| Khan ready to dethrone Kotelnik in July 18 fight
Boxing
2009-06-29 19:48:19 Mail Story - panzergeneral - 2 Comments
British boxing star Amir Khan is ready to take the big stage professional boxing when he takes on World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Welterweight champion Andreas Kotelnik of Ukraine in July 18 at the Manchester Evening News Arena Manchester, England.
Mail Story - - Comments
Babe, set and match: Hot chicks get Centre Court at Wimbledon
Other
2009-06-29 19:45:14 Mail Story - Barathrum - 8 Comments
When it comes to choosing which women play on Centre Court, good looks count for more than big shots.
While a succession of easy-on-the-eye unknowns have appeared in Wimbledon's prime arena, the top women's seeds have been relegated to lesser courts.
And last night, the All England Club admitted that physical attractiveness is taken into consideration.
Spokesman Johnny Perkins said: 'Good looks are a factor.'
In the men's tournament, five-times winner Roger Federer and British hope Andy Murray invariably play on Centre.
But on Friday, after Federer left the court, the next match was Victoria Azarenka of Belarus against Romania's Sorana Cirstea.
While both 19-year-olds have top form in the glamour department, Miss Cirstea was seeded 28 while Miss Azarenka, who won, is ranked and seeded eighth.
Evert: Women tennis players grunt too much
Other
2009-06-29 19:44:25 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
Tennis great Chris Evert has joined the chorus of complaints about the noise level in women's tennis, saying the "grunting" was getting out of hand.
Evert stopped short of joining former rival Martina Navratilova in labelling the practice as cheating, but agreed it had reached unacceptable levels.
Big 12 appears ready to surpass SEC in football
NCAA Sports All
2009-06-29 19:44:12 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
Fifteen years after its creation, the Big 12 stands on the brink of fulfilling all the great expectations predicted at its birth.
Back in February 1994, the combination of the Big Eight and many of the top programs from the Southwest Conference seemed like solid football synergy.
Texas. Oklahoma. Nebraska. Texas A&M. Colorado. While the conference has been more than competitive since its inception – producing three outright or shared national champions since it began play in 1996 – its best may be directly ahead.
There's just one obstacle: the Southeastern Conference.
U.S. ends Spain's 35 game unbeaten streak
Other
2009-06-24 18:00:55 Mail Story - Barathrum - 4 Comments
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) -- The United States stunned top-ranked Spain 2-0 Wednesday night on goals by Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey, advancing to the Confederations Cup final with one of the Americans' biggest soccer victories.
Altidore scored in the 27th minute and Dempsey added a goal in the 74th as the Americans became the first team to defeat Spain since Romania in November 2006.
The chances of such a U.S. victory seemed slim just a few days ago. The 14th-ranked Americans lost their first two games in the Confederations Cup, an eight-nation World Cup warmup, and were on the verge of elimination.
"I can't explain it any more than you can," U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard said. "Sports is funny sometimes, but when you put your mind to something, you can achieve it."
The Power Game
Other
2009-06-23 14:43:07 Mail Story - Mind Geyser - 1 Comment
WASHINGTON -- Baron Hill is in training, working on his jumper, pumping iron, doing rep after tedious rep on the weight machines to strengthen his bum knee. He swore 15 years ago that he'd never play competitive basketball again, but here he is at his health club, 55 years old, shooting baskets alone. Once, he was an Indiana high school legend, a member of the state's hall of fame, but those pictures are in black and white.
Just your typical bourgeois midlife crisis, right? Not exactly. Consider who Hill is, where he is and why he's doing this. For starters, he's an influential member of the U.S. House of Representatives, a powerful guy, co-chairman of the Blue Dog Democrats. The court he's on isn't at a local Y. He's in Room SB-322 of the Rayburn House Office Building: the famous House gym. There's a little electronic device he keeps on his key chain that lets him in whenever he wants.
Extra by Mind Geyser:
Behold as people all over attempt to become more politically connected by... playing basketball?
The only thing we have to loathe is Fehr himself
Major League Baseball
2009-06-23 14:42:49 Mail Story - Barathrum - 6 Comments
When union boss Donald Fehr leaves the players association in March, he will take with him the last link to the worst person to happen to baseball.
Not Barry Bonds.
I'm talking about Donald Fehr.
And this isn't about steroids, either. Fehr gets way too much credit/blame for that, as if he was the greedy unethical SOB hiding in the toilet with a syringe and some horse steroids. He wasn't. That was Bonds. And Roger Clemens. And Sammy Sosa. And hundreds more, some of the names we know, some we are just waiting to "learn."
This isn't about steroids, because frankly, you don't care about steroids. You never did. The steroid era came and (not really ever) went, but still you go to the ballpark. Why? Because you don't care about steroids. You never did. Don't lie about it now. As far as the steroid era goes, you're as complicit as Donald Fehr, so let's not beat up Fehr over that, OK?
Let's beat him up over this:
He ruined the economics of baseball.
Iowa lineman Calloway charged with driving moped while drunk
NCAA Sports All
2009-06-23 14:42:20 Mail Story - Barathrum - 1 Comment
DES MOINES (AP) — Iowa offensive lineman Kyle Calloway has been arrested and charged with operating a mo-ped while intoxicated.
Iowa City police say Calloway was arrested early Saturday after officers stopped him while he was driving into a barricaded area.
Police say the 22-year-old senior was given a breath test, which registered 0.106. The legal limit in Iowa is 0.08.
Man to receive lengthy prison term for stealing Armstrong's bike
Other
2009-06-23 14:42:12 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
One of the two men involved in the 2008 theft of a rare Lance Armstrong bike will be sentenced to a three-year prison term next week.
Lee Monroe Crider, 40, pleaded no contest June 1 to second-degree burglary and grand theft, The Sacramento Bee reported on its Web site, citing court documents. Crider is scheduled to return to court next Monday for sentencing, the Bee reported.
Dallas Cowboys heavy metal album due out in fall
National Football League - Dallas Cowboys
2009-06-23 14:42:04 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
DALLAS -- NFL offensive linemen bang heads all the time. A trio of Dallas Cowboys linemen are now professional head-bangers, too.
Leonard Davis, Marc Colombo and Cory Procter have signed a recording contract as part of a heavy metal band called Free Reign. Their debut album for Australia's Riot Entertainment will be released this fall.
Considering all three players weigh over 300 pounds, it only makes sense they are being referred to as "heavier than metal."
Nowitzki talks about relationship with ex-fiancée
National Basketball Association
2009-06-23 14:41:55 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
Dirk Nowitzki said in a German publication that he still wants to have a family, but "it will not be easy to win my heart" after his relationship with former fiancée Cristal Taylor ended with a rocky, emotional split.
Nowitzki spoke openly about his romance with Taylor for the first time to Bild Magazine. He covered many aspects of their time together, including how they met and their wedding plans, in a question-and-answer format.
Stallworth gets 30 days jail for DUI fatality
National Football League - Cleveland Browns
2009-06-16 15:55:54 Mail Story - Barathrum - 8 Comments
MIAMI -- Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth took full responsibility for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk in Florida and began serving a 30-day jail sentence Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter.
Stallworth also reached a confidential financial settlement to avoid a potential lawsuit from the family of 59-year-old Mario Reyes, according to Stallworth's attorney, Christopher Lyons. Reyes was struck and killed March 14 by Stallworth, who was driving his black 2005 Bentley after a night drinking at a swanky hotel bar.
Stallworth, 28, told Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Dennis Murphy that he hopes to get involved in drunken-driving education programs.
"I accept full responsibility for this horrible tragedy," said Stallworth, who was accompanied at the hearing by his parents, siblings and other supporters. "I will bear this burden for the rest of my life."
A 16,000-Word Rant Against UH's Baseball Coach
NCAA Sports All
2009-06-16 15:55:46 Mail Story - Barathrum - 1 Comment
Warning. Before you click on this link, make sure you've had breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Make sure you've used the toilet, and make sure you've set your DVR to record anything that you might conceivably want to watch for the next two weeks. That's how long this thing is. (And while I'm not absolutely sure there's a link, I did come down with the flu within hours of receiving this on Friday night, so beware).
Indians look for answer to bird trouble
Major League Baseball
2009-06-16 15:55:37 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
CLEVELAND -- There were two sets of birds at Progressive Field on Friday -- the St. Louis Cardinals and the Lake Erie gulls.
The Cardinals will leave on Sunday. No one knows when the gulls will.
Flocks of the seabirds have become a growing problem at Indians games this season. It culminated Thursday night when Shin-Soo Choo's single in the 10th inning struck one, allowing the winning run to score without a throw in a victory against the Kansas City Royals.
"Our people are all over it right now and looking for solutions," team president Paul Dolan said. "I'm not sure it's going to go away."
Favre admits he wants to be a Viking
National Football League - Minnesota Vikings
2009-06-16 15:55:27 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
Brett Favre ended weeks of silence Monday by making it clear that if his surgically repaired right arm is healthy, he wants to return to the NFL -- as a member of the Vikings. During an interview on HBO, the retired quarterback admitted it "makes perfect sense" for him to play in Minnesota, even referring to the Vikings as "we" at one point.
"It's an offense that I ran for 16 years," Favre said on the debut episode of "Joe Buck Live," referring to the short-passing West Coast offense system that the Green Bay Packers ran and the Vikings use.
Favre, granted his release from the New York Jets reserve/retired list in late April, acknowledged that the Vikings are the only team with which he has had contact and said if he's going to return, the key is going to be the health of his throwing arm.
Vick now free to sign with Bengals or Raiders
National Football League - Atlanta Falcons
2009-06-12 19:07:33 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
I remember how it was that Saturday in 2001. I remember so many folks descending on Falcons headquarters for a scheduled draft-day celebration that traffic backed up for miles and even Hall County police couldn’t sort it out. I remember what Dan Reeves said about driving to work that giddy day: “People were pulling up beside me and giving me the thumbs-up. Usually they give me some other sign.”
I remember how thrilled we all were that Michael Vick was a Falcon. I remember Jamal Anderson — not Jamaal, but Jamal — saying how heady it felt to be part of an organization that traded up to make such a wonderful thing happen. I remember the feeling that a door to the future had been flung wide open, and that ahead was nothing but seashells and balloons.
I remember waiting for his apprenticeship to end, and I remember the giddiness over the opening game of the 2002 season and how splendid he was in an overtime loss at Lambeau Field. (He would soon revisit the scene to even greater effect.) I remember watching him grow week by week, from the breathless tie forged in Pittsburgh to the overtime wonder wrought in the Metrodome, and I remember thinking Jeff Hullinger said it perfectly on Falcons radio, that this was indeed “the incomparable Michael Vick.”
NFL's top 100 players: P. Manning No. 1
National Football League
2009-06-12 19:07:23 Mail Story - Barathrum - 1 Comment
1. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts: Though not the best in a statistical sense, Manning's '08 campaign was arguably the most impressive season of his decorated 11-year career. Working behind a makeshift offensive line with injuries scattered across the depth chart at just about every position for much of the year — Manning led the Colts to the playoffs and another 12-win season after an uninspiring start to the season.
Childress is lead clown in Favre's new circus act
National Football League - Minnesota Vikings
2009-06-12 19:07:15 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
“Those interested in winding up as collateral damage in the strange twilight years of Brett Favre’s career, please line up over here. No, Mr. Mangini, you cannot go through twice. Yes, Mr. Childress it is still your turn.”
And to Mr. Childress, we address this question best posed by none other than Vince Lombardi: “What the hell’s going on out there?!”
Buffalo woman thinks all black men look alike
National Football League - Buffalo Bills
2009-06-12 19:07:05 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- A misdemeanor charge against Buffalo Bills fullback Corey McIntyre has been dropped after authorities say a witness offered questionable statements.
The State Attorney's Office said Wednesday the victim's identification of McIntyre as the suspect was questionable, and prosecutors planned to file paperwork to formally drop the charge.
Another possible suspect has been arrested in a similar case, police said. ...
Police acknowledged the only similarities between McIntyre and the latest suspect arrested is that they are both black and have dreadlocks. ... The new suspect weighs about 150 pounds, while McIntyre is nearly 260 pounds.
U.S. soccer nowhere near Project 2010 aspirations
Other
2009-06-12 19:06:53 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
One year to go until the world's greatest sporting event begins: The 2010 World Cup kicks off next June 11 in South Africa.
And, gosh, won't it be exciting when the United States wins it all?
Yes, yes, we jest. Especially after watching the shaky U.S. team struggle through last week's qualifiers, losing badly in Costa Rica and squeaking by Honduras in Chicago.
Why a man sued to get a floppy sun hat
Major League Baseball
2009-06-10 12:47:53 Mail Story - Barathrum - 1 Comment
Are you a male who'd like to make $100 the sleazy way? Then I have a deal for you, but you have to act by June 25, 2009.
Of course, you'll have to cash in your basic moral decency to do it and incur the wrath of every woman in your life -- including your mom -- and feel worse about yourself than Sanjaya's barber. But we're talking $100!
Here's how to do it, but I wouldn't let the wife read this:
It so happens that on May 8, 2004, the Oakland A's had a Mother's Day promotion. There was a fight-breast-cancer 5K run before the game and the first 7,500 women through the gate got plaid, floppy sun hats from Macy's. Nice day for the ladies.
Except that last part really hacked off a man named Alfred G. Rava. He was incensed that men weren't getting a plaid, floppy sun hat for Mother's Day. He was so mad about it that he sued.
Federer cements his place among the all-time greats
Other
2009-06-08 18:12:13 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
So now he has finally done it. At long last, after ten previous attempts, some of his most heart wrenching defeats, long hours of soul searching and the humiliation of last year’s final annihilation, Roger Federer has won the French Open.
Finally he has the full set of Grand Slam titles, becoming on the sixth man in history to achieve the feat. Now he is level at 14 with Pete Sampras as the greatest collector of major trophies and this year’s Wimbledon, beginning in just a fortnight, presents him the perfect opportunity to go one better.
What a wondrous time for the man so many dared to write off as a spent force just a few weeks ago. What a truly awesome achievement by a player who is supremely gifted but nevertheless repeatedly demonstrates that there can be no short cuts from continuous hard work and true dedication.
Jones opens, then closes door on Pacman
National Football League - Dallas Cowboys
2009-06-08 18:12:06 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
There won't be an Adam "Pacman" Jones sequel in Dallas.
Through team spokesman Rich Dalrymple, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shot down a report that he was considering bringing the controversial cornerback back to the team, saying in a statement: "I have no plans to bring Adam back."
Extra by Barathrum:
Alternate headline: Jerry finds way to keep Cowboys in news
Tiger's back
Pro Golf Association
2009-06-08 18:11:57 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
Four-ward to the U.S. Open, forward in pursuit of the only player of the past with bigger numbers under the greatest pressure, Tiger Woods won the Memorial Tournament again Sunday. It is what he has done four times now.
He did it this time with one of the most sustained stretches of control of his career -- keeping the ball in the fairways off the tees, making it swerve this way, curve that way, and fall on the greens like manna from heaven. If there is a better formula for success at the Open in two weeks at Bethpage Black, Jack Nicklaus, for one, has not seen it.
"If he drives like this, it won't be a contest," Nicklaus said.
This isn't the Tiger Woods of the past, even before he hurt his left knee, broke his left leg, and won last year's Open while hobbling around on a club he used as a crutch. He actually plays the same golf course as everyone else now. He just plays it better because, after all, that is what he is.
Buffalo neighborhood: We don't want darkies living here
National Football League - Buffalo Bills
2009-06-04 12:53:10 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Here's a potential first to add to the "Not In My Backyard" homeowner's list of complaints: Terrell Owens.
The Bills' high-profile receiver's search for a place to live in the Buffalo area has hit a snag after Owens said he was denied a chance to rent a home in Orchard Park because of the potential "drama" he might bring to the neighborhood.
Owens first announced what happened late Tuesday night by posting a message on his Twitter.com site. The message read that he's "tripping about residents" who won't rent a home to him because they "[don't] want any drama [in] their neighborhood!! LOL!!! Wow!!."
Longhorns win 25-inning marathon
NCAA Sports All
2009-05-31 14:01:30 Mail Story - Barathrum - 3 Comments
AUSTIN – The innings passed by in bunches, and so did the hours.
When it was finally over, Texas walked off the field victorious – and exhausted – after beating Boston College 3-2 in 25 innings on Saturday night in the longest game in NCAA history.
"Every inning, we felt like we had a chance to win it," Texas second baseman Travis Tucker said. "And every inning, we thought we were going to win it. It ended up happening in the 25th."
Tucker's RBI single with one out in the top of the inning helped Texas (43-13-1) put an end to the game that eclipsed the previous record of 23 innings, set in 1971 when Louisiana-Lafayette defeated McNeese State 6-5.
Texas reliever Austin Wood pitched 13 innings, including 12 1-3 of no-hit ball before allowing a two-out single to Tony Sanchez in the 19th.
Holy Craps! How a Gambling Grandma Broke the Record
Other
2009-05-30 17:41:16 Mail Story - Barathrum - 7 Comments
It sounds like a homework problem out of a high school math book: What is the probability of rolling a pair of dice 154 times continuously at a craps table, without throwing a seven?
The answer is roughly 1 in 1.56 trillion, and on May 23, Patricia Demauro, a New Jersey grandmother, beat those odds at Atlantic City's Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. Demauro's 154-roll lucky streak, which lasted four hours and 18 minutes, broke the world records for the longest craps roll and the most successive dice rolls without "sevening out." According to Stanford University statistics professor Thomas Cover, the chances of that happening are smaller than getting struck by lightning (one in a million), being hit by an errant ball at a baseball game (one in 1.5 million) or winning the lottery (one in 100 million, depending on the game).
In this economy, NFL should alter blackout rules
National Football League
2009-05-30 17:41:09 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
The bad economy is hurting NFL ticket sales.
In a recent sideline chat with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank during one of his team's practices, he expressed concern to me about his team's ticket sales, although he said they aren't as bad as some teams. What's concerning is that Blank has a hot team with a young star in the making in Matt Ryan and the Falcons are coming off a playoff season.
He is not alone in his concern.
It's the same in a lot of other cities.
That's why I think the NFL needs to revise the blackout rules for a year.
Do the fans a favor. Show some goodwill.
In Sports Business, Too Many Hopefuls for Too Few Positions
Other
2009-05-30 17:41:00 Mail Story - Barathrum - 0 Comments
Jason Martin entered the University of South Carolina’s sport and entertainment management program hoping to become the next Jerry Maguire, the mythical superagent. Instead, like most people trying to break into the sports industry, he is looking at years of low-paying, unglamorous jobs like selling ads, tickets and hot dogs.
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