Happy New Year

May each day of the coming year be vibrant and new bringing along many reasons for celebrations. Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy new year.

Wade suspended for kicking Sessions in the Groin

NEW YORK (AP) -- Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade was suspended one game without pay by the NBA on Thursday for flailing his leg and making contact with the groin of Charlotte Bobcats' Ramon Sessions.

The incident happened with 8:12 left in the fourth quarter of the Heat's 105-92 victory over the Bobcats on Wednesday night. Sessions was called for a foul on the play. Wade will serve the suspension Friday night when the Heat visit the Detroit Pistons, and return Saturday night in Milwaukee.

''I'm far from being a dirty player, (plus) my intent was never 2 kick Ramon Sessions. I just reacted to the contact that I got from him,'' Wade tweeted Thursday night. ''More than anything, I think of my boys watchin me be4 retaliating 2ward any player.''

Nets coach Avery Johnson Fired

Avery Johnson was fired by the Brooklyn Nets and assistant coach P.J. Carlesimo was promoted to interim head coach. The Nets will let Carlesimo coach in the short-term, but GM Billy King is expected to talk with several candidates about taking over the job on a full-time basis, sources told Yahoo! Sports. If the players respond to Carlesimo and the team gathers momentum, there's a chance Carlesimo could finish the season.

The Nets (14-14) squandered an 11-4 start, have lost 10 of 13 games in December and are currently 6½ games behind the New York Knicks in the Atlantic Division. One of those losses was an embarrassing outing against the Boston Celtics on Christmas, a 93-76 loss.

Johnson was 60-116 since becoming the Nets' head coach in 2010.

Carlesimo has been a head coach in Portland, Golden State and Oklahoma City.

The Nets made a big push in the offseason to become contenders in the East, re-signing Deron Williams to a five-year, $98.8 million deal and trading for Joe Johnson, who had four years and nearly $90 million left on his contract.

Williams sat out of Wednesday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks with a sore wrist, an injury he aggravated Tuesday against the Celtics.

Merry Christmas

I hope that your Christmas would be
fun and may the essence of
Christmas remains always with you.

Merry Christmas!!

‘Sports Friends Classics’ - LeBron James and Dwyane Wade

A really funny clip from Sports Friends Classics – LeBron James and Dwyane Wade Before they won a championship together, they would sit for minutes at a time, talking about teammates, dreams, and cravings.

Former Reds Ryan Freel found dead at his home

Freel was found dead at his home in Jacksonville, Fla. on Saturday afternoon, victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police confirmed via the Florida Times-Union. Freel was 36 years old, leaving a wife, Christie, along with at least two daughters, notes C. Trent Rosecrans of CBS Eye on Baseball.

Freel played in parts of eight major league seasons, seeing action in 594 games — 544 with the Cincinnati Reds — and four other teams, from 2001-2009. He batted .268/.354/.369 with 143 stolen bases and 22 home runs. He logged most of his innings in the outfield, particularly center, but was known for having enough versatility to play third base and second.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.

Tragic event in Connecticut, a very sad day

Sad day in Sandy Hook Elementary School Newtown, Connecticut my prayers are with you and your family.....

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 In one of the deadliest mass shootings in the United States, at least 26 people, including 20 children, have been killed at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, about 60 miles northeast of New York on Friday.

The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School appeared to be the US’ second-deadliest school shooting, exceeded only by the Virginia Tech massacre in 2007, in which 32 people, including two Indians, were killed and 17 others wounded.

The gunman, identified as Adam Lanza, killed his mother at their home and then opened fire inside the school. The 20-year-old killer, carrying at least two handguns, committed suicide at the school, bringing the death toll to 28, authorities said.

December 12, 2012 (12-12-12)

What will happen on December 12, 2012? I don't know we'll soon find out.

December 21, 2012 is the end of the Mayan calendar.  This will mark the end of the Piscean Age of secular materialism, and the true beginning of the Age of Aquarius, which will last for one thousand years. It is also prophesied in Revelation chapter 20 verses 1-3.

Juan Manuel Marquez knocks Manny Pacquiao out GIFs

Juan Manuel Marquez knocks out Manny Pacquiao in sixth round

The 39-year-old from Mexico lands a jarring right hand as the former welterweight champion from the Philippines is moving forward just before the bell.

LAS VEGAS -- Manny Pacquiao was seeking to definitively affirm Saturday night the judging that gave him two decisions and a draw in his three tight fights against rival Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

But Marquez, who earned a draw in their first meeting and lost two controversial decisions in their second and third bouts, caught the former welterweight champion from the Philippines with a jarring right to knock him out just before the bell to end the sixth round in their non-title welterweight bout.

“I threw a perfect punch,” said the the interim light-welterweight champion from Mexico. “I knew Manny could knock me out at any time.

“I felt he was coming to knock me out the last three rounds and I knew he was going to be wide open.”

Pacquiao went down in the third round but returned the favor and knocked down Marquez in the fifth. The fighters, who started slow before engaging in a slugfest, were exchanging big punches throughout the sixth round before Marquez threw a right hand that sent Pacquiao to the canvas face down at 2:59 of the round.
Marquez improves to 55-6-1 with the 40th knockout of his career, helping to end the torment he's suffered through, the narrow margins dividing him further from the mythical worldwide status that Pacquiao (54-5-2) achieved.

Pacquiao had been promised at least $23 million for the fight while Marquez will get a guaranteed $6 million.

Round-by-round recap (scoring not official):

Round 1: After a thrilling buildup in a sold-out MGM Grand Garden Arena, referee Kenny Bayless gave the fighters their final instructions and the fight begins. Pacquiao's ready to charge. A Marquez counter right lands. A nice Pacquiao left. They move for position. This isn't the three minutes of action Pacquiao promised, but he did press the action, and did enough. Pacquiao wins the round, 10-9.

Round 2: Again, they're waiting each other out. Pacquiao shoots in a right, then misses a left uppercut. Marquez gets in a short right. Pacquiao with a straight left, a nice punch. Marquez content to stand back. He gets in a good right. Again, Pacquiao did more work. Pacquiao wins the round, 10-9. Pacquiao leads, 20-18.

Round 3: Marquez throws overhand left. Pacquiao charges with a right that lands. Good left by Pacquiao. Counter left by Marquez. Left uppercut to body by Marquez. Big right and Pacquiao is down at 1:12 mark. Hard right by Marquez, then a big right to body by Marquez. Hard left uppercut by Marquez. Pacquiao fighting buzzed. Hard right by Pacquiao, Ton of passion in this fight at end, both guys swinging. Marquez wins the round, 10-8. Fight is even, 28-28.

Round 4: Marquez lands with a high left. Marquez follows with a straight right. Pacquiao not in huge hurry to engage here. Pacquiao lands a jab, but Marquez makes him eat two hard rights before the bell. Marquez wins the round, 10-9. Marquez leads, 38-37.

Round 5: Pacquiao drops Marquez with hard left. Incredible round. Marquez takes eight count. Pacquiao is at his most dynamic, battering Marquez with set-up lefts. Hard rights. He had Marquez cornered twice and wailed on him. Pacquiao wins the round, 10-8. Pacquiao leads, 47-46.

Round 6: Big left snaps Marquez head back. Marquez missing now. Marquez's nose is bleeding and appears it might be broken. He's breathing with mouth wide open. Hard right by Marquez. Jab by Marquez. Pacquiao lands a right. Marquez follows with wicked hard right as Pacquiao was moving forward. Pacquiao's out, not moving, fight is over. Marquez wins. He runs to a corner and stands. Pacquiao down on canvas with his cornermen over him. He's now sitting up. Marquez wins by knockout at 2:59.

All three judges had Pacquiao leading the fight, 47-46, after five rounds.

By Lance Pugmire LA Times

Juan Manuel Marquez knocks Manny Pacquiao out cold

Juan Manuel Marquez knocks Manny Pacquiao out cold with a straight right hand at round 6. The end comes officially at 2:59 of round six. Marquez by KO.

Manny Pacquiao Goes down; MARQUEZ KOs Pacman

Manny Pacquiao Goes down, a good hook to the body by Marquez then a big overhand right that lands square on Pacquiao's jaw and sends Pacquiao down. First time Marquez knock down Manny.

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Pacquiao knocked down Marquez in 5th, and pressured him in corners twice.


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FIGHT IS OVER MARQUEZ KOs Pacman

Big right hand by Marquez as the bell was ending in round 6 staggers Pacquiao, drops him and knocks him out. FIGHT OVER

Pacquiao vs. Marquez Live USTREAM

Watch Pacquiao vs. Marquez Live Online Stream 

Here's a good link from USTREAM

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/manny-pacquiao-vs-juan-manuel-marquez-4-live-stream

Mitt Romney front row seat to Manny Pacquiao fight

LAS VEGAS -- Gov. Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, sat in the front row at the MGM Grand Garden to watch the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez fight Saturday along with his wife, Ann.

Romney was a guest of Bill Brady, the chairman of the Nevada Athletic Commission. Brady worked for the Romney campaign. A friend of Brady's is a neighbor of Romney's and relayed Romney's interest in attending.

"He watched all the 24/7 [preview shows on HBO] and he was very interested in seeing the fight," Brady told Yahoo! Sports. "It's great to have him here."

Bob Arum, the fight's promoter, was a staunch Romney supporter. He told Yahoo! Sports "I think it's great to have him here."

No more visit to the Whitehouse for you pacman....

source yahoo news.

Pacquiao, Marquez rumbles tonight

LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez will try to put to rest Saturday evening lingering doubt about who is the superior man in the ring.

The welterweights collide for a fourth time in a scheduled 12-round non-title fight at the MGM Grand Arena (HBO pay-per-view, 9 p.m. ET). The card is promoted by Top Rank's Bob Arum.

A sellout crowd of more than 16,000 is expected to watch the fight mainly supporters from the Philippines and Mexico.

Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 KOs) has never lost to the Mexican counterpuncher. A draw and two slim decisions led to a fourth bout with Marquez (54-6-1, 39 KOs), considered the greatest fighter to emerge from his country since Julio Cesar Chavez.

Pacquiao knocked down Marquez three times in the first round of their initial battle in 2004.

The Nevada Athletic Commission also concedes to appoint two of the three judges from outside its jurisdiction to score the main event, because of Pacquiao's questionable lost to Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas last June.

Promoters 50 Cent and Snooki (Nicole Polizzi) will also be at the fight.

50 Cent, the renowned hip-hop star, represents Yuriorkis Gamboa, the undefeated featherweight (21-0, 16 KOs) from Miami. Gamboa will fight Michael Farenas (33-3-4, 25 KOs) of the Philippines.

Polizzi and her father, Andy Polizzi, operate Team Snooki Boxing. Their fighter, Irish featherweight Patrick Hyland (27-0, 12 KOs), will challenge unbeaten Javier Fortuna (20-0, 15 KOs) of the Dominican Republic.

USA today

Pacquiao vs Marquez 4

Manny Pacquiao, weighed in at 147 pounds Friday while Juan Manuel Marquez came in at 143.

Both Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez have added bulk and pounds to their body since when they first met in the ring. Now they will meet again for the fourth and hopefully the last time.

Marquez has been eagerly waiting for this fight ever since their 3rd match, when the judges gave Pacquiao the decision. Marquez wants to finally prove that he can beat Pacquiao convincingly he is 0-2-1 against Pacquiao.

Marquez 39, wants this fight to be one of his legacy which is why it’s a fight he seems desperate to win.

Pacquiao also wants to win badly, he barely escaped with a majority decision over Marquez last November and wants to prove to the world that he is back to his former self, tenacious and deadly.

Place: MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8 at 9:00 p.m. ET
Watch: Pay-Per-View ($59.95 for standard definition; $69.95 for high definition)

Latest Sports News

BASEBALL

NEW YORK (AP) -- Baseball's all-time home run king and its most decorated pitcher likely will be shut out of the Hall of Fame in January. A survey by The AP shows that Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, as well as slugger Sammy Sosa, don't have enough votes to get into Cooperstown.

With steroid scandals still very much on the minds of longtime members of the Baseball Writers' Association as they cast their ballots, the trio failed to muster even 50 percent support among the 112 voters contacted by the AP - nearly one-fifth of those eligible to choose.

Candidates need 75 percent for election

Bonds is baseball's only seven-time MVP and Clemens its only seven-time Cy Young winner.

NFL

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) - It appears Tim Tebow will be watching from the sideline again.

And this time, the Jets' backup quarterback might be in sweats instead of his uniform.

Tebow was listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals because of two broken ribs that limited him all week. Coach Rex Ryan wouldn't officially rule out Tebow, but it sounded unlikely he would play.

Tebow was injured at Seattle on Nov. 11, played three offensive snaps the following week at St. Louis and was active but didn't play Thanksgiving night against New England. Tebow spent most of the 49-19 loss standing on the sideline while Mark Sanchez played the entire game.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - A former U.S. senator brought in to monitor Penn State said the university has gotten ''off to a very good start'' in responding to NCAA sanctions for the Jerry Sandusky child molestation scandal.

George Mitchell's first quarterly report as Penn State's athletics integrity monitor noted there was a looming deadline to complete a set of reforms, including implementation of a college sports code of conduct, but he said he believes university officials are acting in good faith.

The 68-year-old Sandusky, a former Penn State assistant coach, is serving a 30- to 60-year prison sentence for abusing several boys, some on campus. He maintains his innocence.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Minnesota judge has dismissed child pornography charges against a college football head coach accused of making pornographic videos of his children.

A district court judge dismissed the case for lack of probable cause.

Todd Hoffner, the head coach at Minnesota State, Mankato, was charged in August with two felonies. Prosecutors said he made filmed his children performing suggestive acts while naked.

Hoffner and his wife insisted all along that the videos were not inappropriate, and were merely images of children acting silly and dancing after taking a bath.

No evidence of child porn was found and social workers found no evidence of abuse.

BASKETBALL

ATLANTA (AP) - A lawyer for former WNBA star Chamique Holdsclaw says he's investigating the circumstances that led to assault and weapons charges against the Olympic gold medalist.

The 35-year-old is accused of smashing the windows and firing a shot into a car belonging to Jennifer Lacy, who plays for the Tulsa Shock. No one was injured. Lacy told police Holdsclaw was an ex-girlfriend and they were Atlanta Dream teammates in 2009.

After an appearance in Fulton County Magistrate Court, lawyer Patrick Sullivan said the case hasn't been indicted yet. Holdsclaw is out on bond and has been ordered to wear a monitoring device and have no contact with the 29-year-old Lacy.

COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - VCU women's volleyball coach James Finley is fighting to get his job back after he says he was fired because he is gay.

Finley, 52, has filed a complaint with VCU's Office for Institutional Equity. University spokesperson Pamela D. Lepley said an investigation is being conducted and must be completed within 45 days.

The findings will be provided to Finley and VCU President Michael Rao. The coach said he would consider taking legal action if he is not reinstated.

Celtics-Nets game brawl

Rajon Rondo, Kris Humphries, and Gerald Wallace all ejected for fighting in Celtics-Nets game.

30 seconds remaining in the first half of the game between Celtics and Nets, Kris Humphries fouled Kevin Garnett on a jumper, hitting KG hard in the shoulder that sent him to the floor along the baseline. Rondo, who was near the hoop, immediately grabbed and shoved Humphries. More players got involved, including the Nets' Gerald Wallace, the Celtics' Brandon Bass, the jet, and a late-arriving Garnett.

Rondo, Humphries, and Wallace were all ejected, and all three, they can expect certain fines and possible suspensions in the next few days. Rondo finished with only three assists in 18 minutes, bringing his streak to an end at 37 games, which ties him at second all-time with John Stockton. Magic Johnson will continue to hold the record at 46 games.

Nets won the game 95-83.

Here is the full recap:

Rajon Rondo, Kris Humphries, Gerald Wallace, KG, Kevin Garnett, New Jersey Nets, Boston Celtics

Happy Thanksgiving! 2012

Thanksgiving is here,
So live it up and be of good cheer, even if your favorite team is losing!
Feast on goodies and have fun.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lakers rip Rockets 119-108 for 4th win in 5 games

Bryant had 22 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for his 18th career triple-double, and the Lakers ran past the Houston Rockets 119-108 Sunday night for their fourth victory in five games since firing coach Mike Brown.

Dwight Howard had 28 points and 13 rebounds, and Pau Gasol scored his 15,000th career point among his 17 as the Lakers returned to .500 by running away from their second straight opponent since D'Antoni took over their practices.

Chandler Parsons scored 24 points and James Harden had 20 for the Rockets, who have lost six of eight.

Schaub rallies Texans past Jaguars, 43-37

Andre Johnson had a big game that gave Houston Texans the win on Sunday.

Johnson finished off a career day by turning a screen pass from Matt Schaub into a 48-yard sprint for the winning touchdown as the Texans rallied to beat Jacksonville 43-37.

Cubs announce deal with C Navarro

The Chicago Cubs has officially announced a one-year deal with former All-Star catcher Dioner Navarro.

Navarro's salary for next season is $1.75 million. He could earn another $250,000 in performance bonuses.

The 28-year-old has spent all or part of the last nine seasons in the major leagues, playing for the Yankees, Dodgers, Rays and Reds. Last year, he split the season between Cincinnati and Triple-A, batting .290 with two home runs and 12 RBIs in 24 games with the Reds.

Roger Mayweather Said Floyd Will Fight Bradley and Pacquiao

Roger Mayweather said that he and his nephew met with Bob Arum a little over a month ago for a couple of hours and that they discussed fights with both Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley. He said that:

"Floyd's gonna fight em, why wouldn't he fight them? Anytime you are getting that type of money, how the hell are you not going to fight them. He has to fight Pacquiao cause that's the fight people want to see and people talk about. If he wouldn't fight Pacquiao he would go down in history as a scared ******* champion, wouldn't he? If he didn't fight Pacquiao, OK then. My Nephew ain't scared of no Pacquiao."

I really hope this is true this time around.

Grizzlies gave Knicks first loss, 105-95

The Memphis Grizzlies beat the New York Knicks', Knicks first loss of the season with a 105-95 victory on Friday night. Grizzlies is now 7-1, the league's best record and Grizzlies first time in franchise history.

Zach Randolph had 20 points and 15 rebounds, Marc Gasol added 24 points. Carmelo Anthony scored 20 points for New York and Raymond Felton scored 18 points. Rasheed Wallace scored 13 points.

Nets Beat Rondo-less Celtics

Brooklyn Nets defeated the Boston Celtics 102-97. Rondo did not play due to a sprained right ankle.

Boston trailed by as many as 13 points in the third quarter, but rallied to take the lead, before fading. Kevin Garnett gave the Celtics an 85-80 advantage with 7:57 remaining in the game. But the Celtics then hit a drought, failing to connect in the half-court offense and losing their defensive edge as their transition game disappeared.

Celtics led by Paul Pierce who scored 22 points, 7 Reb, 4 Ast, and 2 Stl while the Nets was led by Brooke Lopez with 24 Pts, 6 Reb, 4 Blk.

Manny Pacquiao with NBA legends Charles Barkley and Reggie Miller

TMZ got a shot of Manny Pacquiao with NBA legends Charles Barkley and Reggie Miller playing some hoops.

TMZ has obtained a photo of Manny ballin' around with NBA legends Charles Barkley and Reggie Miller.

Manny was running all day in Griffith Park. TMZ said cameras documented the entire thing for an upcoming special on TNT.

"Not only is he the man in the ring, but he's got an awesome jump shot too." - Reggie Miller

Photo source TMZ.com

Here's another picture of Manny from philboxing.com running with Reggie Miller.

LA Lakers Coach Mike Brown Fired

Mike Brown, the Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown has been fired after a disappointing 1-4 start to the season, the team announced Friday.

"I have great respect for the Buss family and the Lakers' storied tradition and I thank them for the opportunity they afforded me," Brown said in a statement. "I have a deep appreciation for the coaches and players that I worked with this past year and I wish the organization nothing but success as they move forward."

Bernie Bickerstaff, the assistant coach will take over as interim coach for Friday night's home game against the Warriors.

"Today we relieved Mike Brown of his head coaching duties with the Los Angeles Lakers. Mike is a good man. Very hard working, maybe one of the hardest-working coaches that I ve ever been around," general manager Mitch Kupchak said. "The bottom line is that the team is not winning at the pace that we expected this team to win and we didn't see improvement. We wish Mike well and we're sorry it ended this way. So, we've decided to move in another direction and make a change."

Lakers will begin the search for a new coach.

Barack Obama Re-Elected President

Barack Obama Re-Elected President

Barack Obama will be re-elected as president of the United States defeating Mitt Romney, CNN projects.

NFL: San Diego Chargers beat Kansas City Chiefs 31-13

Norv Turner is off the tight spot after his San Diego Chargers ended a three-game losing streak.

Antonio Gates easily caught a 14-yard yard scoring pass from Philip Rivers on the game's opening drive to snap a streak of six straight quarters without a touchdown and the San Diego Chargers went on to a 31-13 victory over the staggering Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night.

Clippers drop Lakers to 0-3

The star-studded Los Angeles Lakers are now 0-3 after a drubbing from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Chris Paul had 18 points and 15 assists, Jamal Crawford scored 21 points and the Clippers beat the Lakers 105-95 Friday night to keep their Staples Center co-tenants winless.

Bryant scored 40 points and Dwight Howard had 13 points and eight rebounds.

Heat win over Celtics opener, 120-107

Wade scored 29 points, James with 26 points and 10 rebounds he missed much of the second half because of cramps in both legs. The reigning NBA champion Heat beat the Boston Celtics 120-107 on Tuesday night in the season opener for both teams.

For Boston Paul Pierce scored 23 points, Rondo finished with 20 points and 13 assists, and Leandro Barbosa scored 16.

Finally Rondo got his revenged on Wade when wade drove to the basket past Rondo, Rondo grabbed Wade around the neck. Oh sweet revenge for injuring Rondo.

TOP PERFORMERS:

Rajon Rondo Boston

FGM-FGA 9-14
Pts 20
Rebs 7
Assists 13

LeBron James Miami

FGM-FGA 10-16
Pts 26
Rebs 10
Assists 3

Dallas beat loaded Lakers in opener, 99-91

Dwight Howard and Steve Nash first regular-season game in Lakers jersey ended in a loss to Dallas Mavericks even without Dirk Nowitzki. Howard had 19 points and 10 rebounds he missed 11 of his 14 free throws and fouled out with 2:02 to play.

TOP PERFORMERS:

Dallas

Darren Collison 8-12, 17 Pts
2 Rebs, 4 Assists

LA Lakers

Pau Gasol 8-19, 23 Pts
13 Rebs, 6 Assists

James Harden Traded to Rockets

The Oklahoma City Thunder couldn't reach a deal with James Harden for a contract extension. He was traded to the Houston Rockets. 

The Rockets sent Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb and two 2013 first-round picks (from Dallas and Toronto) to Oklahoma CIty Thunder for Harden.

Along with Harden, the Thunder will also send Cole Aldridge, Lazar Hayward and Daequan Cook to the Rockets.

Contract extension talks between the Thunder and Harden broke down, and Thunder GM Sam Presti moved quickly to trade the guard.

Yahoo! Sports

Packers vs Rams 30-20

Cobb scored two second-half touchdowns to help Green Bay Packers win against St. Louis Rams 30-20.

Cobb turned Rams rookie cornerback Janoris Jenkins around on a 5-yard touchdown reception with 8:04 remaining in the third quarter to make it 17-6, then flashed his pure speed on the game-clinching play with 3:06 left in the game.

On the Packers' third down play at the St. Louis 39 with the Rams' crowd in a frenzy, Cobb zipped by cornerback Trumaine Johnson down the right hashmark and hauled in Aaron Rodgers' third scoring strike of the day.

Steelers defeat Bengals 24-17 Highlights

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still alive with a 24-17 Sunday Night Football win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers overcame two first-half turnovers, multiple dropped passes, and they played without five key players, including four starters.

Cardinals Beat Giants with 2 Homers

St. Louis Cardinals, the defending World Series champions beat the San Francisco Giants 6-4 on Sunday night in Game 1 of the NL championship series. They built an early 6-0 lead and held on. Both Carlos Beltran and David Freese hit a homer.

Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Monday night.

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Celtics Rout Emporio Armani Milano 105-75 on preseason tour

Rajon Rondo scores 17 points and dishes out six assists in the Celtics 105-75 win. Jeff Green also had 17 points off the bench for Boston.

The Celtics return to Boston on Monday and resume practice Thursday before playing their first U.S. preseason game against the New York Knicks in Hartford, Conn., next weekend.

A's win, clinch postseason berth

OAKLAND, Calif. - Coco Crisp big game helped the Athletics win agianst the first-place Texas Rangers 4-3 on Monday night. They are in the playoffs for the first time in six years and they remained in contention for a division crown.

Crisp had a go-ahead double in the fifth inning as the A's (92-68) pulled within one game of Texas (93-67) in the AL West with two to go and moved into a tie with Baltimore for the American League's top wild card.

Oakland's victory also eliminated the Los Angeles Angels and Tampa Bay Rays from playoff contention.

Oakland moved a season-high 24 games over .500 for its best mark since ending that '06 season at 93-69.

source yahoo sports

Zimmermann lead Nats over Brewers

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Nationals Park, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Washington. Zimmermann (12-8) allowed one run and four hits in 6 2-3 innings in the rare 1:05 p.m. weekday start. He also delivered two hits and drove in a run as a batter for the Nationals, who are a majors-best 93-60 and increased their division lead over the Atlanta Braves to five games with nine to play.

USC’s first TD against Stanford

Watch running back Silas Redd trying to score from the 1 1/2 —yard line during the Trojans first touchdown, he was stuffed until offensive tackle Aundrey Walker wrapped his arms around him and lifted him over the goal line an illegal move according to the NCAA rules.

Rule 9, Section 3, Article 2B of the NCAA rulebooks states: "The runner shall not grasp a teammate; and no other player of his team shall grasp, push, lift or charge into him to assist him in forward progress."

Walker shown on the clip pulls Redd into the end zone with a bear hug. The Trojans should have been assessed a 5-yard penalty.

Redskins Carried by Griffin Beat Saints, 40-32

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III breaks New Orleans' defense with 320 yards passing and two touchdowns, and Washington held on for 40-32 victory over the Saints on Sunday.

The Saints pulled to 40-32 on Darren Sproles' 2-yard reception. But when Washington required a first down to all but put the game away, Griffin delivered a 22-yard strike to tight end Logan Paulsen.

Then the Redskins ran the clock down to 22 seconds before the Saints got the ball back. Brees desperation pass was intercepted by Reed Doughty near the Redskins' goal line as time ran out.

It marked the second interception for Brees, who in 2011 completed a single-season record 71.2 percent of his passes, but managed to hit on only 46 percent (24 of 52) against Washington.

Brees still finished with 339 yards and three touchdowns, including scoring passes of 33 yards to Lance Moore and 20 yards to Jimmy Graham.

Padres Sign Denorfia to Two-Year Extension

The San Diego Padres gave reserve outfielder Chris Denorfia a two-year, $4.25 million contract extension on Wednesday that will keep him in San Diego though the 2014 season.

Denorfia, 32, will make $2 million in 2013 and $2.25 million in 2014.

Denorfia, hitting .290/.346/.445 with six home runs while splitting time between all three outfield positions. The utility outfielder has seen much of his time this season in a platoon with right fielder Will Venable, hitting a stellar .333/.387/.490 in one hundred seventy plate appearances against left-handed pitching.

Maria Sharapova's Sugarpova

NEW YORK -- Maria Sharapova launches her candy business, Sugarpova. The four-time Grand Slam title winner launched her Sugarpova brand of 12 types of sweets on Monday.

Sharapova said that Sugarpova is ''the most exciting project that I've ever done because it's my own business, my own investment, my own money.''

Sharapova is ranked third heading into the U.S. Open, which starts next week.

U.S. basketball team Wins against Spain for the Olympic gold medal

LONDON – U.S. basketball team defeated Spain 107-100 in a game like the 2008 Beijing final, a thrilling shootout which the U.S. won 118-107. The Spaniards had closed to within four points in the last three minutes of that game, and pulled to within six with 3:20 to go on Sunday before a Lebron James dunk and three-pointer gave the Americans a bit of breathing room.

James scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds and hit a late 3-pointer to finish off Spain. He only strengthened his reputation as the game's greatest player during these Olympics. He now joins Michael Jordan as the only players to win the NBA regular-season MVP, NBA Finals MVP, NBA title and Olympic title in the same year.

Lebron was the undisputed leader of this Olympic team, at the heart of every late-game surge. He even took charge of the final duty on the championship night: Dousing Coach Mike Krzyzewski with Gatorade. James and the coach shared a long embrace during the post-game celebration.

James found himself on the bench for four minutes of the fourth quarter after picking up a fourth foul by accidentally poking Pau Gasol in the eye. When he returned to the game, he drove into the lane off Kevin Love's pick and dunked for a 99-91 lead with 2:49 left. His three-pointer on the next possession gave the U.S. a 102-93 cushion with 1:59 to go.

Spain wasn't helped by a couple of curious decisions by its coach, Sergio Scariolo. Scariolo left Marc Gasol on the floor too long after his third foul in the first half. And with Marc Gasol then saddled with four fouls at halftime, Scariolo didn't play him at all in the third quarter. Pau Gasol also said Spain's defensive breakdowns in the final minutes could be attributed to the team going to a scheme it had not practiced.

Kevin Durant have 30 points and grabbed nine rebounds. With the U.S. leading by just one point with 9:25 to go, Paul hit a three-pointer and layup to make it 90-84. Kobe Bryant added 17 in the matchup against his Los Angeles Lakers teammate Gasol, who led Spain with 24 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Juan-Carlos Navarro added 21 for Spain and Marc Gasol had 17.

Russia won the bronze medal with a 81-77 win over Argentina.

NBC airs water polo nip slip

NBC aired a water polo nip slip in London Olympics. The underwater cameras caught American water polo player Kamie Craig pulling down a Spanish opponent’s swimsuit that exposed the Spaniard’s right breast in the process. It was visible for only a split second.

Dwight Howard To LA Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are finalizing a blockbuster four-team trade to acquire Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Dwight Howard will become a free agent at the end of this season. Agents with players that are involved in the deal said the teams are expected to complete the trade on a call with league officials on Friday. Orlando Magic officials had yet to inform Howard a deal had been consummated.

With the trade, the LA Lakers will send center Andrew Bynum to the Philadelphia 76ers, and will also receive shooting guard Jason Richardson from the Orlando Magic. The Sixers will send guard Andre Iguodala to the Denver Nuggets. The Magic will receive Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington, Nikola Vucevic, rookie Moe Harkless, three first-round draft picks and a 2013 second-round pick from the Nuggets (by way of Golden State). In addition to Howard, the Lakers will also receive Earl Clark and Chris Duhon from the Magic.

Lakers forward Pau Gasol's representatives said that he's not included in the deal.

Orlando, Los Angeles and Philadelphia had discussed a three-way deal, but needed a fourth team to take Iguodala and also provide Orlando with the necessary future draft picks, sources said.

Howard's contract ends after this season. He isn't expected to immediately sign an extension with the Lakers because he can get a longer deal in free agency.

yahoo sports

Olympics: Disqualified Chinese player Yu quits badminton

Yu Yang has decided to quit badminton after being disqualified from the Olympics

BEIJING - Disgraced Chinese Yu Yang has decided to quit badminton while national officials have told their Olympic team leaders and disgraced players to make a public apology for throwing matches at the London Games.

Yu was among eight women's doubles players expelled from the Games on Wednesday. The others were teammate Wang Xiaoli, South Korean pairs Jung Kyung-eun and Kim Ha-na, and Ha Jung-eun and Kim Min-jung, plus Greysia Polii and Meiliana Jauhari of Indonesia.

"This is my last competition. Goodbye Badminton World Federation (BWF), goodbye my beloved badminton," Yu wrote on her Tencent microblog. "We ... only chose to use the rules to abandon the match.

"This was only so as to be able to compete better in the second round of the knockout [stage]. This is the first time the Olympics has changed the [event's format]. Don't they understand the harm this has caused the athletes?

"You have heartlessly shattered our dreams," said Yu. "It's that simple, not complicated at all. But this is unforgivable."

Yu and Wang were the top-seeded pair.

The eight players were turfed out of the Olympics by the BWF for throwing matches in a bid to secure more favorable draws later in the tournament.

The sight of four pairs deliberately easing off disgusted a crowd of 4,800 packed into Wembley Arena expecting to see the best of badminton's best.

Instead the fans were treated with disdain as the Chinese, Korean and Indonesian players sprayed hopeless shots into the net and beyond the lines. Their antics were also beamed around the globe to a disbelieving audience.

The Xinhua state news agency said Chinese officials were demanding their disgraced players make a public apology.

"The delegation has already severely criticized and educated the responsible badminton leaders, team and relevant players and demanded they profoundly recognize the seriousness and the harmfulness of this matter, reflect deeply on it, publicly apologize and resolutely prevent such incidents from happening again," Xinhua quoted an unnamed spokesman as saying.

Li Yongbo, chief coach of the Chinese badminton team, said the poor behavior of his players reflected the shortcomings of the new regulations in the sport.

"I feel that no matter whether it is the rules or something else, that's no excuse," said Li. "The key point is we did not behave professionally as athletes and did not treat each match seriously.

"We didn't strive with all our might in the Olympic way. From that point of view we really didn't grasp this point thoroughly ... as chief coach I really feel I must say sorry to fans and viewers nationwide," Li told Xinhua.

The issue has generated heated debate on Chinese microblogs.

While some people said the players deserved to be thrown out, others expressed sympathy.

"They should certainly be punished but the burden should not fall on those two players. The trainer was the mastermind behind this. The players are only scapegoats," wrote one user on the Twitter-like Sina Weibo. - Reuters

Disqualified Chinese player, Yu quits badminton, Yu, badminton

Olympic Fencing controversy

A controversial fencing semifinal bout of the women's individual epee competition was won on a final touch with 1 second remaining and the losing fencer launched an appeal of the decision which eventually cost her the finals.

With time running out in one of the two semifinal matches for the women's individual epee competition, South Korea's Shin A Lam led Germany's Germany's Britta Heidermann by a single point. Officially, Heidermann had just one second to launch an attack and score a touch, which would advance her on to the gold medal match to face the Ukraine's Yana Shemyakina, a lack of time which all but ensured that Shin would advance.

Instead, the timing mechanism on the piste became stuck, giving Heidermann extra time to complete her attack and win the bout, which earned her the spot in the gold medal bout. Officials, unsure what to do without a true, official protocol to follow, eventually decided to award the victory to Heidermann.

As one might expect, Shin and her coaches were enraged with the decision, and launched an immediate appeal. Yet the appeal itself has proved to be incredibly lengthy. After more than 30 minutes of a delay that included the Korean federation having to expedite a payment for the use in the official appeal, Shin's attempt to overturn the result failed, bringing a crushing end to a ridiculously long period marked by piquant discussion between Olympic and Korean officials and occasional announcements trying to explain what was going on to the spectators in the crowd.

Clearly, Shin should have had a chance for the gold medal; if the timing mechanism didn't get stuck, the clock would have run out and she would have advanced. Yet denying Heidermann a shot without some kind of a playoff-style bout might have been equally cruel.

Either way, the fencing tournament somehow ended up with an unfortunate and completely unforeseen loser which will lead to plenty of gripes and arguments going forward from multiple national federations, to be sure.

Olympic Stadium in London

Searchlights illuminate the Olympic Stadium in London during a rehearsal for the opening ceremony on Friday. Volunteers who took part in the run-through described the secrecy-shrouded rehearsal as beyond their “wildest expectations.”

Organizing the Olympics is estimated to cost British taxpayers $14.4 billion.

Games volunteers and troops were given tickets to the final run-through as a thank-you for their efforts, while members of the 15,000-strong cast were able to reserve tickets for friends and family.

The theme of the $42-million spectacular is “Isles of Wonder,” inspired by a passage from William Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest.” The show is set to be watched by a vast global television audience

Brett Favre returns to football as high school offensive coordinator

Brett Favre is expected to sign a contract as a high school offensive coordinator.

Favre is expected to be named the new offensive coordinator at Hattiesburg Miss. Oak Grove High within days. The move could become official as early as Monday night.

While Oak Grove head football coach Nevil Barr told WDAM that no official decision had been made, Favre's longtime agent, Bus Cook, told the Sun-Herald that Favre was definitely taking a position at the school to "give him something to do."

Barr and Favre are reportedly close friends, and the coach has expressed a great deal of flexibility in potential roles for the legendary quarterback as a way to get him involved in the program.

Andrew Bynum and Dwight Howard deal

There are rumors on Andrew Bynum and Dwight Howard deal for days but they stay as rumors. Bynum's agent, David Lee, said Thursday that his client has not told him whether he would sign a contract extension with another team besides the Lakers, a move that is widely considered a precursor to any trade involving Howard.

It seems Dwight Howard isn't the only All-Star center dealing with commitment issues these days. Andrew Bynum might soon face a decision on his future as well.

Lebron "The Decision", Dwight Howard "The Indecision"

Nonito Donaire win by decision

One might be tempted to dismiss Donaire’s performance against Jeffrey Mathebula on Saturday as so-so because he struggled to find his target much of the fight and failed to put him away. The fact is Donaire (29-1, 18 knockouts) did an excellent job in difficult circumstances. The 5-foot-11 Mathebula is a nightmare of an opponent, one with in impossibly long jab – designed to keep his foe at bay and more all-around ability than might be obvious at first glance. Donaire had to work extremely hard – bobbing, weaving, leaping to get inside Mathebula’s defense and do damage. That he succeeded more than enough to win a one-sided decision and unify the WBO and IBF junior featherweight titles was an impressive accomplishment. Donaire is more than ready for anyone in or near his weight class.

ringtv

Federer Grand Slam champion again at Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) - Roger Federer won the Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.

"The victory today is a dream come true for me and my family, you know, seeing them there,'' he said. "It's big.''

Federer, 30 ended a Grand Slam drought and equaled a Wimbledon record by winning the tournament for the seventh time Sunday, beating Andy Murray of Britain, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4.

For months Federer had been widely viewed as a champion in decline, eclipsed by Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Now he has won a 17th major title, padding his record, and he's back atop the ATP rankings for the first time since June 2010, matching Pete Sampras' record of 286 weeks at No. 1.

In less than three weeks, Federer will be back at Wimbledon trying to win his first Olympic singles gold medal. He'll be tough to beat in a setting where he plays his best tennis.

He matched the record of seven Wimbledon titles set in the 1880s by William Renshaw and tied in 2000 by Federer's hero, Sampras. And while he ended his own 2 1/2-year Grand Slam dry spell, he extended decades of frustration for the British, who haven't had a homegrown men's champion since 1936.

source sportsillustrated

Miami Heat Got Ray Allen, leaves Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics' Big Three is officially over, Ray Allen is taking his talents to South Beach.

Ray's agent Jim Tanner confirms that he has agreed to join the Miami Heat. It happened late Friday agreeing to a three-year contract. Heat owner Mickey Arison also twit confirming the news.

Allen will go to Miami for half the money the Celtics were offering, choosing the sunnier weather, chance to play with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade and a fresh start with a new team. Allen was visibly unhappy during his final season in Boston, again placed on the trade block because of his expiring contract and then having to approach Doc Rivers about moving to the bench when murmurs became louder that the team wanted to start second-year guard Avery Bradley.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo sports also said that the deterioration of Ray Allen's relationship with Rajon Rondo playded a significant factor in his leaving for Miami.

The Celtics attempted a late run at Allen, offering $6 million per season for two years and promising a more defined role. But the team’s signing of Jason Terry, another 3-point marksman, clouded Allen’s status if he returned.

On Thursday, Allen met with Heat president Pat Riley, coach Erik Spoelstra and team executive Alonzo Mourning but left without agreeing to a contract. He returned to Boston Friday and informed the Heat of his decision in the evening.

I just hope this will make both teams better.

Miami Heat wants to get Ray Allen

Miami Heat wants to get Ray Allen really bad. The Celtics can offer Ray Allen twice as much money annually as the Miami Heat. Celtics are offering $6M for two years (total of $12M) and Miami is offering 3 years at $3M (total of $9M).

The Heat are putting on a full court press for Allen and LeBron James is specifically taking to twitter to court Ray in any way he can think of. It is going to be a very tempting offer for Allen. He'd have the opportunity to play for a Championship in each of his final 3 years in the league. Ray would likely be coming off the bench in Miami but he'd still get plenty of minutes and be counted on for his legendary shooting.

Spain Beat Italy for Euro 2012

The World champions Spain took their place among the game’s greats beating Italy 4-0 to become the first team to win successive European Championship titles on Sunday.

Goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata gave Spain an easy victory over Italian. Italians are down to 10 men because of injury for the last half-hour. Silva scored with a rare header after a Cesc Fabregas pull-back in the 14th minute before a superb sprint finish from left-back Alba following a pinpoint Xavi pass doubled their lead four minutes before halftime.

Torres, who scored the winner in the final when they won the title in 2008, struck their third goal in the 84th minute before setting up fellow substitute Mata to add the final flourish in the 88th.

Reuters

Kevin Garnett returning with the Celtics

Garnett has decided to re-sign with the Boston Celtics for a three-year, $34 million contract. The NBA's free-agent period begins at 12:01 a.m. ET Sunday and players can officially start signing contracts on July 11.

Kevin Garnett 36, averaged 15.8 points and 8.2 rebounds for the Celtics last season. A lot of team are interested in getting him, but his loyalty to coach Doc Rivers made him likely to return to Boston once he decided to keep playing.

The Celtics have several other free agents in Ray Allen, Brandon Bass, Marquis Daniels, Keyon Dooling, Jeff Green, Ryan Hollins, Sasha Pavlovic and Mickael Pietrus. Allen is expected to be courted by the Phoenix Suns.

Source Yahoo

Manny Pacquiao wants Floyd Next

According Ronnie Nathanielsz, Manny Pacquiao has asked promoter Bob Arum to make a bout with Floyd Mayweather a priority. Bob Arum has made it clear that they can only realistically working on the possible fight the world wants to see sometime next year.

Arum said "Obviously the one fight that Pacquiao wants is Floyd." "I don't think we have enough time to do it." Mayweather is in the middle of an 87-day jail sentence for domestic battery at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas.

Arum indicated that Pacquiao understand that the Mayweather fight is not going to be this November and that he would need to choose among Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez. However, no decisions were reached.