co-ordinator Dan Quinn and Arizona defensive co-ordinator Todd Bowles. The Browns, who fired Rob Chudzinski following a 4-12 season, also received permission to speak with Denver offensive co-ordinator Adam Gase. But he told the team he wants to wait until after the playoffs before doing any interviews. The Broncos host San Diego on Sunday. McAdoo became available after the Packers were eliminated last weekend by San Francisco, which won on a game-ending field goal by former Browns kicker Phil Dawson. Banner has often proudly referenced his hiring of Reid. In fact, at the news conference announcing Chudzinskis dismissal, Banner said he kept Reid after a rough first season. "When we hired Andy Reid in Philadelphia, he won five games the first year," Banner said. "There was no consideration for making a change and we stayed together for 14 years." The Browns are also reportedly interested in meeting with Auburn coach Gus Malzahn and Vanderbilts James Franklin. The team is not confirming any interviews. Kevin Love Jersey . - Kyle Wood and Barclay Goodrow scored second period power-play goals to provide all of the scoring for the North Bay Battalion in a 2-0 victory over the Erie Otters in Ontario Hockey League action on Thursday. Rodney Hood Cavaliers Jersey .The McLaren MP4-30 was launched on Thursday, with chief executive Ron Dennis saying it marks the start of a lengthy journey back to winning grands prix and eventually world championships.McLaren, which hasnt won a grand prix since 2012, will be using Honda engines for the first time since 1992, and has signed two-time world champion Fernando Alonso to partner Jenson Button for the upcoming season. https://www.thecavalierslockerroom.com/Jordan-Clarkson-City-Edition-Jersey/ . Serbia captain Bogdan Obradovic said his team will include 9th-ranked Janko Tipsarevic and 27th-ranked Viktor Troicki as he decided to let the top-ranked Djokovic rest. Collin Sexton Cavaliers Jersey . 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. Kyle Korver Cavaliers Jersey .com) - The Grand Slam season will get underway Monday at the Australian Open in Melbourne, where a new champion will be crowned this year.TORONTO -- Jermain Defoes anguish at being snubbed by England is still keenly felt. It doesnt help that reporters keep asking him about it, each question ripping off another part of the scab. "Every day I wake up, its still frustrating and its still baffling (as) to why I wasnt selected," he said Saturday. "But youve got to move on." The 31-year-old striker wrapped up a week that started with his relegation to Englands World Cup taxi squad with a rocket of a goal to help Toronto FC to a 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls before 22,591 on a sunny afternoon at BMO Field. In truth, Defoe could have had even more on the day. But his 12th-minute blast into the top of the Red Bulls goal spoke volumes. "Thats exactly how I thought he would react," said Toronto manager Ryan Nelsen, "A brilliant goal, wasnt it? "Thats Jermain Defoe. And thats why England will miss him dearly, I think, come World Cup time." Red Bulls star Thierry Henry was also full of praise. "Jermain Defoe has been doing this since he was 14 years old and as long as he plays he will do that," said the French forward. Defoe downplayed the significance of his strike, "because Ive been doing that for my whole career. And people know that." "Thats what Ive done since Ive been over here," added Defoe, who now has four goals in five MLS games. "Its not my first goal Ive just continued to do what I do. Work hard and stay positive and get my goals." But prompted again, Defoe acknowledged the goal was a littler sweet. "Its only normal, when you get disappointment, to try and prove people wrong. And just to remind people that, at the end of the day, this is what Im doing. And I think I did that today." Defoe, who has 19 goals and 55 caps for his country, could still be called up to the 23-man main England squad in event of injury. Defoe didnt even see his goal go in. He hit it and went flying as a defender clattered into him. "It was funny because I was on the floor," he said. "I looked at the crowd and everyone was celebrating it so I thought OK, it went in." Englands loss is clearly Torontos gain. "Hes a massive part of whats going on here. Our talisman, so to speak. He gets the goals that win us games," midfielder Bradley Orr said of Defoe. Luke Moore scored late in stoppage-time as Toronto snapped its three-game losing streak. On a day where Arsenal won the FA Cup at Wembley, former Gunners star Henry -- while showing flashes of his brilliance -- was relegated to a supporting role as the Red Bulls saw their 10-game unbeaten streak against Toronto snapped. Both Defoe and Henry made their names scoring goals for north London clubs in the English Premier League. Defoe collected 153 goals for Tottenham while the 36-year-old Henry potted 228 for Arsenal. The New York attack also featured English forward Bradley Wright-Phillips, who came into the game leading MLS with nine goals this season. Toronto (4-4-0) had lost four out of its last five games after opening the MLS campaign with two consecutive wins. New York (3-4-5) was coming off an ugly 5-4 loss to the previously winless Chicago Fire, which snapped its four-game undefeated streak. And the Red Bulls looked slopppy Saturday, turning the ball over in the early going.dddddddddddd A poor pass from fullback Kosuke Kimura led to Torontos first goal when Orr beat Dax McCarty to the ball in midfield and drove forward. He spotted Defoe and slotted a perfect pass, with the striker hammering a right-footed rocket into the top of the net in the 12th minute. Orr, a defender, moved into midfield to help fill the void left by Michael Bradley (with the U.S. World Cup team), Brazilian winger Jackson (concussion) and newly acquired Collen Warner (suspended). He gave all the credit to Defoe on the goal, saying he made the move that created the opening for the pass. "He makes your mind up. His movements that good. World-class. He makes your mind up," said Orr, who had a fine game. Moore, in his home debut, scored his first goal for Toronto with a tap-in after a defensive miscommunication. A long goal kick by Torontos Joe Bendik turned into disaster for New York when goalie Luis Robles collided with defender Chris Duval, leaving Moore to dribble the ball in. Still it was far from a complete performance from an undermanned Toronto squad. At times, the Red Bulls sliced through the home side but could not finish. Toronto wobbled early in the second half and New York missed a glorious opportunity to tie it in the 62nd minute when Wright-Phillips, facing an empty goal, shockingly skied the ball after Bendik palmed away a dangerous cross. Both teams have lost stars to the World Cup: fullback Roy Miller (Costa Rica) and midfielder Tim Cahill (Australia) for New York and Bradley (U.S.) for Toronto. Goalie Julio Cesar, who had been slated to play for Toronto on Saturday before joining Brazil, was out with the flu. The game may cost Toronto. Midfielder Jonathan Osorio played the whole game despite having his hand stepped on in the opening minutes. He was due for an X-ray later, amid fears of a fracture. Toronto started rookie Nick Hagglund at centre back, shifting Doneil Henry to the bench. In his last three games, the 21-year-old Canadian international has given up two penalties and a giveaway that led to a goal. Nelsen offered a different explanation, saying Henry had played 120 minutes during the midweek Amway Canadian Championship semifinal in Vancouver and had a sore quad and head knock. "I just felt like he needed a rest and Nick had kind of deserved his chance," Nelsen said. Faced with one of the games greats in Henry, Hagglund acquitted himself well on the day. Henry introduced himself to Hagglund by racing past the rookie and then felling him with a late tackle that earned a yellow card in the sixth minute. On the plus side, Hagglund got to shake hands with a repentant Henry. A laughing Hagglund said his thought at the time was "Foul me again, Ill shake your hand again." The Red Bulls had not lost to Toronto since June 24, 2009, a 7-0-3 stretch that saw them outscore TFC 25-5. "Obviously, the first half we werent good enough," said New York coach Mike Petke, who took solace in an improved second-half showing. "The pitch was a bit bobbly but that was no excuse for how bad on the ball we were. We had too many giveaways, too many loose passes and too many instances where we gave them the ball back too easily." ' ' '

North Carolina coach Roy Williams denied allegations of academic wrongdoing Friday by former player Rashad McCants connected to the schools long-running academic scandal. In an interview with ESPNs "Outside the Lines" to air Friday, McCants -- the second-leading scorer on Williams first NCAA championship team in 2005 -- said tutors wrote papers for him and that Williams knew about no-show classes popular with athletes. "I thought it was a part of the college experience, just like watching it on a movie from He Got Game or Blue Chips," McCants said. "... When you get to college, you dont go to class, you dont do nothing, you just show up and play. Thats exactly how it was, you know, and I think that was the tradition of college basketball, or college, period, any sport. Youre not there to get an education, though they tell you that. "Youre there to make revenue for the college. Youre there to put fans in the seats. Youre there to bring prestige to the university by winning games." McCants also said Williams told him he could swap a failing grade from one class with a passing one from another to stay eligible during the 2004-05 season, according to the report. He entered the NBA draft as a junior after that season. "I strongly disagree with what Rashad has said," Williams said in a statement Friday. "In no way did I know about or do anything close to what he says and I think the players whom I have coached over the years will agree with me. "I have spent 63 years on this earth trying to do things the right way and the picture he portrays is not fair to the University or me." McCants comments are the latest allegations levied against UNC in an academic fraud scandal that began as an offshoot of an NCAA investigation into the football program beginning in summer 2010. Those findings centred on the formerly named Department of African and Afro-American Studies, most notably with lecture classes featuring significant athlete enrollments that did not meet and were instead treated as independent study courses requiring only a research paper at semesters end. Former UNC learning specialist Mary Willingham, who has questioned the literacy of Tar Heel athletes, has said "paper classes" were designed to keep players eligible despite many reading at below-grade levels. The fraud findings also unauthorized grade changes and possibly forged signatures on grade rolls. By 2012, an investigation led by former Gov. Jim Martin found the problems in the AFAM department ran back at least to the late 1990s. That probe found no evidence of athletic department involvement, though another probe led by former U.S. Justice Department official Kenneth Wainstein is underway. DaRon Payne Jersey . Paire broke Giraldo twice and lost his serve once in both sets to wrap up the win in 1 hour, 10 minutes. He will next face Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain, who advanced when Jurgen Zopp of Estonia retired with an injury at 5-5 in the first set. Trent Williams Redskins Jersey . Tepesch, back from the minor leagues, earned his first major league victory in more than 10 months and the Rangers edged the Seattle Mariners 4-3 on Wednesday. https://www.redskinssportsgoods.com/Womens-Dexter-Manley-Inverted-Jersey/ . "It was awesome," he said. Coming off an ugly three-game sweep at the hands of the Yankees, Toronto found itself in a deep hole early after the Reds put an eight spot up on starter Liam Hendriks (six runs in 1 2/3 innings pitched) and Todd Redmond in the second. Charles Mann Womens Jersey . The visitors missed a host of good chances to win the game, and were left to rue substitute Ivo Ilicevics strike against the crossbar in the 86th minute, when he only had the goalkeeper to beat. Darrell Green Womens Jersey . They signed their first kicker. Ottawa inked Nick Setta, a 32-year-old native of Lockport, Illinois, to a contract.ATLANTA -- Jeff Teague had a career-high 33 points and 10 assists, Al Horford added 20 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 113-103 on Friday night. DeMarre Carroll finished with a career-high 21 points for Atlanta, which has won three of four. Evan Turner scored 27 points, Tony Wroten had 22 points, and Spencer Hawes finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Sixers, who have lost three of four. Hawks guard Lou Williams, returning to the court for the first time since undergoing reconstructive right knee surgery 10 months ago, finished with seven points, three rebounds and two assists in 15 minutes. Williams, in his second season with Atlanta, received a rousing cheer when he entered the game midway through the first quarter. Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer said before the game that Williams, who spent his first seven seasons with the Sixers, will not play on consecutive nights. The Hawks visit the New York Knicks on Saturday. Budenholzer decided to bring forward Paul Millsap, Atlantas second-leading scorer this season, off the bench, and he finished with eight points. Gustavo Ayon started in his season debut, finishing with six points. Teague wove through the lane to feed Millsap for a dunk that made it 103-94 with 3:01 left. The Sixers were without second-leading scorer Michael Carter-Williams because of a bruised arch in his left foot. Carter-Williams missed his second straight game. The rookie was injured Monday in a home loss to San Antonio and is travelling with the team, but coach Brett Brown said he doubbts the former Syracuse standout will play Saturday at New Orleans or Monday at Dallas.dddddddddddd Wroten, a second-year veteran starting in Carter-Williams spot, has done well in the guards absence. He had 18 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in his first career start, a home win over Houston on Wednesday. Hawks guard Kyle Korver hit a 3 in his 82nd consecutive game. Its the NBAs second career-leading streak and eight shy of breaking Dana Barros 17-year-old record. Korver finished with 13 points. Thaddeus Young had 17 points for Philadelphia. The Hawks biggest lead before halftime was 11 on Williams 3 in the final seconds of the first quarter, but Philadelphia had a two-point lead at intermission after Darius Morris hit a 3 with 2.5 seconds left and Carroll hit a 3 at the buzzer. Williams 8-foot runner lifted Atlanta to an 82-71 lead with 31.1 seconds left in the third. Philadelphia came within four on Hollis Thompsons dunk early in the fourth, but Brown called timeout with 7:39 remaining after Ayon caught Teagues alley-oop for a layup that made it 90-79. NOTES: Teagues previous career high was 28 points last Jan. 16 at Brooklyn. ... Carroll set a career high with four 3s. ... Barros set the NBA mark by hitting a 3 in 89 straight games from Dec. 23, 1994-Jan. 12, 1996, during stints with Philadelphia and Boston. ... Budenholzer and Brown, both first-year head coaches, know each other well. Budenholzer spent the previous 17 years and Brown the last 11 on San Antonios staff. ... There were 10 lead changes and nine ties. ' ' '

LONDON - Elena Baltacha, a former top-50 professional tennis player who had been fighting liver cancer since retiring from the game, died Sunday. She was 30. The former British No. 1 died peacefully surrounded by family and friends, the Womens Tennis Association said on its website. The Kyiv-born Baltacha, who represented Britain at the 2012 London Olympics, was diagnosed with the illness in January, two months after retiring from tennis and only weeks after she married her long-time coach Nino Severino. "We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally," Severino said in a statement. "She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness." Baltacha was born into a sporting family. Father Sergei played football for Dynamo Kyiv and English club Ipswich, and won a bronze medal for the Soviet Union at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Mother Olga represented the Soviet Union in the pentathlon. After being diagnosed with a chronic liver condition aged 19, Baltacha dealt with illness throughout her career, receiving medication and regular blood tests. "Elenas journey was never an easy one and yet she consistently showed her strength, good humour and indomitable spirit," WTA chairman Stacey Allaster said. Her best ranking was 49th in 2010, and she reached the third round at Grand Slam tournaments three times — at Wimbledon in 2002, and at the Australian Open in 2005 and 2010. Ankle problems eventually forced her to retire in November, and she had hoped to use her experience to develop the next generation of British players. "We have lost a shining light from the heart of British tennis - a true role model, a great competitor and a wonderful friend," former Fed Cup coach Iain Bates said. "We have so many special memories to cherish, but this leaves a gaping hole for everybody in both British and womens tennis, and words simply cannot express how saddened we are by this news." Baltacha had already planned a tennis charity event in June, "Rally for Bally," to raise money for a cancer hospital and her tennis academy. It will go ahead in her memory, with competitors including childhood friend Andy Murray, Martina Navratilova and Tim Henman. "Bally was such a caring human being, always putting others before herself, and a warm, fun person," the WTAs Allaster said. "A shining example of her commitment to looking out for the welfare of others is the Elena Baltacha Academy of Tennis, which she established so that children from disadvantaged backgrounds could learn to play the game she loved so dearly." Otis Sistrunk Raiders Jersey . After missing 20 games as a rookie a year ago, Valanciunas - like the Raptors as a whole - has been fortunate to be in good health this season. As he spoke about it, the Raptors sophomore centre scanned the room for wood to knock on. "It is disappointing because we lost today so thats the worst part of the day," said Valanciunas, who left Tuesdays game with a lower-back sprain in the third quarter, missing the rest of Torontos 118-113 overtime defeat at the hands of the Hawks. Dave Casper Jersey . Called on from the college ranks to replace Andy Reid, Kelly implemented a whole new atmosphere in the City of Brotherly Love and now has the Eagles in the playoffs for the first time since 2010. https://www.raiderssportsgoods.com/Womens-Josh-Jacobs-Inverted-Jersey/ . Top-seeded Djokovic, who is making only his second appearance this year after reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, was a 6-3, 6-3 winner over 54th-ranked Istomin of Uzbekistan. "It wasnt as easy as the scoreline indicates," said Djokovic, who has won in Dubai on four occasions. Tim Brown Youth Jersey . DETROIT LIONS AT ATLANTA FALCONS, 9:30 AM (ET) Detroit - RB Reggie Bush, TE Eric Ebron, TE Joseph Fauria, WR Calvin Johnson, QB Kellen Moore, TE Brandon Pettigrew, OT LaAdrian Waddle Atlanta - CB Javier Arenas, DT Jonathan Babineaux, OT Cameron Bradfield, WR Freddie Martino, QB Sean Renfree, OT Jonathan Scott, LB Tyler Starr SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS, 1:00 PM (ET) Seattle - DT Jordan Hill, CB Byron Maxwell, OT Andrew McDonald, TE Zach Miller, C Max Unger, LB Bobby Wagner, WR Bryan Walters Carolina - CB Bene Benwikere, LB Chase Blackburn, WR Philly Brown, G Amini Silatolu, G Trai Turner, RB Fozzy Whittaker, RB DeAngelo Williams HOUSTON TEXANS AT TENNESSEE TITANS, 1:00 PM (ET) Houston - OT Jeff Adams, DB Josh Aubrey, LB Brian Cushing, DB Darryl Morris, WR DeVier Posey, QB Tom Savage, LB Jeff Tarpinian Tennessee - RB Antonio Andrews, WR Kris Durham, TE Richard Gordon, DL DaQuan Jones, CB Coty Sensabaugh, OT Will Svitek, TE Taylor Thompson BALTIMORE RAVENS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS, 1:00 PM (ET) Baltimore - CB Chykie Brown, LB Arthur Brown, DL Chris Canty, TE Owen Daniels, G/C Gino Gradkowski, RB Bernard Pierce, OT Jah Reid Cincinnati - RB Rex Burkhead, DE Will Clarke, WR A. Lyle Alzado Jersey . CHAUNCEY BILLUPS (Pistons): Yes they got Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings in the off-season and Andre Drummond is a beast (teams are kicking themselves for passing on him - he rebounds and block shots every game - thats two more discernable and significant skills than most guys in his draft class), but dont for a second discount the impact of having a savvy veteran like Billups on your team.With the NHL regular season right around the corner, TSN.ca profiles each team leading up to puck drop. Next up are the St. Louis Blues, knocking on the door as they try to catch the best in the West. Catch up on their summer moves and the issues they face this season, as well as Craig Buttons analysis of their top prospect and an analytical breakdown by TSNs Scott Cullen. Division: Central GM: Doug Armstrong Head Coach: Ken Hitchcock 2013-14: 52-23-7 (2nd in Central) Playoffs: Lost in first round (4-2 to CHI) Goals For: 239 (7th) Goals Against: 188 (3rd) Powerplay: 19.8% (7th) Penalty Kill: 85.7% (2nd) That Was Then: Similar to the past couple of seasons, the Blues stormed out of the gates to start the 2013-2014 campaign, sitting with a respectable 39-12-6 record at the Olympic break, good for a tie for second place in the league. Nine players representing five different countries from St. Louis roster went to Sochi, so with big game experience gained, and a Presidentsa€? Trophy in sight, general manager Doug Armstrong recognized that some tweaking needed to be done in order for the Blues to take the next step. The Blues went all-in leading up to the trade deadline, acquiring perennial all-star goaltender Ryan Miller and gritty forward Steve Ott from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Jaroslav Halak and Chris Stewart. The move seemed to push St. Louis forward as Miller won eight of his first nine games as a Blue, vaulting his club to the top of the NHL standings. As the saying goes however, what goes up, must come down. The Blues suffered a litany of injuries to key players as the regular season entered the final stretch. Captain David Backes, Alex Pietrangelo, T.J. Oshie, Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrik Berglund, Brenden Morrow, Vladimir Sobotka, and Derek Roy all missed significant time as St. Louis dropped their last six games of the season. Not only did the Blues surrender the Presidentsa€? Trophy to the Boston Bruins, but they also gave up a seven-point lead to the Colorado Avalanche, who claimed top seed in the Central Division. To make matters worse, the Blues now had to play their bitter rival, and defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the playoffs. For the second year in a row, St. Louis had to open up the NHLs second season with a date with the reigning Cup champs. As bodies slowly began to return from the infirmary, the Blues surprised the Hawks and took the first two games on home ice. Following the two victories, however, St. Louis held the lead for a total of three minutes and 42 seconds in the final four games of the series in what ultimately was a six-game series win for the Blackhawks. It was the second consecutive postseason the Blues let a 2-0 lead in a first round best-of-seven series slip away. Scott Cullens Analytics Blues 2013-14 Stats by Quarter Games GPG GAA SH% SV% SAF% PTS% 1-20 3.35 2.30 9.5% .926 56.8% .775 21-41 3.71 2.24 11.5% .921 53.5% .762 42-62 2.48 2.19 6.4% .919 51.9% .643 63-82 2.00 2.45 5.3% .920 54.0% .525 NHL AVG 2.67 2.67 7.8% .922 50.0% .562 Key: GPG= goals per game, GAA= goals-against per game, SH%= even-strength shooting percentage, SV%= even-strength save percentage, SAF%= score-adjusted Fenwick percentage (differential of shot attempts faced vs. shot attempts, excluding blocked shots, adjusted for game score), PTS%= percentage of available points. Analysis: Games 1-20: Tremendous start, with dominant possession and above average percentages. Games 21-41: Continued strong, but relied on sensational shooting. Games 42-62: Still winning, but shooting percentage crashed hard. Games 63-82: Even with strong possession, offence dried up; addition of Miller didnt materially change goaltending. Key Additions: D Chris Butler, D Carl Gunnarsson , C Paul Stastny, C Jori Lehtera, RW Joakim Lindstrom, C Peter Mueller. Key Subtractions: RW Adam Cracknell, G Ryan Miller, LW Brenden Morrow, D Roman Polak, C Derek Roy, C Vladimir Sobotka This Is Now: After failing to take a step forward, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong had some tough decisions to make. Right off the bat, Armstrong showed faith in his bench boss and the system he implemented, extendingg Ken Hitchcock through this season and then brought in some help with former Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller to act as an assistant.dddddddddddd His attention was then turned to the ice and what should be done with impending unrestricted free-agent Ryan Miller. With Brian Elliott signing a new three year extension and highly-touted youngster Jake Allen ready to make a fulltime leap to the NHL, the Blues decided not to bring back Millers services after what many perceived to be a mediocre post-season. While he has never played more than 55 games in a season, Elliott is expected start as St. Louis number one goaltender and Allen as his backup with the hopes that the 23-year-old can eventually take over the lead role. Needing depth down the middle and more of a dynamic offensive flare, the Blues made a splash, signing the top unrestricted free agent centre on the market in Paul Stastny. The St. Louis native immediately fills the top centre role to take the pressure off Backes and gives the team a much needed one-two punch. With the loss of two way centre Sobotka to the KHL, the Blues responded by adding 2008 third-round pick and Finnish Olympian Jori Lehtera, as well bringing back forwards Joakim Lindstrom and Peter Mueller from playing in Europe. On the back end, the Blues kept their core intact with their top four defencemen all staying put. Looking for more mobility, St. Louis did decide to trade the hard-nosed Roman Polak to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Carl Gunnarsson with hopes that it could give more playing time for Ian Cole. The Blues also added defensive depth signing St. Louis native Chris Butler. As usual, expectations are high for the Blues this season, and they havent really had trouble delivering in the regular season. So, will these moves finally be able to translate into the post-season success? DEPTH CHART Forwards Left Wing Centre Right Wing Alexander Steen Paul Stastny Joakim Lindstrom Jaden Schwartz Jori Lehtera Vladimir Tarasenko Patrik Berglund David Backes T.J. Oshie Steve Ott Maxim Lapierre Dmitrij Jaskin Magnus Paajarvi Peter Mueller Ryan Reaves Chris Porter Colin Fraser Ty Rattie Defence Left Right Jay Bouwmeester Alex Pietrangelo Barret Jackman Kevin Shattenkirk Carl Gunnarsson Jordan Leopold Ian Cole Chris Butler Petteri Lindbohm Jani Hakanpaa Goaltenders Brian Elliott Jake Allen Jordan Binnington Craigs List TSN Director of Scouting Craig Buttons Top Prospect: Robby Fabbri Robby has a a€?big motora€? that drives his game. Hea€?s both fast and quick so in the open ice he can challenge defenders and create space for himself and in traffic hea€?s capable of getting that extra step to create opportunities. Very determined and hea€?s mentally a€?dialed ina€? to how he can take advantage. Doesnt get pushed away from the hard areas & he stays in the hunt for the puck and does not allow himself to be denied. Quick hands and will shoot or take it to the cage with the sole purpose of scoring. He may not be tall, but he plays a a€?biga€? game both literally and figuratively.a€? Fantasy - Cullens Player to Watch - Jori Lehtera A 26-year-old playmaking centre with good size, Lehtera had been a productive player in the KHL, scoring 116 points in 125 games over the past three seasons, and emerging as a prominent player for Finland in international competition last season. Lehtera has a good situation in St. Louis, with a strong supporting cast that includes rising star winger Vladimir Tarasenko, who played with Lehtera in the KHL during the 2011-2012 season. There may be some adjustment to the North American game, but Lehtera has been productive in the preseason and the Blues offer enough other options that Lehteras ice time can be managed to bring out his best production. ' ' '

Here are my thoughts on Dwane Caseys contract extension, Michael Carter Williams as rookie of the year, Mark Jacksons firing in Golden State, RC Buford as executive of the year and Kevin Durant as most valuable player. 1. Dwane Casey contract extension: Makes complete sense to me. Stability in leadership positions in any organization is vital to success and the fact that you know what the vision/direction of the Raptors will be for the foreseeable future, thats a positive. He earned that extension with a solid approach the past three years. The building process of creep-crawl-walk-run is in the walk stage right now and thats a solid development. Lots and lots of work ahead to get it to the run stage but usually an important part of that vital next step beyond better players is having consistency and shared vision at the top to see the job through. The right decision was made. A good day for not only Dwane Casey but for Raptors fans. 2. Michael Carter Williams (76ers): Rookie of the Year choice was a no-brainer. Hes actually a better pro than what I saw from him in college at Syracuse. Wonderful all-round talent that impacts the game on so many fronts. If they can add a solid supporting cast around him, hes got a chance to be one of the elite lead guards in the league for a long time. A real positive amidst a season of frustration in Philly. 3. Mark Jackson (Warriors): Cant say Im surprised by this move. With two assistant coaches being let go during the regular season and the constant rumors, you knew that something behind the scenes had run amiss in the Bay Area. He did a good job in his run there and in my opinion, deserves and will get another crack at it at some point, possibly quite soon. Opens up a very attractive job. If Im in their shoes, the guy I go get is Stan Van Gundy. He did a terrific job in both Miami and Orlando as a head coach and, after taking two years off, youd be getting an energized guy with big time leadership and head coaching experience. Lots of talent and money invested there so go get a guy that can help you see full return on your investment. 4. RC Buford (Spurs): The model franchise. Partnership, leadership, basketball savvy and smarts all in effect in major doses. Behind the scenes, Buford sets the tone for the positive direction for this organization. No panic, always the big picture in mind and a terrific feel for the team concept. They do things in a first class fashion and his support of Gregg Popovich in the shadows is impressive. Well earned and well deserved. 5. Kevin Durant (Thunder): If you havent watched/listened to Durants MVP acceptance speech, please do so. Wow! Ive always been a huge fan of him as a person and player but now Im head over heels about him. Gotta tell you, he had me crying. What a terrific speech from one of the true genuine guys in sport today. A class act and a true gentleman. Gale Sayers Bears Jersey .The other side of the Bruins special teams unit delivered in the end.Gregory Campbell netted the game-winner with less than 10 minutes remaining and the Bruins fended off a late four-minute San Jose power play to earn a wild 5-3 win over the Sharks. Tarik Cohen Jersey . Ilonen birdied five of his closing seven holes in superb scoring conditions to end the day with a two-shot lead on the Fota Island course. Ilonen had just 26 putts on the occasion of his 300th European Tour event. https://www.bearssportsgoods.com/Womens-Tom-Waddle-Inverted-Jersey/ . The 20-year-old overager has appeared in 35 games for the Ontario Hockey Leagues Erie Otters this season, scoring 41 goals and adding 27 assists with a plus-28 rating. Akiem Hicks Youth Jersey .com) - Delon Wright made all 12 of his free throws and finished with 21 points and six assists as No. William Perry Bears Jersey . Lost to Los Angeles in first round of playoffs.CORTINA DAMPEZZO, Italy - Boyfriend Tiger Woods was watching on the Internet back in Florida where it was 5 a.m.Mom, dad and younger sister Laura were among the first to offer congratulations in person.Grandpa Don, meanwhile, can finally add the crowning achievement to his detailed multi-volume scrapbook collection on the familys star skier.Lindsey Vonn had plenty of loved ones to turn to when she tied Austrian great Annemarie Moser-Proells 35-year-old record of 62 World Cup wins with a downhill victory Sunday.In that sense, the latest milestone in a career filled with achievements was somewhat different.It means a lot, Vonn said. Both my parents havent been able to come to any World Cups. My mother because she couldnt afford it and my father because we werent speaking for a long time. And now I feel like everything is great with my family and to have my mom come to her first European World Cup and see my 62nd win is something very special.Vonn was estranged from her father, Alan Kildow, while she was married to the former skier Thomas Vonn. But father and daughter repaired their relationship after Vonn separated from Thomas three years ago.Its nice that I can finally share these experiences with them, Vonn said. And also have it be historical moments for myself and for the sport. To share that with them is very special.Vonns family — dad Alan, step mom Terri Kildow, mom Lindy Lund, step dad Todd Lund, and sister Laura Kildow — joined her on the podium to celebrate.While Vonn said she still considered her gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics as her top career achievement, mom didnt agree.Im very proud of her, Vonns mother said. Its a lifetime achievement. Its better than winning a gold medal. Its much bigger. Its huge ... She has won every event. You cant just be a slalom skier to do this.Sister Laura, who is studying abroad in Florence, explained how their grandfather Don keeps an extensive collection of press clippings covering Vonns career.He has 38 or 39 volumes, Laura Kildow saidd.ddddddddddddUsually, mom Lindy texts or emails Vonn before each race — most of which take place in the middle of the night or very early morning back in the United States.Then I call Don and Shirley — her grandparents — and see what number she runs, Lindy Lund said. And I call them after each race and I see how she has done. Every race all season.Vonn has two other sisters and a brother — triplets — who did not make the trip.Woods also couldnt come, as hes practicing for a tournament later this month in his return from a back injury. But he was watching and sent Vonn a congratulatory message.He said, Good job, and hes proud of me, Vonn said. He was watching with his daughter Sam, so they were up early in the morning.So might this record inspire Woods to revive his golf career and reach Jack Nicklaus record of 18 major championships? Woods has been stuck at 14 since 2008.Hes a pretty determined guy, Vonn said. I dont think he needs any inspiration from me. Hes been working really, really hard and Im looking forward to watching him come back, because he has put a lot of work into it and Im sure hes going to be back on top soon.Vonn added that Woods is planning to attend some of her races at next months world championships in Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado.Its tough to have two athletes competing at the same time, but hes definitely going to make something work, she said.Woods has already made a good impression on Vonns mom.Ive met him, Lindy Lund told The Associated Press. Nice guy. I like him.Vonns dad first came to Europe for races in Bad Kleinkircheim last weekend, but those events were cancelled due to difficult weather conditions in the Austrian resort.Vonn then finisheed 10th in a downhill on Friday, and had to wait a little longer when Saturdays race was postponed to Sunday. She can break the record in a super-G on Monday.Im very proud of her, Alan Kildow said. She held up under the pressure. Its been a long two weeks.___Andrew Dampf can be followed at www.twitter.com/asdampf ' ' '

CHICAGO - Whether its Jay Cutler or Jimmy Clausen starting at quarterback, the Chicago Bears simply cant figure out a way to win.At least they nearly pinned an embarrassing loss on Detroit this time.Joique Bell scored on a neat touchdown run in the fourth quarter, and the playoff-bound Lions overcame two interceptions by Matthew Stafford to beat the Bears 20-14 on Sunday.We stood tall, Bears coach Marc Trestman said. We played hard. Were not trying to sugar-coat it. We didnt win. Were here to win. But I felt our players were in it to win for four quarters today but Ive felt that way throughout the season. That hasnt changed.The Bears benched Cutler days earlier, having seen enough after he led the NFL with 18 interceptions and 24 turnovers through most of the first year of a seven-year contract he signed in the off-season. They turned to the cast-off Clausen, who hadnt started a game since 2010.Matthew Stafford outplayed Clausen, but just barely. He completed 22 of 39 passes for 243 yards and hit the 4,000-yard mark for the fourth straight year, but it was hardly an easy afternoon for him.Ndamukong Suh had two sacks, and now the playoff-bound Lions (11-4) can wrap up the NFC North title with a win next week against Green Bay. Regardless, the Lions will make their second trip to the post-season in four years and third in 16 years after Philadelphias loss to Washington on Saturday.They were hoping to lock up their first division championship since 1993. But with the Packers beating Tampa Bay, the North will be decided in next weeks game.Stafford threw interceptions in the end zone and near the goal line on back-to-back possessions in the second quarter with the Lions leading 7-0.Jeremy Ross muffed a punt near the end of the first half, leading to a touchdown for Chicago, and centre Dominic Raiola stepped on Chicago defensive tackle Ego Fergusons right ankle while he was on the ground early in the third quarter.Despite all that, the Lions came away with their highest win total since they went 12-4 in 1991.Reggie Bush ran for a touchdown and 54 yards. He added 44 yards receiving, and Detroit handed Chicago (5-10) its fourth straight loss.Clausen completed 23 of 39 passes for 181 yards in his first start since his 2010 rookie season with Carolina. He threw touchdowns to Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery and played turnover-free ball until a late interception by Glover Quin.Ive never given up, he said. You can never give up. The only thing you can ask for is another opportunity. Thats what coach Trestman gave me today, another opportunity. Like I said, I just went out there and tried to compete to the best of my ability, make the plays when the plays were there We just came up short and its really unfortunate.The Bears were leading 14-10 early in the fourth when Tim Jennings bumped Corey Fuller on a deep third-down pass, resulting in a 46-yard interference penalty.On the next play Bell — who sat out the first quarter after violating unspecified team rules — dodged two defenders and broke a tackle by Brock Vereen for a 17-yard TD that put Detroit up 17-14. Prater added a 30-yard field goal to make it a six-point game with 2:35 remaining.Prater gave Detroit a 10-7 lead with a 39-yard field goal on the opening drive of the second half. But the Bears answered with an 80-yard touchdown drive. Clausen capped it by lofting a 20-yard pass over Darius Slay to Jeffery in the end zone, giving Chicago its first lead at 14-10 with 2:45 left in the third.The Bears Jeremiah Ratliff blocked a 37-yard field goal by Prater early in the fourth, keeping it a four-point game.The Lions might have run away with this one if not for Staffords interceptions in the second quarter and a muffed punt by Ross that led to an 11-yard touchdown catch by Forte with 30 seconds left in the first half. But if Detroit let up knowing that it clinched a playoff spot, Stafford did not see it that way.We came out with great energy, he said. We moved the ball the whole day. We werent stagnant.Notes: Raiola said he did not intentionally step on Fergusons ankle and apologized to him for it. No penalty was called on the play. it was totally unintentional, Raiola said. I was stumbling out of the play, come on now, Im not out here trying to step on people. Ferguson was angry about it after the game, saying, You cant take away what happened with that play. You saw the play. ... The Lions have won four straight against Chicago. ... Bears DE Willie Young will miss the season finale after leaving the game in the third quarter after injuring his left Achilles tendon. He will not play next week at Minnesota.___Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL Clyde Drexler Jersey . - A retired Indiana school principal who was NASCAR star Jeff Gordons drivers education teacher was killed with his wife in a Tennessee crash while returning from watching Gordon race. Georgios Papagiannis Jersey . And it showed Thursday night. The Canadiens, playing in their second game in as many days, however, got a good performance in the end from their backup goaltender as he filled in for an injured Olympic gold medallist . https://www.blazerslockerroom.com/Mario-Hezonja-City-Edition-Jersey/ . Alvarez hit his first career home run, pitched six innings and hurt his right hamstring while running the bases in the Miami Marlins 4-3 win over the Chicago Cubs. Nassir Little Blazers Jersey . What they did need, the Devils got from Patrik Elias. Elias scored a power-play goal 40 seconds into overtime to give the New Jersey Devils a 3-2 victory over the Dallas Stars. Zach Collins Jersey . The Brazilian heads into Saturday afternoons race coming off a close runner-up finish to Ryan Hunter-Reay in the Indianapolis 500.KANSAS CITY, Mo. - When Tony Sparano took over as interim coach in Oakland, one of his priorities was to make sure that the Raiders stopped beating the Raiders.Theyd been doing a better job of that until Sunday.Beaten up by Kansas Citys pass rush and plagued by a plethora of penalties, the Raiders fell 31-13 to the Chiefs in a game that spiraled out of control in the final 20 minutes.We aided in our demise today, I can tell you that, Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck said. The penalties we had today and the timing of them came back to bite us a lot.Derek Carr was just 27 of 56 for 222 yards, his only highlight a TD pass in the final minute. The rookie was sacked four times and fumbled a snap that led to a Kansas City touchdown.Latavius Murray, who ran for 112 yards and two scores in a win over Kansas City last month, was held to just 59 yards on 12 carries Sunday by a Chiefs defence that had struggled against the run.Youve got to give Kansas City credit, but there are some clear situations there where we had a little bit of Oakland beating Oakland, Sparano said. We had a couple of penalties in there that aided that thing, which led to a score. We got the ball back and fumbled the centre-quarterback exchange, which obviously cannot happen. Then they hit us on a big play.The Raiders (2-12) have lost 10 straight on the road, and still have not won back-to-back games since Weeks 7 and 8 of the 2012 season. That includes a pair of duds in the appropriately named Show-Me State — they were routed 52-0 at St. Louis two weeks ago.Im a little bit surprised, to be honest with you, Sparano said. I applaud our guys effort. But you cant keep drives alive when youre playing good football teams on the road.Meanwhile, Alex Smith threw for 297 yards and two scores for Kansas City (8-6), which ended a three-game skid that began with its loss to the Raiders. Knile Davis accounted for touchdowns running and receiving, and DeAnthony Thomas returned a punt 81 yards for another score.I think everyone was confident, Smith said. You get so many opportunities and guys understand that. You dont want let guys hang around and get hope.Both teams gott off to slow starts in a penalty-filled matchup, but Kansas City finally got a jolt of energy when Thomas fielded a punt at the 19-yard line and headed up the sideline.dddddddddddd He picked up a nice block from Kelcie McCray before somersaulting over the goal line for the score.Chiefs kicker Cairo Santo atoned for missing his first field-goal attempt since Week 2 early in the second quarter by knocking through a 41-yarder later in the half. Sebastian Janikowski then matched him with a 53-yarder as time expired to get Oakland within 10-3 at the break.Oakland had a chance to make the game interesting in the third quarter when Travis Kelce fumbled and the C.J. Wilson recovered. But in a fitting summation of the Raiders season, Wilson ended up hurt on the play, and the Raiders went nowhere before Janikowski kicked another field goal.The Chiefs took advantage of the opening — and a roughing the passer penalty on Justin Tuck — to go 70 yards on their next possession. Davis finished it off with a short touchdown run.Running back Jamaal Charles took a vicious hit near the goal line on the drive. He was checked for a concussion on the sideline and was cleared to continue, returning to the game only briefly. But when the outcome was in hand, coach Andy Reid decided to hold him out.That point came just a few minutes later.Carr fumbled a snap deep in his own territory, Kansas City recovered and Smith hit Kelce from 20 yards for a touchdown. The Chiefs then forced three-and-out, and Smiths throw to Davis a few minutes later capped their three-TD spurt and gave Kansas City a 31-6 lead.The whole second half, it started falling apart, said the Raiders Charles Woodson, and we were never able to recover and it got out of hand.NOTES: Chiefs LB Josh Mauga had an oblique strain and CB Sean Smith cramps. Both finished the game. ... Kansas City improved to 6-1 when leading at halftime. ... Carr now has 313 completions, becoming the sixth rookie QB to surpass 300 in a season. ... The teams combined to convert eight of 31 third downs. They also had 21 penalties.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '

CLEARWATER, Florida – J.A. Happ got the start in the Blue Jays rain-shortened, Grapefruit League opener against the Phillies but it was Todd Redmond who left an early impression on his manager. "Redmonds like anybody else, hes going to get hit every now and then but all weve ever seen out of him is good pitching and he gets guys out," said John Gibbons. "Hes pretty polished." The 29-year-old pitched two clean innings, the second and third, striking out a batter over 22 pitches. He got the win, for what thats worth on February 26, in a 4-3 game called midway through the seventh. Redmond is among more than a half-dozen pitchers in contention for the last starting rotation spot. While not much can be made of one outing, Redmonds performance resonated following a comment Gibbons made before the game. "Usually what happens, when theres a spot open, the guy that takes it, some of those guys have those springs where theyre good all spring and theres no doubt about it ... a lot of times that guy from day one, man, hes standing out and theres no hiccups." All Redmonds ever wanted is an opportunity. Here it is, less than three months before hell turn 29. Think hes overwhelmed? Redmonds been around too long – eight minor league cities over nine seasons – to get rattled by the best chance hes had to crack an opening day roster. "Im an easy-going guy," said Redmond. "Just give me the ball, Ill go out there and pitch. Same thing as I do every day. I pitch." Redmond made 17 appearances for the Blue Jays last season, 14 of them starts. Hed only made one previous appearance in the majors, a start for the Reds in 2012 that didnt go well. Familiarity breeds a sense of comfort. "I have a little more confidence coming into camp. Of my stuff, not of me, just of my stuff. More trusting of my ability," he said. As a starter last season, Redmond slowly earned Gibbons trust, which allowed Redmond to pitch deeper into games. If hes going to succeed at the major league level, however, Redmond will have to vastly improve his numbers facing hitters for a second and third time through the order. Batters have a .627 on-base plus slugging percentage against Redmond the first time through. Redmonds OPS against spikes to .939 when the lineup turns over and .914 the third time around. He insists durability isnt an issue. "My entire career, if you look at my minor league side of it, I dont think Ive ever thrown under 160 innings a year," said Redmond. "The workload. Thats one thing I take pride in is being able to go out there every fifth day and take the ball." Redmonds almost right. In the seven seasons between 2007 and 2012, he logged at least 160 innings five times and never through less than 145 innings. Having worked a modified heavy ball program this offseason, he would typically stretch with the one-pound or two-pound weighted ball prior to throwing, Redmond says his should feels strong as he makes the push for a job in the rotation. "Hes been a good pitcher in the minor leagues," said Gibbons. "Every year hes pretty steady and he never really had that opportunity until he came here last year. If this is his year he makes it and he goes on to have a good year, hell be a big league player and I dont think there will be any looking back." DRABEK UNHAPPY WITH PERFORMANCE Kyle Drabek was visibly upset with his first spring performance, a line that looked like this: 1.2IP/1ER/1H/3BB/1K. In his only full inning of work, Drabek threw 11 pitches but only four for strikes. A candidate for that final rotation spot, he was most bothered by the lack of command. "Ive had it so good in all the bullpens," said Drabek. "Its just frustrating for me to kind of fall back into being wild a little bit. I know what I can do and thats not me." "Kyles whole thing, get it into the zone and hes fine," said Gibbons. "Hes had a long layoff through the surgery. He pitched some last year but in a lot of ways, hes been out for so long it may be something that he can build back into." The 26-year-old has a history of control problems. Hes averaged 5.8 walks per nine innings over 169 1/3 big league innings. Returning from Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery last season, Drabek vastly improved his walk rate, issuing just six bases on balls over 43 innings. BAUTISTA IMPRESSIVE It took Jose Bautista all of three pitches to appear in midseason form. He smacked a 2-0, Roberto Hernandez fastball out of the park, literally. The drive to left field cleared the Phillies bullpen, the walkway behind the bullpen and the fence beyond the walkway. "I dont know, for whatever reason, I feel like Im seeing (the ball) better," said Bautista. "Theres nothing that I could have done different. Im not going to go to play winter ball right now. Its kind of odd because I havent played since August. But Im not complaining." CABRERA LIKELY TO HIT SECOND Its not even March, everyone is healthy, and manager John Gibbons is able to envision putting together a full lineup, something he wasnt able to do all of last season. Jose Reyes will lead off and, as the plan was at this time last year, Melky Cabrera has the inside track to bat behind him. "The only real downfall is he does hit a lot of ground balls but you look at what hes done the last few years, take away last year, and hes been one of the better hitters in baseball," said Gibbons. "We like guys there that can get a lot of hits. Hes a switch-hitter, he can manipulate the bat a little bit, he knows how to do those things. Ideally, if hes the player we expect him to be, than hed be a good guy for that spot." One thing Cabrera doesnt do often is walk, an ideal trait of a two-hole hitter and something that would get him on base more often ahead of sluggers Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. After walking 56 times in 2006, his first full year in the big leagues, Cabrera hasnt had more than 43 bases on balls in a season. A HEALTHY PERSPECTIVE Nobody wants to read about or hear about injury as an excuse for the Jays disappointing 2013 year. But a little perspective never hurt anyone, either. Last season, manager John Gibbons had these six players – Jose Reyes, Melky Cabrera, Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, Colby Rasmus and Brett Lawrie – in the lineup at the same time on only eight occasions all year. It happened over an 11-day period, starting on July 21 and ending on August 1. Steve Grogan Patriots Jersey . - Florida State has suspended Jameis Winston for the entire game against Clemson on Saturday, extending its initial punishment of one half after the quarterback made offensive and vulgar comments about female anatomy earlier this week. John Hannah Youth Jersey .com) - Charlie Davies netted a pair of goals, including the series-winner on Saturday, as the New England Revolution battled the New York Red Bulls to a 2-2 draw in the second leg of the Eastern Conference Championship at Gillette Stadium and advanced to MLS Cup final via a thrilling 4-3 aggregate victory. https://www.patriotssportsgoods.com/Womens-Sony-Michel-Inverted-Jersey/ . The 10-year deal the league and players agreed to that ended the 2011 lockout gave either side the right to opt out after six years. With the league projecting financial growth, there has been speculation that players will take that option in three years, especially since a new national TV contract will be in place by then. Irving Fryar Patriots Jersey .Kessy tried to show what he can do playing left wing for the Oilers in 5-0 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday in pre-season action. Tedy Bruschi Youth Jersey . Costa Rica followed up its wins over Uruguay and Italy by holding England to a dour 0-0 draw on Tuesday, enough to finish first in Group D.CALGARY, Alta. - Hockey Canada announced the 22 players named to Canadas National Womens Development Team, which will compete in a three-game series against the United States Womens Under-22 National Team from Aug. 21-24 at WinSports Markin MacPhail Centre at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary. The 13 forwards, seven defencemen and two goaltenders were chosen following Canadas National Womens Development Team selection camp, held Aug. 7-17. Players were divided into two teams, Blue and Yellow, and competed in three intrasquad games during selection camp. Canadas National Womens Development Team features three players who won a gold medal with Canadas National Womens Under-22/Development Team at the 2013 Meco Cup, two players who won a gold medal with Canadas National Womens Under-18 Team at the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Womens World Championship and eight players who won a gold medal with Canadas National Womens Under-18 Team at the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Womens World Championship. Canadas National Womens Development Team was selected by Melody Davidson, general manager of national womens team programs, and Hockey Canadas team of scouts, along with Canadas National Womens Development Team head coach Dwayne Gylywoychuk, and assistant coaches Amanda Benoit-Wark and Cara Morey. The 41 players who attended selection camp in Calgary left it all on the ice, and as a coaching staff we could not have asked for more, Gylywoychuk said. It made for some tough decisions, but we are thrilled to work with these 22 players over the next week, and as a tteam we look forward to representing the country against the U.ddddddddddddS. The puck drops on the three-game series against the United States on Aug. 21, with other games scheduled for Aug. 22 and Aug. 24. Following the series, Hockey Canada scouts, along with the teams coaching staff, will continue to evaluate players with their club teams during the 2014-15 season, in preparation for selecting the Canadian team that will compete at an international tournament next January in Germany. GOALTENDERS Emerance Maschmeyer - Harvard University (ECAC) Ann-Renée Desbiens - University of Wisconsin (WCHA) DEFENCE Abbey Frazer - Harvard University (ECAC) Mellissa Channell - University of Wisconsin (WCHA) Renata Fast - Clarkson University (ECAC) Gina Repaci - University of Vermont (HE) Halli Krzyzaniak - University of North Dakota (WCHA) Erin Ambrose - Clarkson University (ECAC) Brittney Fouracres - McGill University (RSEQ) FORWARD Hanna Bunton - Cornell University (ECAC) Laura Stacey - Dartmouth College (ECAC) Catherine Dubois - Limoilou (CEGEP) Sarah Lefor - Boston University (HE) Karly Heffernan - Pursuit of Excellence (Midget AAA) Blayre Turnbull - University of Wisconsin (WCHA) Ashleigh Brykaliuk - University of Minnesota Duluth (WCHA) Meghan Dufault - University of North Dakota (WCHA) Victoria Bach - Mississauga (PWHL) Sarah Nurse - University of Wisconsin (WCHA) Shannon MacAulay - Clarkson University (ECAC) Kristyn Capizzano - Boston College (HE) Emily Clark - Okanagan Hockey Academy (JWHL) ' ' '

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The following is a list of inactive players for tonights game. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT DETROIT LIONS, 1:00 PM (ET) Tampa Bay - OT Anthony Collins, LB Mason Foster, WR Robert Herron, DT Clinton McDonald, TE Brandon Myers, RB Bobby Rainey, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins Detroit - G Rodney Austin, WR Ryan Broyles, DT Nick Fairley, QB Kellen Moore, DT Caraun Reid, G Garrett Reynolds, DE Larry Webster NEW YORK JETS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS, 1:00 PM (ET) NY Jets - TE Jace Amaro, G Dakota Dozier, OL Wesley Johnson, WR Walter Powell, QB Matt Simms, CB Josh Thomas, DL Muhammad Wilkerson Minnesota - LB Anthony Barr, DE Scott Crichton, FB Zach Line, CB Jabari Price, LB Brandon Watts, OT JMarcus Webb, G David Yankey ST. LOUIS RAMS AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS, 1:00 PM (ET) St. Louis - TE Alex Bayer, DE Alex Carrington, TE Justice Cunningham, S Lamarcus Joyner, CB Marcus Roberson, G Brandon Washington, DE Ethan Westbrooks Washington - QB Kirk Cousins, DE Kedric Golston, WR DeSean Jackson, G Josh LeRibeus, S Brandon Meriweather, OT Tyler Polumbus, LB Keenan Robinson PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS, 1:00 PM (ET) Pittsburgh - WR/RB Dri Archer, WR Justin Brown, DE Clifton Geathers, OT Marcus Gilbert, LB James Harrison, QB Landry Jones, CB B.W. Webb Cincinnati - LB Vontaze Burfict, LB Chris Carter, OT Tanner Hawkinson, DE Margus Hunt, CB Chris Lewis-Harris, WR Dane Sanzenbacher, WR James Wright HOUSTON TEXANS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS, 1:00 PM (ET) Houston - OT Jeff Adams, DB Josh Aubrey, LB Jadeveon Clowney, TE Garrett Graham, DB Andre Hal, QB Thad Lewis, WR DeVier Posey Jacksonville - DE Andre Branch, LB A.J. Edds, LB Khairi Fortt, CB Jeremy Harris, RB Storm Johnson, OG Tyler Shatley, WR Tommy Streeter INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS, 1:00 PM (ET) Indianapolis - CB Vontae Davis, NT Zach Kerr, G Lance Louis, OT Andrew McDonald, OT Xavier Nixon, LB Andy Studebaker, G Hugh Thornton Cleveland - TE Gary Barnidge, LB Karlos Dansby, DB Tashaun Gipson, DB Robert Nelson, OT Vinston Painter, WR Rodney Smith, RB Glenn Winston BALTIMORE RAVENS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS, 1:00 PM (ET) Baltimore - S Terrence Brooks, WR Michael Campanaro, TE Crockett Gillmore, G/C Gino Gradkowski, CB Rashaan Melvin, OT Jah Reid, DE DeAngelo Tyson Miami - CB Cortland Finnegan, LB Jonathan Freeny, G Nate Garner, RB LaMichael James, LB Chris McCain, CB Jamar Taylor, OT Billy Turner CAROLINA PANTHERS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS, 1:00 PM (ET) Carolina - CB James Dockery, OT David Foucault, S Robert Lester, LB Horace Miller, DT Micanor Regis, G Amini Silatolu, RB DeAngelo Williams New Orleans - OT Nick Becton, LB Moise Fokou, CB Terrence Frederick, CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste, G Senio Kelemete, WR Robert Meachem, NT Lawrence Virgil NEW YORK GIANTS AT TENNESSEE TITANS, 1:00 PM (ET) NY Giants - OT James Brewer, G Eric Herman, LB Mark Herzlich, CB Jayron Hosley, RB Chris Ogbonnaya, LB Jacquian Williams Tennessee - RB Shonn Greene, DL DaQuan Jones, OT Taylor Lewan, OT Michael Oher, DB Jemea Thomas, LB Kamerion Wimbley, WR Kendall Wright KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS, 4:05 PM (ET) Kansas City - DE Allen Bailey, OT Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, CB Jamell Fleming, TE Richard Gordon, WR Junior Hemingway, OL Eric Kush, QB Aaron Murray Arizona - RB Andre Ellington, OT Paul Fanaika, DE Kareem Martin, S Tyrann Mathieu, G Anthony Steen, DE Ed Stinson, DT Alameda Taamu BUFFALO BILLS AT DENVER BRONCOS, 4:05 PM (ET) Buffalo - TE Chris Gragg, LB Randell Johnson, OT Cyrus Kouandjio, S Bacarri Rambo, FB Frank Summers, WR Mike Williams, DE Jarius Wynn Denver - RB Montee Ball, S Quinton Carter, OT Chris Clark, RB Ronnie Hillman, WR Cody Latimer, OT Michael Schofield, CB Kayvon Webster SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT OAKLAND RAIDERS, 4:25 PM (ET) San Francisco - CB Tramaine Brock, OT Anthony Davis, DL Glenn Dorsey, QB Josh Johnson, WR Brandon Lloyd, TE Vance McDonald, S Bubba Ventrone Oakland - OL Tony Bergstrom, TE Brian Leonhardt, DT Stacy McGee, QB Matt McGloin, WR Denarius Moore, CB Neiko Thorpe, OT Menelik Watson SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES, 4:25 PM (ET) Seattle - TE Rashaun Allen, LB Allen Bradford, TE Cooper Helfet, CB Jeremy Lane, DT Travian Robertson, C Max Unger, WR Bryan Walters Philadelphia - TE Trey Burton, CB Roc Carmichael, QB Nick Foles, DE Taylor Hart, OT Dennis Kelly, C Julian Vandervelde, CB Jaylen Watkins NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS, 8:30 PM (ET) New England - None San Diego - None Khyri Thomas Pistons Jersey . -- ETwaun Moore had 14 points in 30 minutes, and the Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 87-86 on Sunday night. Sekou Doumbouya Jersey . PETERSBURG, Fla. https://www.pistonsrookiesshop.com/Henry-Ellenson-City-Edition-Jersey/ . His second visit, not so much. Roark (7-5) allowed four runs on 10 hits and one walk over six innings in a 7-2 setback in front of several friends and family members, as the Cubs snapped his personal streak of four consecutive victories on Friday. Joe Smith Jersey . Kevin Martin and Kevin Love paced the Timberwolves like they do so often. Martin had 27 points with some key baskets down the stretch, Love had his usual double-double, and the Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 112-106 victory Saturday night over the suddenly slipping Dallas Mavericks. Deividas Sirvydis Jersey . Pedroia reached the milestone with a little panache, hitting a grand slam in the sixth inning and propelling the Boston Red Sox to a 7-1 win over the Oakland Athletics on Friday night.MOSCOW - Russia has no particular problem with racism in football as it prepares to host the 2018 World Cup— despite a series of recent incidents, Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said Wednesday.Russian champion CSKA Moscow has been forced to play all of its Champions League home group games this season behind closed doors as punishment for repeated racist incidents involving its fans, and there have been further cases in the Russian league.I dont see that we should especially stand out in this. A lot of dark-skinned players, from Africa, Asia, play in Russia and I dont really see any problems, Mutko said.Asked why some black players had expressed fear of Russian crowds, he added: I dont know what there is to be frightened of here. I can say that its a problem on a global scale.Last year, Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure said black players could boycott the World Cup if racism at matches was not reduced. He spoke after being abused with monkey chants by CSKA fans in a Champions League game.However, racism is not a Russian problem, Mutko said. It crops up at any stadium in the world, as you well know . It turns up everywhere, because unfortunately the worlds like that today. Russia is engaged in a tough battle against racism, he added.Mutko, who is also a member of the FIFA executive committee, saidd that questions had been asked before Russia hosted Februarys Winter Olympics in Sochi, but that: No ones freedom or civil rights were infringed in any way.dddddddddddd I guarantee you the same at the World Cup.This season, the Russian Football Union has punished clubs after fans racially abused Dynamo Moscows Congolese defender Christopher Samba and Zenit St. Petersburgs Brazilian striker Hulk.In the former case, Samba was banned for two games for showing an unpleasant gesture to fans who had abused him.Speaking as a FIFA delegation concluded its inspection tour of Russias World Cup arenas, Mutko also explained that two of the planned stadiums had had their capacity cut to 35,000 for financial and legacy reasons.He said the planned venue in Kaliningrad would be cut back from a planned 45,000-seat stadium to a possible 25,000-seat arena with 10,000 extra temporary seats for the World Cup, and the size of the Yekaterinburg venue would also be cut to 35,000.These two cities dont have that kind of demand or legacy for the future of such big stadiums, he said.The Kaliningrad stadium should also be moved from its planned site on an island, where a new stadium would require huge investments, and instead regional government should look to remodel an existing stadium in the city, he added. ' ' '

ARLINGTON, Texas - Robbie Grossman is finding his stroke, and the Houston Astros are benefiting from his new-found power. Grossman hit a two-out, three-run home run capped a five-run fourth inning, and Houston beat the Texas Rangers 6-5 in 10 innings Saturday night. The long ball comes two days after he snapped a 25 at-bat hitless skid with a two-run drive in Houstons win at Toronto. "You have to have confidence in your ability, especially in the big leagues," Grossman said. "This game is too hard not to." Jason Castro tripled with one out in the 10th, and Jose Altuve had a tiebreaking sacrifice fly to score the run that helped Houston end a 12-game skid against their state rival. Marwin Gonzalez, running for Castro, scored on Altuves fly off Rangers closer Joakim Soria (1-1). "That was a big, big, big hit for Robbie," Astros manager Bo Porter said. "He continues to swing the bat. I told him, It aint going to last for long (his slump). Just keep swinging." Michael Choice hit his first career homer in the ninth to tie it as Texas rallied in the eighth and the ninth to send the teams into extra innings for the second straight night. Kevin Chapman (1-0) allowed Choices tying homer but was the winning pitcher. Anthony Bass pitched the 10th for his second save. Texas put runners on first and third with one out in the ninth before Bass struck out Kevin Kouzmanoff and got Choice to ground out to first base. Shin-Soo Choo came into the game having reached base 12 of his previous 16 plate appearances but struck out all five times up, including with the winning run at second base with two out in the ninth. Houston starter Jarred Cosart shut down Texas after allowing three runs in the first four innings, limiting the Rangers to six hits while striking out a career-high eight in seven innings. "The knock last year was the walks were too high and the strikeouts were too low," Cosart said. "Its something I really worked on in spring training." The Rangers streak against Houston was the longest streak in the majors between any two teams. Texas has won 18 of 21 meetings over Houston since the beginning of last season, when the state rivals became intradivision foes with the Astros moving from the National League into the American League West. Tanner Scheppers, making his third career start since transitioning this season from short relief, was victimized by the big inning for the second time this season. "Its a step forward," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "Its a learning experience." The Rangers pulled within one in the eighth when Alex Rios double off the wall in left centre scored Elvis Andrus with none out. But Rios was thrown out trying to steal third with Prince Fielder at the plate, and Texas didnt threaten again. "Sometimes you try to make things easier," Rios said, "and you make them a little harder." Texas scored five batters in but left two on in the opening inning. Cosart retired 10 of the last 11 batters that he faced. NOTES: Rangers GM Jon Daniels said the club is leaning toward placing 3B Adrian Beltre on the disabled list and should decide by Monday. Beltre has been sidelined since Tuesday with a strained left quad. ... Houston called up RHP Paul Clemens from Triple-A Oklahoma City and placed RHP Scott Feldman on the bereavement list. Astros manager Bo Porter said Feldman, who pitched Friday after his father, Marshall, died Wednesday, could miss a start. ... Texas acquired RHP pitcher Hector Noesi on Saturday from Seattle for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Wholesale Custom Jerseys . "Canada," Bolland said with a smile. "Is that a question?" One day earlier, though, fellow Toronto Maple Leafs centre Nazem Kadri wasnt so sure his home and native land could pull off the win against the United States in the semi-finals of the Olympic hockey tournament. Fake China Jerseys . Here are some of the best from Week One and some to watch in Week Two: TOP PERFORMERS Anthony Allen, RB, Saskatchewan (176 YDS, 2 TD, 30 touches vs. Hamilton) - Powerfully-built back burst onto the scene in his CFL debut, after a couple of years in the NFL, playing 21 games with the Baltimore Ravens. http://www.jerseyscheapcustom.com/ . The redshirt freshman finished the regular season with nearly 3,500 passing yards, and 35 touchdowns with another three on the ground while leading the Seminoles to the top of the BCS Rankings. Cheap Jerseys 2020 .com) - The St. Wholesale Authentic Jerseys . The same for both the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers.According to SLAM Magazine, first-overall pick Andrew Wiggins will be in the 2015 Slam Dunk Contest. Andrew’s father Mitchell reported the announcement to Hoops Hype Canada. Wiggins, the 19-year-old Canadian phenom, is averaging 14.7 points, 1.7 assists and 4.2 reebounds per game this year for the Minnesota Timberwolves.dddddddddddd No other participants have been announced. The 2015 All-Star Weekend is scheduled for February 13 to 15 and will be co-hosted by Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center. ' ' '

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- Luis Suarez exits the World Cup with one of the longest bans in tournament history, and his reputation once again in tatters. The Uruguay forward, widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, was banned by FIFA from all football for four months on Thursday for biting an Italian opponent in an incident that marred the teams victory and progression to the second round. Its the third time hes served a suspension for biting an opponent -- after similar incidents at both Ajax in the Dutch league and Liverpool in England -- and the second straight World Cup where Suarez exits in disgrace. The four-month ban will sideline Suarez for the first two months of Liverpools season. He was also suspended for Uruguays next nine matches, which extends beyond the four months and rules him out of next years Copa America, where his team is the defending champion. The Uruguayan football federation said it would appeal. Aside from Diego Maradonas 15-month suspension for a failed drug test at the 1994 tournament, its the longest ban handed out to a player at the World Cup. FIFA also fined Suarez 100,000 Swiss francs ($112,000). Suarez bit the left shoulder of defender Giorgio Chiellini on Tuesday in Natal during Uruguays 1-0 win over Italy, an incident that went unpunished by the referee but was witnessed by fans around the world on TV. Given Suarezs previous biting incidents, the images went viral immediately. "Such behaviour cannot be tolerated on any football pitch and in particular not at a FIFA World Cup, when the eyes of millions of people are on the stars on the field," Claudio Sulser, chairman of the FIFA disciplinary committee, said in a statement. The Uruguayan federation was preparing an urgent appeal, as Suarez headed home. FIFA even barred him staying with teammates ahead of their round-of-16 game against Colombia on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro. "Luis in the next few hours will travel to Montevideo to be with the rest of his family to recover," federation president Wilmar Valdez told reporters. Suarez scored both goals in Uruguays 2-1 win over England, a performance that further enhanced a reputation that had gradually been rebuilt following a 10-game suspension for biting a Premier League opponent last May, and an eight-game ban for racially abusing an opponent in 2011. Suarez was voted the English leagues best player last season after a campaign void of any disciplinary issues. But now, the 27-year-old Suarez is the main actor in the World Cups most damaging episode for a second time. In the quarterfinals in 2010 in South Africa, his deliberate handball on the goal-line in the final minute of extra time denied Ghana an almost certain winning goal that would have made it the first ever African semifinalist. Suarez was sent off, and then refused to apologize for his celebratory dance near the players tunnel where he stayed to watch Ghana miss the resulting penalty. He also shrugged off criticism Tuesday of his bite. As usual, Uruguay officials and players defended their star player Thursday. "It feels like Uruguay has been thrown out of the World Cup," Valdez said, denouncing "a severe punishment." Veteran defender Diego Lugano wrote on his Facebook page that Suarezs family should be "proud of him, he deserves it." "A hug to Luis, who, as always, will rise," Lugano, captain on the 2010 team, wrote. "Outrage, impotence, I think thats what all of us feel. We all would like a fairer world, but that world simply doesnt exist." Even Uruguay fans who agreed Suarezs action was "stupid" did not agree with the sanction. "Uruguay is a small country that eliminated two big nations like Italy and England and its not for FIFAs benefit to let Uruguay continue playing," supporter Juan Jose Monzillo said in Montevideo. Suarezs ban extends one game more than Italy defender Mauro Tassottis eight-match international sanction for elbowing a Spanish opponent in a 1994 World Cup quarterfinal. That incident was also missed by match officials. By also banning Suarez from all football activities, FIFA also prohibited Suarez from entering a World Cup stadium. He cannot train with Liverpool until the ban ends in late October. "Hopefully he will realize now that behaviour of this type will not be tolerated under any circumstances," said FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce of Northern Ireland. The ban includes Liverpools first three Champions League games in the five-time European champions return after a five-year absence. Suarez will also miss the first nine Premier League matches. Suarez would still be allowed transfer to a different club during the ban, Fischer said. He has been linked to a move to Barcelona. Sports manufacturer adidas, which sponsors both Suarez and the World Cup, said it agreed with the ruling. The company said it will not use Suarez for "additional marketing" during the World Cup but would not immediately drop him as a client. "We will again be reminding him of the high standards we expect from our players," adidas said in a statement. Billig Nmd Sko . The San Angelo, Texas product, who was a high school and college quarterback sensation in the Lone Star State, will start his first CFL game with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-4) on Friday at Mosaic Stadium against the leagues top team, the Calgary Stampeders (11-2). Adidas Gazelle Tilbud . The 42-ranked Czech saved seven break points while converting his one chance, and defeated the No. 3 seed in 1 hour 46 minutes. Rosol, who lost in the final in Stuttgart against Roberto Bautista Agut on Sunday, awaits the winner between Philipp Kohlschreiber or 2011 champion Gilles Simon. http://www.nmdnorgesalg.com/ultra-boost-sko-norge.html . However, the intensity and physicality that has characterized the postseason so far has caught Gretzky by surprise. "Its a little bit risqué right now," Gretzky told Philadelphia radio station 97. Adidas Tubular Shadow Norge . Onyshko, from Minnedosa, Man., will compete in artistic gymnastics while Hanet, from Kelowna, B.C., will compete in lawn bowling as a para-athlete. "It is exciting that our Canadian athletes are starting to arrive at the Games Village," said Chantal Petitclerc, Canadas Chef de Mission. Ultra Boost Norge .ca NHL Power Rankings, finally overtaking the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks, who rank second and third this week.Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock was behind the bench to lead Canada to a second straight gold medal at the Sochi Olympics. He wont have to face the goaltender he rode to that honour when the Red Wings take on the Montreal Canadiens as Carey Price will not be in uniform for the next two games. The game can be seen live on TSN at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt. Price was hurt at the start of Wednesdays practice after facing just one shot as the team worked on their power play. He left the ice in discomfort and appeared to be favouring his leg. During the Olympics, the Canadiens starting goaltender posted consecutive shutouts for Canada in the semifinals and gold medal game and ended the Olympic tournament with a 5-0 record, a 0.59 goals against average and .972 save percentage. Montreal enters Tuesday hoping to pick up where it left off. The Canadiens won their last three games before the Olympics and went 5-1-1 over their seven final outings prior to the break. The Habs are sitting one point behind Tampa Bay for second place in the Atlantic and eight in back of Boston for the division lead. The Canadiens also are locked in a tie with rival Toronto in both the Atlantic and East standings. The Canadiens will get forward Alex Galchenyuk back in the lineup on Wednesday for the first time since Jan. 6 when he broke his hand in a game against Florida. The sophomore has 10 goals and 13 assists in 44 games this season. The Red Wings posted a 4-1 home win over Montreal on Jan. 24 in the first of four regular-season meetings between the clubs this season. It was the third win for Detroit over the last four games of this series. but the Red Wings head coach is now faced with the unenviable task of getting Detroit back to the playoffs for a 23rd straight season. Babcocks Red Wings hope to aid their postseason quest on Wednesday, when they return from the NHLs Olympic break to visit the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Detroit would be in the playoffs if the season ended right now, but the club is only one point ahead of a three teams -- Columbus, Ottawa and Washington -- for the Eastern Conferences final berth.dddddddddddd. While Babcock was coaching Canada to gold, the captain of his NHL team -- Henrik Zetterberg -- was recovering from recent back surgery. Zetterberg suited up for Team Sweden once in Sochi before returning to the United States to have a procedure that removed what Red Wings general manager Ken Holland called a "floating piece of a disk lodged in a nerve in his back." After undergoing the surgery on Friday, Zetterberg, who is leading Detroit in goals (16) and assists (32) this season, is expected to be out of action for 7-to-8 weeks. Zetterbergs absence could make it difficult for the Red Wings to keep their amazing postseason appearance streak going, but the club is still eager to get back to the task at hand. After visiting Montreal, which is six points ahead of Detroit in the Atlantic Division and East standings, the Red Wings will make a stop to battle the playoff-hopeful Senators on Thursday. "Two of the biggest games of the year by far. Were chasing Montreal and Ottawa is chasing us," said Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey. "So theres nothing like having 20-odd days off and coming back and playing huge games. We know the playoffs are going to come down to one or two points, so easily it could come down to these two games. We know that going in and that?s why were so focused on getting ready for them." Wednesdays game marks the continuation of a five-game road trip that began before the Olympics. Detroit, which is 15-9-4 as the guest this season compared to a poor 11-11-8 mark at home, split road games against Florida and Tampa Bay before the NHL went on hiatus. Following Thursdays showdown with the Senators, the Red Wings will have four full days of rest before capping their swing next Tuesday at New Jersey. ' ' '